Athens boasts an abundance of beautiful rooftop restaurants with views of the Acropolis, and two popular options are Tudor Hall and GB Roof Garden. Both establishments share the same owner and are located side by side, offering slightly different experiences.

After a day of traveling, we decided to reserve a table at GB Roof Garden, eager for a romantic dinner on our first night in Athens with a view of the Acropolis. However, the experience was less than ideal. The restaurant was bustling with tourists, and the noise from the bar, which shares the same space, resembled a group of teenagers on a Friday evening. Despite being overstaffed, the service lacked structure, adding to the stress of the evening. Unfortunately, we didn’t secure a seat on the terrace, but given the ambiance, it wouldn’t have made much difference. We ordered our main courses and a bottle of wine, but the food arrived before the wine, which followed a few minutes later. Feeling somewhat confused and rushed, we finished our meal quickly and headed down to the winter garden on the first floor.

The winter garden was a welcome escape – tranquil with excellent service. A couple of nights later, we dined at King George’s Tudor Hall, opting for the tasting menu. The service and ambiance at Tudor Hall surpassed that of GB Roof Garden. While the restaurant’s high ambitions were evident, the taste of the dishes didn’t quite meet our expectations. Nonetheless, it was a commendable effort, but there’s still room for improvement.

If you’re looking for a dinner with a fantastic view over the Acropolis, Tudor Hall is a solid choice. For those considering GB Roof Garden, it might be best to visit the bar, soak in the lively atmosphere, snap a picture of the Acropolis, and dine elsewhere.