I’ll be completely honest: I chose to dine at Nolan because it was one of the most affordable restaurants featured in Athen’s Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide. It also helped that Nolan is conveniently located in the heart of the bustling Plaka neighbourhood.
I have come to realise that most travellers shun away from restaurants associated with the Michelin Guide, citing ‘price’ as one of their biggest concerns. But did you know that the Michelin Guide isn’t always about featuring meals that would break the bank?
For those not in the know, the Michelin’s Bib Gourmand Guide showcases high-quality restaurants with wallet-friendly menus.
And as a rule of thumb, lunch is always cheaper than dinner.
So always fine dine during lunchtime, not dinnertime!
Nolan is not your typical fine dining establishment. In fact, you would not even label it as a fancy gourmet destination. Its interiors are simple, yet effortlessly elegant.
The Food at Nolan
Greek-Japanese chef Sotiris Contizas helms the popular Asian fusion restaurant. The one-page concise menu features Contizas’ unique Greek-meets-Japanese creations. Prices are very affordable and range from 3€ for vegetables to 16.50€ for short ribs.
Nolan’s dishes are meant for sharing, and we were advised to order two dishes per person.
The Zucchini with Miso and Smoked Eggplant (8.50€) was topped with a generous portion of feta cheese. I would describe it as a nutritious Greek salad with a Japanese twist.
The Soba Noodles with Smoked Salmon in Tahini Sauce (13€) was a refreshing change after a week of gyros.
Japanese buckwheat noodles and chunks of salmon are tossed in the creamy Tahini sauce. Crushed sesame seeds, garlic and lemon juice make up the sauce.
Prawn Shrimp and Bonito in Rice Paper (15€) was hands down my favourite dish. A myriad of ingredients are sandwiched between the rice paper i.e. anchovy, coriander, dashi, mayonnaise, onion, shrimp and yuzu.
My only complain? GIVE ME MORE. These bite-sized savoury treats might look unassuming, but they were mad addictive.
The Nolan Cod Burger (12€) is one of Nolan’s signature creations and rightfully so. Who knew breaded cod fish stuffed between grilled Chinese-style baos could taste so good? Solo diners with a small appetite should totally just order this fish burger.
Complete your meal at Nolan with their Chocolate Valrhona Pavé (6.50€). The dessert is made with Manjari 64%, Tanariva 33% and topped with caramelised ntus. I devoured the decadent chocolatey treat within a minute. Not even kidding.
Is Nolan worth it?
I love Nolan’s creative interpretations of Greek classic dishes. Nolan’s take on traditional Greek delicacies is lighter and healthier, and appealed to our Asian tastebuds.
We ordered a total of 5 dishes and our total bill amounted to only 55€. Wow. The price would have been at least twofold in Singapore and Hong Kong. The verdict – totally worth our Euros!
Check out Nolan’s menu here:
Remember to make a reservation in advance! The restaurant was full house on weekday afternoon. I managed to snap a photo of the empty interiors because I arrived way before their official opening timing (and they very kindly let us in).
Needless to say, service was stellar.
Address: 33, Voulis 31, Athina 105 57, Greece
