Spiti Sou, a journey to Greece in the heart of Paris
On the Quai des Grands-Augustins, Spiti Sou invites you on a culinary journey to Greece. This chic yet friendly bar-restaurant immerses you in Hellenic gastronomy, where authentic flavors and modern recipes rub shoulders. You can almost hear the bouzouki melodies. The editorial team loved it.
As you enter 53 quai des Grands-Augustins, you’re instantly transported to the atmosphere of the Greek islands, thanks to colors worthy of the Aegean Sea. The navy blue banquettes contrast with the white marble tables and light woodwork, like a Santorini village. The setting is refined and welcoming, and every guest feels “at home”. And it’s no coincidence: the restaurant’s name, Spiti Sou, comes from the Greek saying “Spiti mou, spiti sou”, meaning “At home with me is at home with you”, explains Alexandre Seillière, owner of the place with his wife Melina Kontos (herself Greek).
“The more unpronounceable, the better”.
Over a cocktail twisted with ouzo (a typical Greek aniseed-flavored spirit), we took our order. On the à la carte menu, some fifteen “mezze” dishes caught our eye. ” Here, everything is shared!” announces Alexandre. We immediately choose the tarama with bottarga, which is superbly smooth, and the tzatziki with garlic confit. We taste the Saganaki, a fried Kasseri cheese served with lemon squeezed over the hot frying and a surprising sesame lemon jelly that pimp’ the whole thing. The surprise? The kolokythokeftedes (we ask you to spell it), melt-in-your-mouth zucchini fritters.
At the helm of this sunny kitchen, young Franco-Greek chef Paul Evangelopoulos reinvents Greek classics with a Parisian twist. Having worked under the famous Jean-François Piège at Le Clover and La Poule au Pot, Paul creates an inventive menu designed for sharing. Dishes are designed for two.
Spiti Sou does not neglect desserts, offering sweets inspired by Greece but revisited to please Parisian palates. These include Portokalopita, a moist orange and phyllo cake.
Greece in the glass
On the beverage side, Spiti Sou honors Greek wines thanks to Florence Tilkens Zotiades, expert sommelier and founder of Vins d’Hellène. Passionate about ancient and organic wines, Florence has selected some twenty wines from various wine-growing regions of Greece, with an emphasis on biodynamic viticulture. This carefully-curated selection allows customers to discover Greek grape varieties little known in France, and perfectly complements the culinary experience. Let us advise you with your eyes closed.
An address steeped in history
The Quai des Grands-Augustins address hosted several establishments before becoming home to Spiti Sou. It was first home to Guy Savoy‘s Bouquinistes, before becoming a Japanese restaurant and then an ephemeral table. Today, Spiti Sou is revitalizing the space with its own identity, appealing to Parisians in search of authenticity. The kitchen, on the other hand, has remained unchanged since the days of chef Guy Savoy, so well was it designed.
Spiti Sou cultivates the art of entertaining. The team, smiling and welcoming, enthusiastically advises customers, contributing to the convivial atmosphere. Generosity is at the heart of the experience.
Spiti Sou is an address we love to discover and, above all, share. Ideal for an evening with friends.
Also read: DERRIÈRE, the gourmet brunch in a good mood
