There are many reasons to visit Spetses since it exudes nobility.
If you are ever visiting Spetses, it is worth having dinner at On The Verandah, located on a beautiful terrace in the historic building of the Poseidonion Grand Hotel, which celebrated its 110th anniversary this year.
Ilias Kiazoli has been at the helm of the kitchen since this year. With a love for fish and seafood, he has built a delicious menu based on local ingredients and products grown and made by the hotel, such as herbs and spices.
The chef also loves the cheeses of Tinos and uses them in the best way in his recipes.
Most dishes are fish and seafood, but there are also meat—or vegetarian-based options.
The chef uses fresh ingredients to perfect the taste of his main courses and create delicious salads that exude the freshness of the fine raw material.
The cod with dashi spice oil, dill powder, and Jerusalem artichoke was very tasty. In every bite, you could taste the freshness of the fish, which is a good basic raw material, as well as the herbs and vegetables from the hotel garden.
The salty salad was sweetened enough by the cherry tomatoes and watermelon but has had a more spicy touch from the special Tinos kariki.
The cuttlefish tagliatelle with cirou beurre blanc, wild greens, and nduja was an impressive and deeply delicious dish.
I personally found the sausage very enjoyable, especially with the addition of the harissa mayonnaise, which gave it enough intensity. The lime raised the acidity, giving the dish a balance.
The desser, lemon curd in the shape of a column—reminiscent of the hotel’s historic building—was exactly what was needed to end the meal on a light note.
The wine list has remarkable selections from both the Greek and international vineyards.
All this amazing food and drink is on a unique veranda overlooking the sea of Spetses, in a beautiful historic building that dominates the island. It is also worth staying and visiting the hotel for coffee, food, and drink, as there are other options beyond On The Verandah.
Info: Poseidonion Hotel, Spetses, tel. 22980 74553
Prices: €80-100, without wine
Niki-Maria Koskina is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.
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