Italy, Reimagined: Mercato Unveils Vibrant Live Station Brunch and New Winter Menus at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Chill Sunday vibes meet interactive live stations as Italian restaurant Mercato unveils its new brunch experience under dynamic talent Chef Maggie Tampakaki. Think risotto stirred à la minute, fresh focaccia stuffed and steaming, and Champagne chilled beside briny oysters—available every Sunday from October 26, 2025 at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. And with the seasons shifting, Mercato’s new winter lunch and dinner menus follow suit—offering a stylish journey through Italy’s most iconic regional dishes from mid-November.

Brunch, Elevated on the Athenian Riviera

A much-loved fixture of Athens’ Sunday scene, Mercato’s brunches are known for punchy, fresh flavours and Italian flair. The all-new experience available this autumn elevates tradition with even more immersive energy, chef-manned stations, and exclusive ingredients rarely seen in Greece—all to a soundtrack of Italian-inspired DJ sets.

Fun-loving friends and families can savour a buffet-style brunch feast every Sunday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at EUR 85 per person. Highlights include an oyster and Champagne corner, a roaming tortellini cart with Bologna-style pasta, live porchetta and brisket carving, rare Italian cheeses, and a decadent chocolate surprise. Complimentary Kids Club access throughout allows parents to relax into the Riviera rhythm worry-free.

Winter Menus: An Easy Breezy Journey Through Italy

From Napoli to Torino, Mercato’s new winter menus promise a culinary road trip, no passport required. Launching mid-November, each dish is rooted in cucina povera—Italy’s “easy cuisine”—reimagined with rare ingredients and modern flair.

Diners can start in Milan with a Gorgonzola-laced crostata, dip into truffle-rich arancini from Piemonte, and ride south to Sicily for risotto al pistacchio with burrata and lemon. From Napoli’s zitti pasta with tiny meatballs to Puglia’s broccoli-topped orecchiette, every bite tells a regional story, while inspired wine pairing offers further adventure. A refreshed cocktail list and brand-new dessert menu bring more reasons to linger, sip, and savour Mercato’s panoramic sea views.

Meet the Chef: Maggie Tampakaki

Part of the hotel’s new generation of talent, Chef Maggie Tampakaki brings creative flair and vision to Mercato. Trained in Rome and co-founder of Athens’ acclaimed Napule, she rose to national fame on MasterChef Greece and later as a judge on Junior MasterChef. Maggie also partners with UNICEF championing healthy eating for children, an ethos that shines through in her ingredients-led, seasonal approach to Italian cuisine.

“We’re thrilled to bring back Mercato’s brunch experience with more flavour, fun, and energy than ever, making it the perfect excuse for gathering with friends or family,” comments Chef Tampakaki. “It’s that same Italian spirit that has inspired our new winter menus too: authentic, generous, and made to be enjoyed together.”

Located on the fifth floor of Nafsika, Mercato’s year-round charm lies in its light-filled, spacious interiors, lively Spritzeria, and sea-view terrace—offering a romantic yet refined setting from brunch through to dinner.

Mercato welcomes guests and locals alike for its new Sunday brunch experience and winter menus. Call +30 21 0890 1000 or visit the website to book a spot on the Athens Riviera.