The Top 10 Local Dining Spots In Thessaloniki, Greece

Negroponte is located in the heart of the Ladadika district, a historical neighborhood by the port that once accommodated olive oil traders and brothels. Negroponte is the Venetian name of the owners’ homeland, the island of Euboea in southern Greece. The restaurant is hosted in a charming 1880s building and offers two lovely, decorated rooms and a terrace by the stone-paved street. The chefs here pick their ingredients fresh every morning and prepare an original daily menu for a more diverse experience. The fried-pork with yogurt and zucchini cakes are absolutely delicious, and the tahini cream yogurt desert is the perfect end to a great meal. What’s more, it’s on the house!

Molyvos restaurant and mezze bar invites you on a flavorful trip to the beautiful island of Lesbos in north-eastern Greece. The restaurant was named after the charming village of Molyvos, known for its stunning natural beauty and traditional architecture. The owners did their best to reflect this in their space. It is situated on the first floor of a handsome neo-classical building, and its warm and cozy decor is reminiscent of a 1900s Greek nobility house. Lesbos’ cuisine is influenced by delicious oriental flavors that find their way into your dish. The ‘chunkier bejendi,’ small pieces of veal on a bed of eggplant purée, and the stuffed onions are absolute favorites. The menu offers a huge selection of island cuisine specialties and a few ethnic food choices. Do not miss the dessert, as Molyvos serves what are probably the city’s best honey beignets with sesame.

If you wish to immerse yourself in a real traditional Greek cuisine experience, look no further than Sempriko. It was founded as a co-operative restaurant and grocery shop and occupies a beautiful space by Thessaloniki’s old Byzantine walls. There is a heavy focus on island specialties, especially cheese and delicatessen products, and it offers a surprising selection of local craft beers and wine from small, local producers. The concept of the menu is based on original mezze plates, including some not-so-mainstream choices such as the smoked eggplant salad with tahini and the old-fashioned ‘manti’ dumplings with lamb meat and yogurt, a dish with intense flavor. All of the ingredients can be purchased at the little store that is attached to the restaurant.

Mia Feta Bar is a unique establishment; half restaurant and half grocery store. It was opened in 2013 by the Kourellas family, who also run a famous dairy and farm business. The restaurant is hosted in a modern, minimally decorated space with window displays of traditional dairy products and a central, communal bar-table. Most of the dishes include or are based on feta cheese, and there is a comprehensive wine list that comes with suggestions from the friendly staff. Creative culinary surprises are to be expected, such as the gorgeous feta with wild black truffle and the homemade bread with zea or emmer wheat.

Thessaloniki is known for its ‘pita gyro’ sandwich, so this list couldn’t be complete without a restaurant that serves spectacular gyro. Diavasi, or ‘crossing’ in Greek, has made quite a name for itself thanks to its mouth-watering, juicy gyro and its flavorsome soutzoukakia, beef meat balls, which are among the best in town. They are accompanied by a decent variety of creamy salads and delicious, handmade crispy fries. Service is quick and the staff pleasant, in spite of the crowds. Its modern and clean design is a definite plus.

Paparouna, named after the poppy flower, opened its doors in 2004 in the historical building of the ‘Banque de Salonique,’ with its emblematic clock that stopped turning in 1978 after a violent earthquake. It is situated in the old Frankish neighborhood of the city and is surrounded by stunning houses and unique architecture. Like the poppy flower, Paparouna is stylishly decorated in all shades of red, in stunning contrast with its black and white checkerboard floor. The menu focuses on fusion Mediterraneanand Greek cuisine, and there is a bar attached to the restaurant that serves amazing cocktails, enjoyed along with the sounds of jazz and soul music.

With its superb location right on the waterfront and next to the city’s beautiful Aristotle square, Agioli is an excellent and convenient choice for a midday break or a romantic dinner. This simply decorated but elegant brasserie-bistro has won many gourmet awards since its opening in 2007, but its prices remain truly competitive without compromising on quality or variety. Famous chefs have visited Agioli and left their mark on its menu. In addition to the fine restaurant on the first floor with splendid sea views, the ground floor hosts a stylish brasserie, which exclusively serves craft beer from small Greek breweries.