Thessaloniki Food Guide: Where To Eat & Drink (2026)

THESSALONIKI | Visitors to Greece tend to head straight to Athens and the country’s Mediterranean islands when travelling. In the mountainous north of the country, however, you’ll find the city that Greeks head to when they want to eat the best food in the country.

That city is Thessaloniki, which was designated as a UNESCO ‘City of Gastronomy’ in 2001. What makes the food in Thessaloniki so good? It’s the city’s long and diverse history. People from all over have moved through and settled in this region over thousands of years. It was part of Ancient Greece, and the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

Greek, Turkish, Sephardic Jewish, and wider Balkan influences, amongst others, have all had a part to play in making the cuisine of Thessaloniki what it is today. The land in northern Greece is very fertile, which lends itself to food that showcases the amazing fresh produce of the region. Some of the best wines in the country also come from this region.

In this Thessaloniki Food Guide, updated for 2026, I’ll tell you the places to visit if you want to experience the best food and drink in Thessaloniki. Are any of your favourites listed below?

At-A-Glance: Thessaloniki’s Best Food & Drink

Kapani & Central

Agora Modiano

Built between 1922 and 1925, Agora Modiano (Modiano Market) is a covered market that’s conveniently located in the centre of Thessaloniki. It’s long been a popular place for those looking for top-quality local produce, and as a community meeting place.

Reopening in 2022 after a major restoration and renovation, the market today is home to over 75 vendors, including fresh produce stalls, butchers, specialty food vendors, tavernas, and bars.

Vasileos Irakleiou 33, Thessaloniki 546 24

Bougatsa Bantis

Thessaloniki is famed for its bougatsa — sweet and savoury fillings sandwiched between thin, flaky layers of filo pastry. Bougatsa Bantis is a small bakery, owned and run by trained pastry chef Philippos Bandis, who is carrying on the business that was started by his father Dimitris in 1969. Philippos’ bougatsa is based on his grandfather’s recipes, and is wonderful.

Panagias Faneromenis 33, Thessaloniki 546 32

Bougatsa Giannis

A popular spot for bougatsa in Thessaloniki is Bougatsa Giannis. Aristotelis and Efstathia Papadopoulou opened the store in 1996, naming it after their son, Giannis. Today, it’s run by Giannis and his brother George. You’ll find all of the popular sweet and savoury flavours here, along with the popular house speciality with cream and Merenda (basically Greek Nutella).

Mitropoleos 106, Thessaloniki 546 21

Charilaos

There are plenty of traditional nut shops in Thessaloniki. They’re where you go when you want not just nuts, but things like legumes, flour, semolina, rice, herbs, spices and the like. Charilaos is popular with locals, and is known for its top-quality products, and knowledgeable staff.

Vatikioti 24, Thessaloniki 546 23

Chatzifotiou

Chatzifotiou is an artisan patisserie and chocolatier that’s been around since 1946. They’re famed for their high-quality, delicious Greek sweet treats, and have a huge variety of things to choose from. A must-try are their famed pourakia (wafer cigars stuffed with praline cream). There are several versions, my favourite is the one coated in dark chocolate.

Pavlou Mela 37, Thessaloniki 546 22

Διαγώνιος 1977 (Diagonios)

The no-nonsense name of this restaurant (it’s on a diagonal street and opened in 1977), carries through to the menu. It’s a traditional Greek taverna that’s super popular with locals, who come here for two specific dishes: soutzoukakia Smyrneika (oblong-shaped, generously herbed/spiced, pan-fried meatballs served with chilli flakes) and pork gyros. Order both.

Pl. Fanarioton 2, Thessaloniki 546 22

Deka Trapezia

If you want to try Cretan food in Thessaloniki, one of your best options is Deka Trapezia. It’s a taverna from Cretan chef Manolis Papoutsakis, and sees traditional dishes reimagined in a contemporary manner. The focus is on small and share plates, with an unwavering dedication to quality ingredients.

Stratigou Kallari 4, Thessaloniki 546 22

17 Dekaepta Cafe

Thessaloniki is home to several great speciality coffee shops, and Dekaepta is one of the best. It’s a modern spot with a full range of espresso and filter-based coffee drinks made using locally roasted, ethically sourced beans. They also have cocktails and a small food menu of rotating seasonal plates.

Al. Svolou 24, Thessaloniki 546 22

ERGON Agora

ERGON Agora is one of the best spots in town to enjoy contemporary Greek cuisine made using the best quality produce available. It’s a large, indoor concept market space that hosts a restaurant and cafe, greengrocer, butcher, fishmonger, and bakery. Everything is sourced from small, independent Greek producers, with a focus on quality.

Expect things like a selection of fresh-caught fish, cooked how you like; orzo with seafood, fresh tomatoes, and herbs; and smoked sardine gyros in ladopita with spicy herbed tomato sauce.

Pavlou Mela 42, Thessaloniki 546 22

Father Coffee & Vinyl

Another great spot for coffee in Thessaloniki is Father Coffee & Vinyl. Along with great coffee, they also offer a selection of pastries. As for the second part of the name, it’s not just that there’s a great selection of vinyl being played over the speakers; Father Coffee & Vinyl also doubles as a record store.

Stratigou Kallari 9, Thessaloniki 546 22

Hue Roastery

A dedicated specialty coffee roastery and espresso bar delivering expertly roasted single-origin pours and artisan beans.

Filippou 38, Thessaloniki 546 31

Kapani Market

Kapani Market is the oldest fresh produce market in Thessaloniki. It opened as a flour market (the Turkish term for flour market is “un kapan”) in the 15th century, during the Ottoman era. Today, you’ll find an assortment of top-quality produce like locally grown vegetables and fruits, spices, meat and fish, nuts, olives, and more.

Vlali, Thessaloniki 546 24

Kyra Sofi Grandmother’s Kitchen

A hole in the wall serving up some of Thessaloniki’s best bougatsa, made using family recipes. Their vegan options are a particular standout.

El. Venizelou 55, Thessaloniki 546 31, Greece

Love Craft Beers

A fantastic dedicated craft beer destination in the heart of the city that serves up an impressive rotation of independent local and international brews. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to explore Greece’s growing craft beer scene.

Aristotelous 14, Thessaloniki 546 23

Marea Sea Spirit

When you eat at one of the five restaurants owned by brothers Christos and Stavros Sotiroudis (Soterra Group), chances are you’re in for a good feed. Across the road from Diagonios, which joined the group in 2022, you’ll find the brothers’ second restaurant, Marea Sea Spirit.

Opened in 2016, Marea is all about classic Greek seafood dishes, made using the best quality produce sourced from local suppliers, reimagined through a modern lens. Highlights include handmade marinated gavros (anchovies) with rock samphire and herb tarama, marinated sea bream carpaccio, and creamy orzo with plump shrimp.

Margariti Lori 13, Thessaloniki 546 22

Mimis

Mimis is a no-nonsense gyros spot in the centre of Thessaloniki that’s been a favourite amongst locals since opening in 1974. Named after the original owner, today Mimis is run by his son, Giorgaros. You have a choice of pork or chicken as your protein (there’s also a vegetarian option), a selection of fillings and sauces, wrapped in a soft, warm, fluffy pita. Simple, quality ingredients done right.

Ag. Dimitriou 126, Thessaloniki 546 35, Greece

Mourga

Chef Ioannis Loukakis opened Mourga in 2017. It’s a small, welcoming venue, not too dissimilar from the city’s typical tavernas, and is a must-visit in Thessaloniki. The menu, which changes daily depending on what’s good at the organic markets each day, is based on classic flavours and seasonal produce. There’s no meat on the menu, just fish and vegetables.

Dishes are simple at heart, ones that allow the quality of the produce to shine with flawless execution. Think shrimp with two soft-boiled eggs and galotyri cheese, served sizzling in the pan; and steamed mussels with angel hair pasta in a creamy avgolemono-like broth.

Christopoulou 12, Thessaloniki 546 35

Mourouzi Patisserie

Mourouzi is a traditional Greek sweet shop and patisserie. Visit for no-fuss, quality versions of classic treats like sugared almonds, pastafrola (jam-filled shortcrust pies), and moist portokalopita (syrupy filo orange cake).

Mitropoleos 95, Thessaloniki 546 22

Planning a wider Greek culinary trip? Don’t forget to check out my Athens Food Guide for top spots in the capital.

Nea Folia

Nea Folia is another Greek taverna that’s worth your time. Traditional at heart and in feeling, it’s actually relatively new compared to the others on the list, having opened in the 2000s. The menu is smaller than a classic taverna, with a focus on more contemporary dishes that pay homage to the classics. Be sure to try something from their speciality aged cheese selection.

Aristomenous 4, Thessaloniki 546 34

Psi by Mezen (ΨΙ by Mezen)

Grigoris Helmis and Andreas Diakodimitris opened ΨΙ by Mezen in 2024. A spinoff of their contemporary Volos and Thessaloniki tsipouradika, ΨΙ by Mezen reimagines the traditional chasapotaverna (a hybrid butcher and taverna), with a focus on seafood rather than meat.

The best quality seafood is sourced daily from Nea Michaniona, Thessaloniki’s central fish market, and transformed into an assortment of products and dishes. Fish is dry-aged and cut-to-order into fillets and steaks. Small bites see flying squid, shi drum, and tuna transformed into souvlaki, while swordfish is compressed and crumbed to become schnitzel. It’s inventive, exciting, and delicious.

Skra 8, Thessaloniki 546 22

Sebriko

If you’re looking for a contemporary, eclectic take on Greek cuisine, Sebriko is a great choice. The focus is on showcasing the best seasonal regional produce along with local craft beer and wines from small, independent Greek producers. The restaurant also doubles as a small grocery store, offering many of the products used in the kitchen for home.

Fragkon 2, Thessaloniki 546 26, Greece

Shed

A contemporary café offering great Japanese-inspired coffee, drinks, and a relaxed urban atmosphere.

Πατριάρχου Διονυσίου 11, Thessaloniki 546 35, Greece

Sintrofi (+ ΤροΦή)

Another of chef Ioannis Loukakis’ restaurants that’s worth checking out is Sintrofi. Visit for a constantly rotating selection of dishes made using the best quality produce from around Greece. Everything is made on site, from scratch, with dishes cooked over an open wood-fired grill.

7, Doxis Street, Thessaloniki 546 25

Utopia Taproom

Craft brewers Utopia opened Utopia Taproom in 2023, and quickly established itself as the best place for lovers of craft beer in Thessaloniki. Across the venue’s 13 taps, you’ll find Utopia’s beers, and a selection of beers from the best craft breweries across the Balkans.

There are regular events and tap takeovers, and an impressive selection of bottles and cans in the fridge. You’ll find highly rated beers from the region’s breweries, along with collaborations and limited releases from further abroad.

Gladstonos 11, Thessaloniki 546 30, Greece

Valenio

Valantis Lamprianidis has been involved in Thessaloniki’s hospitality industry for almost 30 years, and is one of Greece’s most highly regarded coffee experts. Valenio is his venue, and is where you’ll find some of the best coffee in the city. His contemporary take on Greek coffee is well worth a try.

Along with coffee, Valenio is the place to visit if you want to pick up some coffee equipment or coffee-related products. You can even take part in a coffee masterclass if you’re interested.

Iktinou 6, Thessaloniki 546 22, Greece

Vogatsikou 3

Conveniently named for its address, Vogatsikou 3 is my favourite cocktail bar in Thessaloniki. It’s a vibrant, but not too hectic space where you can get excellent versions of the classics, plus unique house creations. House creations rotate with the seasons, and are based on a theme. When I visited, the theme was “The Simpsons”, with artworks created by a local tattoo artist.

It’s more than just a gimmick, with each cocktail considered and linked to the wider theme in a way that’s explained to you as it’s served. Vogatsikou 3 is also open during the day as a cafe, with a globally influenced food menu.

Vogatsikou 3, Thessaloniki 546 22

Φólki

A specialty café and community gathering spot known for welcoming vibes and quality brews.

Str. Makrigianni 5, Thessaloniki 546 35, Greece

Kalamaria

Bougatsa Ouzounis

A brilliant traditional bougatsa specialist serving up freshly baked, golden, flaky filo pastry filled with sweet custard, cheese, or minced meat.

I. Passalidi 158, Kalamaria 551 33, Greece

Ekei Coffee +

A welcoming specialty coffee bar and neighbourhood hangout serving exceptional brews in a relaxed setting.

Ethnikis Antistaseos 56, Kalamaria 551 33

Ano Poli

Ouzeri Tsinari

Tsinari has been around since 1865, and provides visitors a window into Ottoman Greece. The building’s interior and exterior are virtually unchanged since those times, and the original wood-fired oven is still in use. The menu features traditional taverna fare done right: Greek salad, pan-fried halloumi, dolmadakia, souvlaki, and fresh seafood grilled to order over charcoal.

Alexandrou Papadopoulou 28, Thessaloniki 546 34

Looking for a complete itinerary? Check out my guide to 48 Hours In Thessaloniki for top tips on sights, culture, and things to do.