32 Herodotou Street, Ano Poli, Thessaloniki Over a century, since “Igglis” first opened its doors in Thessaloniki, the beloved tavern of Ano Poli has been renewing and enriching its menu and awaits you, more ready than ever. Under the same management for thirteen years, it offers new, more refined flavors and the best raw materials, continuing the tradition of deliciousness, meals under the arbor, stories of the company with or without music.
For those who know it, “Igglis” is a corner with a “soul” of the city. This year it is renewed and awaits you with an even more varied menu, more organic raw materials and above all with this familiar atmosphere. A little bit from the past, a little more modern, it unites flavors with smells and a space with an entire region!
In the even fresher and more creative menu, you will find more organic products and a lighter approach to cooking, always believing in the values that have accompanied “Igglis” all these years. Lazaros Lazaridis, who took over the business in 2012 and who is now also at the helm of the kitchen, offers dishes with imagination, knowledge and love for authentic flavors.
The philosophy behind the new dishes is simple: less unnecessary, more essence. Without heavy sauces and processed ingredients, “Igglis” dishes are designed to please, without tiring. From the veal steak and liver, to the skioufichta with oven-baked pancetta and the Limnos flomari with red sauce, xinotiri, turmeric and basil – the flavors are clean, aromatic and made with respect for the raw materials.
A large percentage of the vegetables are organic, while every cooking starts from scratch: from the broths and sauces, to the handmade ointments and potatoes, everything is handmade. The goal is not only to eat well, but to leave with pleasure, without discomfort, with a smile and a promise to return.
And a few more flavors…
From the hunkiar beyendi and mushrooms with apaki and anthotiro, to beetroot salads and stewed chicken with pilaf, the menu covers every taste. For appetizers, all time classic bouyourdi, smoked mackerel, beef kavourma, marinated anchovy, are just a few of the dishes you can explore, while every day you will find five to ten more suggestions. Among these, now that it is their season, you will find the delicious grilled zucchini, which will be served with xinotiri, rusk and fresh kritamo!
In the cellar, white, red dry and rosé dry wine, tsipouro with or without anise and Greek beers, give you the opportunity for many combinations.
Parties, memories and sounds from then and now…
With the characteristic arbor that cools the summer evenings and the peaceful courtyard that reminds you of an island, “Igglis” offers an ideal environment for eating, chatting and relaxing. Whether you find yourself there on an evening with friends, or on a Saturday afternoon with the family, it is an experience in itself, a point of reference for the wider area.
From 1914, when it was first opened by Mr. Manolis Marmaras’ grandfather, until its transfer to Ano Poli in the late 60s by his son, it writes its own culinary history. It is worth mentioning that “Igglis” was the name given to Nea Anchialos Thessaloniki, because that was where the central headquarters of the British army was located during World War I. It was inhabited by immigrants who were forcibly deported from Eastern Rumelia, they were primarily wine producers and supplied Thessaloniki with wine at the beginning of the 20th century – the same variety of wine – kokkineli – that became known as “Igglis”.
And since 2000, when it is now in the hands of new people outside the family, with the same passion, there are not a few groups of people who have passed through its tables. Some remember the presence of Mr. Manolis, others the musical evenings with guitars and low lighting and others simply those quiet everyday evenings, where you gathered because you knew you would find intimacy and taste without fanfare.
A door, always open…
Few shops in Ano Poli, Thessaloniki can boast a history that counts more than a century. “Igglis” is not just a tavern. It is a living chapter of the city’s urban identity, a gastronomic memory that is constantly renewed, keeping its roots firmly in the area of Ano Poli, in this small part of it, just above Kallithea Square which, fortunately, has not changed style and tone. “Igglis” itself, with its wooden tables and chairs, the mosaic on the floor and their special spaces, remains old school, warm, authentic and… unchanged over time.
On 32 Herodotou Street, it awaits you with its door open – as always. The music – often live, with the excellent “Pliri Daxi” making their appearance and keeping you company every Wednesday night – completes the setting with discretion and taste.
You can get here from Kassandrou Street or Olympiados Street, 400 meters straight above the Turkish Consulate, going down from “Kokkini Vrisi” and Akropoleos Street on foot through the narrow streets, going straight up above Agios Nikolaos Orphanos, walking through the special “microcosm” of Ano Poli. You will spend your afternoon or evening pleasantly, with nice light folk music, but also the characteristic quiet of the area. And you will understand why “Igglis” is so beloved…
Tip: “Igglis” kitchen is open daily, from 13:00 to 24:00.
