Varoulko Seaside restaurant

Varoulko restaurant makes much-awaited comeback in Piraeus

Enjoy a simple lunch break or a fine dining experience

It was in 1987 when Varoulko restaurant (its name translating into winch) was born in Piraeus. Along with it came a new style of seafood cooking created by Lefteris Lazarou. Lazarou was the first chef in Greece to cook a seafood menu at a fine dining restaurant and to introduce the public to less known and previously neglected types of fish. Many of his dishes became very successful and are still recognized as all time classics.

Since then Varoulko relocated twice, the second -time ten years ago- in Piraeus Str. in the center of Athens. Even though he was far from his beloved sea, Lefteris Lazarou never stopped being innovative in his cooking. His imagination, his influences from his previous travels and the time he spent as a galley cook, together with his accomplished technique lead to new exciting dishes and to flavors that were rich yet elegantly complex. Lazarou received a great number of awards through the years. The most important recognition though and the one that contributed to his worldwide recognition had already come in the form of a Michelin star in 2002 –the first one ever awarded to a chef serving Greek cuisine. Lazarou holds his star since then.

And then, a few months ago, a gentle sea breeze swept through Varoulko. After spending a decade ashore Lefteris Lazarou sailed back to his old neighborhood. The brand new Varoulko Seaside in Mikrolimano, Piraeus, is here to stay and is now open both during the day and during the evening offering two different menus: a simple, meze-style one for lunch and an elegant and creative one for dinner.

For your everyday lunch break you may enjoy the picturesque view in the marina while savoring dishes such as the fish roe dip (taramosalata) made with white fish roe, extra virgin olive oil and lemon, the boiled octopus marinated in vinegar (htapodi xydato), spinach and rice (spanakoryzo) with cuttlefish, or the steamed clams in Limnio wine, garlic and parsley. The new list of ouzo and Greek spirits (tsipouro, tsikoudia) with provide you with the perfect pairing - if you prefer wine there is also a great wine list which includes a variety of Greek labels and wines by the glass at affordable prices. Should you opt for the fine dining experience and the enchanting atmosphere on the elegant wooden deck by the sea, you may try exciting dishes such as the grilled cuttlefish with caramelized lentils and orange sauce, the fish patties with a sweet and sour pepper sauce, the mango and shrimp risotto, or the grilled squid with black eyed beans and marjoram, flavored with cumin. Not to be missed are our desserts, all created under the supervision of pastry chef Dimitris Chronopoulos.

The restaurant is easily accessible from the center of Athens. Visit Varoulko Seaside and let Lefteris Lazarou be your guide into an amazing seafood experience.

Cuisine: Seafood & Mediterranean

Parking service available

For more information please visit us at:

Akti Koumoundourou 52

Mikrolimano, Piraeus

Tel.: (+30) 210 5228400

Fax: (+30) 210 5228800

e-mail: