Tradition is most of the times a must in such remote destinations as Amorgos, but modernism and upscale dining is also a nice-to-have on certain occasions. And at the elegantly pastel-colored Apospero they do this really well. A relatively new addition to Chora’s offering that is here to stay.
On our first night on the island during a recent visit, we ventured out to Chora right before sunset in search of a good dining spot. Having traveled to Amorgos before, expectations were not really high as food is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this destination. Beyond belief, we stumble upon the turquoise-colored setting of Apospero on the steps towards the northern square and immediately take note of the stark contrast in class between anything else in Chora and this place. The tables are almost balancing gracefully left and right up the rocky ascending steps, some colorful dishes appear on tables around, most of which are either occupied or reserved, and we luckily find ourselves a spot right before 9:30pm.
Apospero offers a tight menu of a highly creative menu with some traditional choices like Amorgiani salad (the island’s version of the Greek salad) – but above all seafood and fish is the main highlight. Daily specials make it to the menu (we tried a refreshing gazpacho soup!) but you should be able to find their deliciously crunchy broken potatoes, the delicately fried zucchini sticks and their top-notch seabass ceviche -a great find on the island’s very traditional character. The grilled swordfish with cous-cous was also good, as well as the charred shrimps and the yoghurt mousse with local pasteli dessert (aka xerotigano) was a smooth send-off. Service may be a bit off during busy times but overall very solid.
What Giorgos and the team have achieved in just a few years is remarkable. Whenever we are in Amorgos we always come back to this place, to see friends make new ones and enjoy life. Giorgos, along with his brother who is manning the kitchen, has spent his childhood years with their parents in Amorgos and just before turning 30 opted for venturing out on his own in this beautiful island by launching Apospero and Mayasi, the café wine bar nextdoor.
