White Monkey in Chalandri – unless you’ve been living like a hermit for the last decade, you’re probably familiar with it. It’s an escape into theatrical extravagance, something we often crave to break away from the mundane everyday life. A solid bar under the guidance of the charismatic bar manager Faidon Papakonstantinou, daily DJ sets that shake the patrons’ spirits, and some of the most inspired sushi rolls you’ve had in Athens.
Yes, you read it right. White Monkey recently revamped its Izakaya menu, adding an Asian essence that’s a culinary adventure you simply can’t miss. Firstly, for the delightful dining experience it promises, and secondly, for its seamless fusion with their Polynesian-inspired – and not only – cocktail philosophy. A prime example is the renowned Strawberry rolls for connoisseurs: tempura shrimp, cucumber, avocado, mayonnaise with grilled strawberry and sesame syrup – they’re scrumptious and simply irresistible.
The skilled chef Stathakos Christidis plays with contrasts, evident in tantalizing dishes like the Surf & Turf rolls, where tempura shrimp meets beef tataki, creating a roll of sheer delight with miso, crispy corn, and lime mayo. The menu hosts other delights like duck breast confit salad, poké bowl with steamed shrimp, and refreshing sea bass ceviche.
Here, you’ll come – above all – for drinks. Behind the bar, the team gives its all, crafting top-notch cocktails: Inspired by the legendary Japanese actress, vedette, and exotic dancer, the Tura Satana is one of our favorite signature cocktails of the new season, featuring gin, a cordial of ginger, passion fruit, and lychee! Explosive, floral, refreshing, and super sexy. The Machete Kills is also exceptional, with mezcal, lime, sweet mango, chili, and fresh coriander.
Always faithfully following its own sui generis scenario, White Monkey is not just another city bar; it’s a philosophy that life is too short to take everything seriously, hence the perfect scene with leopard-print seats, straw lighting fixtures, and cult frames. It’s as if it nudges you and says, ‘Hey, relax, you’re in good hands.’ How many bars can claim to make you feel as welcomed as at a friend’s party?
White Monkey Grigoriou Gypitopoulou 6, Chalandri, tel. 6972446697
