Did you know that Thessaloniki is well known for its food culture and was designated by UNESCO as Greece’s first city of Gastronomy?
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and, through their many programs and initiatives, seek to build the connection between the world’s diverse countries and cultures. Food brings people, cultures and communities together in a way that not much else can, and Thessaloniki’s diverse food culture is definitely one to explore.
I had an incredible opportunity to travel to Thessaloniki for work recently and in between the hustle was able to try some amazing food and explore the city. Thessaloniki is surrounded by both ocean and mountains, a very walkable city and easy to navigate.
Navigating Thessaloniki – City of Gastronomy
Since I did not have much time outside of work, I decided to take my one free day to tour the city on my own. I found a great Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour through Get Your Guide. They offer so many excursions and activity ideas throughout the world. I really loved this one. All I had to do was download an app on my phone, throw on my ear buds, and walk. It brought me through highlights of the city and had me answer questions along the way about what I saw. It was like my own Amazing Race, and if you know me, you know that is one reality show I would love to go on!
Some of the key places to check out in Thessaloniki include the
- Arch of Galerius and Rotunda
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
- The Umbrellas Statue by Zongopoulos
- OTE Tower Rotating Experience – a rotating Tower with incredible views of the city. I was able to sip wine, enjoy a cheese plate and take in the views.
One of my favorite spots was Aristotelous Square. It was down by the water and had a lot of outdoor seating restaurants and cafes. I took some time to sit with a cappuccino and people watch. What’s better than that?
Now, let’s talk food! Thessaloniki is the city of gastronomy after all. On my ride to the hotel, the driver was so friendly and gave me a number of restaurant suggestions. The one he recommended the most was a restaurant called Deka Trapezia or “Ten Tables”.
Deka Trapezia
They specialize in modern Greek cuisine and the meze philosophy of food. What is the meze philosophy? Greek or Middle Eastern Meze is similar to Spanish tapas. Meze are small plates that can be eaten as appetizers or many together to make up a full meal.
My driver was right when he said to pass on some of the more “popular” locations and try this restaurant first. Not only was the food incredible, but the staff was so friendly and attentive. Deka Trapezia is somewhere you don’t want to miss! I chose two dishes, and then they gave me a delicious dessert on the house.
The French Fries were essentially modern loaded French Fries with a staka, bottarga, chives, fig, and lemon. Staka was the cheese sauce made of sheep’s milk and bottarga is salted, cured fish roe. These were deliciously addictive, and all of the ingredients balanced each other perfectly.
If you love lemon, you definitely want to try the White fish in lemon sauce with roasted garlic, dried cranberries, and rosemary. This was certainly a bit bigger of a dish than some of the others, but well worth it.
Last but not least was the Lemon cream (or mousse), topped with powdered herbs and a bread crust crumble. It was made with healthier ingredients, and you would not know it. This lemon cream had a delicate sweetness yet at the same time was so flavorful. It was a great way to end the meal.
Garcon Brasserie
The next highlight for me was Garcon Brasserie. The décor was incredible, and since I was there the end of November, it was also very festively decorated for the holidays. My table was on the 2nd floor, looking out on the water. I tried a few dishes, including the Profiteroles in chocolate sauce. However, my main dish hit it out of the park – the Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan Ice Cream. You read that right, Parmesan.Ice.Cream! I had never heard of this before, but it was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten. I love cheese and ice cream, so this savory ice cream definitely spoke to me. It tasted delicious on its own. However, it was also perfect over the warm risotto and melted slowly as you ate, bringing out all the flavors.
Navona Italian Restaurant
Now you may be thinking, you had Italian food while you were in Greece? I know, I know, but, this restaurant was part of my hotel. I stayed at the Makedonia Palace hotel. After working essentially two full days in one, I did not want to go far, and I have zero regrets. The food at Navona was amazing.
- The stuffed eggplant appetizer melted in your mouth. I usually don’t love skin on eggplant, but this was cooked to perfection. The cheese on top may look like mozzarella, but it was a light ricotta. Delish!
- Check out my own Eggplant recipe on the blog!
- I also chose the pesto dish, which is a go-to for me. The homemade pasta and elegant sauce was so flavorful, yet light, so I still had room for dessert.
- The dessert I chose was the Tiramisu, which was layered and presented with a more modern take. The mascarpone topping was luscious and creamy – I could have eaten two servings.
I am not sure how Navona does it, but everything I tried was so delicate. I was satisfied yet not full. Greece does Italian food well!
Traditional Greek Food in Thessaloniki
The last two places I want to highlight were small spots I found as I wandered throughout the city. First is Papasotiriou Patisserie. This was such a gorgeous space where they make traditional Greek pastries, cakes and even gelato. I chose to try the baklava and two different Greek Christmas cookies – Melomakarona and Kourabiedes.
My last dinner in Thessaloniki was at Diagonios Grillhouse, which is just a few minutes walk from the White Tower. The service here was simply lovely, and it felt like I was getting a home cooked meal. Two of my favorite things I ate were their roasted potatoes and traditional Greek salad. That salad was fresh, flavorful and really hit the spot. It was all I really wanted when I arrived in Greece, and I picked the perfect spot to have it.
I wish I had more time to explore Thessaloniki and all the surrounding areas. However, there is no doubt in my mind I will be back. If you are looking to take a trip to Greece, I encourage you to look beyond the typical toursity locations and check out Thessaloniki. It has small town charm, history, friendly people and the food scene is top notch. The Thessaloniki – City of Gastronomy title is definitely well-earned.
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