La Peninsula

In Athens, a city shaped by ancient history, a new destination emerges, converging design, gastronomy, and cultural dialogue. At Onuki, the artistry of Japanese cuisine finds a luminous counterpart in the rhythm of the Greek capital, creating a dining experience that feels transported and deeply rooted in Asian fusion. 

Set within THE ILISIAN, a Conrad Athens Hotel, a landmark reimagining of urban hospitality, Onuki introduces a refined yet quietly dynamic presence. Designed by the internationally acclaimed interior design studio Yabu Pushelberg, the restaurant unfolds as a study in balance between heritage and modernity, Japan and the Mediterranean.

From the moment you arrive, geometric lighting glows against deep wood, reminiscent of old Japanese ryokans, dancing a choreography of light and shadow. A recurring tile motif anchors the space, subtly bridging Japanese craftsmanship with a contemporary design. Upstairs, a warm persimmon glow draws guests toward a curved bar wrapped in terracotta-toned ceramic tiles, where mirrored ceilings and burnished metal accents cultivate intimacy.

The outdoor terrace softens into Athenian light. Indigo accents meet pale limestone, while wood screens inspired by Japanese block prints introduce vertical rhythm. Sculptural lighting in white and Aegean blue merges the two cultural identities, complemented by artwork from Athens-based artist Sofia Stevi. A sushi bar anchors the space, while semi-private dining rooms and upper-level alcoves, defined by translucent shoji-inspired panels, offer moments of quiet connection above the energy below.

A Culinary Philosophy Rooted in Kizuna

Under the direction of Chef & Co-Owner Stamatis Skriapas, Onuki’s menu is guided by precision and reverence. Imported Japanese-sourced umami-rich ingredients are treated with precision and respect, allowing their intrinsic qualities to shine through.

Rather than reinterpreting this time-honored cuisine, Onuki’s menu refines it. Seasonal ingredients are elevated through technique, resulting in dishes that feel both traditional and quietly transcendent. This commitment to craft has earned the concept multiple Toques d’Or Awards at its Costa Navarino location, a premier sustainable luxury destination in Greece’s Messinia region (Peloponnese), recognition that extends seamlessly to its Athens debut.

At its core lies kizuna, the enduring bond between chef and guest, season and plate, tradition and the present moment. As designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg noted, Onuki is defined by integrity, precision, and a consistency of craft that resonates across every detail.

What Onuki achieves within THE ILISIAN is more than a restaurant opening; it is a relationship. Here, Japan and Greece, two distant worlds, collide, both linked by their distinct imprint on antiquity and modernity alike. 

Here, cuisine becomes a connection. Hospitality becomes something more intentional, more human.

And in a city shaped by history, this new chapter feels distinctly forward-looking yet grounded in something timeless: the act of sharing tradition that creates a sense of familiarity and belonging.