EAT > Wine is Fine, Athens Greece (14/20)

Wine Is Fine, is a French-inspired wine haven tucked into a sidestreet in the heart of Athens’ historic triangle. This is where the city’s new wave of food and wine lovers gather: a place that feels both cosmopolitan and quietly local, with a crowd that spills from white-clothed tables onto the pavement as the evening unfolds.

AMBIENCE >

Step off bustling Vissis Street and you’re in a world that’s part Parisian bistro, part Athenian hideaway. The setting is simple but elegant: crisp linens, high ceilings, and a pared-back, slightly industrial interior that channels 90s nostalgia. In summer, the action moves outdoors, with tables lining the pedestrian street and a lively, youthful buzz in the air. There’s no booking—just turn up, join the waitlist if needed, and soak up the scene with a glass in hand.

EAT >

The menu is short, sharp, and French at heart, with a focus on seasonal produce and classic technique. Expect:

• Tartare de boeuf (10€): Classic, hand-cut, well-seasoned, and served with a nod to tradition—though the kitchen isn’t afraid to tweak the mustard or sweetness to suit the day’s mood.
• Beef bourguignon: Slow-cooked veal cheeks on potato purée, rich with wine sauce—comforting, deeply flavoured, and a house favourite.
• Wild mushrooms: Cooked gently in a light onion sauce, earthy and satisfying.
• Green salad: Fresh, simple, and brightened with spearmint.
• Bottarga pasta (13€): A nod to the Mediterranean, with briny, umami depth.

Portions are refined rather than rustic, and the menu changes with the seasons. Every plate is balanced, letting the ingredients shine. Baguettes from local bakery Tromero Paidi arrive warm, with good butter—a detail that sets the tone for the meal.

DRINK >

Wine Is Fine’s cellar is the soul of the venue. The wine list is exclusively natural and low-intervention, with a strong focus on France and Greece but also featuring bottles from Italy, Portugal, and Slovenia. The selection is dynamic, changing frequently to reflect new discoveries and seasonal pairings. With a generous selection of wines available by the glass and an impressive collection of rare and cult wines from smaller European producers.

Wine service here is a highlight. The staff are deeply knowledgeable, with a genuine passion for wine and a knack for demystifying the list. The team is led by two French founders, Rafael Wallon-Brownstone and Thomas Brengou, who bring a Parisian sensibility to the floor, and a Greek chef who ensures the food and wine are always in dialogue.

SERVICE >

Relaxed, friendly, and unpretentious. The team brings a sense of hospitality that’s both personal and professional. There’s a genuine enthusiasm for both food and wine, and the vibe is always welcoming, never stuffy. dedicated sommelier, Mochi, who is on hand to guide guests through the ever-changing list, suggest pairings, and share stories behind the bottles

VERDICT >

Wine Is Fine is a smart addition to Athens’ dining scene: a place where French technique meets Greek produce, and where the wine list is as adventurous as the crowd. Go early to snag a table, order widely, and let the evening unfold at its own pace. No reservations, no pressure—just good food, great wine, and the feeling that you’re exactly where you should be.

#ALMANAK-MAGAZINE

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Image Credit | Wine is Fine

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