THESSALONIKI 2025

CHAROUPI
TRADITIONAL GREEK CUISINE

Doxis 4, Ladadika
+30 2310 526262
www.xaroupi.gr
€25-50 per person
Open all year round

At Charoupi, one of the few traditional local cuisine restaurants in the region, chef Manolis Papoutsakis skilfully honours Cretan traditions with knowledge and respect. His contributions significantly rejuvenate the culinary heritage of his homeland. The refined dishes preserve the deep flavours of the high-quality ingredients for which Crete is renowned. The ever-evolving wine list features selections exclusively from Cretan vineyards.

CLOCHARD
MODERN BISTRO

Komninon 10 & Mitropoleos 23, Thessaloniki Center
+30 2310 239805
www.clochard.gr
€75-100 per person
Open all year round

Outdoor seating available.

A landmark in Thessaloniki’s culinary scene for over forty years, Clochard, now located on the ground floor of the Excelsior Hotel, successfully bridges the urban cuisine of the past with contemporary dishes that stand out for their rich flavors and well-balanced influences from French cuisine. The exemplary service and impressive wine list significantly elevate the dining experience.

DEKA TRAPEZIA
CONTEMPORARY GREEK CUISINE

Str. Kallari 4, Thessaloniki Center
+30 2310 251010
www.dekatrapezia.gr
Open all year round

Outdoor seating available.

While references to "free-style meze" on the menu may suggest a simple and casual dining experience, the culinary techniques required to prepare the imaginative dishes crafted by Manolis Papoutsakis and head chef Paschalina Kamtsiki elevate the level of dining well beyond that of a traditional mezedopoleio. The outstanding wine and spirits list further underscores the restaurant`s refined and creative culinary approach.

DIAGONIOS
MEAT RESTAURANT

Pl. Fanarioton 2, Thessaloniki Center
+30 2310 260958
€25-50 per person

Outdoor seating available.

The history of Diagonios dates back to 1977. As the owners themselves state, the restaurant has consistently focused on excellent quality, prompt service, a friendly atmosphere, and the culinary satisfaction of its patrons. It is widely known for its handmade soutzoukakia, gyro, and fresh salads, all made using pure ingredients sourced in-house. We wholeheartedly endorse this historic and truly original establishment, which has retained its character despite a change in ownership.

KITS KAI S’EFAGA
TRADITIONAL GREEK CUISINE

Olympos 89
+30 2315519191 & +30 6988241725
€30-45 per person
Open all year round

Outdoor seating available.

The balanced and deeply flavourful cuisine of Lena Todoulou-Fega and Maria Fallia draws inspiration from local tradition, focusing on a variety of thoughtfully selected ingredients from Macedonia, as well as their regions of origin. The eclectic, kitschy decor chosen for the interior of their small restaurant— which also reflects the first part of its name—oddly contrasts with their modern and refined culinary style, through which they express Greek identity in their dishes. The wine list, curated by Chloi Chatzivariotis, is equally well considered.

LOCAL
MODERN BISTRO

Paleon Patron Germanou 17, Thessaloniki Center
+30 2310 223307
www.localthessaloniki.gr
€30-50 per person
Open all year round

Outdoor seating available.

A landmark of Thessaloniki`s social scene for over 25 years, Local is an all-day café-bar restaurant that pays meticulous attention to every detail. The opening of the new space, Local Tapas, along with the takeover of the kitchen by his son, Giannis Evangelopoulos, marks a renewed focus on culinary excellence that has earned the restaurant its star. The highlights include thoughtfully curated dishes, skilled technique, and the delicious flavours of classic options like the outstanding smash burger and the impeccable Iberico schnitzel.

MANITARI
MODERN BISTRO

Th. Sofouli 57, Nea Krini, Kalamaria
+30 2310 415289
www.to-manitari.gr
€30-60 per person
Open all year round

Outdoor seating available.

At Manitari, talented consultant chef Dimitris Pamboris presents a creative yet comforting urban cuisine, expertly executed by head chef Thodoris Kaloidis with skill and finesse. The restaurant’s loyal clientele is largely due to the careful attention given by owner and restaurateur Giannis Ziagas to the quality of the ingredients, the well-curated wine list, and the warm, attentive hospitality. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming renovation.

MAVRI THALASSA
FISH RESTAURANT

Nik. Plastera 3 & Chilis, Kalamaria
+30 2310 932542
www.mavri-thalassa.gr
€75-100 per person
Open all year round

With nearly a hundred years of history, Mavri Thalassa has established itself as a prominent restaurant in Thessaloniki, gaining greater recognition under the leadership of Alexandros Tokidis and his wife, Sonia Margaritou, who have propelled it to its current esteemed status. Their access to exceptional quality ingredients is remarkable, and the meticulous way they handle these ingredients in the kitchen beautifully showcases the unembellished flavours of the sea, offering a range of outstanding raw dishes as well as expertly grilled seafood options.

MEZEN SALONICA
GASTROTAVERN

Roggoti 3, Thessaloniki
+30 231 0232749
www.mezen.gr
€25-50 per person
Open all year round

Outdoor seating available.

The second location, following the one in Volos, of the high-end tsipouradiko by Grigoris Helmis and Andreas Diakodimitris has charted a new course for meze culture in Thessaloniki, which is why it has become so beloved by the local community. The menu, curated daily by chef Nikos Angelis, is rooted in the exceptional quality of ingredients and remains aligned with the relaxed and inviting nature of Volos-style tsipouradika. It features dishes rich in flavor, where bold contrasts and clever twists affirm the restaurant`s distinctive character.

OLYMPOS NAOUSSA
CONTEMPORARY GREEK CUISINE

ON Residence, Leoforos Nikis 5, Thessaloniki Center
+30 2310 275715
olymposnaoussa.gr
€65-90 per person
Open all year round

Outdoor seating available

The legendary restaurant Olympos Naoussa has been remarkably revived by the Tornivoukas family (Excelsior, City Hotel, Eagles Palace) in collaboration with Grivalia. Chef Dimitris Tasioulas is passionately dedicated to the challenging endeavour of bringing this historic establishment into the modern era. Although the early years were marked by some missteps and a fixation on moderniSing the traditional urban cuisine of the restaurant’s past, it has since found its footing, creating a distinct identity that honours the history of the space and the region. The cuisine showcases technical skill, strong innovative ideas, and a level of sophistication that has allowed it to overcome its early challenges, instilling anticipation for even greater evolution in the future.

PALIA ATHENA
MEAT RESTAURANT

Imvrou 24
+30 2310 912292
€25-50 per person
Open all year round

Palia Athina offers a cozy taverna atmosphere, complete with neatly set tables, heaters, numerous posters, and shelves lined with opened bottles that one might not expect to find in a Greek restaurant, let alone a small taverna in Thessaloniki. The selection ranges from Tignanello and Château Cheval Blanc to a variety of Amarone and outstanding Burgundies. With over forty years of history in the city, Palia Athina has been shaped by Manolis Georgakakis since 1985, who has gradually crafted its legendary status by infusing his soul and passion into the establishment. The restaurant is known for its delicious soutzoukakia and expertly prepared kokoretsi, but the true highlight at Palia Athina is its extensive selection of exceptional beef cuts, cooked to perfection. In a word? Experience.

SALONICA
CONTEMPORARY GREEK CUISINE

Makedonia Palace Hotel, Leof. Meg. Alexandrou 2
+30 2310 897197
salonikarestaurant.com
€50-75 per person

Outdoor seating available; parking or valet service provided.

Sotiris Evangelou continues to be the hallmark of culinary excellence at Salonica in the Makedonia Palace Hotel, where the menu overflows with Greek authenticity and deep flavours that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Together with his right-hand man in the kitchen, Dimitris Tziovaras, he presents Greek cuisine with a blend of traditional and modern interpretations, transforming Salonica into an iconic dining destination in Thessaloniki. The new menu showcases even greater intrigue compared to previous offerings.

SINTROFI
GASTROTAVERN

Doxis 7, Ladadika
+30 2310 540260
€25-50 per person
Open all year round

Outdoor seating available

Offering a high level of bistronomy, Sintrofi is one of the most dynamic and esteemed restaurants in Thessaloniki, proudly bearing the signature of chef Giannis Loukakis. Always present at +TROFI, co-owner Alexandros Barbounakis embodies the spirit of this vibrant concept, which highlights Greek products, often through unexpected combinations.

TRIZONI EXCLUSIVE
FISH RESTAURANT

Doxis 1 & Salaminos 12, Thessaloniki Center
+30 2310 542533
www.trizoniexclusive.com
€75-100 per person

Outdoor seating available.

Asterios Sousouras, drawing from his extensive experience at the family-run Trizoni fish taverna in Halkidiki, has established a refined nose-to-tail seafood restaurant in Thessaloniki bearing the same name. Through his exclusive collaboration with a network of fishermen, he ensures a daily supply of the freshest catch, achieving the ultimate hook-to-fork experience—delivering fish from the sea to the plate as quickly as possible. As a result, his kitchen reaches the pinnacle of culinary excellence. At the fish display, you’ll find extraordinary treasures that are likely unlike anything you’ve encountered before.

TRIGITIS
GASTROTAVERN

17is Noemvriou, Konstantinopolitika - Pilaia
+30 2317 700903
€20-30 per person
Open all year round

Outdoor seating available.

Located in the relatively new neighborhood of Konstantinopolitika in Pylaia, chef Giorgos Katakalidis`s understated yet tastefully designed gastrotavern, Tryghtis, opened its doors in April 2023. The restaurant focuses on sourcing high-quality, seasonal ingredients, outstanding cheeses from local dairies, and emphasises on cooking crafted with passion and professional expertise. This dedication makes the gastrotavern a standout in a city that essentially "gave birth" to this category of dining. Expect deeply flavourful dishes with well-balanced touches of measured creativity.

PSI BY MEZEN
FISH RESTAURANT

Skra 8 & Agapis
+30 2310 268763
psibymezen.gr
Open all year round

Although the terms "fish butchery" and "delicatessen"—which describe the new venture of chef Grigoris Helmis and his team at Mezen-Salonica—may still be unfamiliar, the sparklingly clean environment of PSI offers a delicious, distinctive, and "holistic" seafood cuisine that perfectly embodies the nose-to-tail philosophy embraced by the chef.

In addition to serving fresh and dry-aged fish sourced from the fish market in Michaniona, the menu features a variety of fish charcuterie items, including sausages, salami, pastrami, bacon, and apaki. These can be paired with a carefully selected range of wines or spirits, further enhancing the dining experience.

The arrow pointing up next to the awarded stars marks those restaurants that are moving towards the upper end of their rating and we think are more likely to move up to the next rating level in a subsequent review