NJV Athens Plaza Hotel Welcomes New Executive Chef, Revamps Menu

Beef tartar, Sando Bun, burnt Butter cream, Blackberries pickled Cucumber in Rice Vinegar, Trufle flakes & Herbs Powder.

The NJV Athens Plaza, a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, recently welcomed Panagiotis Anastasiou to lead its culinary team as its new executive chef.

With extensive experience in the hotel industry and a profound understanding of Greek gastronomy, Chef Anastasiou is poised to seamlessly integrate the rich traditions of Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean diet into the hotel’s international, creatively inspired comfort cuisine.

“With this new collaboration, NJV Athens Plaza seeks to offer its guests a unique gastronomic dining experience in the most welcoming and sophisticated environment, in the heart of Athens,” the management of the hotel said in an announcement.

NJV Athens Plaza Executive Chef Panagiotis Anastasiou.

The hotel boasts two distinguished dining venues: the Explorer’s Bar Bistro and Parliament Restaurant, complemented by the Plaza Café. Originally established three decades ago, Explorer’s Bar has evolved into Explorer’s Bar Bistro, rebranded in 2020 with a renewed focus on gastronomy.

“Explorer’s Bar Bistro promises an unforgettable culinary journey brimming with authentic Mediterranean flavors from our à la carte menu, complemented by an exceptional selection of wines, delightful desserts, and handcrafted cocktails,” the hotel’s management said.

The acclaimed executive chef of the NJV Athens Plaza has curated a comfort menu inspired by Greek cuisine, showcasing the finest Greek products and producers sourced from across the country.

According to management, Anastasiou’s extensive career and exceptional practical skills position him to create tasty new dishes while overseeing all culinary aspects of the hotel, including the breakfast buffet, banquet menus for corporate and private events, restaurant offerings, and catering services.

Among the highlights of the menu are:

– “Kakavia” Soup with Fish “Giouvarlakia”, Buttered baby Vegetables, Squid ink tuile & Herb Oil
– Seabass Ceviche, Avocado Tzatziki, Beetroot tuile, burnt Lime, Salmon roe, Alyssum, Ponzu & Shiso marinade
– “Yiouvetsi” with Orzo from Mainalo mountain Beef & “Kavourmas” (Greek cured meat) Meatballs in fresh Tomato sauce, Kalamata Olives, Herbs powder & Kaskavali Cheese from Limnos
– “Galaktoboureko”, Politiko Phyllo pastry (Constantinopolitan thin unleavened dough), Semolina cream, Saffron syrup & Baklava Ice cream

Explorer’s Bar Bistro. 

Located on Syntagma Square, the NJV Athens Plaza hotel boasts 159 rooms and 21 suites, with 50 currently undergoing renovation as part of the hotel’s comprehensive refurbishment program for 2023-2024.

A member of the Vardinoyannis Group, NJV holds the distinction of being the first European hotel to join the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.