Demetri Salad
Mavro Provato, or “The Black Sheep” in Greek, has been serving up modern Greek food in Athens since 2012. The prices are great and, since it’s opening, it has become increasingly popular making it a “must eat” while you are in Athens. Located in the lively residential neighborhood of Pangrati on the quiet street of Arrianou, it feels like a place off the beaten path, that “someone in the know” would send you to if you asked them to try good traditional Greek cuisine. Few tourist venture into this area, making it high on my list of places to try some local Greek cuisine.
Chicken Kabob
I decided on a late dinner and arrived to a bustling restaurant, packed full of couples, families, and groups alike. The restaurant itself is a simple space, set up with white marble tables and wood chairs. As with most Greek restaurants, you have the option of dining indoors or outdoors on the tables set up along the sidewalk.
Mavro Provato serves modern Greek mezedhopoleio cuisine, or small plates, that are meant to be shared. However, they provide a range of large dishes as well. You’ll be welcomed with a treat of Raki shots to cleanse your pallete as you settle in to your table. Unlike the Turkish version, however, their version doesn’t have the aniseed (or Licorice) flavor.
Greek Raki
The menu is divided into five sections, salads, appetizers, meze, main dishes, and seafood. There are a variety of tasty options from each section to choose from. I began with the Demitra salad, a mix of bresaola, crunchy vegetables, figs, rocket, truffle oil & balsamic vinegar and followed that up with the orzo pasta. The orzo is served with mushrooms, peppers, carrot and parmesan and was very tasty.
Another tasty creation they offer are beats stuffed with tuna. Beets are not my favorite so I was initially hesitant but I decided to give this dish a try. I’m glad I did as I was rewarded with a mix of savory flavors that delighted my taste buds.
Beets Stuffed with Tuna
Next, I decided to try the kleftiko. A dish I’d never heard of, it consists of pork with feta cheese, herbs and bell peppers and is served up in parchment paper. Quite an interesting presentation. After my first bite however, I found myself tearing the paper open for the next succulent piece.
Delictious kleftiko
While I think it’s best to discover your own favorites, I would also recommend giving the lamb a try. The lamb is marinated in thyme and cooked for four hours inside the oven with local olive oil. It’s served with roasted potatoes, along with rice that has been cooked in the broth from the lamb. Large enough for two people, it’s tender, flavorful and truly delicious.
Lamb and Potatoes
Dining at Mavro Provato is not a meal, but an experience. They serve up quality food using authentic flavors and present them in a creative manner. In addition to the food, it’s the value combined with the ambiance and attentive service that makes this place a “must eat” location when you come to Athens. Both affordable and welcoming, it has become popular among the locals so make sure you book a reservation ahead of time to get a table. You won’t regret it.
Visit them online at http://www.tomauroprovato.gr/
Instagram @tomavroprovato
Geron is an avid traveler, entreprenuer and mens style aficionado. He love’s mac and cheese, getting discounts, his momma, and a good whiskey, not particularly in that order. It’s alleged he lives in Miami, but no one really knows anymore.
Follow him on instagram at @geronp
