Ioannina
Fronted by grand arches, this atmospheric place is set in a passage between 19th-century stone buildings. The solid, somewhat modernised Greek menu…
Must-see restaurants in Northern Greece
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…
Thrace
Go with an appetite to sample all the local Turkish-inflected forms of pites (pies) here, from flaky layered giozlemes filled with greens to creamy open…
Parga
An unreconstructed 'date night' restaurant, Castello can feel a bit old-fashioned, but its wide-ranging Mediterranean menu satisfies, with fish brochettes…
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…
Thrace
All the classics are done well at this estiatorio (restaurant serving ready-made food as well as à la carte), a block back from the harbourfront hubbub…
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…
Thessaloniki
A veritable institution since 1960, Elenidis specialises in Thessaloniki's favourite pastry, the trigona. This sweet, flaky triangular cone, filled with…
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…
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…
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…
Thrace
Considered one of the best tavernas in the area, Agios Giorgos sits by a chapel of the same name, on a hill above Lepti, about 10 minutes' drive west of…
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…
Ioannina
Ioannina's most celebrated sweets shop, Diethnes has both French pastries and more Eastern syrupy treats such as its distinctive big, buttery baklava. It…
Zagorohoria
Settle in by the fireplace or out on the terrace, near the goat-bell wind chimes, and sample an array of super-local and seasonal food. Dishes like baked…
Parga
A great little taverna on the main highway, Tzimas is open year-round and recommended by locals for Greek standards such as roast aubergine with feta,…
Preveza
One of Preveza's busiest bakeries, Karanika is just east of the clock tower. It makes very good savoury pies (you'll think you're back up in the mountains…
Thessaloniki
Occupying a handsomely-rejuvenated port warehouse with views of the Gulf of Thessaloniki (Thermaïkos Kolpos) from its outdoor tables, Kitchen comes into…
Epiros
This friendly family-run restaurant cooks up hearty local dishes, from pites (pies) and soups (the white bean is excellent, as is the goat soup) to…
Zagorohoria
For years, Sta Riza was a go-to in a village in the lower Zagori. In 2018, it moved to this new spot above Vitsa. It's a favourite for hearty country…
Ioannina
Wood panelling and embroidered curtains cosify what's essentially a cheap-and-cheerful charcoal-grill restaurant, with a menu of souvlaki and (thanks to…
Ioannina
This all-day cafe has a broad menu that's especially popular for brunch, with treats like red-velvet pancakes and a cheesy-creamy croque madame. At night,…
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,…
Epiros
Blanketing the Metsovo plateia with the enticing smell of grilled meat, this friendly place serves just as it has since it opened in 1962: your meal of…
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,…
Macedonia
Justifiably popular, Meze Meze offers an unchallenging selection of Greek favourites, distinguished by freshness, generosity and a sure instinct for the…
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…
Thrace
This cheery cafe is good for a lighter meal, coffee or a drink. Order at the counter from the day's selection of soups, a few hot lunch options (meatballs…
Zagorohoria
Next to the town hall on the plateia in Tsepelovo, in the shade of a giant plane tree, this restaurant is a friendly place beloved by locals for miles…
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…
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…
Zagorohoria
Love mushrooms? Head straight for this restaurant devoted to woodland fungus in all its delicious forms. The menu celebrates foraged chanterelles, berries…
Thessaloniki
Bright, friendly and spilling onto the plaza, this welcoming taverna fills with happy local families and tables full of friends. Straightforward taverna…
Thrace
Go through the passage next to Alpha Bank to find this cheap and cheerful mezedhopoleio, a branch of a Thessaloniki favourite, where there's often live…
Thrace
Tucked among old olive groves and overlooking Demir Ali Beach, this sleek restaurant-lounge is expert in higher-end seafood, from sizzling shrimp saganaki…
Thessaloniki
This bawdily decorated, iconic eatery near the White Tower is a local institution offering refreshingly light souvlaki and soutzoukakia (meat rissoles in…
Thrace
Tucked by a little patch of green, off the main street, this is a pleasant place for a bargain light meal (unless you get a giant pork chop – but that's…
Macedonia
This cheerful family-run taverna in Panagia isn't expensive, yet delivers an expertly cooked menu of meaty Greek favourites. Locals come for the barbecued…
Thrace
One of two tavernas in the village of Dadia, this one has a menu that excels both in local game meats and more standard basics, such as a supremely…
Thessaloniki
This friendly shopfront taverna is a true neighbourhood hang-out, a place where you can find top, home-cooked Greek fare, all served with warmth and…
