The Best Brunch on the Athenian Riviera is Back at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Imagine tables abundantly spread, where families and friends gather to laugh and share the week’s stories over lovingly prepared dishes. The grand Pranzo Della Domenica – embodying the heart and soul of an Italian Sunday brunch – makes a welcome return to Mercato at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens from Sunday October 22, 2023, under the masterful touch of Head Chef Sergio Favata, supported by his team Chef Gianmaria Martinez, Chef Manuel Del Campo and Chef Michali Chatzikalimeris – and everyone’s invited.

“This is more than just a meal. It’s a jubilant celebration of Italy, its spirited people, vibrant colours, and rich flavours,” says Sicilian-native Chef Sergio. “It’s my homage to the timeless traditions of Italy, a true testament to Mercato’s deep roots in Italian markets, rejuvenated and enriched with modern twists for contemporary gatherings.”

Available across two Sunday sittings – 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 3:30 to 5:30 pm – from Sunday October, 22, 2023 until April 2024, excluding Bank Holidays, which will see their own unique Sunday Brunch, Mercato’s Pranzo Della Domenica features a vast interactive Italian buffet with chef-manned stations set to uplifting DJ beats.

Witness the spectacle of Chef Sergio’s 100-layer lasagna, artfully carved and caramelised at a live station for that final flourish. Composed of layers of freshly made pasta, rich Bolognese ragu, creamy béchamel sauce and lush mozzarella, this lasagna reaches peak perfection with a sizzling sear in a hot cast iron skillet; it’s then crowned with finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a light drizzle of olive oil.

Savour the finest cold cuts at Chef Gianmaria’s Salumeria, a curated selection sourced from the farthest reaches of Italy from pancetta and finocchiona to salsiccia, soppressata and salami. The centrepiece? A magnificent 60 kilogram giant mortadella – a delicacy hailing from the European Renaissance-era – revered for its distinctive aroma and delicate taste. Paired with Mercato’s signature foccacia, a cherished recipe bequeathed by Chef Sergio’s grandmother, it’s served panini-style just as it would be in the markets of Italy.

This year, the Pranzo Della Domenica brunch spotlight also shines bright on the Crudo Di Pesce Bar. Chef Manuel’s avant-garde interpretation of Italian ceviche, fish carpaccio, and an abundant array of seafood – including fine de claire oysters, clams and zesty marinated mussels – is a marine masterpiece that must be witnessed to be believed.

The final brunchtime showstopper comes in the form of the irresistible Mercato Tiramisu Trolley, featuring Chef Michali’s luxuriously layered tiramisu – served directly from the tray, in a style reminiscent of a true Italian trattoria.

Elsewhere, tuck into Italian cheeses, whole suckling pig porchetta style, Mercato-made pastas, plus moreish Mediterranean meats, fish, poultry and more – all served in bottomless format for the duration of each brunch sitting.

Located on the fifth floor of Nafsika at Four Seasons Astir Palace Athens, Mercato is a sophisticated waterfront trattoria blessed with panoramic Saronic Gulf views. Its contemporary spacious interiors, relaxed atmosphere, and generous Italian heart offer a warm welcome to families and groups of all ages.

Mercato welcomes resort guests and local patrons for its Pranzo Della Domenica Brunch from Sunday October 22, 2023, until April 2024, with two sittings: 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Prices are EUR 80 per person, with a special rate of EUR 40 for children under 12. Call +30 21 0890 1199 to book.

End the week with an Italian flourish, only at Mercato.