Delicious Greek food and fine wines: The Athens Yacht Club
Greek philosopher Epicurus said: “We should look for someone to eat and drink with, before looking for something to eat and drink.”
Epicurus, born 341 BC, in Greece, knew a thing or two about eating, espousing the ethical philosophy of simple pleasure, friendship, and retirement, and founding his own epicurean school of philosophy.
Down through the centuries since then, Greek food has gained a reputation far and wide for being healthy, delicious, fresh and flavourful. Luckily in Christchurch, food enthusiasts don’t have to go far to find outstanding Greek cuisine and good wine.
The Athens Yacht Club in Victoria Street is the epitome of a Greek family restaurant. Owners Emilios and Rebecca Kotzikas take their inspiration from his Greek Cypriot heritage. Sharing good food in a family environment is a large part of Greek culture, and that’s where Emilios and the team offer a taste of his homeland, right here in our central city.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Family plays a vital role, whether it is families dining, helping to test new menu options, or being part of the wider restaurant family. Passionate chefs, quality ingredients, and traditional recipes dating back hundreds of years, are what has put this restaurant on many foodie’s maps.
“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.
Wining goes with dining, and that’s especially true of Greek restaurants. Greece is, after all, the birthplace of Dionysus (god of wine), and the home of the first wine making. Emilios is as passionate about the wines on offer at The Athens Yacht Club, as he is about the restaurant’s traditional Greek fare.
WINES TO SAVOUR
“We produce so many beautiful wines in New Zealand, it would be a sin not to embrace them,” he explains. Labels such as Greystone, Mon Cheval, Pegasus Bay, Amisfield, Butterworth, Te Mata, Man-O-War, Maude, Blank Canvas, Nanny Goat, and Atra Rangi grace the wine list, a bonus for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
From Otago, Canterbury, Marlborough, Martinborough, and Hawke’s Bay to Waiheke Island, the drinks list includes many wines not found elsewhere locally, along with speciality cocktails, craft beers, and fine French Champagnes.
WHY GO GREEK?
It’s fresh, fun, and full of so many traditions that once you take a bite, you’ll feel like you are laying back in Greece, sipping wine and dipping your bread in olive oil. Many traditional Greek dishes are made entirely of plant-based foods, and they’re perfect for pescatarians too as seafood is also a common ingredient.
Eating Greek is a time to sit, bond, and connect with the people around you. Using local produce and premium meat and seafood, the carefully curated menu at The Athens Yacht Club celebrates the authentic flavours of Greece.
Nightly specials are on the menu, alongside classics such as flamed cheese saganaki, slow roasted lamb, stuffed eggplant, crispy calamari and specialty vegetables and salads.
Open seven nights from 5pm until late, bookings are essential.
The Athens Yacht Club | 179 Victoria Street | Call 03 365 0435.
