On March 6, Symposio at Ark welcomes one of the most authentic culinary voices of the Small Cyclades. The award-winning Araklia, the destination restaurant created by Chef Giannis Gavalas, leaves the tiny island of Irakleia to bring the terroir, aromas, and culinary philosophy of the Aegean to Athens.

One Island, One Home, One Vision

Araklia was born from a bold decision: Giannis Gavalas transformed his family home, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Small Cyclades, into a restaurant defined by Cycladic minimalism and deep respect for tradition.

His culinary philosophy is clear and uncompromising: to highlight Cycladic and broader Aegean cuisine through hyper-local ingredients, seasonality, and a personal creative touch. This is not a kitchen that simply reproduces traditional recipes—it reinterprets them with technical precision and a strong sense of place.

The Terroir of the Cyclades on the Plate

Araklia’s cuisine is a concentrated expression of Cycladic terroir. Chef Gavalas is a systematic forager, gathering wild greens and fruits throughout the year, preserving them, and incorporating them thoughtfully into his menus. He even cultivates his own fava beans from katsouni (local yellow split peas).

The restaurant works with products from 17 Cycladic islands, collaborating with 12 dairies and 20 wineries, alongside small-scale producers from Irakleia and neighboring islands. Local goat, fresh fish, PDO products, and time-honored techniques come together to form a cuisine with unmistakable regional identity.

Price per person: €55

A Complete Culinary Experience

The evening will be hosted by Ark’s Executive Chef, Giannis Baxevanis. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and speak with Giannis Gavalas about his philosophy, sourcing practices, and the evolution of Araklia. Live piano and vocals will accompany the dinner, reinforcing the spirit of Symposio as a fully immersive gastronomic gathering.

On March 6, Irakleia is not just a destination—it will be served on the plate.
Reserve your seat and experience the Cyclades in the heart of Glyfada.