Category Archives: Eat & Drink

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

FoodPorn

food pornA cool new burger place just opened in town called FoodPorn !

It is powered by the Ergon team so we expected good taste in a stylish environment and we were not dissapointed ! Cool and modern environment, great burgers and amazing salads !

It is located in the heart of the city centre close to cafes and bars so it is ideal for a quick bite before or after drinks and shopping.

Location: 11 Proxenou Koromila Street

Reworks 2014

rIn its 10th edition this year, Reworks is the audio – visual Festival of Thessaloniki that wishes to present the most modern artistic waves, from all over the world, to Greece. It presents, for the first time in front of the public, new musical and artistic trends through various works and showcases, while in parallel to that it presents the exclusive works of native artists and especially designed projects. Musical waves, concert and live performances, visual art presentations, workshops and a free street stage will be housed for the first time in the 10 year history of the festival within 4 days.

On day 1 Wednesday, September 17th, the festival will present a special concert of Max Richter with the Symphonic Orchestra of Thessaloniki. On Friday September 19th Reworks will present workshops and a street stage presenting domestic acts openly to the public as an answer to the economic crisis which strikes Greece, while in the night it will present a special line up on 2 stages at Block33. On Saturday 20th of September Reworks returns to its place of birth the MYLOS complex with acts from all over the world.

On the last day, as always Reworks will say goodbye with a special rooftop event at the MET Hotel hosting Resident Advisor with a special line up on board .

For another year, Reworks will become a collection of sounds and ideas, a meeting point of resonant voices, a window to tomorrow. From the electronic sound and disco aesthetics to Neo-Classical, pop, funk, soul & jazz and from the performances of established artists to the first performances of new and developing creators, it will try to visualize the need for a cohesive motif of entertainment.

Detailed program here. 

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.

 

 

ERGON

ergonlogo_deli_cuisine1We are in the heart of the summer season and dear Thessaloniki visitors, today I am going to tell you about a great place to eat – ERGON !

Ergon is a restaurant and deli which opened it’s doors in March 2012 as a new concept store in the heart of Thessaloniki. Now it has 5 more sister stores in Greece, one in London and more are expected to come soon !

Ergon instantly became talk of the town – in the city known for good food – since it features classic greek recipes with a modern twist.

If you are more than 2 people, it is best to take a few dishes in the middle to share, greek style. That way you will have the chance to taste various dishes. Whatever you do, don’t leave without having a dessert !

With head chef the famous Dimitri Skarmoutso, fine quality first materials, and good prices there is no surprise for this success.

The restaurant in Thessaloniki, is not very big, and they don’t accept reservations so if you don’t find a place to sit go back in a less crowded hour, because it would be really a shame to miss this culinary experience. The menu changes often so I am giving you their webpage to check the current one.

If you enjoy your lunch or dinner – and I am 100% sure that you will, the deli next door will give you the chance to take with you a taste of Thessaloniki !

More info
Ergon
3-5 I. Kouskoura Str.

 

 

metamatic:taf

t1metamatic:taf is a well known multicultural space in Athens that very recently opened it’s sister place in Thessaloniki !

I discovered it by accident this weekend, since it is hidden in an old building off-valaoritou area.

They informed us that they had just opened a week ago and we were very happy for the new discovery !

What is it ? It is a bar and also art space.

t2As you can see there is already an art exhibition at the front space.  The building itself is really amazing and the whole atmosphere very relaxed and post modern.

metamatic:taf Thessaloniki is located in the cultural and entertainment center of the city at an abandoned until recently listed building at Edessis street. It aims to be an independent establishment implementing events related to all forms of artistic production, open and accessible to the public all year round, seven days a week.

Through practices that strengthen people’s participation and solidarity, all members of the community and especially young people are given the opportunity to implement and present their creative ideas, thus contributing to the formation of the city’s cultural policy and identity.

More info

Where: 5 Edessis str., Ano Ladadika

To Neon – Best Bougatsa in town !

NeonToday I will present to you a newly found discovery which has instantly climbed to the top of my best bougatsa in town list !

What is bougatsa ? Ok, let’s take it from the beginning.

Bougatsa, (Greek: Μπουγάτσα [buˈɣatsa]), is a Greek breakfast pastry consisting of either semolina custard, cheese, or minced meat filling between layers of phyllo.  It is said to originate in Serres, in the Macedonia region of northern Greece and is especially popular in the northern Greek port of Thessaloniki.

I think wikipedia has covered the basics, all you have to do now is taste it !

To Neon is a typical bougatsa place in the centre of the city. It is located on the corner of L.Sofou and Fragon str.  right opposite the conservatory – a beautiful old building, and 5 minutes walking from the port. It also has other breakfast pastry things which I have not tasted, therefore I cannot recommend. I am really addicted to the cheese bougatsa, and cannot think of anything else !

There is a sitting area so you can enjoy your bougatsa there, or take it with you. The staff is very polite, clean and fast. Try it and you will not regret it !

NEON

L.Sofou & Fragon

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 !