Can cosmopolitanism be effortless? This is the equation that Abra Ovata solves.
Nestled in the embrace of the magical lake, it is an oasis of serenity that transforms any visit—whether it’s a quick bite after a swim, drinks and finger food on plush sofas, or an early dinner destined to be remembered as a golden-hour highlight—into a sensory escape that awakens all five senses.
Refined yet unpretentious, it’s a place where food, ambiance, and people exist in perfect balance and harmony. Here, every detail matters, but nothing is overdone.
Executive Chef John Skotidas, raised in Panama and Athens and seasoned in some of London’s top restaurants, has crafted a fusion menu rooted in the simplicity and authenticity of Greek cuisine and the fresh, seasonal ingredients of the Greek land. Influences from South America and Asia reflect his personal and culinary background.
Cleverly divided into Land, Sea, and Farm, the menu at Abra Ovata—flawlessly executed by Vaggelis Dagdelenis—offers inspired dishes such as Smoked Eggplant with Greek yogurt and sofrito miso, Calamari with tarragon aioli and togarashi, and Porterhouse steak with Padrón peppers and bone marrow, all using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include the juicy Tuna with olive oil, yuzu, and jalapeño—an explosion of flavor—and a reimagined Athenian salad featuring crab served on a crispy fried rice bruschetta and dusted with bottarga powder. And of course, the now-iconic paella with red prawns, braised mussels, and tender octopus, with bomba rice cooked in fish broth and XO oil.
Pastry chef Kalliopi Marou curates the dessert menu, where the star is the Paris Brest—inspired by the famed cycling race between Paris and Brest—reimagined with a generous layer of pistachio paste in place of the traditional cream, nestled between the golden choux pastry. The result? Magnifique.
The best time for dinner is, of course, at dusk, when the blue light creates a cinematic scene. However, Abra Ovata (named after a rare seashell found only here) elevates the morning swim experience with a creative snack menu and top-tier cocktails infused with fresh herbs. These are served on large sofas under umbrellas dressed this season by Zeus+Dione, in a perfect synergy that expresses Greek simplicity through a contemporary lens. For lunch, the beautiful Deck, which connects the restaurant to the lake and sits just a breath away from the water, offers an ideal setting.
Beyond its culinary appeal, Abra Ovata is also a destination for events that go beyond the ordinary. From exclusive receptions set against moonlit reflections on the lake, to high-end brand events and sophisticated private dinners, the venue adapts to any occasion with discreet luxury and a minimalist, elegant design that blends seamlessly into the natural landscape.
Abra Ovata is open daily, offering a Snack Menu in the lounge and swimming areas from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., a Lunch Menu from 12:30 p.m., and a Dinner Menu from 7:30 p.m. in the restaurant.
Make your reservation here.
Photo credits: Kynthia Kyndeli
