Located in the heart of the Athens Riviera, Zuma Athens will bring the contemporary Japanese dining brand to the Greek capital for the first time. Its arrival also offers an early indication of the mix of international names that will call the Riviera Galleria home when the development opens in 2027.
Designed by internationally acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, Riviera Galleria takes its architectural cues from the movement of the Greek sea. Natural light, the surrounding landscape and a close connection to the waterfront sit at the centre of the design.
Conceived as a year-round destination, the development will bring together a mix of international and Greek fashion and dining brands. With construction now moving towards completion, Riviera Galleria is intended to introduce a new retail and hospitality destination to the Athens Riviera.
For Zuma, the Athens opening marks the latest stage in its continued international expansion and further strengthens its presence in Greece. The brand already operates Zuma Mykonos, alongside its sister concept, ROKA, in Mykonos and Santorini. Zuma Athens will become its fourth venue in the country.
The restaurant’s design has been created specifically for its Athens setting and will bring together references to Japanese culture and Greek mythology. At its heart is the idea of Sakamori, the Japanese tradition of gathering over food, drinks and music, combined with the symbolism of Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds and a figure associated with movement, discovery and new journeys.
“Opening Zuma Athens marks another exciting chapter in Zuma’s global journey. As we prepare to celebrate Zuma’s 25th anniversary next year, we are proud to continue expanding the brand into some of the world’s most exceptional destinations,” said Sven Koch, Chief Executive Officer of the Azumi Group.
“Following the success of Zuma Mykonos and ROKA Mykonos and Santorini, Greece has become an increasingly important market for us. Zuma Athens, our fourth venue in the country, represents a natural evolution of our presence here, and we are excited to bring the brand to the heart of the Athens Riviera, the perfect setting to deliver the vibrant atmosphere, energy and guest experience that define Zuma.”
The opening will also form part of Riviera Galleria’s wider dining offer, as the destination prepares to welcome visitors in 2027. “As Riviera Galleria takes shape along the waterfront of The Ellinikon, we are creating a new destination for Athens, set to open in 2027,” said Melina Paizi, Managing Director of LAMDA Malls.
“We are delighted to welcome Zuma Athens, joining a strong mix of leading international and Greek brands that will define the distinctive character of Riviera Galleria: a unique destination where a strong architectural identity, a direct connection to the sea and beautifully curated experiences come together to create a new proposition for Athens.”
With its waterfront setting, Kengo Kuma-designed architecture and growing line-up of international names, Riviera Galleria is beginning to reveal what visitors can expect when it opens. Zuma Athens will be one of the first major dining names to take its place there.