On 3 Domnas Visvizi Street, in Pylaia, the “Ambelos” tavern closes 30 years of operation and is a small “oasis” of greenery, which gives you the opportunity to “escape” for a while from the bustling city. It opened its doors in 1994 from Rizos Patousis – with a name inspired by the important place held by the vine and wine in the Church – and for three decades, it has been offering its delicious flavors and coolness to anyone who visits.

At ‘Ampelos’, the vines around the tables were planted by the original owner himself. Today, the business is now managed by the second generation of the family, the brothers Dimitris and Yiannis, with their parents Rizos and Stella continuing to contribute to the kitchen and beyond. Having by their side the cooks and the rest of the team, many of whom have been stable for more than two decades, they operate as one family, whose basic philosophy has always been faith in the human factor, delicious food and the warm smile.

Passing down grandma’s recipes

In the menu, Greek traditional food, simple flavors, pure ingredients and good raw materials prevail, in an effort to keep the recipes of the grandmothers and grandfathers unchanged and to offer them as they are, at every meal. From stuffed zucchini with egg and lemon, turlu, stuffed squid with rice or oven-baked pork chicken with eggplant, every taste will remind you of your childhood and bring back memories.

The menu also includes their own suggestions, such as jiyerosarmas, pork shank, oven steak, smooth-hound saganaki and a wide variety of salads, served plain, without many additions. Be sure to try the “ampelos” – lamb shoulder, stuffed with pork shoulder and kefalotiri – one of their own dishes, as well as the stews that come out daily, in which you will recognize authentic flavors, not changed at all, but also the abundant meats of the hour, such as stable pork steak, milk veal, pork tenderloin, etc.

Four different areas, all kinds of people

If you frequent the “Ampelos” tavern, you will meet familiar and familiar faces, who know you and who you know and who have your excellent service as their culture. As the people of the restaurant typically say, “there are customers whose christening event took place here in the past and who now have their children’s christening table here”!

The now renovated restaurant area, with new equipment and beautiful table seats, reminds of Greece, thanks to the earthy colors, the wood and mat in the space and the decoration on the walls, while a comfortable circular sofa allows you to sit with your company in an even more relaxed atmosphere.

In the loft, you will see sketches of favorite Greek singers, edited by the cartoonist from Thessaloniki, Aggeliki Stamenou. The stone in the loft, inspired by the traditional houses of Xanthi, warms the space even more.

The basement, again, with the fireplace, is suitable for more “private” gatherings, smaller groups, up to 20-25 people or for a reservation for a group.

The outdoor area is reminiscent of the courtyard of a cafe, with plenty of trees, vines, bushes, basil and general greenery, with a typical simplicity that will relax you.

The goal of the renovation was to keep the space friendly and accessible, with better facilities, but the same mood and atmosphere.

For all hours

As you will have already understood, “Ampelos” caters to all tastes. You will meet all kinds of patrons, from costumed patrons who will choose Greek Estate wines and large fish for their meal, to workers who have just finished their work and are relaxing in their work uniforms with a beer, but also larger groups enjoying their tsipouro.

The cellar, after all, also includes everything, from simple suggestions to beers, bottled wines and spirits, which will cover all tastes, every company and every hour!

“Ampelos” is a genuine tavern, offering traditional Greek cuisine and in which … a thousand good people can fit! Should you visit it too?

Tip 1: “Ampelos” operates every day, Monday to Sunday, from 12.00 to 23.30 (the kitchen) and until 01.00 in the area.

Opening hours: 12.00 – 23.30 (the kitchen), open until 01.00 Monday to Sunday, only closed on Christmas, Easter and New Year.

Tip 2: You can also find the tavern’s menu via Wolt