The coastal area of Kalamaria is well known—and rightly so—for its beautiful seaside dining spots, with numerous seafood restaurants offering enchanting views. “Gialos” located in the Nautical Club area, just past the “Palataki,” is certainly one of them.

True to its name, it sits literally a breath away from the sea, with seagulls and boats on the horizon, a small pier nearby, and trees adding color to the scenery. Most importantly, it features a well-curated, complete menu where every dish is genuinely delicious, making it one of the finest and most ideal spots to enjoy your favorite fish and seafood.

For seafood and fish lovers, “Gialos” is the result of the dedication, hard work, and experience of Babis and Alexis. Friends and business partners, they have been active in the food industry since 1990 and founded “Gialos” in 2004.

Since then, they have been welcoming both the people of Thessaloniki and its visitors with passion, consistency, and respect, in a beautiful seaside location, with the Thermaic Gulf quite literally “on your plate.” They offer guests the chance to experience authentic, traditional Greek cuisine, warm and hospitable service, and moments of relaxation with uninterrupted views of the gulf.

Authentic seafood menu

With full responsibility for the kitchen, Chef Petroula Xeli maintains the long-standing philosophy of the menu: simple and honest, without unnecessary embellishments, prepared with care and based on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Here, Mediterranean cuisine is presented in its most authentic form—fish and seafood always take center stage, with a menu inspired by the sea stretching out before the tables.

What should you try at “Gialos”? The exceptional shrimp pasta, ceviche, or seafood carpaccio, shrimp orzo, and of course the expertly grilled fresh fish.

Also not to be missed are the mouthwatering steamed mussels, grilled or fried calamari, charcoal-grilled octopus, freshly caught small grilled or fried fish, and a variety of appetizers—from homemade spreads to freshly cut fried zucchini, eggplant salad, and refreshing, hearty salads.

What to drink? Naturally, ouzo or tsipouro—perfect companions to seafood—as well as beer and selected wines, depending on your preference.

From the beginning until today: a success story

“Gialos” stands out not only for its food. It is a true success story of people who started from scratch, worked hard, and managed to build something timeless. Babis Arvanitopoulos and Alexis Pechlivanidis met while working at a hotel in Kastoria, reconnected by chance in Thessaloniki, and decided to join forces, opening “Gialos” in 2004 on Nikolaou Plastira Street—a space that at the time was starting almost from zero.

Over time, Kostas Arvanitopoulos joined the team, strengthening the family atmosphere and preserving the core values of care, personal connection, and daily presence.

“Gialos” has never relied on trends or passing fads. Instead, it has been built on relationships of trust—with customers, team members, and suppliers alike. Some staff members have been there since 2004, many customers have become friends, and the quality of ingredients is the result of long-standing partnerships.

The sea on your plate and in your heart

The restaurant “Gialos”—true to its name—is ideal for dining by the waves, thanks to its captivating views of the Thermaic Gulf throughout the day. It attracts a large number of guests all week long and has built a loyal following over its 22 years of operation.

Its location, with views that transport you, is a promise in itself. Yet what truly keeps people coming back, beyond the idyllic setting and the food, is the sense of familiarity. The friendly service, the relationships built over the years, the aroma of the sea on your plate.

Sunflower oil, extra virgin olive oil, fresh fish, carefully selected seafood, vegetables from small producers—all come together in what makes “Gialos” stand out: offering the sea on your plate and the feeling of being at home, just steps away from the water and breathtaking sunsets.

With a refreshed kitchen team but the same consistency and quality that have always defined it, “Gialos” continues to be a landmark in Aretsou and Nea Krini. And perhaps that is its true secret: remaining authentic in a constantly changing world.

Tip: Reservations are recommended, especially on Fridays and weekends.