Greece means good food, sun and the sea. In this section, though, we are going to talk only about the first one, the one that Elena loves! It may be true that the Greek cuisine is directly connected to the Mediterranean; however it contains flavor characteristics from the East. So, in it you will find local meats (pork, beef, chicken, goat, lamb and buffalo), soups (lentil, chickpea, bean etc.), organic vegetables, as well as all kinds of fish, thanks to Greece’s endless seas. The dishes, based on products from the fertile Greek land, manage to captivate even the most demanding of palates (always with the help of spices).

And now we come to Thessaloniki, a city that reflects its intense eroticism, even in food. The city provides quite the choices, covering every visitor’s (or non-visitor’s) preference and budget. Among them, you will find restaurants, taverns and traditional “tsipouradika”, which serve meat, tasty appetizers, salads, as well as a lot of vegetarian dishes. Of course, fish could not be missing from the menu, with classic and gourmet fish-taverns competing with each other. Finally, for those that prefer something to go, the city seems ideal, as gyros restaurants/sandwich shops offer a variety of inexpensive choices and they are everywhere. An average price for you to dine at a restaurant/tavern is 15-20€ per person without wine and 25-30€ with wine. For a fast-food meal, on the other hand, you will pay 3-4€ per person with the soft drink! It is worth mentioning that tipping is a gesture that is greatly appreciated by the waiting/service staff. Do not leave without trying the prominent bougatsa of Thessaloniki, the famous koulouri, Smyrneika soutzoukakia, fine appetizers (at tsipouradika) and the hard-to-find Panorama Trigona (Triangles)! Enjoy..

The sun, tzatziki and souvlaki create the triptych of enjoyment in Greece and at the 22 Souvlakia restaurant they know this very well, as they offer the full package! The sun comes through the bright personality of the owner, who is the soul of the restaurant, while you find tzatziki and souvlaki in every bite of their amazing sandwiches. As you can imagine, it is the best souvlaki in town, at the Aristotelous Square, next to the seafront. The restaurant also offers a terrific beef burger, soutzoukakia and other delicacies, which you can enjoy, either in its interior or exterior space. Highly Recommended (H)

We recommend you to try: The heavenly Burger (you are going to eat souvlaki anyway)!

Our order: Everything!!

Total score: 9.4
Product quantity: 9
Product quality: 10
Taste: 10
Cost: 9
Environment: 9
Service: 10
Product appearance: 9

If you would like to enjoy Thessaloniki’s most delicious soutzoukakia, then old-fashioned Taverna Kronos is the ideal place. It is located far from the city center, on one of the most beautiful streets in the city, Queen Olga’s. In a place that reminds more of an old coffeehouse, locals and visitors gather daily to enjoy the original, traditional flavors. And, of course, what is never missing from the table are the juicy soutzoukakia, which have been served with the same recipe for more than half a century! The friendly service and wide variety are two more reasons for which it’s worth a visit. Do not forget to make reservations, especially on Fridays and weekends. Highly Recommended (H)

We recommend you to try: the unparalleled soutzoukakia

Our order: 1 Soutzoukakia, 1 Sucker lamb chops, 1 serving of Fries, 1 Tzatziki & 1/2kg of Red wine. Total cost: 29€

Total score: 8.8
Product quantity: 9.5
Product quality: 8.5
Taste: 9
Cost: 9
Environment: 8
Service: 9.5
Product appearance: 8

The restaurant’s name might not be in sync with its environment and decoration, but it nonetheless makes for an interesting culinary…nest! It is housed in a semi-basement and offers a wide variety of flavors, from fresh and high quality products. Nea Folia’s characteristic trait is the variable menu (depending on time periods), but also the delicious dishes that are cooked and served in a unique way. Prices are absolutely in line with the quality and quantity of the dishes, while service is not one of its strongest weapons. Recommended (R)

• Important Note: Closed July-August

 
We recommend you to try: the Noodle dishes

Our order: 1 serving of Noodles with smoked pork, 1 Rooster with noodles, 1 spicy soutzouki, 1 Ladotyri Mytilinis & 1/2kg of wine. Total cost: 37€

Total score: 8.5
Product quantity: 10
Product quality: 9
Taste: 9
Cost: 8.5
Environment: 8
Service: 6.5
Product appearance: 8.5

Halaro is, probably, the finest restaurant in the city. Its menu provides the chance for endless combinations that satisfy every taste, even the vegetarians. The dishes surpass any expectations with their taste, as well as with their quality, while service is average. Do not get carried away and order lots of things, because portions are pretty big and they will go to waste. And do not worry about prices; they are totally reasonable for the quantity and quality of the dishes. Anyone who wishes to have a high quality meal should not pass it by. Reservations are necessary on weekends and holidays. Highly Recommended (H)

We recommend you to try: The hearty Schnitzel a la crème

Our order: 1 Schnitzel a la crème, 1 Pork tenderloin with tagliatelle, 1 Beirut filo pastry, 1 serving of fresh potatoes & 1 bottle of wine. Total cost: 50€

Total score: 8.9
Product quantity: 10
Product quality: 9.5
Taste: 9.5
Cost: 8.5
Environment: 8.5
Service: 7
Product appearance: 9.5

Agioli is an elegant restaurant that is divided in two floors and has a direct view of the sea. On the ground floor (tavern-pub) you will find local flavors of the Greek cuisine, while at the first floor (restaurant) you will meet more sophisticated flavors! The menu does not include a wide variety, but its dishes of choice are well cooked, well-presented and cover most gastronomic appetites. The staff is pleasant and attentive, while prices are at high levels. Good Choice (G)

We recommend you to try: Τhe Beef cheeks

Our order: 1 Stuffed Burger, 1 serving of Pork Chops, 1 serving of Beef Cheeks, 1 Horiatiki (Village) Salad & 1 bottle of wine. Total cost: 63€

Total score: 7.9
Product quantity: 8
Product quality: 8
Taste: 7.5
Cost: 6.5
Environment: 8.5
Service: 8
Product appearance: 8.5
 

Street – Fast Food

Mpazagiazi is located in the new market, next to the famous Aristotelous Square. Its food, as well as the traditional atmosphere of old Thessaloniki, will leave you completely full with flavors and images. The restaurant is well-known for its fish, but with its hand-made recipes from Istanbul it manages to satisfy the fans of meat, as well as the vegetarians. The wide variety combined with the exquisite raw materials make the experience unique, while prices and friendly service complete it. Highly Recommended (H)

We recommend you to try: the amazing, thick fish soup

Our order: 1 Fish soup, 1 Seafood Risotto, 1 serving of Anchovies, 1 Fava, 1 serving of Butter Beans, 1 White Taramas, 1 Spicy Pepper, 1 serving of Fried Zucchinis & 1 Bottle of tsipouro. Total cost: 50€

Total score: 9
Product quantity: 9.5
Product quality: 9.5
Taste: 9
Cost: 9
Environment: 8.5
Service: 9.5
Product appearance: 8

“Brothers in law” has the best burger in the city and one of the most delicious that we have ever tried! It is located in the city center and housed in an impressive and well-kept space. The 25 burger options cover all tastes with their simple, as well as the most intricate flavors. The restaurant puts a lot of focus on the customer, doing whatever they can so the customers leave satisfied, both in terms of food and service provided. Even though prices are quite steep, it is worth tasting the city’s most luscious burger, accompanied by some freshly-cut French fries. Recommended (R)

We recommend you to try: The filling 360gr(!) Hero Burger

Our order: 1 Premium Burger Cazanova 180gr, 1 Hero Burger 90gr, 1 Blue Cheese Burger 90gr & 2 servings of fries. Total cost: 18€

Total score: 8.4
Product quantity: 8
Product quality: 8.5
Taste: 9
Cost: 7.5
Environment: 8.5
Service: 9.5
Product appearance: 8

You are in Thessaloniki and you are not going to have some gyros? Gyros (along with souvlaki) is the most popular fast food in the city and you just have to try it. It may be considered as one of the unhealthiest of junk food, but we recommend you the best restaurant in terms of quality, where you can enjoy it! The taste, variety and good prices remain the chain stores’ strongest weapons, while a Devido pita combined with anything is capable of filling even the most demanding of stomachs. Finally, service in all three stores is very good and the spaces are clean and well-kept. Highly Recommended (H)

We recommend you to try: The delicious chicken nuggets

Our order: 1 Devido pita with chicken nuggets, 1 Devido pita with pork gyros, 1 serving of Cheese nuggets & 1 bottle of water. Total cost: 13€

Total score: 8.8
Product quantity: 9.5
Product quality: 8.5
Taste: 9
Cost: 8.5
Environment: 8.5
Service: 9
Product appearance: 7.5

The last slice pizzeria is located in the city center and it is a solution for a quick snack. The store’s pizza is enough to cover your hunger, at a relatively low cost, but, unfortunately, taste and quality do not steal the show. Also, service and environment are in line with the store’s mediocre level. Meh (M)

We recommend you to try: The spicy salami pizza

Our order: 1 Slice with spicy salami, 1 Slice with chicken/cream, 1 Slice with potato/cheeses & 1 bottle of water. Total cost: 9€

Total score: 7.2
Product quantity: 7.5
Product quality: 7
Taste: 6.5
Cost: 7.5
Environment: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Product appearance: 7
 

Breakfast

Outside the city center and the commercial clichés you have the chance to taste the original bougatsa of Thessaloniki. Mpantis’ store offers, for a few decades now, the city’s most delicious bougatsa. The business’ newest owner is polite and gives everything to please the customers, who daily show their preference for the traditional morning delicacies. Portions are ideal and prices are extremely reasonable. It would be best not to go too late, as products sell very fast! Highly Recommended (H)

We recommend you to try: The dreamy bougatsa with cream!

Our order: 1 Bougatsa with ground meat, 1 Bougatsa with cream & 1 Horiatiki with feta. Total cost: only 4,5€

Total score: 9.2
Product quantity: 9
Product quality: 9
Taste: 10
Cost: 9.5
Environment: 8
Service: 9.5
Product appearance: 9

The small corner coffee shop Estrella became known from the sweet discovery that listens to the name…Bougatsan*! It is located next to the Church of Hagia Sophia and offers a wide variety of omelets, pancakes, burgers and other delicacies. Inside the charming, youthful space, aside from having a high quality breakfast and brunch, you may also form friendships, as many tables are close to one another! The staff is nice, while prices are reasonable for the quantities that they offer. Finally, you should bear in mind that in order to find a table on Sundays, you should be there before 10am! Recommended (R)

*Combination of French croissant and Thessalonikian bougatsa!

We recommend you to try: The delicious, filling omelets!!

Our order: 1 Omelet with potato-bacon-graviera cheese, 1 Dish of pancakes with cheesecake cream and red fruits, 1 Bougatsan with red fruits & 2 Double cappuccinos. Total cost: 24€

Total score: 8.4
Product quantity: 9
Product quality: 8.5
Taste: 8
Cost: 8
Environment: 8
Service: 8
Product appearance: 9

Thessaloniki’s hidden garden is located in the city center and offers lots of choices so you can create your own, full breakfast. Among the many options you can find fresh croissants, toasts, omelets, fruit mixes and many more. The Combo breakfast includes three different dishes and one beverage of your choice, capable of keeping you full for many hours. The restaurant is part of the Colors hotel, but it has a separate entrance. Recommended (R)

We recommend you to try: The energizer mix with Banana-Yoghurt-Honey-Cocoa!

Our order: 2 Full breakfasts. Total cost: 20€ (Only 10€ each)

Total score: 8.5
Product quantity: 9.5
Product quality: 8.5
Taste: 8
Cost: 8.5
Environment: 9
Service: 8.5
Product appearance: 7.5

The Estia Bakeries could not be missing from our morning snacking routines! The 16 shops offer freshly-baked morning delicacies, which will help you start your day perfectly. The products’ quality and taste are very high, while the vast variety will harden your task of selecting. The stores’ prices are a bit higher than the city’s average, but this is justified by the quality of the products being used. Recommended (R)

We recommend you to try: Τhe Koulouri of Thessaloniki with Merenda

Our order: 3 Filled bite-sized puffs, 3 Rolls, 1 Quiche Loraine with cured meats, 1 Cold sandwich, 1 Koulouri with Merenda & 1 Cappuccino. Total cost: 12,70€

Total score: 8.4
Product quantity: 9
Product quality: 9
Taste: 9
Cost: 7.5
Environment: 8
Service: 8
Product appearance: 8

Choureal has been established in the minds of Thessalonikians as the freshest profiterole of the city. Miles and Alice’s “sweet” shop attracts hundreds of people daily, so they can taste the exquisite dessert, which is prepared in front of them! With fine and fresh materials, the profiterole will get in your belly…for good! You may find prices to be a bit high, but they are completely representative of the quality of the raw materials being used. Try Thessaloniki’s sweetest habit…(after the Bougatsa!). Highly Recommended (H)

We recommend you to try: The profiterole with pistachios

Our order: 1 Profiterole with strawberries, whipped cream and pistachios. Total cost: 3,5€

Total score: 9.1
Product quantity: 9.5
Product quality: 9.5
Taste: 9
Cost: 9
Environment: 8.5
Service: 9
Product appearance: 9.5

Dimos’ bougatsa-shop has been in business for many years on the north side of the city (Triandria), but unfortunately the tastes and services are not aligned with its fame. The portions might be satisfying and prices reasonable, but there are better options with which you can start your day. Nonetheless, if you find yourself in the area, do not hesitate to try the filling peinirli. Meh (M)

We recommend you to try: The nice Peinirli (pizza boat)

Our order: 1 Peinirli & 1 Bougatsa with cream. Total cost: 3.6€

Total score: 7.2
Product quantity: 8.5
Product quality: 7
Taste: 7
Cost: 8
Environment: 6.5
Service: 6
Product appearance: 7.5
 

Dessert

Thessaloniki has its own ice-cream that listens to the name Fregio. The shops have a great variety of flavors, which are highly addictive! The semi-freddo dessert is served with a pleasant attitude from the friendly staff and its price is at normal levels. The sweet delight can be found in many stores in the city, all year round. Apart from ice-cream, you also must try the dreamy waffle, to which similar we have only found in Belgium. Highly Recommended (H)

We recommend you to try: The frozen, chocolate sin “Choco Mars”

Our order: 400gr Choco Mars & 400gr Choco/Raspberry. Total cost: 10€

Total score: 8.9
Product quantity: 9
Product quality: 9
Taste: 9.5
Cost: 8.5
Environment: 9
Service: 9
Product appearance: 8

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**Travelen was hosted by “22 Souvlakia”, “Mpazagiazi”, “The Garden” and “Choureal”. The views and everything presented here regarding the service, food and benefits, fully capture everything we saw and experienced, without any preconception, affinity or distaste, in complete objectiveness and honesty.

The texts depict objectively and honestly everything that we saw and encountered during our stay, at the specific time period that we visited them. Travelen holds no responsibility for any possible changes regarding prices, decorations, service, change of management or anything else that you might find different during your visit. It is also worth mentioning that our review/opinion pertains ONLY to shops that we have visited.