Attikos is a Greek word meaning “rugged coast”, the inspiration behind the newest offering on Eat Street at Ballito’s Lifestyle Centre, open from 26 November. Attikos is a family-owned and -run Mediterranean taverna with a strong Greek influence.
According to managing partners Christos and Tracy Konahos, Ballito locals for the last 8 years, Christos has fond memories of fishing holidays with his paternal grandfather in the beautiful crescent bay of Karystos, on the rugged coastline of a small Greek island, Evia, where his father was born. Says Christos, “We would take home our catch to cook with family, neighbours and friends. A simple family dinner would often turn into an all-night affair.” Inspired by this way of life and the pleasures of eating together, they have created Attikos, to bring the authentic feel of the Mediterranean to Ballito.
“Greek food is made to share,” says Tracy, “it is all about celebrating life and enjoying yourself in the moment.” This tradition is embraced at Attikos, with many of their dishes designed for sharing. Whether you choose to share their mezze, select a succulent snack from their Yiro Bar or a slow- roasted cut of meat from their Souvla Coal Grill, or treat yourself to a traditional Greek meal from their family kitchen, you will notice the unmistakable flavour of the Mediterranean.
Christos explains that, by growing up in a Greek family, food has always been a big part of his life. “Both men and women learn to cook from a young age and food is always related to family or a social occasion,” he says. He is, however, as focused on hospitality and service as he is on the food. “We are driven by ‘philoxenia’, a sentiment literally translated as ‘friend to the stranger’, originating in ancient Greece where hospitality was a value ranking high on a list of virtues. At Attikos, we hope that everyone will feel truly welcome. We are passionate about fantastic food and hospitality, about long Greek meals, about making it easy for you to relax and enjoy a celebration of sun, sea and casual dining.”