At “Massalia,” located at 6 Manousogiannaki Street in the center of Thessaloniki, and during the summers in Nea Fokaia, Halkidiki, exquisite stories of flavor are written every day. The restaurant first opened in Halkidiki in 2010 and in the center of Thessaloniki in 2014, and since then the two locations—“sister” spaces—remain unique and consistently among the top destinations for exceptional, meticulously crafted meals of Greek creative cuisine. One thing is certain: “Massalia” has now firmly established itself on the gastronomic map and in the hearts of the public as one of the best restaurants in Thessaloniki and nearby Halkidiki.

The story behind the name and logo of “Massalia” is intertwined with a family heritage tracing back three generations to Phocaea in Asia Minor. The rooster–weather vane that adorns the restaurant’s sign today is inspired by one of the legendary symbols of the ancient Phocaeans, founders of Massalia in the West. Historically, it originates from an ancient Phocaean relief, the cast of which was gifted by the elders of Phocaea to French officials in 1899 during the celebration of the founding of Massalia.

As a restaurant, it knows better than most what creativity, consistency, and culinary memory truly mean. The Asia Minor grandmothers of the owners passed down not only their stories but also their culinary philosophy and craftsmanship—using exclusively seasonal, traditional ingredients.

A menu more delicious than ever

We could easily say that the kitchen of “Massalia” is currently at its peak!
The menu changes often, following the availability of seasonal ingredients. Meat and seafood dishes are masterfully combined, without unnecessary additions or exaggerations. The shrimp kritharoto, rich and incredibly fresh, remains one of the biggest “weaknesses” of loyal regulars, while the octopus with fava is prepared in such a way that its flavor remains unforgettable.

The menu’s signature dishes—robust and well-crafted—are characteristic of the cuisine you will find here. Try the hummus with pickled mushrooms, a refreshing and unique proposal that truly stands out.

Choose the beef cheeks with gnocchi, a dish that balances skillfully between comfort food and fine dining; the fresh tuna tigania with thyme, lemon, and white wine—a vibrant dish of delicate flavors and aesthetics, rarely found in the city’s seafood cuisine; and their signature pancetta, one of the dishes that never leaves the menu.

Among the fish options, the “humble” sardine with greens and tomato sauce; among poultry, the Portuguese-style chicken with spicy sauce; and among minced meat dishes, the Thessaloniki-style burgers and soutzoukakia—an homage to the city’s culinary memory and among the very best of their kind—all complete your choices.

All of this in a space that can accommodate 120 guests at once, without ever compromising flavor or service!

A rich wine cellar

The wine cellar of “Massalia,” one of the most thoughtfully curated, includes select ouzos, tsipouro, raki, and wines from the Greek vineyard—all chosen to pair perfectly with the menu’s offerings.
Its consistently excellent value for money is also one of the main reasons the restaurant remains steadily full.

The “Massalia” audience — the best guarantee

The “map” of regulars at the city-center restaurant includes university faculty, actors, musicians and artists, executives of major companies, and locals who know how to appreciate the value of consistent quality.

In Nea Fokaia, the restaurant is honored every year by a large number of visitors—often the same customers who frequent the Thessaloniki location—as well as tourists and residents of the surrounding areas who recognized from the beginning the value of enjoying a meal at “Massalia.”

All of them return for the same reasons: they know they will find a clean restaurant, with polite service marked by care and professionalism, in a prime location—both in Thessaloniki and Halkidiki—with beautiful design and, above all, a kitchen that from the very beginning has proved it knows how to delight its guests.

As a restaurant, “Massalia” truly is one of the best in Thessaloniki and Halkidiki—and you will understand that from your very first visit!

Tip: The Thessaloniki city-center restaurant operates Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 13:00 to 23:00, and every Friday and Saturday from 13:00 to 24:00.