The Greeks love eating fish but there are a lot of home cooks who are terrified of preparing fish. Many of my friends go wide-eyed when faced with cooking fish and much prefer to go to a local fish tavern to enjoy it!
Sometimes the problem boils down to trust. Unlike meat no two fish are the same and thus, I always recommend finding a skilled fishmonger as a starting point . . . someone who can tell you everything you need to know, including where, how and when a fish was caught, what’s fresh, what tastes good and how to cook it . . . or even better a fishmonger who is even ready to cook the fish for you!
Fish Point, a recent discovery, does all that and more! Located in the Athens neighborhood of Pagrati (behind the old Olympic Stadium), this neighborhood fish shop with an adjacent restaurant provides its customers with fresh fish for home cooking or if you prefer, they cook the fish for you for a small fee.
The place looks quite attractive with its wide facade split in two: fish shop to the left and the restaurant to the right . . . with a simple decor that is refined enough to keep the more serious types happy while maintaining a truly laid back comfortable atmosphere. For those who fancy watching the motion of the neighborhood while dining, there are a few tables on the pavement outside.
To be honest with you I’ve never eaten at the place but I’ve bought very fresh fish on several occasions which the restaurant chef has grilled for me . . . to perfection! Friends of mine have told me that the food is pleasant and the prices reasonable. The wine list looks short but is well structured, and includes some good local whites like "Malagouzia" and "Asyrtiko" at competitive prices.
Vacuum packed smoked fish is also available for take-out . . . my favorites being smoked eel and smoked octopus.
Actually, today for lunch, my husband and I enjoyed Fava (yellow split pea puree) topped with thinly sliced smoked octopus from the Fish Point shop, sliced red onion, capers, lemon zest and a wee drizzle of top quality Greek olive oil; a truly satisfying and nutritious low fat combo . . . which I highly recommend. It’s a great mezé or first course but in summer I like to serve it as a light main course and in summer with a refreshing green salad of choice.
For those of you living or visiting Athens, make sure to put Fish Point on your list to visit. I’m sure you will leave the place with a smile on your face . . . . just as I always do!
Address:
Archimidous 8, Athina 116 35
Tel: +30 21 0756 5321
Opening Hours:
Sunday: 13.00 - 18.00
Monday 07.30 - 17.30
Tuesday – Saturday: 07.30 – 24.00