In a world of flashing neon signs and "Instagrammable" decor, Mamai stays intentionally quiet. Tucked away in Glyfada, this intimate restaurant doesn’t shout for attention; it waits for those who value the quiet crackle of a wood-fired flame over the noise of a trendy spot.

The results speak for themselves: 107 reviews on Google, and every single one is 5 stars. No advertising, no gimmicks. Just the pure attraction of honest, good food.



From Toronto Luxury to the Greek Flame

The story of Estiatorio Mamai began far from the Mediterranean. Founder Theodoros Mamais and his partner Yiagos Deligiannis are Greek-Canadian friends who met in Toronto, working at the pinnacle of luxury hospitality; an environment of relentless precision and flawless execution. Yet, while they mastered the art of perfection, they found themselves yearning for purpose. 

For chef Theodoros, that purpose was found in the most ancient of tools: Fire. He moved away from the star-chasing obsession of fine dining to embrace a more grounded food philosophy. At Mamai, the kitchen operates without electricity. Every dish is a collaboration between the chef and the elements, crafted in a wood-fired oven, over a parilla, or on a traditional stofa.

A Menu Guided by the Seasons

At Estiatorio Mamai, the menu is small, deliberate, and fully seasonal. By maintaining a small, curated menu, Theodoros ensures that every single plate is a masterpiece. 

• The Ingredients: We source only organic, high-quality Greek meats and the freshest catch of the day.
• The "Non-Star" Philosophy: Every plate is treated with equal importance, but the Stifado, served in various seasonal interpretations, has quietly become a favorite among regulars.
• The Wine: The cellar is a tribute to Greece’s hidden gems, exclusively featuring small-scale Greek winemakers whose variaties are chosen to complement the smoke and salt of the kitchen.

Hospitality as Presence, Not Performance

If Theodoros is the fire, Yiagos is the steady hand that guides the room. Having managed high- end F&B operations, Yiagos rejects the theatre of modern service. Here you won’t find scripted smiles or stiff formalities.

Instead, Mamai offers genuine hospitality. It is the art of reading a room, knowing exactly when a guest needs a refill and when they need to be left in peace. It is warm, human, and unforced.

Against the Fireworks

When they opened in 2025, Theodoros and Yiagos were urged to chase the "viral" formula. They deliberately chose otherwise. They traded fireworks for fine comfort Greek food.

Mamai doesn’t promise a spectacle; it promises a memory. It is a restaurant built on conviction, where the ingredients are allowed to speak for themselves and the noise of the outside world is left at the door. In a neighborhood that is always moving, Mamai gives you a reason to sit still.

Mamai restaurant does not promise excitement on demand. It offers something more valuable. A reason to come back.

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If good food matters to you —the kind cooked with fire, patience, and soul— follow Mamai Restaurant on Instagram, like them on Facebook, and reserve your table here to experience a dining memory worth returning to.

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The traditional office is becoming a thing of the past. As we move through 2026, more professionals are realizing that if their job only requires a laptop and a stable Wi-Fi connection, they might as well be doing it from a balcony overlooking the Acropolis or a seaside café on a Greek island like Crete or Rhodes.

Greece has officially become one of the world’s top hubs for remote work, thanks to its specialized Digital Nomad Visa and a lifestyle that prioritizes well-being.

 

Thinking of making the jump? Here is why Greece is calling your name this year.

Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa is designed specifically for non-EU citizens who work for companies (or clients) based outside of Greece.

• The Requirement: You need to show a stable monthly income of at least €3,500 (plus a bit more if you’re bringing a partner or family).
• The Perk: Once approved, you get a residence permit that lets you live in Greece legally for up to two years, with the option to renew. Plus, for those who stay long-term, there are significant tax incentives for the first seven years.

Forget the old myths about slow island internet. In 2026, Greece has seen a massive rollout of fiber optics. Athens and Thessaloniki now boast 5G coverage that rivals any major European capital, and dedicated coworking spaces have popped up from the heart of Psirri to the shores of Rhodes.

It’s no secret that the “hidden gem” days of Athens are evolving; rent prices in the city center have risen significantly over the last couple of years. However, even with these changes, the city remains remarkably affordable compared to other major European cities.

• The Value Gap: While a central 1-bedroom now averages €650–€800, you are still getting a lifestyle that would cost triple the price in Northern Europe.
• Smart Living: By looking just a few metro stops outside the absolute center (in neighborhoods like Galatsi or Peristeri), you can still find great value while staying connected to the buzz of the city.

While Athens is the heartbeat of the country, other cities are thriving:

• Thessaloniki: The “cool younger sister” of Athens, known for its incredible food scene and a slightly more relaxed housing market.
• Chania (Crete): Perfect for those who want a slower pace and some of the best beaches in the world within a 20-minute drive.
• Nafplio: A hidden gem only two hours from Athens, offering a romantic, historic backdrop for your Zoom calls.

Community & Connection 

A strong sense of community is one of the greatest gifts Greece offers to anyone living a nomadic life. Loneliness can be a real challenge on the road, but the Greek spirit of Philoxenia, a deep‑rooted culture of warmth and hospitality, makes it remarkably easy to feel at home. Athens, in particular, has a thriving expat and digital‑nomad scene, with weekly meetups, casual coffee gatherings, “workation” retreats, and networking events that help newcomers connect quickly and naturally.

To dive straight into this local energy, the XpatAthens Community is an excellent place to start. As a lively hub for events and networking, it bridges the gap between local hospitality and the international crowd, ensuring that finding your "tribe" feels like a natural part of everyday life. If you'd like to hear our news and stay on top of things in the community, subscribe to our newsletter.

This blend of social connection and productivity is exactly what makes the Greece so charming. Whether you’re looking to discover fresh daily habits or simply want to share a table with a fellow traveler, the local workspace culture is second to none. Not to mention working from cafés is also a great office for the day, and we’ve already tracked down the very best spots for you here!

Where: Socratous 29, Athens

Nestled in a bright, modern space, WHEN HUB offers a warm, inclusive coworking environment dedicated to empowering women. Its open-plan area features flexible desks or dedicated workstations, complemented by meeting rooms, private offices, event spaces for up to 70 people, and even a fully equipped podcast room. A standout feature is the Mini Hub, a safe, supervised play area for children aged 0 to 12, ideal for parents seeking balance. Fully accessible by stairs or elevator and offering catering and visual services, WHEN HUB blends community, comfort, and practicality in the heart of Athens.

Step into Impact Hub, a neoclassical townhouse in the heart of Athens, offering flexible spaces for freelancers and small businesses. Get acquainted with a lively community, sip on hot tea or coffee in the on-site kitchen, and take part in social and networking events.


@impacthubathens


ViOS

 

Where: Fidiou 9, Athens

ViOS is a sleek multi-purpose workspace in the Panepistimio district. Going beyond the traditional co-working space, ViOS meets the global WELL Building Standard, prioritizing health and well-being. Enjoy perks like gym workouts, nutritious snacks, and even a Zen-like sleeping room. With its modern aesthetics and attention to well-being, ViOS is not just a workspace: it’s an experience.


@viosgr

Spaces Ermou 

Where: Ermou 56, Athens

Experience contagious productive energy at Spaces Ermou, main shopping street. With 24/7 access, an on-site barista, and flexible contracts, Spaces Ermou is a global brand offering premium co-working spaces. From Instagrammable hangout areas to a roof terrace with Acropolis views, it’s a sociable workspace for hi-tech businesses, international companies, and freelancers alike.


@spacesworks

Found.ation

Where: Evrystheos 2, Athens

What makes working at Found.ation such a delight? Quite simply, the founders designed a workspace they genuinely enjoy using themselves — and it shows. You can recharge in the kitchen or the food court, step out for a breath of fresh air in the backyard, and make the most of a full range of high‑quality equipment for all those little tasks that keep your day running smoothly: high‑speed internet, scanners, fax machines, printers, computers, projection screens, and even a trusty whiteboard.


@found.ationgr

IQBILITY

Where: Alexandrou Pantou 25, Athens

IQBILITY is far more than a coworking space — it’s a genuine support hub for entrepreneurs. Alongside bright, practical areas to work and hold meetings, you can benefit from financial assistance during your first month, guidance through administrative procedures, and access to a real business network of mentors offering thoughtful advice. You may even find potential investors who are genuinely interested in your project.


@iqbility

 

 

 

In Ancient Greece, was it “divine madness” that bestowed creativity? 

Socrates and Plato wrote that inspired thoughts originated when a person was beside themselves – in a state of divine madness. Reason was suspended. So, Plato considered that art was an imitation of an imitation – twice removed. In Poetics, Aristotle championed art as a valuable way to experience emotions, integral to tragedy and poetry.

Myth and religion, art and architecture, philosophy and science, theater and music – it would take a library to delve into all this from ancient Greece. What would be the impulse or common ground for all this? 

In the eyes and minds of ancient Greek people, it would have fallen under the umbrella of what they labelled mousikē: the sphere of the (usually nine) divine Muses who had their abode on Mount Helicon – where famously poet Hesiod claimed to have actually met them. It was Muses too that Homer invoked at the start of both the Iliad and Odyssey – as the cause of his poetic inspiration and craft. The Muses each had their individual circle of expertise and interest, but all operated literally under the sign of Memory (Mnemosyne in Greek), because that was their mother’s name. 

Their father was Zeus, though his role was more that of one-time progenitor than of cultural mentor. I wrote ‘almost all’: two significant exceptions were (visual) artworks and architecture, and in a different way philosophy. Philosophers had no one divine inspirer – they might look at different times towards Athena, Apollo or even Zeus for intellectual aid. Craftsmen in metal, stone or wood (kheirotechnai) were thought to need a different kind of inspiration from ‘makers’ (poiētai) of words, and this came from either Athena or Hephaestus (Homer’s lame craftsman god, maker of Achilles’s arms and armour) or both.

To revert to the Muses: epic poetry was taken care of by Calliope, love poetry by Erato, lyric poetry by Euterpe, sacred poetry/hymns by Polyhymnia, tragic drama by Melpomene, comedy by Thalia, and dance (manifested in the dramatic or singing chorus, a word which originally meant ‘dance’) by Terpsichore (‘she who delights in the dance’). 

Something of an outlier – or an uplier – was Ourania, meaning literally ‘heavenly’ and so the presiding Muse of astronomy. Astronomy – literally the disposition/arrangement of stars – was not an original Greek specialism. Rather, it was a manifestation of another key aspect of the ancient Greeks’ creative genius – their ability to borrow and take over something already very finely developed or crafted by another culture and then re-make it something new, and often something superior.

Opening: Saturday, 31 January 2026 at 18:00

Opening Hours: Thursday & Friday 18:00–21:00 / Saturday & Sunday 12:00–20:00

FokiaNou Art Space is pleased to host the exhibition “HYDORerotics” by the contemporary art collective elementA, continuing its creative trajectory following the group’s recent and successful participation in PLATFORMS PROJECT 2025 at the former Tobacco Factory, with the theme “WATER.” The artists approach water as a fundamental element of life, a carrier of memory and transformation, and a field of philosophical and environmental inquiry. The exhibition unfolds as a contemporary “symposium of ideas,” where water becomes the starting point for questions about the flow of time, the relationship between humans and nature, ecological urgency, and the power of imagination.

With innate curiosity and a passion for possibilities, the HYDORerotics reflect on the fluid element, transforming their answers—or their doubts—into artistic gesture. Through installations, prints, paintings, original techniques, and repurposed materials, the elementA collective composes a multilayered and deeply experiential narrative. The presentation evolves across dark and light spaces, where the natural meets the artificial and the real converses with the imaginary, creating an environment that encourages observation, empathy, and contemplation.

The HYDORerotics propose an experience where art meets philosophy, ecological concern, and the human search for meaning. Visitors are invited to engage in an active dialogue about the planet’s most precious element, to reconsider their own relationship with water, and to rediscover the fluidity that shapes both the world and the self.

Curation & Organization: elementA Art Collective, with the support of artists Panagiotis Voulgaris & Mary Cox

Members of elementA Laskarína Karagianni (Athens), Iliana Kolovou (Corfu), Vani Koronaki (Athens), Vasileios Papaioannou (Sydney, Australia), Dimitra Savva (Larnaca, Cyprus), Efi Seitanidou (Athens), Kalomoira Tsoukalá (Athens), Sofia Foniadaki (Ierapetra)

Instagram: @artelementa

FokiaNou Art Space is an active and open hub of artistic creation, fostering collaboration between Greek and international artists. In 2024 it celebrated ten years of continuous presence, having presented—under the curatorship of Panagiotis Voulgaris and Mary Cox—more than 70 group, solo, and interdisciplinary exhibitions, as well as workshops and talks. Its outward-looking character is further strengthened through participation in major international events, such as the TRYST Art Fair at the Torrance Art Museum in Los Angeles, the Athena exhibition in Karlsruhe (2025), and the SuperMarket Independent Art Fair in Stockholm (2023, 2019), contributing to the networking of independent art spaces and the development of a wider international collaborative community.

If you’ve just landed in Athens, your first few weeks will likely feel like a blur of strong coffee, chaotic traffic, and the sudden realization that "central" means very different things depending on who you ask.

The biggest mistake I see newcomers make is trying to sign a long-term lease from a hotel room within five days of arriving. Athens isn't a city you can understand through a screen; it’s a city you have to walk until your feet ache.

In Athens, a "short-term" rental isn't just a vacation spot; it’s your laboratory. These are usually furnished studios or Airbnbs where you pay a premium for the luxury of not having to deal with the Public Power Corporation (DEI) or signing a three-year contract in a language you don’t yet speak.

Most of us who stayed here long-term started exactly like this. We booked a month in a serviced flat to give ourselves the "breathing room" to actually visit neighborhoods at different times of day. A street that looks charming at 10:00 AM might turn into a loud, outdoor bar scene at 2:00 AM. You want to discover that before you sign a lease.

Forget the tourist maps. Here is the ground-level vibe of the neighborhoods where expats actually end up:

The best apartments in Athens move through a "whisper network." You hear about a flat because a friend’s cousin is moving out. This is why having a stable, short-term base is so vital.

While you’re staying in your temporary spot, tell everyone (your barista, your Greek teacher, the person at the laundry) that you’re looking for a long-term place. In the meantime, tools like cozycozy are great for that initial "landing" phase. It aggregates everything from apartments to hostels so you can find a comfortable base camp without opening twenty tabs.

Don't rush the process. Athens is a city that rewards patience and face-to-face conversation. Stay short-term until you find the neighborhood that actually feels like your rhythm, then make your move.

In a world where everything is easily replaced, returning to the kitchen feels almost revolutionary. 

The Euphoria Series and Penelope Dimitrakopoulou invite you to a day of conscious connection on Sunday, February 1st. Step away from the noise and join an intimate gathering designed to nourish both the plate and the soul. Together with Agapi Micheli—professional chef, mother, and advocate for simplicity—we are stripping away the drama of "perfect" cooking to rediscover a more human way to eat.

This isn’t a lecture on right or wrong; It’s a real conversation about the quiet power of using what we have, respecting our ingredients, and bringing "care" back to the table.

The Experience Includes: 

✨ Hands-on Workshop: Master zero-waste techniques and the art of sustainable cooking.
✨ Mindset & Connection: A deep-dive conversation led by Penelope Dimitrakopoulou on bridging the gap between our habits and our mental well-being.
✨ A Curated Lunch: An exquisite meal with intentional wine pairings.
✨ Private Sanctuary: Exclusive use of the restaurant for our group to connect in peace.

Why take a seat?

• Shift Your Perspective: Turn sustainability from an obligation into a joy.

• Learn the "How": Gain practical tools to cook seasonally and waste nothing.

• Reconnect: Find the love that sometimes gets lost between the Tupperware.

If you feel like we’re speaking your language, we invite you to take a seat at our table and restore the love that sometimes gets lost between the Tupperware.

📍 Location: @proveleggiosathens, Paramythias 11, Kerameikos
Time: 14:00

🎟️ Tickets
• Early Bird (until 28 Jan): 65€

📩 Limited seating for an intimate experience. DM @theeuphoriaseries early to book your spot.

The summer of 2025 brought an unexpected thrill to the Port of Piraeus. Along the bustling quays, the luckiest passers‑by may have caught a fleeting glimpse of some very familiar faces. From Zendaya to Matt Damon, with Anne Hathaway gliding in between, it felt as though half of Hollywood had suddenly materialised on Greek soil. And such a constellation of A‑listers could only mean one thing: an iconic project led by the equally iconic Christopher Nolan. His new film, Odyssey, was already stirring a palpable sense of anticipation across Greece.

Filming began on 25 February 2025, and from that moment on, the production embarked on what can only be described as a world tour. Morocco’s sun‑drenched landscapes set the tone, before the journey swept through Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, crossed the United Kingdom and Iceland, ventured into the wilds of Scotland, skimmed the sands of Western Sahara, and paused in Malta and Ireland, eventually wrapping in the studios of Los Angeles. A modern odyssey in every sense, with Greece, naturally, at its heart. The Peloponnese and Messenia played a starring role, with scenes captured in and around the coastal town of Pylos, and even atop the dramatic Acrocorinth overlooking Corinth.

Homer’s Odyssey, the ancient Greek epic composed towards the end of the 8th century BC, tells the story of Odysseus’ long and perilous journey back to his island of Ithaca after the Trojan War. What should have been a homecoming becomes a ten‑year saga filled with trials, temptations and mythical encounters, all in the hope of reuniting with his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus. And even when he finally reaches his shores, his troubles are far from over.


@nolanarchives

Nearly three thousand years after it first emerged, The Odyssey continues to speak to us because it touches on the most fundamental human experiences. It isn’t simply a tale of gods and monsters (even if we can’t help looking forward to shivering alongside Odysseus’ men as Poseidon unleashes his wrath or imagining ourselves succumbing to the Sirens’ hypnotic song) : at its heart, it is a deeply human story, exploring what it means to be alive, lost, tempted, brave, fragile, and forever searching for a home, both in the literal sense and in the emotional one.

The epic is threaded with themes that feel as fresh today as they did in antiquity: loyalty tested by time, the pull of temptation, the fear of the unknown, the ache of nostalgia, and the lifelong quest to understand who we are. These emotions belong to no single era or culture; they resonate with anyone who has ever felt torn, hopeful, or uncertain.

Part of the enduring charm of The Odyssey lies in its hero. Odysseus is not a flawless demi‑god but a wonderfully human figure who lies, hesitates, makes mistakes, gives in to temptation and fails more than once. His vulnerability makes him relatable, even modern. Today’s heroes, whether in films, novels or series, tend to resemble him far more than the untouchable champions of ancient myth.

This timelessness explains why The Odyssey has inspired artists across the ages. In literature, Nikos Kazantzakis offered a monumental reinvention of the myth in The Odyssey: A Modern Sequel, while James Joyce transformed it into a modern masterpiece with Ulysses, set in the Dublin of the early twentieth century. In cinema, Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar echoes the structure of the ancient epic with its lost hero and impossible return, while Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away follows a young girl through strange worlds, trials and transformation. Philosophers such as Hannah Arendt have read Odysseus’ return as a meditation on identity and memory, while Adorno and Horkheimer famously interpreted him as the first “modern subject”, a man who shapes his destiny through cunning and control. Even psychology has embraced the epic as a model for personal transformation, and contemporary pop culture continues to draw from it, from video games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to the myth‑infused characters of Marvel’s universe. Every era reinvents The Odyssey, and that constant reinvention is precisely what keeps it alive.



To bring this legendary tale to life, Christopher Nolan has embarked on one of his boldest projects yet, assembling a truly stellar cast: Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, or Zendaya as Athena, with additional roles played by Robert Pattinson, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong’o, and more, the film promises a modern retelling of the myth on a scale as ambitious as the epic itself.

With its American release scheduled for 17 July 2026, audiences will need to wait a little longer - but the excitement is already building.

Before or after watching what is sure to be a masterpiece of a film, dive (or dive back) into the myth once cherished by the rhapsodes of ancient Greece. You may even find yourself exploring the country through a fresh lens: tracing Odysseus’ imagined route across islands and coastlines, rediscovering landscapes steeped in legend, or seeking out the real‑life locations that shaped both the ancient epic and Nolan’s bold new interpretation. This is the kind of story that draws us to Greece not merely for its sun and sea, but for the chance to follow a tale that has travelled across millennia and still feels astonishingly alive.