When one thinks of Greek food, the first things that may come to mind are feta, olives, lamb, and meze. However, Greece is a country teeming with unique flavors and diverse influences beyond the usual menu you’d find at your local restaurant.
Many would think Athens is the home of the best restaurants in the country, but this is far from the truth. From slowly perfected traditional dishes to comforting and inviting atmospheres, Thessaloniki has been named the UNESCO City of Gastronomy for a reason.
Without further ado, let’s tuck into the feast of offerings you can enjoy in Thessaloniki!
Be it on customized Greece vacations or a quick stop during an Aegean Sea cruise, here are the 10 best Thessaloniki restaurants you simply can’t miss.
4.3 stars with 2.4K reviews
Mourga is a bespoke dining experience like no other, crafted by Giannis Loukakis. With a flavor-filled menu that changes daily (hand-written on thick cardboard), you won’t find fresher, more authentic Greek cuisine in Thessaloniki.
Using seasonal fresh vegetables and seafood as the main component for each dish, Loukakis has created a dining experience that truly adopts the phrase “From Greece With Love.”Plus, their selection of local wines, by the glass or bottle, creates an unpretentious ambiance that’ll leave lasting memories.
4.8 stars with 3.8K reviews
Offering an eclectic atmosphere and simple yet delicious flavor profiles, Kanoula is one of the best restaurants to visit when you travel to Greece. From succulent pork tenderloin basted in a honey-plum marinade to the spice-infused meatballs served with pita, you can expect an authentic taste of Greece in the heart of Thessaloniki.
If you’re a vegetarian foodie, there’s also something on offer for you here. The beetroot ravioli with a chickpea filling and basil sauce, or the goat’s cheese pie with a honey drizzle, are fantastic options.
4.6 stars with 7.8K reviews
Nestled within a two-story neo-classical building in the heart of the city center, The Rouga offers a feast for the imagination. This is a restaurant where wooden finishes, comfortable seating, and ambient lighting create the perfect occasion for a feast.
While they specialize in carefully prepared fish and meat offerings, they have an extensive menu of vegan and vegetarian meals as well. Whether you want to enjoy the city’s buzzing energy at a street-side table or enjoy a more secluded meal in the building itself, you’re guaranteed a sublime experience.
4.8 stars with 1.8K reviews
Known for boldly blending Mediterranean classics with modern flair, Menu Menou offers luxury dining in Thessaloniki. Led by head chef Sami Xhecuka, this restaurant takes extreme care in the presentation and taste of its distinct dishes.
Some of the chef’s recommendations include a grilled dusky grouper served on a bed of fennel-infused barley. Alternatively, it’s worth trying the signature savory millefeuille, a crispy multigrain biscuit filled with a goat’s cheese mousse, Roquefort, pepper pearls, and textured onions.
4.5 stars with 6.2K reviews
Within a 5-minute walk of the White Tower of Thessaloniki, The Greek is a local favorite when exploring the city’s diverse tourist attractions. The various groceries scattered along the restaurant’s high-ceiling walls add to its authenticity, while the sleek modern finishings light up the space.
As for the food itself, The Greek has an extensive range of mezes on offer. These range from hot and cold dishes to entire sections devoted to Greek cheeses, sausages, and salted fish. Being close to the main port, this restaurant gets fresh fish daily, making its seafood options some of the best on offer.
4.7 stars with 1.6K reviews
Set in a small courtyard of a tucked-away enclave of the city, L’Albero de Laveta (The Tree of Life) is an oasis for good food and memories. The restaurant strives to use ethically sourced produce from local businesses, and the quality of ingredients comes through in the aromas and flavors of its meals.
They offer Italian and Greek cuisine to provide a Mediterranean meal like no other. Savor soft Black Angus beef cheeks prepared in a sage cream sauce with gnocchi and tuck into a baklava to round things off. No matter your cravings, you’ll find something that tickles your fancy.
4.7 stars with 2.5K reviews
rOOTS is one of the few purely vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Thessaloniki, and its reviews show just how popular a spot it is. The restaurant is nestled on the cobblestone corner of Balanou Street and offers superb meals and fantastic drinks from 1 PM to 11 PM daily.
Want to indulge in a hearty moussaka without the meat? rOOTs has you covered. Keen for something slightly lighter? The mushroom bruschetta with sun-dried tomato spread and vegan parmesan shavings is just what you need.
While the food is amazing, its cocktail menu is also highly regarded by tourists and locals alike.
4.9 stars with 1.1K reviews
With one of the highest star ratings in the entire city, Lliopetra offers a homely atmosphere with food of the highest quality. Led by head chef and owner George Zanakis, he looks to take traditional flavors and blend them with modern concepts.
This can be seen in the sushi made from dolmadakia served with seabass and carpaccio, or crab served on a bed of taramosalata. Much like Mourga, where Zanakis achieved much of his formal training, Lliopetra regularly updates its menu based on available and seasonal produce.
Your next trip to Thessaloniki will be a breeze now that you know all the best restaurants to try out during your travels.
Everyone has a different opinion, but the most important thing is that you enjoy the authentic flavors of Thessaloniki. And with 8 fantastic options to pick from, you’re sure to tuck into some truly delightful meals during your stay.
Next Read: Have a look at this complete guide to Greece to help you plan your trip.
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