In the heart of Thessaloniki, at 2 Fanarioton Square, Diagonios 1977 is one of those rare spots that needs no introduction. From 1977 to this day, it has remained steady, authentic, and true to its philosophy: good food, clean flavors, and an experience that reminds us that Greek cuisine needs no embellishment to stand out.

Diagonios 1977 is a restaurant deeply woven into Thessaloniki’s urban everyday life—a meeting point for generations of locals, workers, students, and visitors who return time and again for the same feeling of familiarity. Here, food does not follow trends—it follows memory.

A space as simple as its philosophy

The space at Diagonios 1977 perfectly reflects its philosophy. Free of excess, it creates a warm, human atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at home. Tables fill with conversation, shared plates, and the aromas of grilled meat drifting through the room, evoking the unmistakable feeling of a traditional Greek taverna. Simplicity here is a conscious choice—and that choice elevates the entire experience.

The dishes that built a legend

The cuisine of Diagonios 1977 is deeply rooted in Greek tradition and in respect for high-quality raw ingredients. The signature dish—the one that has written its own history—is undoubtedly the soutzoukakia. Long, perfectly grilled, made from pure minced meat and without excessive spices, they are served juicy and full of flavor. Each bite reveals the ideal balance of fat and grilling, confirming that this is a recipe tested by time.

Alongside them, pork gyro stands as another constant favorite. Thinly sliced and expertly grilled, with crispy edges and a tender interior, it is accompanied by the restaurant’s signature round-cut fried potatoes, golden and fragrant on the plate. The flavors are completed with fresh onion and simple salads that balance and highlight the taste of the meat.

A special place on the menu is also reserved for liver—a dish that requires skill and proper handling. At Diagonios 1977, it is served tender, without any trace of toughness, grilled just right to retain its juices. It’s no coincidence that many regulars choose it consistently, considering it among the best in the city center.

Classic Greek salads are always present on the table, such as politiki salad with crisp vegetables and balanced acidity, along with a variety of side dishes that complement the meal without stealing the spotlight from the true protagonist: the meat.

The experience of simplicity

What truly sets Diagonios 1977 apart is not only its food, but the way it is served. Portions are generous, service is prompt and genuinely warm, without pretension. Here, you don’t feel like a customer—you feel like a guest. The kitchen operates at a pace that respects the visitor’s time, while the overall experience remains authentic and unforced.

An integral part of the city’s gastronomic identity

Diagonios 1977 does not try to reinvent Greek cuisine. It serves it. And through this consistency, it has become part of Thessaloniki’s collective memory. It’s the place you return to after work, the place you recommend to friends from out of town, the place that reminds you that good taste needs no unnecessary explanations.

Where tradition remains alive

Diagonios 1977 is a historic, traditional restaurant of Thessaloniki—and above all, a living testament to the fact that Greek cuisine, when based on quality, simplicity, and respect for raw ingredients, can remain relevant and beloved for decades.

In the center of Thessaloniki, Diagonios 1977 continues to serve not only food, but memories, moments, and that rare sense of stability we all seek.