Born and bred in Paros, Marios Tsachpinis has elevated dining into an art form. Always seeking the best, he has developed his own philosophy, leveraging the values of local Cycladic cuisine, particularly Paros’ culinary heritage. His journey is full of remarkable moments, each contributing to his magical culinary adventure.
Can you recall the most exciting moment of your career so far?
My journey in the culinary world began at twenty-one in the port of Naousa and is filled with exciting moments. A pivotal point was my collaboration with Chef Yannis Markoulis. Through our shared vision and hard work, Mario Restaurant has received several distinctions (Greek Cuisine Award from Athinorama magazine, FNL Best Restaurant Award) and has established itself on the gastronomic map.
What is the philosophy behind the gastronomic choices at Mario Restaurant and how do you combine traditional Greek flavors with gourmet variations?
Always guided by tradition, we strive to bring the memory of the past into the present. Despite the rapid evolution of global gastronomy, we support Greek cuisine and aim to contribute to the global culinary scene.
What are the most popular menu choices loved by your customers?
Our focus is on seafood and fresh fish from our boats. Some popular dishes include fresh tuna fillet with aubergine purée, roasted octopus with Cycladic revithada, orzo with shrimp, mussels, fresh fish, saffron, and lime, artichokes with potatoes, carrots, peas, and lemon vinaigrette, grilled fresh fish fillet with celeriac purée and sea urchin avgolemono, and of course, our galaktoboureko mille-feuille.
Always guided by tradition, we strive to bring the memory of the past into the present.
Marios Tsachpinis, Owner of Mario Restaurant
How do you ensure the ingredients used in your restaurant are local and sustainable?
We prioritize local produce, using many PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) products from Paros and the Cyclades. Our fish comes fresh daily from our boats, and a portion of our vegetables comes from our own farm on the island.
Can you reveal any information about the new venture you are preparing in Parikia? What can we expect from your new business?
Chora is an all-day establishment emphasizing locality, from its architecture to the final product delivered to the customer. We aim to support this with high service and product standards, ensuring that a visit to Chora is a unique experience. Our motto, “Elevate Your Soul,” encapsulates this goal.
Complete the sentence: Paros for me is…
A place where I grew up and made my dreams and ambitions a reality. The emotions Paros generously offers me are Love, Passion, and Freedom!
Website: mariorestaurantparos.com
