Thessaloniki's Most Critically Acclaimed Tables

On the waterfront, Salonica is one of the few tables in the city that plays confidently in the highest price bracket. The cooking is contemporary Greek, chef-driven and seasonal, set in a room that is elegant and carefully composed. It is a destination for special occasions and celebrations, with the view across the Thermaic Gulf completing the picture. One of the tables locals reserve for the nights that matter.

An institution of waterfront Thessaloniki, Olympos Naoussa pairs its history with a contemporary, design-led take on modern Greek cooking. Elegant, refined and squarely aimed at fine dining, it sits in the city's top price tier. It works as well for a long, unhurried lunch as it does for a celebratory dinner. A destination with genuine standing, rooted in the city's own tradition.

In the city centre, Grada Nuevo is a modern seafood and oyster bar operating in the top price bracket. The approach is at once refined and classic, built around the quality of the fish and the oysters. It suits couples and special occasions, when you want seafood served with real care. One of the more polished seafood propositions in the city.

In Ladadika, Charoupi is one of the most talked-about tables in the city and holds one of the highest ratings in this guide. The cooking is modern Cretan, chef-driven and authentic, without losing its roots. Refined and clearly a destination, it is the kind of table visitors book ahead for. For dinner, a date or a special occasion, it is one of Thessaloniki's safest bets.

In Valaoritou, Mourga has built a reputation that travels well beyond the city. The cooking is market-led seafood, chef-driven and seasonal, with respect for the produce and a list of natural wines. It works equally well for a long lunch with friends or for dinner. One of the most authentic and critic-beloved tables here, carrying one of the top ratings in this guide.

In Ladadika, SinTrofi makes one of the most creative cases in the city: Greek cooking built on a zero-waste philosophy. Chef-driven, seasonal and intimate, with a carefully chosen natural-wine list. It is a table for those who want creativity and conscience together, with no compromise on flavour. One of the most interesting names on the contemporary scene.

Near the White Tower, Deka Trapezia offers modern Greek meze with a creative, chef-driven hand. The cooking is seasonal, the wine list leans natural, and the room is built for sharing. It works beautifully for dinner with friends or for a date. One of the tables that captures the newer, bolder Thessaloniki.

In the city centre, Clochard is a contemporary Greek bistro with an elegant, design-led aesthetic. Chef-driven and refined, it balances polish with the ease of a bistro. It suits a date or a low-key celebration equally well. One of the most carefully designed propositions in the city.

In Ladadika, Trizoni Exclusive does creative seafood with a refined, elegant hand. Chef-driven and seasonal, it pushes fish in a more contemporary, carefully plated direction. It is a table for dinner, a date or a special occasion. One of the more polished seafood propositions in the historic centre.

In Pylaia, Glykanisos serves creative seafood with a chef-driven, refined approach. Modern and carefully composed, it suits couples and special occasions. The emphasis is on a more contemporary, considered way of serving fish. A destination for anyone wanting seafood beyond the classic taverna.

In Fragomahalas, Maitr & Margarita makes creative Greek cooking in an intimate, chef-driven setting. Seasonal and modern, it sets up an evening suited to a date or to couples. The scale is small and personal, with a clear cooking signature. One of the tables that rewards anyone after something a little different.