Review: All Senses Gastronomy
Have you ever experienced a multi-projection movie? What about a 24-course meal? How about both at the same time…?
When we were booking accommodations for our Greece leg, we were only planning to stay in Athens for one night, which made me think, How could we try as much delicious Greek food as possible in one dinner? When I came across All Senses Gastronomy on TripAdvisor, I was intrigued by the concept of the place: a creative dining experience that seeks to stimulate all five senses while paying homage to classical Greek food. It was a perfect match.
If you visit the website, All Senses advertises itself as an all-immersive odyssey where you can choose between 12-, 16-, or 24-stages, with each stage set in its own unique environment complete with the appropriate lights, sounds, and smells. In terms of the actual cuisine, the restaurant blends traditional Greek dishes and ingredients with contemporary haute cuisine, so the meal itself truly feels like a journey as you venture across the different islands and regions of Greece, each with its own culinary specialty or food. The courses can also be paired with either wine or non-alcoholic juice pairings for a very reasonable price.
SPOILERS WARNING: The dining experience at All Senses is designed to be both a dinner and a show, so if you’re planning to eat there and want to be surprised, do not read ahead!
When we finally arrived at All Senses, we discovered we were the only ones who made a reservation for that night, so the entire room was ours! The hostess then explained the restaurant’s concept as well as it’s program: Each dish is accompanied by a setting where a white light would be shone on the plate. After the white light disappeared, then the stage has finished and the next course would be brought in. This way, the meal would be appropriately timed and synced to the surrounding cinema.
We were practically shaking in our seats with excitement. After she left the room, the show began.
1. Tiger’s Milk – tasted like liquid licorice…not my favorite but it’s a specialty at the restaurant.
2. Beet Root Crisp with Tzatziki Powder
3. Bark and Pine Chip
Green tomato juice pairing – very vibrant!
4. Tart with Mesollogi’s Botargo, Sour Cream, and Chestnuts
5. Rose and Scallops with Beets – smelled like fresh roses from the garden!
6. Sea Urchin and Lime
7. Burned Bread with Smoked Cheese and Salmon Roe – so delicious and creative!
8. Olives and Grapes – Was it olives stuffed in grapes or grapes stuffed in olives? 😉
9. Salted Shrimps with Mayonnaise and Dried Cheese
10. Raw Squid with Green Strawberries, Parsley, and Mussel Stock
11. Mackerel with Green Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Horseradish Sauce
12. Egg Yolk Creme, Oyster, and Cauliflower
13. Lime Granita – not pictured.
14. Lamb Tartar, Sea Buckthorn, and Herbs – very fresh and bright! We ate the lamb tartar with potato chips and other toppings.
15. Fresh Fish of the Day with Onion Bouillon
16. Steamed Bread with Prosciutto – one of my favorites from the night! The bread reminded me of Chinese steamed bao.
17. Celeriac with Pistachio and Apple
18. Wild Hog with Salsify and Wild Mushrooms
Juice pairings
19. Watermelon and Feta (Seeds) – the feta was molded into the exact size and shape of watermelon seeds!
20. Lemon Mousse Ducky and Mastic Foam – so playful!
21. Pear Stone with Lemon Thyme – LOVED the pear ice cream!
22. Coffee Beans with Greek Yogurt Ice Cream
23. Loukoum-ash
24. Chocolate Covered Marzipan and Kozani’s Saffron
Fireworks to end the night.
After indulging in one of the most unique and memorable dining experiences of my life, I can honestly say that All Senses Gastronomy is an absolute must if you’re ever visiting Athens. Reservations can be made via email (email found on website), and I would recommend making reservations at least a week or two in advance. Note that the restaurant is located on top of another restaurant, so if you’re at the right address but don’t see a sign, just walk into the building and ask for All Senses. Trust me, you are in for one of the best meals of your life!
Final Rating: 5/5
Price: $$$$
All Senses Gastronomy
Lazaraki 12 & Dousmani
+30.210.89.80.080
http://www.allsenses.co/all_senses_gastronomy/all_senses.html