We’ll make a confession: Bars and meze restaurants are our favourite categories when going out. When these intersect, as in the case of the brand new ‘Valsamo’ in Petralona, then we are talking about an absolute win-win.
It opened a while ago in Kiriadon and here you will find that shop where you can enjoy your cocktail with Greek spirits, while eating something delicious, listening to different music than what one expects in a place that serves mezes, ouzo and tsipouro.
Young, bright, with its beautiful cobbled arches, ‘Valsamo’ gives you an air of an islandγγγ yard. This is complemented by the lanterns spread across its ceiling, a lemon tree on the side, the beautiful bar tables on the facade, inspired by the old taverns, which are now hard to find.
His kitchen serves a comprehensive menu with dishes for all tastes, as you would eat them in a friendly house, with a twist: wonderfully cooked orzo – real balsam – delicious ribs with a nice spicy mayo marinate, marinated anchovies on a lentils salad, juicy liver with a fleeting pass from the pan with a light bbq sauce, the most irresistible, classy potato chips with eggs, sucuk and parmesan cream, on a menu created by Aris Barino.
Then there is his bar, and all the virtues of the signature cocktails curated by Dimitris Spyropoulos with Imagination and mindfulness; for example in the house cocktail ‘Valsamo Spritz’, with Miss Tic mastic, fig syrup, Prosseco and soda; the nice tickle of Mr.Pepper, with Apostolaki tsipouro, aged Manifesto, pepper syrup, mandarin liqueur and fresh lime juice.
Even for the Athenians, or the well-informed foodie Athena-graphers, there is a new wave of entrepreneurs who invest in diversity, pay attention to detail, atmosphere and hearty service, make you have a good time in one place, and for food and for drinking, even dancing. That’s why ‘Balsamo’, is a real balsam at your outing.
Tip: Don’t miss his wine list they have a very nice selection of labels from the Greek vineyards.
Tip 2: Every Wednesday and Sunday at noon there are live shows, while every Thursday the entertainment is provided by a DJ!
Valsamo Athens
Κiriadon 38, Petralona, tel. +302103419419 | Instagram
