abraOvata: A culinary journey of depth completes the dreamlike setting of Lake Vouliagmeni
In the heart of an almost mythical natural landscape, abraOvata weaves a high-aesthetic gastronomic experience. Under the guidance of chef John Skotidas, it delivers a unique culinary journey that respects and enhances Lake Vouliagmeni, turning it into a destination for all the senses.
- 30/05/2025
Some places don’t need flashy words to impress. Lake Vouliagmeni is undoubtedly one of them -a surreal natural backdrop where sheer cliffs reflect in calm waters and silence gently envelops your every step. Now, within this postcard-perfect setting, a restaurant has finally emerged that doesn’t try to overshadow the scenery but complements it seamlessly: abraOvata.
In the summer of 2024, the widely-traveled and charismatic chef John Skotidas took the reins of the kitchen, bringing with him an air of creative balance between tradition and high-end gastronomy, between the Mediterranean and Latin America, between cosmopolitan flair and earthy simplicity. Raised in Panama and Athens, and having worked in some of London’s top restaurants, Skotidas has crafted a fusion menu influenced by South America and Asia, reflecting both his personal and culinary background.
abraOvata’s menu doesn’t shout with excessive showmanship—it whispers with confidence, grounded in inventive and well-thought-out ingredient pairings that transport you through taste. Cleverly divided into Land, Sea, and Farm, and executed flawlessly by chef Vaggelis Dagdelenis, it pays tribute to fresh, seasonal Greek ingredients transformed through Latin American and Asian techniques.
Each dish is its own microcosm: the smoked eggplant with yogurt and sofrito miso becomes a dialogue between Greece and Japan, airy and light. The squid with aioli, tarragon, and togarashi showcases the power of spice and detail. The juicy tuna with olive oil, yuzu, and jalapeño is a tribute to the purity of flavor, while the porterhouse with Padrón peppers and bone marrow finds perfect balance between umami and creamy richness—elevating comfort food into a gourmet experience.
And these are just a few of the menu’s standouts, each one carefully crafted to demonstrate how technique, deep flavor knowledge, and imagination can yield unexpected outcomes and open new sensory pathways. Take the lemon-grilled shrimp with herbs, pickled kumquat, and mastiha -a refreshing citrus explosion with a distinctly Greek aroma. Or the handmade mutton sausage, lighter and more subtly spicy than one might expect, with intriguing texture and flavor.
Skotidas’ signature flair shines through in the most imaginative twists: the reimagined Athinaiki salad with crab atop crispy fried rice bruschetta and bottarga powder, proving how a Greek classic can take on global appeal.
At the center of the menu is the now-famous paella, served the traditional way in a massive cast-iron pan, with deliciously charred edges and a moist center -made for sharing. You’ll find it in versions for all tastes: from the classic Latin-Asian twist with red prawns, braised mussels, tender octopus, and bomba rice cooked in fish broth with aji amarillo aioli, to the standout vegetarian version that evokes homemade memories—stuffed pepper paella with Greek tsalafouti cheese and refreshing mint.
The dessert menu, curated by Kalliopi Marou, follows the same philosophy of delicate balance. This year’s star: the Paris-Brest, inspired by the iconic cycling race from Paris to Brest. Instead of traditional cream, the choux pastry is filled with a generous layer of pistachio paste -a modern, irresistible, earthy dessert that breaks the mold.
An All-Day Experience at Lake Vouliagmeni
The name abraOvata comes from a rare shell found only at the bottom of Lake Vouliagmeni -a symbol of the uniqueness the restaurant channels in every aspect. From the deck that literally touches the water, to the stylish lounge sofas under umbrellas adorned with one-of-a-kind prints, and the design curation by Zeus+Dione, blending contemporary Greek simplicity with global elegance- everything here is intentional, yet nothing is overdone.
In the morning, the snack menu with fresh ingredients, inspired finger foods, and herb-infused cocktails elevates your swim into a full experience. In the afternoon, early dinner is framed by the cinematic light of dusk, as the lake shimmers in twilight and nature seems to hold its breath. By night, the lights dim, the gentle sounds of the lake become your soundtrack, and dinner becomes a ritual.
*abraOvata is open daily, offering a Snack Menu in the lounge and swimmers’ area from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., a Lunch Menu from 12:30 p.m., and a Dinner Menu starting at 7:30 p.m.
**The venue is also available for everything from exclusive receptions and brand events to refined private dinners.
Online reservations available here.