The authentic Greek tavern in Thessaloniki
If you are in Thessaloniki and you want to eat in a truly authentic and traditional Greek tavern, outside the tourist flow, then my advice is to try the ALKYONIDES tavern, managed by Panos and Lefteris. Here you will be able to taste the authentic Greek tradition, characterized not only by delicious courses and reasonable prices, but also from a family genuineness, that makes it truly typical.
A brief history of this typical restaurant in Thessaloniki
I met this tavern many years ago when it was still a “Kafenìo”. If you are not familiar with this term, a “Kafenìo” in Greece is a bar where the elderly people generally meet to spend the day playing cards or tàvli (a very popular game in Greece, played like backgammon) and hang out in company to discuss politics, football and so on.
In the “Kafenìo”, they served fish or meat appetizers to accompany ouzo or tsipouro, which are two national alcoholic aperitif drinks.
At ALKYONIDES, however, the appetizers (in Greek known with the term “mezedakia”) were so good that local people started going to the place more to eat for a meal rather than drink mostly.
Therefore, it was then that the two brothers, Panos e Lefteris, owners of the place decided to transform the bar into a tavern, expanding it over time with an external deck, as it is today.
Here you can still breathe the air of the past: you do not go to ALKYONIDES just to eat, you go there to stay there even for hours because time seems to have stopped there.
The tavern is seen as a hub for socializing.
Sometimes I go there to eat and watch football matches in company because the tavern transforms into a stadium when there are certain sports events. In short, it is not a simple tavern but a meeting place for locals.
Fish-based Greek dishes
Do not order a main dish, but taste various dishes, whose portions are not big so you have the chance to try different things. Get advice from Panos and remember that the concept of “Kafenìo” long lives here, that is, taste a bit of everything as if they were appetizers.
If you choose to set up your lunch or dinner based on fish, I recommend some characteristic dishes of Greek cuisine:
- Octopus: in all its various forms;
- Smoked mackerel;
- Sardines and anchovies.
You can combine these dishes with one of the Greek salads or with some sauces, such as aubergines or Taramosalata (mullet egg cream).
Meat-based Greek dishes
Even in this case, if you are in good company, and you can order more courses since there are more palates to satisfy, do it, so you will have the opportunity to try different types of typical meat dishes.
If you chose to set up your lunch or dinner based on meat, here is my advice of characteristic dishes of Greek cuisine:
- The meatballs, known as Keftedes;
- The small chops, easily remembered with the name of Brizoles.
You can combine some grilled cheese, homemade potato salad, Bouyiourdi (a little spicy hot Feta) or grilled mushrooms (very tasty, if you are a mushrooms lover).
Finally, dinner usually ends with chocolate salami, a home made and generally offered sweet treat.
ALKYONIDES tavern is located in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki.
Kalamaria is a neighbourhood of Thessaloniki located between the airport and the city centre. Among other things, I recommend you take a stroll in the area, especially along the sea where there are very modern bars with a wide view of the bay of Thessaloniki.
If you have your car, the easiest way to get there is the car since the public transportatio is limited. Otherwise, you could always consider the taxi: if you are staying in the city centre, it takes about 15 minutes and the cost should not exceed 10-15 Euros per taxi.
Greek tradition that blends with cuisine
If you are not looking for a refined restaurant, but the true genuineness of Greek cuisine, then this tavern is right for you. The place is very simple in style but its simplicity makes it a non-touristy and sought-after place. Locals go there to spend hours.
Food generally (this is true for many taverns in Greece) comes almost altogether. You have to abandon the idea of the first dish and then of the second dish. The fact that almost everything arrives immediately leads you to devour food, both for hunger and because some courses are good hot.
Instead, according to the tradition of what was the “Kafenìo”, you should abandon the concept of “fast eating” and give space to the idea to taste it all slowly between a glass of ouzo and a chat. No one will clear the table until you decide, because you are out spending time with friends and they respect this.
I am sure that the brothers Panos and Lefteris will be able to advise you on what to order and above all, they will know how to treat you well.
