Valaora

In an emblematic location of Nafplio, in Banières, under the "Pente Aderfia" bastion (five canons), Valaora is not just an excellent restaurant of high standards, but the top choice of gourmands everywhere, for unforgettable fine dining experiences.
Chef Dimitris Paliouras' restaurant has been a shared secret among connoisseurs of good taste since its inception in 2020, when it was the culinary proposal of Anthemion Suites & Villas as Valaora Resto. In the spring of 2023, the restaurant moved to one of Nafplio's most enchanting locations, delighting gourmets and widening its circle of loyal fans.

Unpretentious harmony
Valaora's austere appearance, in complete harmony with its historical surroundings, fully respects the past of the place while at the same time creating a new, promising condition for the future. 
Its architectural conception, with an emphasis on the dynamics of stone and vaulted details, creates a visual continuity with the Castle and Bourtzi, in an effect that is effortless, natural and harmonious. The slightest detail is specially designed and thought out, without the intention of stealing the impression. After all, what could compete with the primacy of the sea, the ridges and the historical monuments? In line with this philosophy, Valaora's decoration follows simple lines, with the choice of earthy tones and the simplicity of the design creating an environment of understated elegance. The choice of 70s furniture is ingenious, its minimalism evoking subliminal associations, like Polaroids of distant summer memories.

Gastronomic journey to Greek places
Those of us who appreciate good food know that no matter how excellent the location and decoration of a restaurant, it is the cuisine that will always play the leading role. The fact that Valaora has adopted and recommended a different aesthetic, one that touches all the senses, is in line with the vision of the talented Dimitris Paliouras, to place Greek flavors on the pedestal they deserve. And so the restaurant, which takes its name from the chef's home village of Valaora in western Evritania (Greece), honors the gastronomic tradition of authentic Greek cuisine to the highest degree.
The creativity and imagination of the dishes are based on pure raw materials from Evritania and various regions of Greece. Excellent quality raw materials and fresh local products, such as artichokes, zucchini flowers, taramas (fish roe), tsalafouti cheese, manouri cheese, lalangia (curly fried breadsticks-like), egg tarragon, beans, extra virgin olive oil, together with first quality fish and meat, are transformed into dishes of high aesthetics. Detail is the central point on which the chef focuses in order to create his gastronomic harmonies, with each flavor, from starters to main courses and desserts, meticulously considered and impeccably presented.

Every dish, a memory recall
When I ask friends and acquaintances who swear by Valaora's menu, "What is your favorite dish?", the answers I get are many and varied. For me, this means that Dimitris Paliouras has achieved what only a good chef can: to make you discover, through a dish, the flavors that connect you to your purest memories.
The emphasis on quality is evident with a bite of handmade sourdough bread dipped in extra virgin olive oil.
Reading the menu, you will notice the simple, Greek names of the dishes, such as "bostani", "greens", "tomatoes", which make you eager to discover their culinary feast. Traditional flavors intertwine with unexpectedly fitting ingredients, giving an interesting interpretation and deconstruction to dishes, such as the "gogkes" of the Peloponnese or the "plasto" of Evritania. 
If you are a fish lover, you will enjoy fresh fish of the day, shrimp tartare, octopus, squid, mussels or atheeros accompanied by chutneys and gels that highlight the seafood. As a meat eater, you will be more than satisfied by choosing beef tartare, beef ribs, beef sausages, rooster and béarnaise day cuts that will challenge your taste buds.    
Accompany your gastronomic journey with a wine from Valaora's extensive wine list, which focuses on the dynamism of the Greek land, introducing guests to the best varieties of Greek vineyards from the blessed land of Nemea and beyond.
In the evening, when the atmospheric lighting of Valaora and the Castle will respectfully embrace the starry night and the illuminated Bourtzi will look like a summer night's dream, with a signature cocktail in hand you will discuss with your friends all the things you have experienced here; the flavors, the colors, the memories, the sounds... Until the next time you come to Valaora... which is never late, but always awaited with sweet impatience.

Did you know that?
Ask Valaora for their Gift Card; a great way to say thank you or congratulations to a friend, partner or colleague.
Here, every reception, dinner or celebration is transformed into a unique experience, satisfying even the most demanding guest.
If you are planning a private dinner, feel free to discuss the tailor made menu with Valaora's courteous and knowledgeable staff, so that flavours can be created based on your own requirements and needs.
Even if you're not seduced by sweet flavours, don't make the mistake of leaving Valaora without trying its dreamy desserts.
Important: Remember to make a reservation some time before you visit.

Services
Full Menu and Dishes of the Day
Full Wine List
Dessert
Drinks / Cocktails
Wi-Fi

Operating period
April 1 to October 30

Operating hours
Monday - Sunday: 6pm - 1am (kitchen closes at 11pm)
Wednesday: closed
Open for lunch only Saturday and Sunday: 1pm - 4pm
During the 3-Day celebration of the 28th of October 2024 (Greek National Day): 13:00 - 01:00