It’s a fact that it’s practically impossible to go hungry in Thessaloniki. The city’s chefs constantly surprise with new takes on the traditional which keep the crowds coming. Leave the diet at home and embark on a delicious adventure.
Located on the ground floor of the Excelsior Hotel, this modern bistro is suitable for any time of day and is best seen either from a seat at the window or the bar. The menu leans towards America, though the desserts are European. Lively colors and the buzz of a young crowd make for a vibrant setting that is the perfect place to hang out on a weekend morning or after shopping on Tsimiski. The brunch is quite popular. [10 Komninon, Excelsior Hotel • Tel. (+30) 2310.021.010]
Facing the seaside promenade, the ground floor is a relaxed ouzo-and-meze taverna, with the restaurant located upstairs. Seafood and meat are prepared in both traditional and contemporary styles, while there’s a good selection of wine and ouzo. Service can be a bit slow at rush hour. [15 Nikis • Tel. (+30) 2310.262.888]
© Alexandros Avramidis
With its kitchen under globetrotting chef Ayhan Ekinzi, this fine restaurant, located in the former Lazariston (or Lazarist) Monastery, presents traditional Turkish dishes that have been given a makeover without losing their authentic charm. Try the kebab, veal with eggplant puree and stuffed vine leaves, all served in massive portions, Oriental-style. The sweets rule. [21 Kolokotroni, Lazariston Monastery • Tel. (+30) 2310.647.524]
A bistro with a European air that could belong in East London, Canteen serves breakfast and brunch, while the bar is open for cocktails from an extensive list starting in the early afternoon. A favorite among the city’s young women and ladies, and popular family spot. [7 Dimitriou Gounari • Tel. (+30) 2310.228.520]
This is the birthplace of bougatsan, a confection inspired by a prolific food blogger that involves squeezing custard into the heart of a French croissant and serving it with fresh fruit, cinnamon, sugar or even chocolate. Pancakes, bagels and other savory snacks make this place ideal for brunch, though you will have to be patient as the food can take some time coming. You can also sample beers from various microbreweries, such as the Spanish Estrella. [48 Pavlou Mela • Tel. (+30) 2310.272.045]
© Alexandros Avramidis
Located just a few steps from the White Tower, this is a bistro with a French soul, a cosmopolitan character, retro décor and dishes that pay tribute to European gastronomy. The wine list, with an emphasis on local labels, is a little sparse. A set menu on weekdays gives way to an American-style buffet on Sundays for breakfast, brunch and lunch. [4 Ethnikis Amynas • Tel. (+30) 2310.288.354]
A deli bar inspired by feta, Greece’s national cheese, this doubles as a grocery store with an array of products on sale and a tapas bar centered on a big table in the middle where you can try all sorts of creative meze, accompanied by wine. [14 Pavlou Mela • Tel. (+30) 2310.221.120]
© Alexandros Avramidis
A magnet for alternative types and foodies that have been congregating in this area since its opening about seven years ago, this is a Mediterranean bistro with a good wine list, located in one of the oldest covered arcades in the city. Hosts a live jazz and folk night. No credit cards. [4 Paggaiou • Tel. (+30) 2310.510.852]
© Alexandros Avramidis
Nena Dimitriou | December 2nd, 2015
It’s a fact that it’s practically impossible to go hungry in Thessaloniki. The city’s chefs constantly surprise with new takes on the traditional which keep the crowds coming. Leave the diet at home and embark on a delicious adventure.
Located on the ground floor of the Excelsior Hotel, this modern bistro is suitable for any time of day and is best seen either from a seat at the window or the bar. The menu leans towards America, though the desserts are European. Lively colors and the buzz of a young crowd make for a vibrant setting that is the perfect place to hang out on a weekend morning or after shopping on Tsimiski. The brunch is quite popular. [10 Komninon, Excelsior Hotel • Tel. (+30) 2310.021.010]
Facing the seaside promenade, the ground floor is a relaxed ouzo-and-meze taverna, with the restaurant located upstairs. Seafood and meat are prepared in both traditional and contemporary styles, while there’s a good selection of wine and ouzo. Service can be a bit slow at rush hour. [15 Nikis • Tel. (+30) 2310.262.888]
© Alexandros Avramidis
With its kitchen under globetrotting chef Ayhan Ekinzi, this fine restaurant, located in the former Lazariston (or Lazarist) Monastery, presents traditional Turkish dishes that have been given a makeover without losing their authentic charm. Try the kebab, veal with eggplant puree and stuffed vine leaves, all served in massive portions, Oriental-style. The sweets rule. [21 Kolokotroni, Lazariston Monastery • Tel. (+30) 2310.647.524]
A bistro with a European air that could belong in East London, Canteen serves breakfast and brunch, while the bar is open for cocktails from an extensive list starting in the early afternoon. A favorite among the city’s young women and ladies, and popular family spot. [7 Dimitriou Gounari • Tel. (+30) 2310.228.520]
This is the birthplace of bougatsan, a confection inspired by a prolific food blogger that involves squeezing custard into the heart of a French croissant and serving it with fresh fruit, cinnamon, sugar or even chocolate. Pancakes, bagels and other savory snacks make this place ideal for brunch, though you will have to be patient as the food can take some time coming. You can also sample beers from various microbreweries, such as the Spanish Estrella. [48 Pavlou Mela • Tel. (+30) 2310.272.045]
© Alexandros Avramidis
Located just a few steps from the White Tower, this is a bistro with a French soul, a cosmopolitan character, retro décor and dishes that pay tribute to European gastronomy. The wine list, with an emphasis on local labels, is a little sparse. A set menu on weekdays gives way to an American-style buffet on Sundays for breakfast, brunch and lunch. [4 Ethnikis Amynas • Tel. (+30) 2310.288.354]
A deli bar inspired by feta, Greece’s national cheese, this doubles as a grocery store with an array of products on sale and a tapas bar centered on a big table in the middle where you can try all sorts of creative meze, accompanied by wine. [14 Pavlou Mela • Tel. (+30) 2310.221.120]
© Alexandros Avramidis
A magnet for alternative types and foodies that have been congregating in this area since its opening about seven years ago, this is a Mediterranean bistro with a good wine list, located in one of the oldest covered arcades in the city. Hosts a live jazz and folk night. No credit cards. [4 Paggaiou • Tel. (+30) 2310.510.852]
© Alexandros Avramidis
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