NEW Hotel’s Art Lounge Rooftop Unveils Modern Greek Menu

Photo source: NEW Hotel.

The flavors and aromas of Greece are at the forefront of the recently renewed menu of the Art Lounge Rooftop at the NEW Hotel in Athens.

Executive Chef Babis Kountouris and his team have created a unique menu that pays homage to classic Greek recipes while incorporating modern culinary techniques and high-quality, raw ingredients.

Dishes such as bianco (Corfiot fish dish), the mixed legume salad, or giouvetsi (Greek beef stew with Orzo pasta) have all been given a modern twist, without losing their traditional essence.

Art Lounge Rooftop’s Executive Chef Babis Kountouris. Photo source: NEW Hotel.

Kountouris’ ability to strike a balance between tradition and innovation is evident in every dish on the menu.

For example, Corfu’s bianco is a traditional fish dish with potatoes braised in lemon and garlic. Kountouris has elevated this dish by using fresh, local ingredients and cooking the potatoes into a cream.

Another case is the new menu’s giouvetsi, a traditional Greek dish of lamb or beef braised in tomato sauce and served with orzo pasta. Kountouris has used lobster butter in his version of this dish and serves it with a side of roasted tomatoes.

The chef has been at the helm of NEW Hotel’s Art Lounge for years while boasting a career at major Greek hotels and European restaurants with 2 or 3 Michelin stars.

Photo source: NEW Hotel.

Besides serving dishes that stand out, the Art Lounge Rooftop is also known for its unique views to the Acropolis and the city of Athens.

NEW Hotel is located between the traditional district of Plaka and the Greek capital’s business center. The hotel’s design was curated by the award-winning Brazilian design duo, Fernando and Humberto Campana, in collaboration with architecture students from the University of Thessaly.

It is a member of YES! Hotels Group, which also runs Semiramis Hotel, Periscope Hotel and NOŪS Santorini.