All-day brunch and Greek€€
Canteen on Gounari has established itself as the go-to all-day room in the city centre with strong brunch trade, good coffee, and a menu that stretches from avocado toast to slow-cooked lamb. Outdoor tables suit the people-watching culture of the square.
Tsipouradiko, seafood meze€€
Rouga near the port runs the classic tsipouradiko model: tsipouro arrives first, then a procession of small cold and hot plates including taramosalata, saganaki, and whole grilled fish. Popular with locals and port workers for a long lunchtime session.
Gyros, souvlaki€
Among the most consistent gyros counters in the city centre, Giotis loads pork or chicken strips into soft pita with the regulation tomato, tzatziki, and chips. Eat standing at the counter or take away. Open until late and always busy at 1am.
Traditional Greek, Athenian taverna classics€€
Palia Athina serves the reliable mid-century Greek taverna repertoire: moussaka, stifado, pastitsio, and simple grills. The wine list is mostly domestic at fair prices. A safe choice for groups who want a traditional sit-down without surprises.
Souvlaki, late-night grill€
Diagonios has kept the same corner on Egnatia since 1977, serving the city's most consistent pork souvlaki skewers until 3am on weekends. The formula never changes: kalamaki, pita, chips, tzatziki, and a cold Mythos beer. The late-night city's anchor.
All-day Greek market restaurant€€
Ergon Agora combines a grocery-deli marketplace with a full-service restaurant across two floors on Pavlou Mela. The all-day menu spans Greek charcuterie boards, eggs, salads, and daily mains sourced from Ergon's network of Greek producers.