Onuki, the acclaimed contemporary Japanese dining concept best known for its debut at Costa Navarino, is making its first appearance in Athens with an opening at THE ILISIAN. Launching on 11 December 2025, the restaurant brings a refined and seasonally driven approach to Japanese cuisine to one of the city’s most emblematic urban resorts.
A celebrated Japanese dining concept arrives beside the city’s most iconic pool
THE ILISIAN is set to welcome Onuki, the acclaimed contemporary Japanese dining concept that first debuted at Costa Navarino, marking the restaurant’s first appearance in Athens. Opening on 11 December 2025, the arrival of Onuki brings a refined approach to Japanese gastronomy to the heart of the capital. Led by chef and co-owner Stamatis Skriabas, Onuki at THE ILISIAN presents a culinary philosophy rooted in precision, seasonality and restraint.
Onuki is one of the flagship dining concepts within The Ilisian Athens redevelopment, a landmark transformation redefining luxury hospitality in the capital.
The menu draws inspiration from regional Japanese traditions, reinterpreting familiar recipes through umami-rich ingredients and techniques that prioritise clarity and respect for produce. The restaurant’s drinks programme places equal emphasis on craftsmanship.
A curated selection of Japanese spirits includes rare whiskies, small-batch shōchū and artisanal saké, while the cocktail list highlights delicate notes of yuzu, shiso and seasonal blossoms.
Design and Atmosphere
Designed by the internationally renowned studio Yabu Pushelberg, the space offers a contemporary homage to Japanese minimalism, seamlessly translated through an Athenian lens. Light, shadow and movement flow naturally from the open kitchen to the poolside terrace, creating a calm, open rhythm throughout the restaurant. On the upper floor, warm, intimate rooms provide a serene setting for quieter moments and small gatherings.
The design reflects the Japanese concept of “Kizuna”—the enduring bonds that connect chefs and guests, ingredients and seasons, tradition and the present. Every detail, from materials to tableware to spatial rhythm, reinforces this sense of connection.
The Experience
Onuki has been recognised with awards from the prestigious “Golden Chef’s Hats” in its original Costa Navarino location, distinctions that highlight its meticulous craftsmanship and culinary discipline. At THE ILISIAN, these qualities are carried into an urban setting, offering guests a tranquil, internationally minded experience in one of Athens’ most cosmopolitan destinations.
Insider Tip
Ask for a terrace-side table at sunset for the most atmospheric experience, when the light reflects off the pool and the open kitchen comes into full view.
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