Tomoe is a new Japanese restaurant in the neighborhood of Kifissia, Athens. Its name is inspired from the Japanese symbol signifying the balance of cosmic energy, and the space follows suit.
The minimalistic decor includes shades of grey, an impressive aquarium and columns with running water. These help express the meaning behind tomoe and Japanese philosophy, which centers on the cyclic flow of energy and the motion of water.
Interior of Tomoe restaurant — Photo courtesy of Tomoe
In the interior space, you can enjoy your meal at a table with a comfortable sofa or at the sushi bar. Or you can have a drink with a variety of sushi at the large, modern bar made of boat ropes.
The cool garden with tables and high wooden benches is ideal for large groups in the warmer season or sunny days in winter.
The menu by Chef Chronis Damalas includes a variety of cold and warm appetizers, soups, rice and noodles, salads with interesting combinations of ingredients, teppanyaki dishes, mainly meat and fish, sushi and sashimi varieties and original specialty spring rolls.
Damalas suggests starting a meal with traditional Japanese selections such as hijiki – tasty black seaweed cooked with tofu and sesame – or nasu miso, which is grilled eggplant with miso sauce.
Try the green nori salad with mixed seaweed and yuzu sauce and continue with yakisoba noodles with shrimps, chicken or vegetables and yakimeshi fried rice with onions and fresh ginger.
Whatever you choose will certainly be satisfying and whet your appetite for the main dishes. Definitely try the steamed fish with black bean sauce and ginger, the crisp fish bites with sake and soya or the delicious salmon fillet with teriyaki sauce and vegetables.
If you prefer a personal menu and want to try a combination of tastes, opt for one of the "Bento Boxes" available.
The sushi at Tomoe plays a central role not only on the menu but also in the space, as the sushi bar is situated on an elevated point with a large glass case, in which the fish are visible. Nigiri, gunkan, sashimi, uramaki, temaki, hosomaki, specialty rolls and sushi varieties of different sizes satisfy all the tastes of sushi-lovers.
After your meal, definitely try the Monte Blanc dessert, made with chestnuts, Japanese whiskey, caramelized apples and almond biscuits. Or go for the special crème brûlée with green tea taste. If you prefer something lighter, choose from the variety of ice creams and sherbets.
Continue your evening at the bar, where drinks combining harmoniously with Japanese cuisine are served. They're made with fresh, seasonal ingredients like ginger, chili, lime, basil and white tea, fashioned into recipes made exclusively for Tomoe.
Try the special edition of Bloody Mary with organic tomato juice and vodka or sake. Or try the Tomoe White Tea Hibiscus with vodka, grapefruit and white tea.
