The best restaurants and specialities in Greece’s foodie capital Thessaloniki: from Greek cuisine and seafood to delicious local cafés and eateries.
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When we booked our flights to Thessaloniki and asked friends for tips, the beautiful beaches naturally came up. But we were also flooded with restaurant recommendations. We quickly learned that Thessaloniki is basically the foodie capital of Greece! Up here in the north, Turkish and Balkan cuisines blend into a delicious, multicultural combination.
For us, Thessaloniki means not just Greek vibes and sea breeze, but crispy pita, grilled fish, and ice-cold coffee. Here are my eleven favorite spots of Thessaloniki’s gastronomic scene – from traditional Greek tavernas and local fast food joints to fine dining experiences.
Most of these restaurants I’ve tried myself, but since we were in Thessaloniki for four days only, a few spots on this list come from local recommendations. Namely, from my seat neighbor on the flight, Dimitris – born and raised in Thessaloniki – and my friend Duygu from Skopje, who has been coming to Northern Greece since childhood.
Greek Restaurants in Thessaloniki: Traditional Food
Want to taste the real Thessaloniki, like the locals do? These restaurants serve traditional Greek dishes made with love. Whether it's mezze or gyros – a glass of ouzo is, of course, a must.
Giotis: Gyros like the locals
Here, gyros is served the traditional way: with fries and onions in pita bread or on a plate. This place was recommended by my seat neighbor Dimitris, and let’s be honest – if someone grew up in Thessaloniki, they’re a pretty reliable source for the best gyros in town!
Local tip from Dimitris: Only souvlaki goes with tzatziki. Gyros is served with a tomato-based sauce.
Mamalouka
A favorite of my friend Duygu's: Classic Greek dishes paired with local wines. The stylish interior and the view of the promenade make dinner here a memorable experience.
Full tou Meze
Typical Greek: small plates to share. Think giant beans, vine leaves, or phyllo dough filled with spinach and cheese. Pick what you like and share it around the table. Don’t worry – if you're really hungry, they also offer full-sized dishes like seafood pasta or risotto.
Seafood & Fish restaurants
It doesn’t get any fresher than this. A harbor city like Thessaloniki is bound to have great fish dishes, but the seafood here is truly in a league of its own.
Gialos Fish & Seafood Taverna
Located in the Kalamaria district, this taverna is super local. We even went there twice and didn’t need a reservation either time – though it does get busy around 9 PM.
As is tradition in Greek tavernas, you can choose your fresh fish before it's grilled. The sea view also makes this place perfect for a date or watching the sunset.
7 Thalasses
This upscale seafood restaurant is more central and is my friend Duygu’s absolute favorite. Especially tasty: the grilled octopus and the mussels.
🍉 From market stalls with authentic Greek ingredients at the Kapani Market to coffee houses and street food – the best way to explore Greece’s foodie capital is on a food tour, like this one.
Fine Dining in Thessaloniki
Whether it's date night or a celebration with friends – these restaurants offer the full fine dining experience. Excellent service, elegant interiors, and of course, amazing flavors. Without being stiff or pretentious.
Clochard
Despite the name, this place is anything but shabby. Each plate is a little work of art. Clochard feels eclectic yet rustic with its lush greenery. Fish and traditional Greek dishes are reimagined here with a modern twist and a fantastic wine list.
Olympos Naoussa
This restaurant is part of the ON Residence Hotel, but with a reservation, non-guests are welcome too. The interior is modern and stylish – and so is the food, modern Greek dishes. Excellent service and a great wine selection round out the experience.
Breakfast & Cafés
I’m not a big breakfast person – unless I’m traveling. Here you’ll find sugar and caffeine to kick-start your day. And apart from that.
Despresso | Takeaway Coffee & Snacks
Need a quick bite on the go? This spot in Thessaloniki’s Upper Town is perfect. Grab a classic frappé or freddo, along with a pastry or something sweet.
Dimitris rules of Greek coffee: In the morning it’s frappé time. After midday, switch to freddo.
Ovál Bistronomy
Right by the White Tower, this brunch spot offers a stunning view of the sea promenade – and yes, you pay for that, but it’s worth it on vacation.
We tried a classic Greek breakfast here: Cretan pita filled with cheese, topped with Greek honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon.
Bars with a Sea View: Cocktails & Bites
A drink in hand, feet in the sand – somewhere between a cocktail and some feta, time just melts away.
Thermaikos Bar
Another tip from Dimitris: the ultimate local beach bar. In the late afternoon, locals gather here for a freddo – though usually inside, in the AC. Us tourists are lured more by the retro interior and the sea view!
Kitchen Bar
Located right on the pier, Kitchen Bar boasts the best sea view in all of Thessaloniki. Whether you're there for morning coffee or an evening cocktail and snack – this spot delivers all the holiday vibes.
Want to explore Thessaloniki at night? The city really comes to life after sunset. On this tour, you will discover the best sights in the magic of the night and end up in a typical Greek restaurant.
Final Thoughts: The Best Restaurants in Thessaloniki
I hope this list has inspired you to not just explore Thessaloniki’s sights, but to taste the city too. After all, it’s not just a country’s history that tells its story – its cuisine often says even more about its people.
