Must-see restaurants in Macedonia

  • Kritikos

    Macedonia

    Set just back from the portside tavernas and their ingratiating hucksters, gleaming-white Kritikos is the place for seafood in Ouranoupoli. Freshness is…

  • Extravaganza

    Thessaloniki

    The humming open kitchen here keeps punters happy with food that's innovative yet rooted in the Greek fundamentals. Expect treats such as garganelli …

  • Gentéki

    Macedonia

    Don't doubt the commitment to 'slow food' at this cosy corner restaurant on the Sakoulevas River. The telltale snail isn't for show: the owner (who found…

  • Mourgá

    Thessaloniki

    Elegant and relaxed, yet serious about everything that issues from its open kitchen, Mourgá is everything that's delightful about Greek food, Thessaloniki…

  • Sempriko

    Thessaloniki

    Just inside the western Byzantine Walls, Sempriko has become a by-word for excellent food. Enormous steaks immersed in truffle oil are expertly grilled,…

  • Taverna To Prespeiou

    Macedonia

    This humble taverna, bang in the centre of Agios Germanos, dishes up some of the best homemade Greek food in the region. Pies filled with nettles or other…

  • I Nea Follia

    Thessaloniki

    This charismatic little backstreet joint, decorated with herb garlands, utensils, event posters and even a vintage jukebox, is locally loved for its…

  • Ntoltsó

    Macedonia

    Overlooking a photogenic and always-lively square in the city's most handsome district, Ntoltsó is a family restaurant of long pedigree where you can be…

  • Gastrodromio Olympus

    Macedonia

    The most experimental kitchen in Litohoro, Gastrodromio doesn't forget the basics of good Greek cuisine, merely adding a little flair in dishes such as…

  • 12 Grada

    Macedonia

    Backed by tumble-down traditional stone houses and overlooking the Tripitamos River, 12 Grada is a lovely little find. Try dishes such as sous-vide pork…

  • Tsinari

    Thessaloniki

    This convivial ouzerie (a taverna serving food that complements ouzo) sits on a quiet crossroads in Ano Poli. In operation since the 19th century, it…

  • Soúsouro

    Macedonia

    The laneways bordering Panagia and the portside parts of town are rich with ouzeries and tavernas where Kavalans congregate for lingering weekend lunches…

  • Igglis

    Thessaloniki

    This Ano Poli taverna's ordinary looks hide some extraordinary food. Slow-cooked pork shank in thyme, anything grilled, and daily specials such as…

  • Ergon Agora

    Thessaloniki

    Agora restaurant is part of the Ergon chain, dedicated to the best Greek produce, from Pindos mountain truffles to Alonissos tuna. The food at this deli…

  • Radikal

    Thessaloniki

    Up in the heights of Ano Poli, beneath one of the best-preserved stretches of the city's Byzantine walls, Radikal is a handsomely styled restaurant where…

  • Kivotos

    Macedonia

    This gloriously situated taverna in Sarti has tables right on the sand and an excellent seafood-dominated menu. Choose from the day's catch, but don't…

  • Omikron

    Thessaloniki

    Beneath walls strikingly decorated with classical-painting mash-ups (think Botticelli's Venus emerging from a piece of aerosol art), this charming little…

  • Rediviva Cucina Povera

    Thessaloniki

    This earthy Ano Poli restaurant sources many of its ingredients locally and from its own back garden. Using what's in season, it serves a diverse range of…

  • Bergiṓtiko

    Macedonia

    They take their meat seriously at Bergiṓtiko, selecting well-marbled and aged steaks for the grill, or stewing it to spoon-ready tenderness with homemade…

  • Pizza Poselli

    Thessaloniki

    Many locals will agree that this is the best pizza place in town. Simple decor, with chic touches in the way of elegant wooden tables and vintage lamps,…

  • Full tou Meze

    Thessaloniki

    This Ladadika favourite sees families, friends and workmates pack broad tables to order mezedhes and mains such as marathopita (Cretan fennel-and-cheese…

  • Navagos

    Macedonia

    Yorgos, the fisherman who runs this driftwood beach bar and 'restaurant', lives here year-round; in the summer he prepares his catch for guests on an open…

  • Lemoniadis

    Macedonia

    This waterside taverna has been sizzling sensational seafood since 1960. With a rousing rembetika (blues songs) soundtrack and outdoor seating with views…

  • Paris Restaurant

    Macedonia

    The broad decking and engaging service at this wonderfully situated waterside restaurant provide the ideal setting to enjoy a long summer-evening repast…

  • Grada

    Macedonia

    First there's the dining room: extravagantly colourful, with murals that could be Mexican, Indian, Russian, or none of the above, and an unabashed…

  • To Pazari

    Macedonia

    Named for the bazaar that flourished near here under Turkish rule, To Pazari is an unpretentious, tile-floored little place where the owner is usually in…

  • Blé

    Thessaloniki

    This chic patisserie chain (the name is French for 'wheat') offers a tooth-tingling range, from traditional Cretan baked goods to dainty cupcakes, at all…

  • Trigona Elenidis

    Thessaloniki

    A veritable institution since 1960, Elenidis specialises in Thessaloniki's favourite pastry, the trigona. This sweet, flaky triangular cone, filled with…

  • Palia Poli

    Macedonia

    'Old Town' is a lovely restaurant inside a waterfront mansion opening onto a spacious courtyard, where you can spend hours over your food and wine as the…

  • Irtha & Edessa

    Macedonia

    A short walk from the waterfalls, this local favourite, set in a glass construction, has spit-roasted lamb and grilled meat specialities, as well as a…

  • Giannoula

    Thessaloniki

    This is grandmother's cooking in a very literal way. Simple Greek classics from grills to salads to cheese-stuffed meats have been served with the same…

  • Ousies

    Macedonia

    A wonderfully convivial ouzerie (taverna that serves ouzo, amongst other drinks) a little way from Edessa's busier spots, Ousies is a place where younger…

  • Kitchen Bar

    Thessaloniki

    Occupying a handsomely-rejuvenated port warehouse with views of the Gulf of Thessaloniki (Thermaïkos Kolpos) from its outdoor tables, Kitchen comes into…

  • Restaurant Bakalis

    Macedonia

    A good seafood taverna with tables on the waterfront, just above the beach at the southern end of the strip. Try the grilled fish, big refreshing salads,…

  • Chatzis

    Thessaloniki

    Glistening syrup-soaked treats have been luring dessert fans into Chatzis since 1908, back when Thessaloniki was still an Ottoman city. Try the moist,…

  • Meze Meze

    Macedonia

    Justifiably popular, Meze Meze offers an unchallenging selection of Greek favourites, distinguished by freshness, generosity and a sure instinct for the…

  • Prespa

    Macedonia

    A proper local taverna that is as frill-free as it is authentic – go for the beetroot salad with feta, grilled peppers, shrimp saganaki (fried with cheese…

  • Dore Zythos

    Thessaloniki

    With their views of the White Tower, Zythos' outside tables are a scenic spot to enjoy a fava-bean purée topped with capers or feast on beautifully smoked…

  • Tou Aristou

    Thessaloniki

    This close to the port, it makes sense to try Thessaloniki's take on fish and chips, prepared here since 1940. Thick cuts of salt cod are expertly fried…

  • Kouzina Kioupia

    Thessaloniki

    Bright, friendly and spilling onto the plaza, this welcoming taverna fills with happy local families and tables full of friends. Straightforward taverna…

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