Last Updated on May 2, 2024 by Tia
Thessaloniki food is a melting pot of flavors, blending traditional Greek ingredients with Ottoman and Balkan influences.
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. But one aspect that often goes overlooked is the city’s mouth-watering cuisine.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the culinary delights of Thessaloniki and explore the top dishes you must try when visiting this enchanting city.
Table of Contents
Thessaloniki Food: 11 Amazing Dishes and Restaurants To Eat In
1. Bougatsa
Bougatsa is a Greek pastry that originated in Thessaloniki. It’s a flaky phyllo dough filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings, such as cheese, spinach, or custard. The most popular version of bougatsa is the one filled with cheese, which is called tiropita.
You can find bougatsa in bakeries all over the city! The best place to try it is at Bougatsa Giannis , which has been serving the pastry for over a century.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is a quintessential Greek dish that consists of grilled meat on a skewer, served with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
In Thessaloniki, you’ll find souvlaki stands on almost every corner. But the best place to try it is at Savvikos – which you can find in Aristotelous Square, Ladadika, Toumpa, and the Mall.
Koulouri
Koulouri is a traditional Greek breakfast pastry similar to a bagel. It’s a circular bread covered in sesame seeds and can be enjoyed plain or with toppings like cheese or ham. The best place to try it is at Tragano – which offers a big variety of soft or crunch koulouri with various modern variations!
Galaktoboureko
Galaktoboureko is a Greek dessert that consists of a semolina custard wrapped in phyllo dough and soaked in syrup. It’s a rich and decadent dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
In Thessaloniki, you’ll find galaktoboureko on almost every dessert menu, but I urge you to try it at Galifianakis. Alternatively, go for Elenidis, a popular patisserie that has been serving the dessert since 194
Meze
Meze is a selection of small dishes that are served as appetizers or snacks. The dishes vary from region to region in Greece, and while in Thessaloniki you simply MUST visit the restaurant ”Full Tou Meze” in the Ladadika area, for an authentic Greek dining experience.
The restaurant specializes in meze, and these generous portions are made with the freshest local ingredients. I suggest asking the waiter for recommendations so you can sample a wide variety of flavors.
The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with many Greek wines to choose from, making it a great spot for wine lovers.
With its lively atmosphere and delicious meze plates, Full Tou Meze is a must-visit for the best of Greek cuisine in Thessaloniki.
Gyros
Pita gyro is another popular street food in Thessaloniki. It is made with grilled pork or chicken that is wrapped in pita bread with onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce.
Pita gyro is a filling meal that is perfect for lunch on the go, especially whilst shopping in Tsimiski area! The best place to try pita gyro in Thessaloniki is at Prassas
Additional scrumptious Thessaloniki Food you need to try
Delicious Brunch at Ergon Agora
Ergon Agora is a bustling marketplace located in the heart of Thessaloniki’s historic district. This vibrant market offers a wide range of locally sourced products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, and baked goods.
The vendors at Ergon Agora are passionate about their craft, and many of them have been selling their goods here for generations. It’s a fantastic place to visit for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and the coffee is great too!
Succulent Steak at Kala Kathoumena
Considered to be one of the best restaurants in western Thessaloniki, Sta Kala Kathoumena restaurant knows how to stand out with excellent high-quality cuisine.
Here, you can take a culinary journey with appetizers such as the famous Hadronikis pie – which is a fresh fried potato with cheese, feta, and egg – which is delicious and unique!
Additionally, you are spoiled for choice with a huge variety of premium meats, excellent tomahawk steaks, and divine USA and Argentinan cuts.
The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. 10/10 for meat quality, and service!
Custom made Profiterols at Chourreal
For those with a sweet tooth, Chourreal in Thessaloniki is the perfect spot to indulge in some delicious desserts. One of the standout dishes on the menu is the profiteroles, which are light and fluffy pastries filled with cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
At Chourreal, you get to custom-make your profiterole – by choosing your filling cream, and toppings. The result? Finger licking good!
Coffee and Cake at Madame Coco Cafe
Madame Coco Cafe in Thessaloniki is a stylish and cozy cafe that’s known for its delicious desserts and coffee. The cafe offers a wide range of sweet treats, such as cakes, pastries, and macarons, all made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic chocolate cake or a more exotic flavor like passion fruit, Madame Coco Cafe has something to satisfy your sweet tooth. The cafe also offers a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, and latte, all made with freshly roasted beans.
The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Madame Coco Cafe are happy to recommend the perfect coffee and dessert pairing, making it a great spot to enjoy a relaxing afternoon break.
With its chic ambiance and delectable desserts, Madame Coco Cafe is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in some sweet treats while in Thessaloniki.
Pulp Bar – Thessaloniki
While this is a beverage, I couldn’t resist sharing! If you’re a beer lover, the Pulp Bar in Thessaloniki is a must-visit destination.
With over 200 different types of beer from all over the world, the bar has something for every taste and preference. Whether you’re looking for a classic Belgian wheat beer, a hoppy IPA, or a rich stout, you’ll find it here.
The knowledgeable staff is happy to help you navigate the extensive beer menu and make recommendations based on your preferences.
Don’t worry about dressing up, the atmosphere and crowd are very relaxed. No wonder the Pulp Bar is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
All this talk of food, has made me hungry! This brings us to the end of this blog post 🙂
In conclusion, Thessaloniki food is a feast for the senses. And naturally, these 11 dishes are just the tip of the iceberg. From traditional Greek fare to Ottoman-inspired dishes, the city’s cuisine is a true reflection of its diverse history and cultural influences. And personally, I can’t wait for you all to explore it!
So, when visiting Thessaloniki, be sure to indulge in its culinary delights and savor every bite.
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you soon! Don’t forget to subscribe below for travel discounts and exclusive offers!
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Much Love, Tia
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