Whole octopus dried on the line then chargrilled over wood until the tentacles caramelise and the body tenderises. Served with lemon, oregano, and a cold carafe of tsipouro. The Aegean technique of sun-drying before grilling is what produces the specific texture. The best is found in tsipouradika and seafood restaurants.
3 editor picks for Htapodi Sti Schara (Chargrilled Octopus) in Thessaloniki, ranked by editorial score. All Thessaloniki signature dishes · Htapodi Sti Schara (Chargrilled Octopus) across every city.
Ouzeri Tsinari ★ 4.5
ano-poli · Alexandras Papadopoulou 72, Thessaloniki 546 33
Tsinari has stood on this Ano Poli corner since 1865, originally a cafe during the Ottoman period. The same family has run it since 1990, the wood stove still fires, and the tzigerosarmas (lamb liver wrapped in caul fat) remains on the menu.
Mavri Thalassa ★ 4.5
kalamaria · Nikolaou Plastira 3, Kalamaria, Thessaloniki 551 32
Founded in 1926 as a harbour kafeneio, Mavri Thalassa now operates one of Thessaloniki's most serious seafood tables in Kalamaria. The wine list reaches 300 labels and the dining room fills on weeknights with local professionals.
Rouga ★ 4.0
ano-poli · Giannitson 14, Thessaloniki
Set on a cobbled Ano Poli street, Rouga is known for its fairy-light courtyard, circus-figure decor, and the Greek custom of complimentary ouzo and homemade desserts at the end of every meal. The kitchen covers the full range of classic mezedes.