Albergo Gelsomino: A journey through contemporary Greek flavors

Nestled right on the seafront in the heart of Chora in Kos, the Albergo Gelsomino Hotel provides a unique dining experience that goes beyond exceptional food.

The atmosphere is nothing short of enchanting, offering a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. The restaurant’s design with light, airy spaces that open up to breathtaking sea views.

It’s the kind of place where every detail, from the soft lighting to the carefully arranged tables, makes me feel at ease, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the experience.

As for the food, the menu at Albergo Gelsomino is a perfect representation of contemporary Greek cuisine.

Guided by consulting chef Gikas Xenakis and head chef Dimos Pitsis, the dishes combine traditional Greek flavors with modern techniques, and each one tells a story.

The restaurant sources its ingredients exclusively from Greece, with an emphasis on the islands, ensuring that the dishes are as fresh and authentic as possible. Every bite is a journey through Greece, evoking nostalgia with clean, intense flavors.

I started my tasting journey with the fresh crab from Katerini, served with fennel purée, cucumber, and cold pumpkin sauce with basil. The sweetness of the crab was beautifully balanced by the delicate fennel purée, while the cucumber added a refreshing crunch.

The cold pumpkin sauce, with its earthy flavor, provided a perfect contrast, and the basil rounded out the dish with its fragrant notes. It was a light yet flavorful start to the meal, immediately showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to fresh, local ingredients.

Next up, I tried the Lavraki, marinated with citrus fruits, accompanied by turnip, hot pepper, and sweet potato chips. The fish was perfectly tender, with the citrus marinade giving it a tangy brightness that complemented its natural sweetness. The turnip added a satisfying crunch, and the hot pepper gave the dish a gentle kick. The sweet potato chips provided a delightful crispy texture, making this dish a refreshing and well-balanced option.

For the third course, I was introduced to scallops, with an apaki crust, corn cream, and sweet pepper sauce. The apaki, a smoked pork from Crete, provided a deep, savory flavor that worked harmoniously with the sweetness of the corn cream. The sweet pepper sauce added a lovely tang, and the apaki crust offered a satisfying texture that elevated the dish to new heights. The balance between the smoky apaki and the creamy corn was simply exquisite.

This beef tartare offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The rich, tender beef is complemented by a velvety mushroom cream, tangy beet pickle, and the unexpected crunch of crispy potato film. Each bite is a delightful contrast of savory, earthy, and refreshing elements, expertly balanced.

Next up, I savored the mackerel, with artichoke cream, shells, and fennel sauce. The mackerel, with its bold flavor, was complemented by the smooth, velvety artichoke cream. The briny shells added depth, and the fennel sauce, with its subtle aniseed notes, brought an unexpected twist. The interplay of land and sea elements created a dish that was both rich and refreshing, a true testament to the Mediterranean’s culinary diversity.

Finally, to conclude my meal, I indulged in the cremeux chocolate, with Greek coffee, rose monte, and vanilla ice cream. The rich chocolate, paired with the bitterness of the Greek coffee, was indulgent without being overwhelming. The rose monte, a delicate whipped cream, added a floral lightness that balanced the richness of the chocolate, while the vanilla ice cream brought a comforting creaminess to the dish. It was a perfect end to a remarkable meal, offering a sweet, satisfying conclusion.

One of the restaurant’s other highlights is its exceptional wine list, featuring over 100 Greek wines. The selection is carefully curated to complement the menu, with options that highlight the diversity of Greek wine regions. From crisp whites from Santorini to bold reds from Crete, the wine list offers something for every palate. The staff is well-versed in the wines and provides excellent recommendations, ensuring that each pairing enhances the flavors of the dishes. The wine list, combined with the impeccable service, makes for a truly elevated dining experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the richness of Greek terroirs.