In the heart of Athens, CTC Urban Gastronomy stands as a beacon of modern Greek cuisine. Led by the visionary Chef Alexandros Tsiotinis, the restaurant has transformed from a daring “menu-less” experiment into a Michelin-starred destination that balances fine-dining precision with the soulful warmth of Greek hospitality.
What Makes CTC Unique
The name “CTC” is a play on the Greek word siti-si (σίτιση), meaning “feeding” or “nutrition.” Its uniqueness stems from two core pillars:
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The “Voyage” Concept: Rather than a standard à la carte menu, CTC offers a blind tasting menu (the “Voyage”). Guests are invited to trust the chef through 11 courses that deconstruct traditional Greek flavors using avant-garde techniques.
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The Setting: After relocating to the Kerameikos neighborhood, the restaurant now occupies a beautiful historic building featuring one of the most sought-after urban gardens in Athens—a lush, verdant escape that contrasts with the city’s concrete pulse.
History and Evolution
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2015: Alexandros Tsiotinis opened CTC after years of honing his craft in world-class kitchens like L’Astrance and Noma. That same year, he won the S.Pellegrino Young Chef award for the Mediterranean region.
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2021: The restaurant moved from its original smaller location to its current “home” in Kerameikos, allowing for a more atmospheric dining experience and an expanded kitchen.
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2021–Present: CTC has consistently held one Michelin Star, solidifying its place at the top of the Greek gastronomic scene.
Signature Menu Items
While the menu evolves seasonally, a few iconic dishes have become synonymous with the CTC experience:
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Sweet Corn Velouté: A long-standing signature served with lobster, truffle, and bergamot—a masterclass in balancing sweetness and earthy depth.
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Calamari “Tagliatelle”: Thinly sliced squid served with a pesto of herbs and garlic, mimicking pasta in texture but bursting with Mediterranean sea flavors.
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“Cretan Salad in a Pot”: The dish that won Tsiotinis his first major international award—a playful, edible garden in a pot that captures the essence of Crete.
Customer Feedback
Guests frequently praise the impeccable service and the theatricality of the meal. Common themes in reviews include:
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Pros: The “surprise” element of the blind menu, the romantic ambiance of the garden, and the thoughtful wine pairings (often featuring rare Greek labels).
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Cons: Some diners find the strictly timed 2.5-hour seating windows a bit rushed for an 11-course journey, and reservations can be difficult to secure on short notice.
Essential Information
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Address: 15 Plateon Street, Kerameikos, Athens 104 35, Greece
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Phone: +30 210 722 8812
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Website: ctc-restaurant.com
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Email: [email protected]
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Social Media: Instagram (@ctcrestaurant) | Facebook
