VANGELIS LIAKOS, co-founder of Beetroot
I love Thessaloniki because…
It’s always the outsider, and yet it has the people with the best ideas. Because so much starts here, even though nothing stays in the city. Because we can easily get together here.
Favorite food delivery
Verges Lagies (63 Venizelou) for country-style gourmet sandwiches like the one with pulled pork or the other with liver.
Guilty Pleasure
Gelato e Amore (44 Alexandrou Svolou), otherwise known as the Italian gelateria on Svolou: half a kilo of coconut, tiramisu or pistachio, listening to Phil Collins.
Shopping therapy
Hunting for lost treasures of all kinds at the antique and vintage stores, and haggling with the owners.
My secret is…
Koulouri with feta from Giorgos and Konstantino at Proino Sou, at the start of Tsimiski.
In the open air
Cycling from Kalochori to the Axios Delta. The views of the city are simply amazing.
OLGA DEIKOU, photographer
I love Thessaloniki because…
You can walk across the city from the side to the other in an afternoon.
Favorite food delivery
The shrimp pasta from Glykanisos in Pylea (46 Megalou Alexandrou) that arrives at my door when I’m craving some really good food.
Guilty pleasure
The yoghurt panna cotta with a white chocolate coating from Ergon Agora (42 Pavlou Mela), made by Constantinos Symeonidis.
Shopping therapy
Bookstores. All of them, from the small local ones to the big chains.
My secret is…
The little known Railway Museum (128 Monastiriou) with the Orient Express restaurant car, like something from a Wes Anderson movie.
In the open air
The walk to Vafopoulou – a magical street, in my opinion – and then on towards Sofouli and Aretsou Beach.
TOLIS KOUMPAROS, owner of 2nd Floor, Tom Dixon Thessaloniki & The Trilogy House
I love Thessaloniki because…
It affords you the time to work, run to the airport, take your kid out for a walk, come back home and pop out for a drink, all in a single day.
Favorite food delivery
I’m obsessed with the noodles from Wen Zhou Specialties (16 Grigoriou Palama). When my sweet tooth is acting up, it’s ice cream from Moca (10 Kyrimi) or cheesecake from Bombolo (88 Mitropoleos).
Guilty pleasure
Basque cheesecake with an Americano coffee at Tom Dixon Thessaloniki (6 Chrysostomou Smyrnis).
Shopping therapy
Sprucing up my wardrobe with short forays to Hionidis Mankind (32 Pavlou Mela) and sometimes to Noma (1 Aristotelous) or Grigio (51 Proxenou Koromila)
My secret is…
Dimitra’s antique shop, which recently moved (19 Alexandrou Svolou), because you’ll always find a treasure.
In the open air
Anywhere on the waterfront promenade or an excursion to Mt Hortiatis, where my parents live.
KATERINA DAIOU, general manager of Daios Luxury Living Hotel
I love Thessaloniki because…
Its people are warm, sincere and, most importantly, have a sense of humor. Because it has a distinct identity and a cosmopolitan feel that’s hard to find in any other city.
Favorite food delivery
Brothers in Law (30 Pavlou Mela) for its delicious burgers. It uses good ingredients in so many unexpected combinations that it’s hard to know what to choose.
Guilty pleasure
A meal with sea views at the Daios Bar Restaurant (59 Nikis). And, in particular, their Black Angus Rib Eye with a delightful red wine, and music selected by London’s Playlister Ltd.
Shopping therapy
Mag Jewellery (68 Mitropoleos) for its stunning items, selected or designed by the amazing Iris Angistrioti.
My secret is…
A new discovery, Le Cercle de Salonique (7 Vasileos Irakleiou) is a great bar, with a vintage vibe, a good selection of premium spirits and interesting music.
In the open air
Arkochori, a traditional village on Mount Vermio, is just a two-hour drive from Thessaloniki; it’s a favorite destination of mine.
VASILIS MOURATIDIS, executive chef of Danai Beach Resort & Villas
I love Thessaloniki because…
It’s the most beautiful and romantic city in the world.
Favorite food delivery
The Food Plaza (16 Skra) in Kalamaria for traditional gyros in a pita and dishes that remind me of my mother. Also, Taperaki (Thermis-Panoramatos) in Thermi for great home-style food.
Guilty pleasure
Themis Ice Cream Shop (59 Nikolaou Plastira) in Kalamaria.
Shopping therapy
A walk around the center, with a stop for some shopping at my all-time favorite Device One (19 Paleon Patron Germanou).
My secret is…
The café-bar 51 (51 Komninon) on the Kalamaria pedestrianized strip: it’s the most stylish bar in town and has a great vibe.
In the open air
As everyone across the breadth and depth of Greece knows, there’s nothing like Halkidiki.
VOULA PAPADOPOULOU, artist, owner of Ypsilon
I love Thessaloniki because…
It’s a city that allows you to focus on its people and invites you to create your own small world inside it.
Favorite food delivery
Mikraki (2 Proxenou Koromila), a typical Greek eatery that never lets you down.
Guilty pleasure
The Mama Tereza (15 26is Oktovriou) food truck. It has great pancetta, but don’t tell anyone!
Shopping therapy
The toy store Anemi (35 Pavlou Mela), where you find all these amazing little things to keep you company.
My secret is…
My secret is the stretch of small shops tucked away on Frangon Street. You’ll find whatever you need there – as long as you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for!
In the open air
A quick fix of fresh air walking along the port with a view of the cranes, to the architecturally fascinating Church of Aghios Nikolaos.
