Where Tradition Meets Excellence

Olive & Thyme was born from a simple dream: to bring the authentic flavors and warm hospitality of the Mediterranean to Athens. Founded in 2020 by Chef Dimitris Papadopoulos and his wife Maria, our restaurant is a celebration of family recipes passed down through generations, reimagined with a contemporary touch.

Every dish tells a story – from the grilled octopus that reminds Chef Dimitris of summer days in his grandfather's taverna on Paros, to the handmade dolmades that follow his grandmother's treasured recipe. We believe that food is more than sustenance; it's a connection to our roots, our culture, and each other.

Restaurant interior

What We Stand For

Authenticity

We honor traditional Mediterranean recipes while embracing innovation, using only the finest locally-sourced ingredients.

Community

Our restaurant is a gathering place where friends become family, and strangers leave as friends.

Sustainability

We partner with local farmers and fishermen, supporting sustainable practices that respect our land and sea.

Chef Dimitris Papadopoulos

Cooking is my language, and through it, I share my love for Greece and its rich culinary heritage.

Chef Dimitris Papadopoulos

Born and raised on the island of Paros, Chef Dimitris grew up surrounded by the aromas of his grandmother's kitchen and the fresh catch from his grandfather's fishing boat. His culinary journey began at age 15 when he started working in his family's seaside taverna, where he learned that the secret to great cooking lies in respecting the ingredients and honoring tradition.

After training at Le Monde Institute of Hotel and Tourism Studies in Athens and working in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, Dimitris returned home with a mission: to elevate traditional Greek cuisine while staying true to its soul. At Olive & Thyme, he masterfully blends time-honored techniques with contemporary presentation, creating dishes that are both familiar and surprising.

Experience & Achievements

  • 20+ years of culinary experience
  • Le Monde Institute of Hotel and Tourism Studies, Athens (2003)
  • Worked at 3 Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Italy
  • Featured in Greek Gourmet Magazine (2022)
  • Winner of Athens Culinary Awards 'Best Mediterranean Restaurant' (2023)

The People Behind the Experience

Maria Papadopoulou

Maria Papadopoulou

Restaurant Manager & Co-founder

Maria ensures every guest feels at home, overseeing operations and creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere Olive & Thyme is known for.

Yiannis Kostas

Yiannis Kostas

Sous Chef

With 15 years in professional kitchens, Yiannis is Chef Dimitris's right hand, bringing precision and creativity to every plate.

Sofia Antoniadou

Sofia Antoniadou

Head Sommelier

Sofia curates our wine selection, pairing each dish with the perfect Greek and Mediterranean wines to enhance your dining experience.

Experience Our Story in Every Bite

Join us for an unforgettable Mediterranean dining experience