Greek grill€centre
Since 1977, Diagonios has stood on the Egnatia corner and produced what many locals regard as the city's most reliable souvlaki and gyros. Counter service, no pretension, open late on weekends.
Signature: Souvlaki pita, Gyros pita
Greek marketplace€€centre
Ergon Agora combines a greengrocer, butcher, fishmonger, bakery, and coffee roaster under one roof with a restaurant serving Greek food from 09:00 to midnight. The hams hanging from the ceiling and the open kitchen draw a loyal local crowd.
Signature: All-day Greek brunch, House-made charcuterie
Cretan meze€€ladadika
Ten tables on renovated Stratigou Kallari Street, led by chef Manolis Papoutsakis who also runs Charoupi. Deka Trapezia brings Cretan-rooted meze to a more casual, no-reservation format. The wait is reliably worth it.
Signature: Cretan pies, Seasonal meze relay
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