Mappemonde: the Acropolis and Lycabettus above Syntagma
A hotel rooftop in the heart of the city
On the corner of Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue (Panepistimiou) and Kriezotou Street, the Athens Capital Hotel, part of the MGallery collection, overlooks Syntagma Square. Its restaurant-bar Mappemonde occupies the 10th floor: a dining room, a vast terrace and an infinity pool. One level higher, on the 11th floor, just a few tables enjoy a 270-degree view over the city. The name comes from the work by sculptor George Lappas, shown at the 1988 Venice Biennale, which rises in the hotel atrium from the 2nd to the 10th floor.
On one side, the Acropolis and the Parthenon appear beyond the Hotel Grande Bretagne; on the other, Lycabettus rises above the rooftops of Kolonaki. At sunset, the mountains surrounding Athens turn pink.
Sushi, the Mediterranean and signature cocktails
The cuisine blends the Mediterranean with Japanese sushi culture, with South American touches, under the direction of executive chef Dimitris Arsenidis. At the bar, the cocktails revisit classics and Greek flavours, at around €20 to €21: chilli margarita, Metaxa old fashioned, mastiha, rakomelo, or the colour-changing, tequila-based Butterfly Illusion. Bites go with the drinks.
DJs liven up the evenings from Wednesday to Friday, and musicians play live on Saturdays. The terrace also hosts private events and corporate evenings.
Practical information
Mappemonde is open every day, from 12.30pm to 6.30pm for lunch and from 6.30pm to 11.30pm for dinner. Booking online or on +30 214 444 2000, recommended for sunset. Syntagma metro (lines 2 and 3) is just a few steps away.
