Comfort food and seaside cocktails: Esplanade is the ultimate all-day summer hangout in Varkiza
With a view of the marina, a lush garden, and a Mediterranean comfort menu, Esplanade in Varkiza is the kind of place you’ll want to spend your whole day - from your first coffee and rich brunch to your last cocktail under the stars.
- 08/08/2025, 09:51
One summer afternoon, I found myself once again in Varkiza, looking for something relaxing but with personality. I wanted a spot that was well-kept and laid-back, with a sea view, good food, and great vibes. Esplanade Seaside turned out to be all that – and more. An all-day spot that invites you to make it your go-to, offering exactly what you need: effortless quality, aesthetics, and youthful energy in a place that simply… flows.
If the name sounds familiar, you’re not wrong. Esplanade has been around since the 1970s and for years was a well-known meeting place for both locals from the southern suburbs and visitors heading to or from Sounio or Anavyssos. But since 2019, under new management, the venue has transformed into the kind of place that requires no second thought – you just go.
In the summer of 2023, Chef Daniel took over the kitchen at Esplanade. A familiar and beloved name from Hashtag Burger in Glyfada, we already had an idea of the quality and mindset he brings to his projects. Born and raised in Varkiza, when he returned from abroad, he decided to invest in a neighborhood spot and elevate it with love and care, bringing something the area was missing – a true all-day meeting point where good comfort food meets good energy.
Its location is, without question, one of its greatest assets. Right next to the Varkiza marina, Esplanade is a lush garden filled with greenery, vibrant flowers, and sea breeze. Even on the hottest days, you’ll find the cool escape you need here. The music keeps the mood upbeat without overpowering conversation, creating a little microcosm of laid-back summer living.
If you happen to visit on a Saturday or Sunday – and if you’re a local, chances are you will – there’s a live DJ set in the garden’s booth. Saturdays bring house vibes, while Sundays are all about Greek music. As night falls, tribal-style torches and candles light up the space, transforming the Esplanade garden into a romantic, atmospheric spot for relaxed party vibes by the sea.
Brunch & easy lunch in a garden by the sea
The day starts early here, with a rich brunch menu served daily until 3 p.m. From eggs in various styles and mouthwatering pancakes to healthy bowls, smoothies, and specialty drinks – everything is served with care. Perfect for a sit-down start to your day or to grab and go.
But Esplanade really comes into its own after lunch. Under Daniel’s direction, the kitchen brings Mediterranean flavors to the table in the most comforting way. With a philosophy of “quality over cost” and a focus on taste and simplicity, the Esplanade menu caters to every craving.
The salads are a perfect starting point, inspired by both Greek and Italian summer flavors. On one side, watermelon with feta and arugula; on the other, burrata with cherry tomatoes and strawberries – each dish a refreshing blend of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses, ideal as a spritz companion, a light lunch on a hot day, or simply a prelude to your main course.
Among the light dishes, don’t miss the Bao Buns Gamberetto: two fluffy buns filled with perfectly breaded shrimp and refreshing coleslaw, adding a hint of the exotic without weighing you down. But the ultimate guilty pleasure has to be the Mastello Chiou. Cheesy, crispy, warm, drizzled with honey and truffle, coated in panko to keep it airy – a modern twist on the traditional “saganaki” you really shouldn’t skip.
Moving on to mains, the handmade Ravioli Tartufo are filled with rich truffle and float in a velvety cream sauce. You’ll smell them the moment they leave the kitchen. But the most homey and comforting dish on the menu is hands down the Baby Chicken. Grilled poussin served with baby potatoes and a garlic, mustard, and lemon sauce. Simple and satisfying.
Dinner dates by the marina
Being by the sea always awakens your appetite for seafood. My personal favorite is the healthy Salmon Skewer, and for a romantic seaside dinner, nothing beats a plate of pasta with shrimp and langoustine. At Esplanade, it’s cooked simply – with white wine and the full flavor of the seafood front and center.
Try not to overindulge, though, and save some room for the Dubai Chocolate dessert – the trending sweet of the season, here in a fresh take with pistachio pâtissière. Daniel makes it exceptionally light and refreshing, layered over a bed of crispy kadaifi. When the dish hits the table, the mountain of goodness is drizzled with warm chocolate and sprinkled with freshly ground pistachio. The perfect ending to the experience – although I’m sure it won’t be your last. It’s worth noting that the menu changes every six months, so there’s always something new to discover.
In the end, what sets Esplanade apart is the overall experience: the vibe, the people, the aesthetic, the ease. It’s the kind of place you want to come back to because it just feels good. The kind of spot that doesn’t require a second thought – whether you want to start your day or end it with a cocktail and a view. And if you do make it there, before you leave, take a walk down to the marina and stand at the edge of the breakwater. Take three deep breaths. Summer has just begun, and in places like this, it’s bound to be filled with beautiful moments.