A greek feast: The Athens Yacht Club
Memories are often made when gathered round a table. The festive season is a wonderful time to create some of those lasting memories, while dining in style with friends, family and work colleagues.
Dining out this summer doesn’t come any easier than making a booking at The Athens Yacht Club in central Christchurch. Its name hints at its Greek origins, and its mouth-watering seasonal food leaves patrons in no doubt of them. In Greek culture, food is not only about sustenance – it’s about culture, comfort, family and life itself.
Cantabrians have no need to travel to Greece to experience the flavours of the Mediterranean. The Athens Yacht Club brings you the total Greek experience with authenticity being a top priority. In Victoria Street in the central city, it is the epitome of a Greek family restaurant, with owners Emilios and Rebecca Kotzikas taking their inspiration from his Greek Cypriot heritage.
Family get-togethers, group functions, and couples dining are all catered for. “We strive to bring you the total Greek experience with affordable quality, authenticity, and hospitality being our top priority,” says Emilios.
Both he and Rebecca believe that dining out should be a memorable experience, every time, and hospitality helps dictate that.
“People forget what hospitality means. We look after them, greet them with a genuine smile, and make sure they have a great experience,” says Emilios.
The club’s success is a tribute to its staff, he adds. “All of our staff genuinely care; they are the heart and soul of the restaurant, plus this year we have a new restaurant manager Rose, and a new bar manager Marko. Both are helping us create ‘The Athens Experience’.”Emilios is a keen wine buff and happily lists some of New Zealand’s most sought-after labels on their bespoke wine list. There is an emphasis on New Zealand made wines, and an extensive list of Champagnes. If you’re not into wine, the drinks list includes specialty cocktails, mocktails, craft beers and craft ciders.
NEW MENU
Each change of season means new dishes and some old favourites on the menu.
Starters Try marinated olives, Pantzari Hummus Dip & Pita roasted beetroot, Melitzanosalata Dip & Pita
eggplant, Taramosalata Dip & Pita cured fish roe with harissa, classic Flamed Saganaki haloumi, Grilled Octopus Salata, or Seared Yellowfin Tuna, to name a few.
Large Plates Check out the Seared Crispy Skin Salmon, Burrata Ravioli, Roasted Kotopoulo (Chicken), Slow Roasted Pork Belly, Braised Beef Cheek, and Lumina Lamb Shoulder.
Dessert Indulge in Brown Sugar Meringue, White Chocolate Greek Yoghurt Namelaka, Loukoumades (Greek doughnuts), or taste it all with a delicious Sharing
Dessert Platter.
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CLOSURE
The last day for dining at The Athens Yacht Club this year is 22 December. It will
re-open on 11 January 2023.
179 Victoria Street | Call 03 365 0435.
