Category Archives: All day

Friderikos

φρειδερικοWhat can I say for this place… It is the ultimate urban retro mix coffee drinks place.  Although, in the city centre, this is a relatively quiet location with trees around setting up a beautiful atmosphere.

It is located just off the Ancient Roman Forum so it is a great stop for a coffee or drink. Pay attention to every detail inside and you will fall in love with this place.

Tip: It is named after the owners’ dog that you might spot there sitting next to you. Take a good look at the photo because the name in the sign is written in greek.

Where: Olympou 87

Roots

roootsAt last a vegetarian restaurant in town ! It is located in an area full with meat taverns but the style and atmosphere make a big difference.

It is really small inside so it is better to go there at off hours.  The menu is quite small but whatever you decide to eat  is simply delicious.

Food and drinks are top quality. This is the kind of place that if you go once, you can’t wait to go back soon.

My suggestion – don’t miss the mushroom risotto – it is the best !

Where: Balanou 4-6, Pl. Athonos

Hozeva

hozevaYou will be really glad to find this place very close to the city market.  It just opened in a renovated old building. It is very small but with 3 seating levels + outside if weather permits, you will find your place for some tsipouro + meze or greek coffee made the traditional way.

It is named after an orthodox monastery in the island of Amorgos a favourite destination of the owners Alex and Maria.

Where: Spandoni 5, Kapani

Albeta

So, August is here, and so am I, still in the city…

This is the first time in my life that I see the city this full in the month of August. There are so many people that do not go on vacations any more, but also so much more visitors !

The usual picture of the empty streets and shops in August, does not exist anymore…

I spent most of my day in the area of the port, in ladadika which is always lively because of tourists, especially the days that cruise ships arrive.

Today I will share a place for coffee, breakfast, quick lunch, healthy snacks and sweet pastries. It is albeta, with many locations throughout the city, but the main one is right next to my office in ladadika.

alAt albeta you will find greek and Italian recipes, produced with artistry from fresh and pure countryside products mixed with the finest Greek/Italian culture.  Traditional pies, daily baked bread, handmade Italian pastry, grandma’s cookies, fresh sweets, homemade lemonade and sour cherry juice, fresh cut coffee.

This is my #1 spot for a quick coffee or lunch break all year long.  If you also need a quick break and something nice to eat, I highly recommend it !

Albeta

9, Ionos Dragoumi & 10, Mitropoleos str.

 

 

Agioli – Lunch or Dinner with a view !

AgioliOne of the best places to enjoy good food in the city is Agioli Restaruant at Nikis avenue.

Very close to Aristotelous square, this restaurant is known for good quality food, reasonable prices, relaxed atmosphere and amazing city view !

There are actually 3 different food menu options to choose from. On the ground floor you can find the beer house with a big selection of Greek breweries and mostly meet food choices to accompany them. On the other side of the ground floor you will find the “ouzeri” with seafood options.

aTop floor is my personal favourite though, because nothing beats the balcony sea view from white tower to the port. The food choices here have big variety. You can choose excellent set menus or order a la carte. There are also many healthy food options, vegetarian dishes as well as organic !

After a healthy meal you can give an excuse to yourself to enjoy the delicious desserts !

Bon Apetit !

Vogatsikou 3

Vogatsikou 3 is the new hot place in town ! It opened only a few weeks ago in the place of the town’s most famous bar of the 90’s, Bel Air and has quality written all over it !

The spirits collection is impressive, the cocktail list magnificent, the style and atmosphere amazing !

I really don’t know if it is the energy of the place itself that makes it unique or the new concept of the bar, I think both.

Vogatsikou 3

This is a place that even if you are not a heavy drinker you will want to try everything.  The spirits offered are premium quality and you will have the chance to experience unique tastes and brands.

If you are a fan of cocktails, then this is your place. There are more than 70 cocktails on the catalog. If you find it difficult to choose, then just ask the bartenders to help, they are very professional and helpful with suggestions.

The crowd is a mix of the trendy crowd of the 90’s who are still enjoying a good night out and the younger generation. The music is also a mix that applies to all age groups, upbeat with a soulful twist, and gives the final touch.

Overall, I was really impressed by the combination of top quality drinks, music, service and atmosphere. I give a 10/10 and will certainly be back very soon !

Finally a bar like it is supposed to be !

Vogatsikou 3
Cocktail Bar
Vogatsikou 3

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Place De La Liberté

As we are getting ready for spring, we always search for new places to enjoy the city’s seaside view.

A new place the opened recently close to my office is Place De La Liberté, a french style bistro cafe.

LiberteIt is perfect for a short midday coffee break or after work drink. The area does not actually have many options for this type of coffee bars so this one is highly recommended.

The french style is enhanced by the croissant that comes with your coffee, unless you choose greek coffee, then in this case the classic “biscotoloukoumo” is served !

Place De La Liberté is a great suggestion to enjoy coffee or sunset drink with seaside view in an elegant environment !

It is conveniently located by the port, bank areas, and film festival venues.

Place De La Liberté

Café and Bar

Nikis av. 1 & Venizelou, Thessaloníki

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Coq au Zen

I was really troubled if I should write about this place in the blog, because it is my # 1 favourite winter place for the last 3 years and is already quite crowded.

I finally decided that a) it is not fair to keep secrets, b) who reads this blog anyway, c) the universe will give back to me someday, so here it is, the one and only, Coq au Zen !

Coq au ZenWhat I most love about this place is the unique atmosphere. It is located in a small old shopping arcade, so in the daytime you will also see small shops open next to it. As night time approaches, the arcade is transformed to an atmospheric bar and you forget you are in Thessaloniki.

Coq au Zen has good quality drinks and menu, an interesting selection of wines, and is also a good option for a lunch break or early dinner. After 22.00 it gets really crowded, except from the summer days where people prefer more outdoor settings.

The music is also very eclectic and quite different night after night, depending on the dj.

Don’t be surprised if you hear a live piano set, there is one at the back and not only for decoration !

Coq Au Zen
Bar
Valaoritou 37

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CityZen Wine Bar

CityZen is an elegant wine bar that opened one year ago. Although new in town, it quickly became a favourite among wine lovers.

Featuring an extensive wine list which you can also enjoy by the glass, elegant atmosphere and music ranging from lounge to upbeat depending on the time, it is a stylish all day wine bar.

It’s central location and setting make it an ideal choice for winter.

CitiZen

The crowd is from mid 20’s up to much older but always classy and stylish. The older ones are actually mostly people who know how to have fun and you can find out for yourselves if there is a special occasion party. I’ve been there to such parties myself and all the crowd was dancing like pre-crisis times ! This is not the normal style of this bar though.

Overall it is a place to find Zen in the City, like it’s name suggests, and is actually one of the best suggestions to chill out with a coffee or drink after a day of work or shopping !

CityZen

Wine Bar

P.P.Germanou 12, 54622, Thessaloníki

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The Bar

The BarOne of my favourite bars all year long is The Bar in the White Tower area.  This bar last year celebrated its 10 years and I also celebrated 10 years of going there with my friends !

It is one of the few places I equally enjoy during summer and winter. and actually feels like home to me !  The decor itself is not the normal bar atmosphere but it has a unique colourful, ethnic mix style, which is exactly my style !  The stuff is very friendly and will always find you a place to sit even if it is fully crowded, which is a big plus if you go late on a Saturday night !

Since this October came with a cool attitude and temperature dropped very quickly … this is a great suggestion for one of your first indoors Friday night drinks.

If you are lucky, you might get the chance to see one of the live bands they house at some winter nights.  They have provided us with some excellent memories of good times !

The Bar
Bar
Nikiforou Foka 3

Near White Tower

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