Experience the best of
Athens with Withlocals

"We had such a great time with Melina! She was warm and welcoming, making this experience feel like cooking with a friend. Not only did we learn how to cook three items, we were also able to hear some history and stories behind the products we were using. We even got to take the leftovers home to enjoy later that evening! (She also sent some Greek yogurt to use as a remedy for my sunburn!) We had so much fun and would recommend booking a cooking adventure with Melina to anyone visiting Athens. Thanks Melina!"

"Everything was exceptional! Michail's talent for creating an unforgettable meal with traditional and amazing Greek dishes was most enjoyable. His attention to our request and preparation of our meal was an experience we will never forget. He prepared a grilled fish dinner while we observed the preparation of each dish was accompanied by interesting details of the ingredients, cooking process and flavors. He shared his love and passion for his craft in every step of his meal. The freshly caught fish and shrimp, yogurt from his mother's farm and honey from his uncle added a feeling of being included in a family holiday meal. We felt welcome from the moment we arrived. We shared lots of stories and laughter during our extraordinary visit. Casual but elegant dining experience. An extraordinary experience witnessing Chef Michail in action and then experiencing his creations was the highlight of our evening. "

"Had a wonderful dinner and conversation with Michail. Highly recommend!"

"We were a family of 14 who participated in this activity, ranging from age 6 to 69. Everyone was included, and Dionysia was encouraging and inviting, making everyone excited to join in. I love that her whole family was helping and supporting the endeavour - also reprinting the importance of family at meals. I cannot recommend this experience enough - her keenness to provide us the best experience, paired with excellent food (and wine), patient teaching and gracious hosting - I would return for sure!!!"

"Michail is a very passionate chef who made us a marvelous dinner at his home. We were served on a garden patio on the sixth floor of his building that had a marvelous view of the Parthenon and the rest of Athens. The dinner started with a nice greek white wine and a fava bean hummus with bread, and progressed to the main course of sea bream fish served with potatoes and vegetables. All four courses were cooked to perfection and lightly seasoned. And of course to top it all off we had a simple but elegant dessert of greek yogurt with honey from his cousins hives. \n\nMichail is growing spices, olives and banana trees on his garden patio. He is very passionate about cooking and gardening and is very enthusiastic when he talks about both subjects.\n\nI would do this one again!"

"Michael is a great cook and a warm-hearted hos. The view was stunning breathtaking and the dinner was delicious and enormous food. Thank your very much for this nice evening."

"I visited Melina in her home to have a private cooking lesson and it was incredibly authentic and personal. We made 3 different Ancient Greek recipes. Melina is now someone I can call a friend. If you like to experience the local culture while traveling through cooking, then book this experience!"

"Melina was the best! She helped us plan a vegetarian menu and a birthday surprise well ahead of time. Her communication is great. We got a little turned around on the address and she was right there to help. This evening was like being welcomed into a Greek home. We will definitely be doing this experience again when we return to Athens. Make sure you are hungry because you you are in for a big feast."

"We were so excited to meet a local greek chef and spend time in his home. We envisioned great conversation, laughter, interesting stories of local life and local food. \n\nFirst off do not trust Google maps. It was not accurate finding this address. Even the taxi company dropped us off a block away and was not sure where the building was. The address is marked once you find it, and Michail walked to meet us to take us up to his terrace. By the way the terrace is all you will see, and at 5 p.m. it is very, very hot.\n\nHe was dressed in an old t-shirt and cut off shorts, unlike all the pictures on the get-your-guide site. We were offered water and then he disappeared into his home leaving us on the terrace. The only entertainment was his small dog, Alba. No music, no conversation. He would pop out occasionally to offer a glass of wine or ask how we were doing. Over an hour later first course was served. The food was good, similar to restaurants we dined at while in Athens. Presentation was beautiful. Ample amounts of food. We were disappointed based off other reviews that mentioned a cohost and entertaining conversation etc. He seemed to be more of a waiter/server than a host/chef. Overall not worth the price the paid."

"Michail is the superb host! My initial reservation was for 2, but when 3 friends wanted to join, Michael graciously reopened reservation to include us all. From the moment we rang his well labeled bell, til he saw us out the door hours later, he was welcoming, gracious, informative, fun and generous. Panoramic view through sunset and lighting of Parthenon was a great backdrop . Food was delicious and abundant. My fave was the mussels steamed in sea water, but the fish- deboned expertly at the table- was also a huge hit. Surprise dessert substitution was fabulous- Greek yoghurt with honey from his family farm! Sublime and perfect ending to a wonderful evening. "