Greece's Anarchist Restaurant Where Every Employee Is On The Same Salary

Exarcheia has long been Athens’ symbol of anti-establishment. It was here that students of the Polytechnic University started an uprising in 1973 against the military dictatorship and where weeks of riots took place in 2008, after the death of a teenager at the hands of the Police. But Exarcheia is also where the idea of a cooperative-led restaurant was born. Discover the story of Theio Tragi, a hip restaurant in this emerging district in central Athens, where all employees are paid exactly the same salary.

Located in the residential neighborhood of Petralona, known for its plethora of delicious tavernas and eateries, Theio Tragi (named after a novel by Greek writer Giannis Skarimpas), appeared on the food scene of the Greek capital in 2013. The punk bistro features a sleek interior decorated with strong attention to detail, and a menu of creative dishes, which contrasts with the traditional fare found in many of the neighboring establishments. But what makes Theio Tragi stand out, is not that obvious. The gourmet-style eatery is run by a 10-member cooperative where all employees, from the bartenders to the chefs and waiters, share an identical salary. As Marko Marmatakis, one of the three chefs of the restaurant, explains it, everyone’s contribution, whether it is cooking, washing the dishes or waitressing, is important. “Everyone is just as valuable as the next person, so we are all paid exactly the same,” he said in an interview with the Independent. Furthermore, roles at Theio Tragi are interchangeable. One member tends the bar one night and brings the food to your table the next.

One of the summer menu item at Theio Tragi

The founders of the restaurant met years ago in Exarcheia and bonded over common interests (including punk music) and values, so it was only natural that they would start a business that defies all odds, from reinventing traditional dishes and showcasing unique and innovative work ethics. The cooperative members all put money towards the project and found a place in Athens. And thanks to low rent and its convenient location, they found themselves in Petralona, a neighborhood known for its relaxed and low-key vibes, and virtually unknown to foreigners. As such, the clientele ranges from hipsters, local residents of all ages, to tourists and has been growing in popularity since its opening. So much so that the restaurant has an outpost on the island of Tinos for the summer.

But besides its equal pay, Theio Tragi shines thanks to its delicious menu. It’s no place for the traditional Greek salad here, but instead you can savor modern European cuisine with surprising dishes such as the beef terrine risotto with cocoa paste, banana and sage, or the pumpkin and quince soup. The cocktails are delectable and wine features grapes from Greece and abroad. Working as a cooperative allows the team to innovate and get creative. Theio Tragi is an excellent example of how the anti-establishment and anarchist generation is coping with the harsh economical crisis the nation is facing through creativity and resourcefulness.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.