Thessaloniki’s Cool New Spanish Inspired Bar-Restaurant

Set down on Papadopoulou Street, in a single-story building that resembles a warm and inviting Spanish home, this cool and casual all-day bar and restaurant in Thessaloniki has become a favourite local hangout.

Having quietly opened its doors in the middle of last year (by the talented team from Cin Cin) Mariél has now become a popular spot in the city thanks to its amazing brunch menu, fine meats, signature cocktails, and its overall enticing Mediterranean vibe that’s best experienced in the amazing courtyard out the back.

The high-quality meat cuts feature a combination of juicy and delicious options that are cooked to satisfy each taste, and all the dishes on the menu are designed to be enjoyed with the impressive list of wines that come from Greece, Spain, Italy and other parts of the world.

If you happen to be in Thessaloniki on a Thursday evening, we highly recommend you head here for Tapas Thursdays, where you can enjoy the creative chef’s suggestions, and taste the mini bites that pair perfectly with the Spanish wines. We love the tacos with chili con Carne and the bruschetta with chorizo, sour cream and fig paste!

The weekend brunch menu is also delightful. It features Fried Eggs on porcini and guanciale cream, accompanied by fresh salad and toasted bread, as well as Tortita Legendaria with mascarpone, fresh fruit and raspberry sauce.

For lunch, you can try the light pasta dishes, which include the Fresh Stringoloni in goat trunk sauce and fresh truffle carpaccio, or the Egg Fusilli with juicy cherry tomatoes, Feta and salami.

Or, if it’s just a drink (or 2, or 3) that you’re after, behind Mariél’s bar you will find the creative and talented mixologists serving unique cocktails such as the Greek Ramos with vanilla-scented tones and fresh lemon juice, gin and Mastiha, and the Nectar, a vodka-based cocktail enriched with lime aromas. 

A: Papadopoulou 16, Panorama

Iconic Restaurant in Thessaloniki Set to Reopen After 30 Years

Thessaloniki’s iconic ‘Olympos Naoussa’ restaurant- internationally known as one of Greece’s best eateries of the 1960’s- has received a glamorous makeover and is finally set to reopen its famous doors after 30 years.

Set in a prime seafront location in the centre of the city, just 150 metres from Aristotelous Square, the restaurant is now part of a new stunning boutique hotel that is having its grand opening in January 2022.

The highly-anticipated renovation of Olympus Naoussa is a huge celebration for Greece’s co-capital, which is also known as the country’s centre of gastronomy.  

Featuring large windows that allow guests to enjoy the stunning sea views- the art deco inspired restaurant boasts an open kitchen, patterned floor tiles, chic lighting and pops of greenery that blend in beautifully with the earthy brown tones that dominate the open space.

The new Olympos Naoussa will introduce unique dishes highlighting both Greek and international gastronomy; redefining local flavours, aromas and traditional recipes in the most exciting ways.

“The local Thessaloniki cuisine will be presented as never before, introducing its cosmopolitan mosaic of flavours to locals and travellers. After all, Greek products deserve to be centre stage. Here they will be able to taste a world of unique gastronomy and step into a timeless legend where the menu truly showcases real, creative, incredible food,” says management.

Behind the new menu and leading the kitchen floor will be award-winning top chef, Dimitris Tasioulas, Chef Ambassador of Thessaloniki and chef at Thria, which the Sunday Times named “gourmet destination” in 2019.

Famous for his deep roots in the city’s multicultural cuisine and gastronomic past and present, Dimitris’ previous works of art at Sebriko attracted the New York Times, which recommended his extraordinary plates and unique recipes.

“As the Executive Chef, Dimitris will define his exclusive concepts of naturalness in a rich dining experience. He will bring back the success of the mythical restaurant and continue its legacy with new emblematic tastes and gastronomic forms,” adds management.

Insights Greece - Iconic Restaurant in Thessaloniki Set to Reopen After 30 Years

Along with fine dining, guests will also be able to enjoy pre or after dinner drinks at ON Tiger Loop, where award-winning bartender Achilleas Plakidas and other talented bar staff will be mixing handcrafted cocktails made with unique ingredients.  

“Here you will be able to unwind the senses glass after glass, sipping inspirational cocktails infused with secret ingredients in a totally majestic atmosphere with 80s and 90s music, interaction and a lively vibe that will make you want to return,” concludes management.

A: Leoforos Nikis 5, Thessaloniki

Great New Restaurant in Downtown Thessaloniki

L’Albero is a great new restaurant in downtown Thessaloniki, offering a gourmet menu filled with fresh quality ingredients, authentic flavours, and reasonable prices. 

With a refined-yet-traditional feel, the decor at L’Albero is warm, with earthy tones. And the charming courtyard with pops of greenery is ever-so-inviting. 

The small menu boasts a great collection of authentic dishes including the roasted sweet potato with a tarmac of black-eyed peas and a handmade country sausage with mustard seed. For starters, you can also choose from potatoes fried in smoked pancetta, Burrata with tomatoes and basil, as well as fava with Guanciale and caramelised onions. For a hint of Italian influence check out the light pasta with mussels or the fresh handmade Gnocchi with sage cream and beef cheeks.

For a unique culinary experience, order from the special cuts meat selection- such as the bottom sirloin, rump cap Picanha, butchers steak, and tri-tip- all from premium beef that is cooked at the table right in front of you on special cast iron pans.

Everything you taste at L’Albero is made with the finest ingredients, using the freshest and most seasonal produce that is carefully selected from local producers. 

And we suggest you also take a look at the dessert menu (the pavlova is a stand-out) and the wonderfully curated wine list, which compliments the menu. 

A: Filippou 17, Thessaloniki