He has received numerous awards from Greek institutions and in 2002, Varoulko became the first Greek restaurant with a Michelin star. Lazarou has a unique ability to compose beloved flavours that have since been imitated and spread throughout Greece. “Varoulko” and Lazarou are the foremost representatives of Greek cuisine to prominent international personalities visiting the country, including Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. Lefteris Lazarou is a dynamic ambassador of Greek flavours worldwide, travelling from Japan and Argentina to America and almost all European capitals. He has also taught Greek cuisine at the renowned Culinary Institute of America (CIA).