Zelia is thrilled to have the highly acclaimed Chef, Vassili Papatheodorou, as Culinary Director-responsible for Zelia’s entire gastronomic experience - whose wealth of international expertise has redefined and elevated the resort’s culinary footprint. Guests can look forward to signature dishes inspired by his extensive global experience, alongside refreshed menus that harmoniously blend tradition with contemporary flair.
Chef Vassili, an honors graduate of ‘Le Cordon Bleu’ Culinary Arts program, earned the “Best New Chef” award in 2012, while serving as the Executive Chef of Matsuhisa - Athens, and went on received accolades for his craft in some of the world’s most renowned kitchens, including distinguished tenures as Executive Chef of Nobu in St. Moritz, Paris, and Moscow, as well as the Mandarin Oriental in Munich. Upon returning to Greece, he created ‘Shizen Rituals’, a ‘Nikkei’ restaurant renowned for its innovative fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, and artistic presentations of its dishes. Zelia’s guests have the privilege of enjoying the Shizen experience at the resort’s resident “Shizen” restaurant.
