Restaurants and Bars
Apocalypsis Restaurant
Whitewashed stone pillars hold up a white wooden awning. Among them, large candles in glass bowls resting on low benches, create a mystical atmosphere. Three greenish olive trees planted in white pots, converse with the tamarisk trees on the beach. As you look up at the moon, generously offering light to the bay of Grikos, you hear waves splashing. There is a cooling evening breeze while you, infatuated by the simplicity of the environment, try to order. «Apocalypsis» is no ordinary restaurant. When in the area, you get the impression of dining in a friend's courtyard, who owns a villa in the most magical place in the world.
The menu resembles a typical summer walk in Greece. The executive chef is an experienced captain and is aware of the most beautiful places to travel. He guides us to a hidden world of tastes, combining Greek homemade dishes with his own creative flair. While bringing back old recipes, such as trachana and seafood with orzo pasta, he releases explosive scents, such as figs cooked in sweet wine and he strongly suggests flavors that will form the future backbone of Greek creative cuisine. A brilliant example comes from his lakerda "Tataki" with fresh tuna, which instead of wasabi, is accompanied with spicy mustard ice cream.
Of course, a decisive role in the quality of this neat catalogue, that combines numerous options with imaginative flavors, is played by the seasonality of vegetables and the freshness of all raw materials used. Both fish and seafood, apart from the local ones, mainly come from Leros or Kalymnos, whereas the carefully chosen meat, from standardized Macedonian farms. A key secret to all dishes' genuine deliciousness is the chef's obsession to avoid spices. Instead, he follows the recipe of our ancient ancestors and persistently chooses beneficial herbs, collected either from the hotel's garden or from a neighboring vegetable garden. Oregano, lavender, rosemary, fennel, mint and spearmint have a field day, providing an authentic, natural flavor in every meal.
Plefsis Taverna
Square tables with checkered tablecloths are arranged onto the sand, right by the sea. They come along with purple, white, pink and red straw chairs, while reed roof umbrellas with white poles, resembling whitewashed tree trunks, protect them from the sun. Old fashioned feta cheese metallic cans are spread all over the area, serving as parsley and basil pots. Geraniums, olive trees and chrysanthemums are planted in various corners, giving you the impression of dining in a homey courtyard. There is a balcony with a few tables at the center, with a nostalgic, brownish, mosaic floor and colorful flowers at the entrance window sills, from which delicious aromas escape.
The whole setting reminds you of an old Greek movie. Right in front of you, in the small concrete jetty, local fishermen, wearing their traditional caps and light colored shirts, tie their boats and unravel their nets for the next catch. Spiros, Grikos' seagull-mascot, either dives in order to cool off or approaches people in order to pinch a delicacy or two. The loudspeakers softly broadcast authentic Greek music, from Poly Panou and Stratos Dionysiou up to Eleftheria Arvanitaki and Haris Alexiou, while waiters guide you to a showcase where you choose fresh fish for yourself. There is an outdated blackboard presenting «today's special», written with chalk. That moment, when you drink the first sip of iced ouzo, unwittingly flushing your lips from the saltiness of the sea, you realize that there is nothing truer than summer in Greece.
As soon as you give your order, goodies made of Greek, local products start landing on your table. Authentic flavors, based on the purity of raw materials: red, fleshy tomatoes, musky olive oil mixed with capers, fresh vegetables from local gardens, that only need a couple of walks into your frying pan to fascinate your palate, seafood appetizers to accompany your glass of raki or ouzo, such as squid, octopus and salted mackerel, are only some of the specialties on the list. In «Plefsis», this authentic tavern that provides apart from exquisite dishes, magnificent views of Tragonisi and «Kalikatsou», you are able to revive that carefree summer of your childhood.
Theion Sea Bar
Located in the hotel’s central building, just a few meters from the reception and with a splendid view of the acritic Tragonisi and the famous «Kalikatsou» rock, which looks almost like a statue ingrained in Grikos bay, «Theion» bar is in total harmony with the natural environment and the traditional architecture of the area. «Theion» offers high quality services, serving the hotel’s guests who unwind in the internal or external area, enjoying the comfortable sun beds.
The comfortable loungers found on «Theion», surrounded by cute, pink Gaura parterres, bushy evergreen trees and lush oleanders, will make you lose track of time. You just found your favorite spot. The minimalist decoration contrasts with the blue sea offered by the leeward coast of the bay, creating an intense summery feeling. The genuine Greek character of the exterior is complemented by the olive trees, scattered amongst the whitewashed tables, which are slightly illuminated during nightfall. The stony benches in the outdoor patio remind you of traditional Patmian mansions. As you observe this rocky landscape, created by the mysterious «Kalikatsou» and the isolated Tragonisi, carefreeness transforms into exploration. The interior of Theion, loyal to a white empire, gives the impression of being in an actual living room, with round tables and comfortable white sofas, where you can enjoy your meal or drink, even work by using the free wireless internet of the hotel. Marble surfaces in earthy ecru shades encircle the bar area and the wider interior space, forming a natural continuation of the hotel's reception.
A freshly brewed smell of coffee overflows the area while fresh juices, ice creams, refreshments and beverages of all kinds, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, come and go. The famous cocktail «Mastijito» made with mastic liqueur, the delicious Thessaloniki bagel and the summery salad with grilled shrimps and Cretan «apaki» are only some of the favorites among local and foreign loyal visitors. All Mediterranean options, creatively inspired by the chef of «Apocalypsis» restaurant and his team, create a whiff of freshness to all visitors who are being served from early in the morning until late at night, while gazing at the traditional mansions standing still on the descending hills, admiring the surrounding natural environment.
Greek Breakfast
Impatient, you start heading towards the first meal of your holiday. You arrive at «Apocalypsis» restaurant and realize that this breakfast will be like no other. A summery, morning aroma dominates the area, a fresh salty sea breeze cools your face and the sun, timidly appearing among the tamarisk trees in front of the restaurant, begins to illuminate the sea. The all-white setting along with the whitewashed pillars resemble a traditional house, creating intimacy. While you overlook the tranquil turquoise waters of the bay, there is no other place you would wish to be enjoying this hearty breakfast.
All breakfast options are offered onto the restaurant's marble surfaces, forming a rich buffet. Homemade pies, eggs cooked in every way, breads of all kinds, fresh cakes, a variety of cold cuts and cheese, traditional Patmian recipes, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, pralines, honey, jams, fresh fruits. Greek products are in abundance, constantly reminding you that you are spending your holidays in the picturesque Island of Patmos. The buffet's presentation and custody by the award winning chef and his team stands out, remaining loyal to the restaurant's authentic Greek identity and their persistence in promoting Greek gastronomy. It could not be otherwise since pure Greek products are used, both local and foreign. Besides, it no coincidence that Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa was among the first 100 hotels to participate in the program «Greek breakfast» of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels. The program’s aim is to highlight regional gastronomic wealth by using fresh Greek products, in order to enrich hotels’ breakfasts with local, traditional recipes.
Do not go far if you are searching for the famous cheese pie of Patmos or the traditional «pougki». The breakfast served in «Apocalypsis», which you may also enjoy in your room, offers all local and traditional recipes of the island. Therefore, do not be surprised if you spot any locals, since the rich and well known breakfast of «Apocalypsis» attracts apart from hotel guests, fans from all over Patmos. One thing is for sure, once you wake up, you will be looking forward to your breakfast.