The C Beach Restaurant: Mediterranean flavors with deep deliciousness by the shore [VIDEO]

A menu with a clear orientation towards the Mediterranean and an elegantly minimalist environment with unobstructed sea views, combined with a light atmosphere, create a feel-good experience on the Athenian Riviera that fills you up.

• 29/07/2024
• Author: Thimios Voulgaris
• Photos: Alexandros Ioannidis, Giannis Sikianakis

My familiarity with the southern suburbs is far from legendary; it could even be described as basic. In recent years, with all the ongoing development and various projects, finding the location of a destination my friends have chosen for me can often feel like piecing together a puzzle. This serves as a backdrop to “justify” my recent adventure to discover The C a few days ago.

The A’ Coast of Voula appears to be in the midst of a construction frenzy, with numerous projects and elegantly luxurious renovations underway, at least from what I gathered during the few hours I spent at this stunning beach restaurant. To simply label The C as a “beach bar” would be an understatement, as it truly embodies a high level of quality and culinary artistry, along with an overall feel-good experience. This is especially evident while being whisked along the seaside in a white golf cart (yes, they really do spoil you) just before the breathtaking sunset.

Let me start from the beginning. The location of The C deserves special mention, as it not only provides a sense of privacy but also boasts unobstructed views and the crystal-clear waters of a pristine beach. Here, the management of the space is handled with great care, avoiding excess, extremes, or any intrusive noise. The atmosphere is almost zen-like and elegantly minimalistic, perfectly capturing the chic essence of a private beach—perhaps reminiscent of Mykonos. This is consistently reflected in both the style and quality of the services offered, free from any unnecessary embellishments or extremes.

Lush greenery, wooden pathways winding through thick sand, and large, comfortable sunbeds create a serene ambiance, complemented by cool music filling the air. Within minutes, I found myself savoring the first cocktail from a thoughtfully curated menu—well-crafted and full of character.

However, the primary reason for my visit was the restaurant. My sources had mentioned a pair of chefs with exceptional talent and experience from renowned establishments. What I discovered at my table, however, far surpassed those already high expectations.

Dorina Demai and Lazaros Stamoulis, drawing inspiration from the culinary essence of Mykonos’ Alemagou, have crafted a unique hybrid menu that boldly expresses gastronomic personality and technique. They skillfully utilize exceptional quality ingredients, resulting in dishes that are deeply delicious and perfectly attuned to the environment in which their cuisine is presented.

Their menu is clearly oriented towards the Mediterranean, driven by a commitment to freshness and the quality of its core ingredients—and let’s face it, the location plays a significant role as well. Entrepreneurs in the tourism and dining sectors must recognize that while international trends and influences are appreciated, both visitors and locals crave Greek and Mediterranean flavors that offer greater gastronomic depth and delight.

Dorina and Lazaros accomplish this masterfully, seamlessly incorporating international elements and certain Asian techniques while maintaining the Mediterranean character at the heart of their menu.

The menu at The C is thoughtfully organized into six sections: Bread & Spreads, Land, Raw, Sea, Garden, and Desserts. After enjoying some time in the sun and surf, you won’t need to ponder long before spotting dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.

From the very first bites, the quality of the ingredients shines through, with the welcome dish of burrata and cherry tomatoes exuding freshness and flavor. The spicy tiradito with snapper, tuna tartare, and shrimp tartare were all impeccably prepared and exquisitely seasoned.

Among the main courses, the exceptionally creamy lobster orzotto —featuring succulent pieces of lobster— quickly became the favorite of my group, while the perfectly cooked tuna fillet left a lasting impression, prompting me to seek out the chefs to express my admiration.

In addition to the high gastronomic standard of the food, the service was nearly flawless, and the cocktails rivaled those found in five-star hotel bars.

And all of this is just a few meters from the beach. It’s remarkable how they’ve achieved such an exceptional experience. In short, The C has quickly become my go-to destination when I’m looking for a top-quality spot to swim, paired with outstanding food and drinks. It offers a stress-free environment, free from excessive crowds, with an aesthetic that invites relaxation. So simple, yet so beautiful.