Avli speaks to the resilient culture of the Greek capital, Athens, a sophisticated city with a soulful spirit, rich in arts and culture.

Where Flamingo Room is an ode to South African culture, Avli by tashas takes its cue from ATHENS, the seat of the world’s most famous poets, philosophers and artists and the root of Natasha’s heritage.

In the research stages, our design and food teams embarked on field trips with Natasha to Athens, to capture some of the ENERGY that vibrates from every chiselled piece of marble. The result is a refined space that honours Greek food, history and craft, telegraphing Natasha’s own passion for the country, its Cycladic art and the simplicity of its lifestyle.

Avli speaks to the resilient culture of the Greek capital: a sophisticated city with a soulful spirit, rich in arts and culture. It is a celebration of the simple beauty and materiality of GREECE. In tune with the group’s devotion to authenticity, the interior forgoes overworked Grecian stereotypes, focusing instead on a contemporary interpretation of the effortless beauty of Athens.

Deep-set, mild steel arched doorways and cobblestone terrazzo floors bring a very real sense of the city indoors, without being overt.

The food, showcasing Natasha’s GREEK HERITAGE and roots, includes fabulous meze, salads, vegan delicacies, seafood and slow-cooked meats exuding the simplicity of authentic Mediterranean flavours. The menu is reflective of Natasha’s own memories of shared meals with dishes prepared in the same way that her family has always done.

“It has entailed moments of working with Greek mothers, food tours to ATHENS and dusting off old recipes to create favourites here, without over-complicating what goes onto the plate,” explains Executive Chef, Jill Lee Okkers.

Each dish at Avli by tashas is created with heart and authenticity, backed by the sourcing of many ingredients directly from Greece. Highlights include Prawn Saganaki, Pastitso, Zucchini Carpaccio, Village Sea Bass and Bougatsa Roubina – all executed with our signature originality in an ode to the art of gathering and celebrating life.

In 2019, Avli by tashas also received the HARPER’S BAZAAR Interiors Middle East Best Regional Interior Design award.

The second Avli by tashas will be opening in Bahrain in 2024.