The wisteria or “salkimi” – as its Asia Minor name, derived from the Turkish “salkim”, meaning “hanging bunch” – is one of the most beautiful images that one can see in the narrow streets of Athonos Square, and Cafe “Bazaar” has been writing its own story, right under it, for almost 34 years. Since December 1991, when it first opened its doors, until today, it has evolved into a permanent meeting point for those who love the authentic atmosphere of the city, combining coffee, food, and drink, in a space with a true bistro character.

“Cafe Bazaar” was created by a group of shopkeepers in the city, while its “soul”, for the last ten years, has been one of them, Babis Daskalopoulos, who keeps the spirit of company and authenticity alive, adding his own touches and maintaining the authentic bistro philosophy, in a place where you don’t just come to drink or eat, but to… belong!

Here, on 34 Papamarkou Street in Athonos Square, next to armchair shops and shops with wicker goods, but also many more modern ones, with handmade jewelry or other arts, “Bazaar” offers its beautiful, quiet space every day, for a stop, a meeting, a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, and even for reading or working. Many have passed through here, from locals and city walkers, to artists and politicians, since its central point and the wider area of ​​Athonos Square, with its abundant grocery stores, greengrocers, deli, grills and taverns, are among the most popular for a stroll.

The gastronomic experience of “Bazaar”

The day at “Bazaar” starts calmly, with coffees, herbal teas and soft drinks, such as the famous, non-alcoholic “Jijibira” of the “Corfu” brewery. For those looking for a tasty start, there are “mom-friendly” or comfort options, such as the store’s classic open “Scandinavian” toast, a nostalgic and honest dish, which includes a variety of ingredients, depending on your preferences and reminiscent of bruschetta.

You will also find an oven-baked omelette or yogurt with fruit and honey, while the restaurant’s summer plans include delicious egg rolls, with cheese or even in sweet variations with strawberries, as well as Thessaloniki round bread rolls, which will ideally accompany your morning coffee.

At noon, the kitchen opens as usual. The menu, small but well-prepared, is based on simple and delicious recipes: freshly cut salads, burgers, perek with spinach and feta cream, onion pies with feta and caramelized onions.

Favorite dishes include the seven-spiced minced meat pies in an Arabic pita and the delicious soutzoukakia, based on a recipe from the owner’s grandmother from Smyrna, with a mix of juicy pork and beef minced meat, spicy Cappadocia sauce and fluffy pita bread.

For lovers of good meat, “Bazaar” offers juicy sirloin, chicken fillet, as well as a famous crepe with chicken, melted cheese and aromatic artichoke sauce — a taste that has become a trademark for years. You will also find pasta and five types of sausage from “Sari” – most of which are gluten-free.

The appetizers are ideally accompanied by local wines – such as the bulk wine from Goumenissa Aidarini – or by classic drinks, while the Chios mastic, with pepper and lemon, and the aperitifs with spritz and ginger soda stand out.

A four-season hangout!

“Cafe Bazaar” is a warm and welcoming space, with handmade wooden elements, tiles -also exclusively handmade- inspired by the Art Nouveau aesthetic and a heavy, wooden bar, which exudes dignity and charm of another era.

Whether you choose to sit at the indoor tables or the outdoor ones, enjoying the sun or the rain, you will feel like you are on an island — a feeling that intensifies in the spring, when the wisteria blooms.

“Bazaar” covers your every mood: breakfast, coffee, light lunch, evening drink or a relaxed outing with friends. On your walk through the shops of Athonos Square, it is the ideal passage and the most relaxed stop. Whether in autumn and winter, acting as a “shelter” from the weather, or in spring and summer, when the tables are placed outside on the paved Papamarkou Street, it functions as an authentic part of the city, full of the aroma of Thessaloniki.

Tip: “Bazaar” operates daily, from 10.00 to 01.30.