At number 25 Alexandrou Svolou Street, in the heart of Thessaloniki, Aimilios Koutrakos Butcher’s has become a landmark destination for exceptional meat and speciality food products. Although the shop has been part of the neighbourhood for almost 15 years, the story behind the name goes back much further, to the early years of the previous century.

The family tradition began in Papazli, near Smyrna, where the grandfather of the current owner started working as a butcher alongside his own grandfather. Following the Asia Minor Catastrophe in 1922, the family settled in Zagliveri, where the business continued and was passed on to the next generation.

Panagiotis Koutrakos, a member of the family’s next generation, not only continued the butcher’s trade but also expanded into hospitality, opening the area’s first cookhouse-tavern. Today, Aimilios Koutrakos carries that legacy forward alongside his son Paris, his daughter Margarita and his wife Anastasia. The family connection remains an integral part of the shop’s philosophy and everyday operation.

Premium meats and distinctive cuts

One of the first things that stands out at Aimilios Koutrakos Butcher’s is, naturally, the impressive variety of meats. Carefully selected local and organic produce, Greek meats sourced from small farms, and exceptional options from renowned farms abroad come together in a range designed both for everyday cooking and for those occasions when the table calls for something truly special.

Premium cuts hold a particularly prominent place, with carefully selected beef sourced from farms in different parts of the world. Among the more unusual offerings are rare and highly sought-after varieties such as Wagyu and Kobe, available by special order.

Another important part of the shop’s identity is its range of dry-aged meats. Carefully controlled ageing gives the meat a deeper, more complex flavour and distinctive texture, making it an appealing choice for those looking to explore a different side of the world of meat gastronomy.

From beef and Black Angus to Kerkini buffalo

The selection goes well beyond the familiar classics. The shop’s chilled displays and counters feature black chickens, duck and goose, as well as black and Iberian pork, wild boar, organic beef, veal and Kerkini buffalo.

There is also an interesting selection of game meats, with venison among the options frequently available, while the shop’s handmade preparations are another highlight. These include a juicy handmade burger patty, perfect for creating a homemade burger, as well as Black Angus sausage with truffle oil, capable of turning even a simple meal into a memorable gastronomic experience.

The delicatessen selection that completes the table

Alongside the meat, the extensive deli range transforms the shop into a complete gourmet destination, offering many of the ingredients and accompaniments needed to create a truly special meal.

The shelves are filled with fresh Italian pasta, speciality cheeses and dairy products, including buffalo butter, milk, yoghurt and graviera cheeses, as well as products such as black garlic and Santorini fava. The selection also extends to seafood, from Alonissos tuna and cured fish from Lesvos to sea bream ceviche.

The gastronomic offering is completed by spices and seasonings, sauces, oils and vinegars, free-range eggs, mushroom products from Grevena, roasted aubergines and peppers, as well as a selection of distinctive snacks for those moments when you need something quick and delicious.

Everything you need for a special meal

Even bread and accompaniments have their own place in the shop’s philosophy. Rusks and brioche buns, ideal for burgers, provide the perfect base for creative homemade dishes, while the wide range of products makes it possible to put together a complete meal without having to search for all the finishing touches elsewhere.

And, naturally, no delicatessen destination would be complete without a carefully selected drinks offering. The shop stocks wines from both Greek and international producers, alongside a selection of distinctive whiskies that can complement a celebratory meal or make a thoughtful and sophisticated gift.

Telephone ordering makes choosing and collecting products even easier, while the shop’s selection is also available through e-food and Wolt.

Knowledge passed down through generations

Behind the impressive range and carefully selected products lies expertise built over many decades. Family tradition, in-depth knowledge of meat and a constant search for quality products are all fundamental to the philosophy of Aimilios Koutrakos Butcher’s.

This commitment to quality is complemented by a genuine willingness to offer guidance and recommendations. The experienced team can help customers choose the right cut, suggest cooking methods and share recipe ideas, depending on the occasion and the kind of meal they have in mind.

The shop’s quality and service have also received recognition through the Greek Awards, where the business was named among the 20 leading businesses in the Thessaloniki regional unit in the customer service category.

With a story that began in Asia Minor and continues today in Thessaloniki, Aimilios Koutrakos Butcher’s is a distinctive example of a family business that has evolved without losing sight of its roots. Carefully selected meats, premium and dry-aged cuts, Greek products from small producers and an extensive delicatessen range come together in a destination where tradition meets contemporary gastronomy, right in the heart of Alexandrou Svolou.