3+1 Food Experiences in Thessaloniki,Greece.

Thessaloniki’s restaurant and entertainment scene is one of the best in Greece.People here know what “tasty food” means.City centre is full of impressive eateries worth visiting with continuous new additions.

Today I am introducing 3+1 spots that i visited during my last stay!Enjoy!

1. 7 Thalasses. 

Specialising in seafood this upscale restaurant is a must for locals who have always shown preference for its eclectic tastes.Lately,it has become a favourite for tourists too,at least for those who want to savour the “Greek sea”.Translated as “seven seas”,7 thalasses is undoubtedly the place where you can score a great plate of fish.Nestled in Kalapothaki -pedestrian only- street, this restaurant definitely stands out from all the rest.

7 Thalasses serves refined dishes characterised by rich tastes and great personality in a spacious and elegant dining room.There are some tables in the outdoor area.There is also a small,separate dining room for business lunches and more intimate gatherings.

Thanks to the city’s proximity to the sea its basic supplies are locally and impeccably sourced.

7 Thalasses serves up decadent grilled fish as well as flavourful plates with Mediterranean accents.The outstanding seafood orzo is -for me- this place’s raison d’être while more sophisticated dishes like the sea bass with celeriac purée and the city’s classic “koulouri” stuffed with salmon and cheese will make your dinner into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Seafood is a big feature of the Greek diet,so,a great eatery like this couldn't be absent from Thessaloniki’s restaurant scene.

2. To Elliniko.

If you are looking for delicious greek “tapas” in the heart of the city,you have come to the right place.To Elliniko (which means “The Greek” in Greek) serves excellent-quality fish and meat dishes in the shadow of the White Tower.Conveniently located between Nikis and Mitropoleos streets,it’s a typical Greek mezedopoleio (meze restaurant) offering plates and appetisers that sing with flavours,that are market fresh and Turkish and Middle Eastern influenced.Greek cuisine is closely related to Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisines,so don’t be surprised when you read “kebap” on the menu card!

Here,Greek sharing plates (meze) are the real attraction.

Traditional pies,eggplant rolls stuffed with feta cheese and tomato,Greek butter beans,kolokithokeftedes-fried zucchini balls,zucchini blossoms stuffed with cheese,soutzoukakia-greek meatballs in tomato sauce are among the offerings.

The decor is lovely as the food.Shelves are filled with Greek local products:Vintage-looking tins of sardines,plum tomatoes and other preserved delicacies as well as jars of olives,spices and bottles of wine and ouzo.

There’s limited seating fronting the counter and there are some outdoor tables on pavement.

To Elliniko draws a local crowd (including students) who come for well-prepared,good-value dishes.Join them in savouring flavourful fried pork-tigania.Don’t forget to order a typical Greek aperitif drink,ouzo or tsipouro or just say cheers with a glass of locally sourced wine in your hand!

3. Estrella.

The number one reason this bustling contemporary restaurant is always packed around midday is its delightful Bougatsan -a croissant pastry with creamy filling of Thessaloniki’s favourite sweet snack,bougatsa-.

But it’s not the only one.

Situated in Pavlou Mela street,this casual foodery has got a great location on St Sophia Square.

Launched in 2013,Estrella has won universal acclaim from both locals and foreigners for its superb brunch dishes and has received various accolades from the local and international media.Yes,they take brunch seriously here!

Food is innovative,dishes are presented with modern flair and design,menu is based on seasonal ingredients and changes frequently.

Feeling hungry enough to eat for two?There are many things you can try from pancakes to burgers,from sweet pastries to smoothies.Baked bagels on offer are exceptional.If you want something with local additions,taste the pizza with crust made of Thessaloniki’s traditional round sesame bread.Accompany it with a glass of the famous Estrella beer which is directly imported from Barcelona.

With a small dining room and offering a genuine welcome,this place feels more like home than a restaurant.The upstairs dining room has beautiful views of St Sophia Church.Here they do not take reservations but service is very friendly and helpful so you won’t have to wait for long.

4. Dandelion.

With a perfect downtown location,this cool “gastro-winery cafe” invites relaxation with comfy couches and chairs to flop into.It has got a fine range of coffees and refreshments and gets things moving at nights with its excellent cocktails including delicious in-house specialties.

Stylish,with a lovely decor,Dandelion serves light salads,hearty tapas and full meals along with an outstanding array of local and imported wines.

Chef produces modern,creative cuisine with the freshest ingredients and uses all his imagination in order to present fascinating combinations such as the grilled goat cheese with truffle and cherry marmalade.If you are an Italian cuisine aficionado go for the baked bruschetta with tomato,basil and creamy cheese.It’s a good deal.

All pictures belong to my personal collection.I used an iPhone 6s Plus.