In November 2019, “Kastro Pylaia” opened on 19 Thessalonikis Street, in Pylaia, a collaboration between Chef Vangelis Venetis and Kostas Frantzis, who came to open a new chapter in the city’s meat eating scene. Always guided by the quality and deliciousness of the food, “Kastro Pylaia” is a beautiful restaurant, different from the others, “hidden” in the foliage of trees and promises a unique gastronomic journey!

“Kastro Pylaia” is located in the area of ​​the Pylaia stream and its name is inspired by the eastern castles of Thessaloniki – among the oldest in the city. Stone, wood and abundant plants, as well as the general care of the space, make it a destination for culinary experiments, which “smell” of bygone eras, yet include the most modern and delicate flavors.

The two owners have as their main focus the quality and deliciousness of value for money meats and always strive for the best, based on people’s preferences, putting all their passion into their endeavor! For Chef Vangelis Venetis, after all, “Kastro Pylaia” is, as he says, a “bet with himself”.

If nothing else, this bet was won… What if it opened a few months before the outbreak of covid? “Kastro Pylaia” managed, in just a short time, to become one of the most characteristic success stories of Thessaloniki!

The love of the people as a landmark

“Kastro Pylaia” is timeless, both with its beautiful interior with a fireplace and with the fifteen tables located in its courtyard. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful restaurants – taverns in eastern Thessaloniki, with patrons arriving here from all over the city, with many of them now being regular customers who trust its cuisine and come to enjoy its dishes, hospitality and view.

For the people of the restaurant, the love and support of the people is the most important “landmark” in its journey so far, while their own success tip is the taste of the dishes and the location of the store. “Hidden” from the eyes of the world, “Kastro Pylaia” manages to enchant every day.

Spit-roasted meats are a specialty

The protagonists of the place are the spits. Kontosouvli, kokoretsi, and spit-roasted chicken keep the tradition of Greek meat-eating alive and are served fresh and juicy, as they come out of the fire.

Seafood and inspired appetizers

Besides the meat-eating part, loved by many in the city, the menu consists of a multitude of appetizers, seafood, and shellfish, ideal suggestions to enjoy your tsipouro.

Try the kadaifi rolls with cheese and apple jam, the breaded shrimp, the fava beans, the feta crust with honey and sesame, choices based on imagination and creativity that will excite you. Choose their shrimp spaghetti, for a smell of the sea.

Pair your meal with traditional tsipouro or fine Greek wines. Finally, you will be treated to delicious handmade syrup-soaked sweets with ice cream.

Music festival days

Every Friday and Saturday, your meals are accompanied by live music. On Fridays, the sounds move to acoustic folk music, while on Saturdays, the baton is taken by Smyrna rebetiko, making the evenings even more enjoyable!

These days have now become established in the area as festival days, with meat on the spit, wine and, above all, good music, and we recommend them, unreservedly!

Tip 1: «Kastro Pylaia» is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 13.00 – 23.00. On Monday, it is closed.

Tip 2: If you are going to visit it on Saturday or Sunday, it is advisable to make a reservation first. You can also make a reservation via e-table.

Tip 3: You can also find the restaurant’s menu via e-food.