Italian Trattoria - 'Il Tinello'
There is no sign on the outside and until I entered, I wasn't sure if it was the trattoria I was supposed to be at! They had told me about ‘Il Tinello' with inconsistent details; some saying that it was the ‘best' Italian restaurant of Athens, and others telling me about the ‘capriccio' of the owners... Finally, I decided that I just had to visit it by myself to form my own opinion since so many fans had bragged about it and others avoided indisputably.
Although the small dining area does not impress, the atmosphere gives you a homey feelings with simple decor and a few tables covered with tablecloths. Daniela, a professional cook from the Veneto region reinvents her dishes according to her moods and the season. Stefano, the server, will not bring you a menu...he will only ask you if you would like white or red wine with your meal. Soon after, the parade of the Italian meal begins, commencing with salads of fresh mushrooms & garlic, roca & vitello garnished with parmesan cheese, salami from Italy, taliata, risotto with porchini, and amazing pasta with various sauces, including: chicken with almonds, tomato, pesto, and naturally, one of the best carbonaras that I've ever tested...and I've lived in Italy!! Make sure you leave room for the dessert! Panacota, tiramisu, crème brulee will give you a sweet taste to remember for the week! To finish off the meal, a shot of grappa or an espresso will give you the winding down or winding up needed, depending on if you are going to continue your night on the town or call it a night!
‘Il Tinello' is at 54 Knossou Street, in Alimos, in southern Athens. Get off the tram stop of Kalamaki and walk up Kalamakiou Street, make a right on Erestiou and then a left on Knossou. Call 210 98 28 462 for reservations and precise directions. Cost per person: 30 - 35 Euros.