Chromata Restaurant

High up in the verdant hills of Mystras, just five minutes from the famed Byzantine citadel, Chromata restaurant welcomes those in search of a nuanced gastronomic experience in Laconia. Its garden offers perhaps the finest view of the Mystras palaces and the valley of Sparta, in a relaxed setting that blends the romance of the past with the unpretentious warmth of contemporary hospitality.

The story of Chromata begins in 1936, when the stone-built house first opened as a tavern and grocery store. In 2008, it was respectfully renovated into a beloved gathering place for both visitors and locals who appreciate high-quality cuisine. Tucked away in a quiet spot in the village of Pikoulianika, far from the tourist trail, a lush garden awaits — discreetly hidden behind foliage and nearly invisible from the road. Tables are laid under a sky that shifts from radiant blue to golden sunset and the purples of twilight.

At the heart of Chromata lies authenticity and a passion for the handmade. The menu explores local recipes with international influences, crafted with carefully sourced ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm and small regional producers — from trout and salmon from the crystal-clear waters of Mount Taygetos, to the house’s own pure virgin olive oil and quail eggs. Dishes made with love, that harmonise timeless flavours and modern techniques, always served with generosity and care.

From farm to fork, and from the first welcome to the last sip of wine, every detail at Chromata is touched by hand. A place uniquely familiar, where travellers of taste discover the colours and flavours of the Laconian land.