The best restaurants Thessaloniki

A stone's throw from Rediviva, this place isn't bad either. If the cuisine is less surprising, you will be delighted by the setting, very traditional and warm. Its room, which dates from the 19th century, has a tiled floor and is heated by a stove on winter evenings. Globally, one has the impression that, in this institution of the place, nothing moves here, which can be a good or a bad point! And on the plate, the sure values of an ouzerie: mezzes, grilled vegetables and fish, meatballs, all washed down with homemade spirits.

With its anonymous front, about ten tables (and a few pedestal tables on the sidewalk), Mourga does not look like much by far. And yet, it is one of the best psarotaverna ("fish tavern") in the country. Crispy red mullets presented directly in the frying pan, neat plate of soft cuttlefish in the fava, homemade pasta langoustines, extra fresh fish of the day cooked to perfection, etc. All this is complemented by small herbs and seaweed with unexpected flavours and a Cretan raki ideally served, glazed like a vodka

In this passage where there are a few restaurants packed to the brim, you can find this restaurant, which is almost exclusively frequented by Greeks. The atmosphere, which many people find wonderful, is mainly due to the offbeat decor (characters arranged on the restaurant building) and the friendly waiters. You can taste beef balls in tomato sauce and yogurt, but also a dish called "Les breins de Marie", chicken cooked with wine! A very good child atmosphere reigns in this rustic and warm restaurant.

Next to the White Tower, you will find in this Zythos number 2, the same dishes and the same choice of beers as in that of Ladadika. Only the atmosphere is other, perhaps calmer, near the sea.

Housed in a neoclassical house that has been refurbished in a designer style, this Greek chain is like a luxury bakery that is worth a visit! In addition to the excellent pastries, rolls and pastries to enjoy on the go, you can compose a plate yourself for lunch, with different dishes, ready-made meals and salads that you can then enjoy on the tables set up outside, in a pleasant pedestrian street. Ideal for lunch or to take away if you are renting or staying in an apartment-hotel.

This Ladadika ouzerie has a huge menu, with a thousand choices of mezzes, ouzo or tsipouro (traditional strong alcohol made from grapes). Fried squid, grilled sardines, pastourma (a type of pastrami from the Thrace region), eggplant caviar... The atmosphere is friendly, the waiters are particularly efficient and friendly, and the decor, imitating old Greek grocery stores, is very charming. Every evening, the large terrace is packed to the rafters, and that's only to be expected: it's good, cheap and the art of sharing is very convivial.

For the past 25 years, Thessaloniki's youth has been gathering at Elia Lemoni, Olive et Citron, especially in the evenings. People come here to share a cheap dinner in a festive, 100% local atmosphere: a DJ regularly enlivens the evening in this tastefully refurbished two-storey neoclassical building. Here, you can enjoy classic Mediterranean cuisine, without fuss and at low prices. However, if you can't stand the noise, it's best not to go, or at least prefer the quieter terrace.

Inside the Teloglion Museum of Contemporary Art, this is a great place to go out if you are looking for a tropical atmosphere. In summer, you can drink your coffee or sip your cocktail in the colorful garden with a Guadeloupean feel, arranged as an urban beach bar. Meaning Spoiled Child, the restaurant proposes in summer and winter a Greek cuisine revisited in the French style. The beef cheeks will leave you speechless and the selection of Greek wines is excellent. Regular musical animations give life to the place.

Its name means "magic cuisine". And it's true: Olympus truffle gnocchi, melting pieces of beef, fresh and crunchy salads... If the spirit of the Greek table, generous and gourmet, is still there, it simply levitates a notch above. This is reflected in the delicacy of the desserts, which can only be found among the rare starred people of Athens. The addition, on the other hand, can remain sweet by opting for basics and mezzés, without depriving itself, since the selected wines, including some organic reds from Mount Athos, are affordable. Reservation required

40 m northwest of the Roman forum, this real institution since 1952 awaits you at the corner of Bit Pazar (flea market filled with restaurants and bars for students). In a now modern setting, we prepare here the traditional Balkan tripe soup (pastas) supposed to cure hangovers, but also typical Greek dishes to choose yourself in front. The tzouzoukakia (meatballs in tomato sauce) were among the best in the country. Fast service, terrace on the street

Founded in 1914, this tiny tavern, emblematic of Ano Poli, is now run by a young and dynamic team. Grandmother's style dishes (pork neck with mashed pork and cooking juices) and Anatolian recipes: a long, super strong green pepper to accompany fresh cheeses, cumin falafels, etc. All this can be enjoyed while sipping tsipouro under a pleasant arbour (heated terrace in winter). You can end with a coffee on the panoramic roof of the Little Big House hostel (100 m above) or at the other good tavern, Stassi, on the square below.

In Tsinari (from the Turkish çinar, "plane tree") there are three of the most pleasant restaurants in the city: Tsinari (the oldest tavern, dating from 1905), Pritanio and the Rediviva cooperative. The latter is distinguished by its cuisine made from 100% local and often organic products. Succulent mezzés with varied textures, a fantastic selection of Greek cheeses enhanced with onion confit or wild herbs, rustic dishes with Mediterranean influences (Jewish recipes from Thessaloniki, borrowed from the Maghreb, etc.). Terrace

This "mezedopoleio" is aptly named since it literally means "stop". Ideal for us, it's a small dreamy terrace where you can take a break, have an aperitif and eat a few mezzes before going to Igglis, a few steps further up. However, it is often a place to linger for supper. The small plates (of tarama, fava, meatballs, gavros...) stack up in the middle of the raki carafes. For the hungriest of hungers, the liver plates are excellent. You have to go together to share as many small dishes as possible.

Located just a few steps from the Palais de Galère complex, this restaurant takes its name from its specialty: (pommes) frites! But not just any fries. The chef of a well-known fish restaurant has opened his own restaurant dedicated to street food. And street food doesn't mean fast food. Here, every dish is meticulously prepared and laid out: the fries are cooked in three stages, and topped with cheese, herbs and other toppings. The burgers are also excellent. Try the crème brûlée for dessert.

Tucked away in a quiet alleyway away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, Sebriko's discreet terrace and storefront make it hard to miss. And yet, the establishment is renowned as one of Thessaloniki's best addresses, and has been for over 20 years. Guests come here to enjoy classic Greek dishes, prepared with care and featuring local, fresh, seasonal produce. Fish, meat, ravioli, desserts... everything is good, the prices are right and so is the service.

This restaurant is eccentric in the centre of Thessaloniki, in the fish taverns area. It is on the beach, in a setting facing the sea. This is the FISH tavern where all the pick of the region comes from dinner. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and many politicians in the country come to taste a delicious fish. However, in August, tables are being stormed and prices are still very high.

With its subdued atmosphere and slightly industrial style, Extravaganza looks more like a bar than a restaurant. And yet, it's probably one of the best addresses in the center of Thessalonica. It serves Greek cuisine revisited using fresh, local produce, and before you experience the explosion of flavours, you'll be impressed by the quality of presentation of the plates: simply worthy of a gourmet restaurant! So it's as good as it is beautiful, and all for a very reasonable price. Friendly, efficient service.

Its name could be translated as "at the foot of the wall". And for good reason, this pleasant establishment plays touch and go with the old city walls. Overlooking and slightly set back, this very popular tavern is often crowded with locals, which is a good sign. On Sundays, families gather here and children run around the patio. Its colorful walls and beautiful terrace make the place particularly warm. On the food side, try the eggplant salad with feta and olives, or its borek, a pastourma and cheese pastry. Delicious.