Tsipouradiko€ano-poli
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.
Signature: Tzigerosarmas, Grilled seafood mezedes
All-day Greek€€centre
Awarded the city's best all-day restaurant, Canteen on Fanarioton Square serves brunch from 10am daily and extends to 7pm on Sundays. The mix of Greek breakfast traditions and international brunch dishes draws long queues at weekends.
Signature: Pancakes, Kayanas eggs on focaccia
Greek grill€centre
The city-centre gyradiko on Vasileos Irakliou serves consistent gyros until 3am on weekends. Counter service, standing only, fast turnaround. The pork option with double tzatziki is the standard order.
Signature: Pork gyros, Double tzatziki gyros
Greek cheese and wine€€centre
Billed as the world's first feta bar, Mia Feta combines a retail Greek cheese counter with a casual dining concept built around feta and regional cheeses on a long communal table. Half-glass wine pours make it easy to sample the cellar alongside cheese plates spanning every style of Greek cheesemaking. Mon to Sat 09:00 to 00:00.
Signature: Greek cheese platter, Feta-centric meze
Greek taverna€€centre
Palia Athina is the reliable large-format taverna for group dinners in the city centre: generous portions of grilled meats, village salads, and barrels of house wine. The place locals bring out-of-town family for a loud Sunday lunch.
Signature: Grilled meats, Meze for groups
Greek grill€centre
Directly across from the original Diagonios on Egnatia, Nea Diagonios runs the same late-night kalamaki and gyros format until 3am on weekends. Slightly larger than Diagonios, same quality and price.
Signature: Kalamakia, Gyros pita