From 1997 to today, 26 years have passed and “Kivotos Ton Gefseon” counts them all, one by one. One of the oldest taverns in the center of Thessaloniki, on the side that approaches the University Campus, has been a favorite hangout of students and people of all ages since it first opened. Its ideal location, near the Rotunda, overlooking the monument and the adjacent park, offers beautiful moments, under the coolness of the trees. And especially in summer, it is one of the best options for meat and seafood, under the shade.

“Kivotos Ton Gefseon” is a welcoming tavern for everyone, with cuisine that combines Greek, Mediterranean and oriental flavors.

Just behind the Rotunda and its park that meets Armenopoulou street, overlooking the monument and just 2′ from the Arch of Galerius, it offers a pleasant environment, ideal for entertainment and excellent meals, with wine or authentic tsipouro and ouzo .

The space is warm, with the character of a traditional tavern, with wood and stone prevailing, with the philosophy of the current owners – who have been in charge since 2003 – always remaining that of good food and affordable prices for everyone. For this reason, “Kivotos Ton Gefseon” is visited by students and families, up to city tourists, but also residents of the neighborhood, people of all ages, who come from everywhere and leave the best reviews.

The flavors of the menu: meats that stand out

What definitely stands out in “Kivotos Ton Gefseon” is the meat, always carefully selected and in a wide variety.

On the menu you will find all the classic flavors, such as burger, pancetta, chicken schnitzel or pan-fried pork, up to lamb ribs, with the pork or chicken pieces with sour cream standing out. The same dish is accompanied by pepper, mushrooms, bacon and melted cheese and is a “secret” of “Kivotos Ton Gefseon”, well hidden in aluminum foil!

What we definitely recommend is to try a little bit of everything! And for this, the meat platter is ideal, since you can choose the types and pieces you want.

Among the meats, you will also find the “special” meats of “Kivotos”. Among them the “Piperato”, the chicken skewer, the Cypriot sheftalia and the pork yogurt, but also the pork steak: marinated with soy and served with a sweet chilly tomato sauce, green salad and smoked mashed potatoes, it is, in itself, a complete meal.

…seafood as a side dish for tsipouro and ouzo

Grilled sardines, fried anchovies and saganaki mussels make the intro of seafood flavors on the menu, next to fried or grilled squid and grilled octopus. The seafood flavors included in the menu are selected and together with some original suggestions, such as teriyaki squid, you will find everything you need for your tsipouro or ouzo, whether you just want a meze or a full meal. Especially in the first case, platters with ouzo appetizers and special dishes, such as crab claws, salt cured fish, but also delicious fried caramote prawn, are ideal proposals for enjoyable meetings, at the tables of “Kivotos Ton Gefseon”.

Especially during the fasting period, cuttlefish in wine sauce, mussel pilaf and shrimp pasta are also offered.

…appetizers for every occasion

We unreservedly recommend, as an accompaniment to any occasion, the tavern’s appetizers. Selected Greek cheeses, pastirma pies, sweet potato meatballs and of course the summer fried zucchini and pumpkin meatballs or crispy mushroom meatballs, await you every day.

Along with these, the irresistible BBQ potatoes – sauteed baby potatoes, with smoked steak, thyme, barbeque sauce and smoked Metsovo cheese – and the “twist” – a roll made of puff pastry with cubes of smoked steak, feta cheese, parmesan and gouda, accompanied by carrot jam – which is their excellent recipe.

Among the salads, the homonymous salad “Tis Kivotou” stands out, while you can also choose arugula, spinach, “Caesar’s”, “Droseri”, “Chromatisti”, Constantinople’s or seasonal greens.

Meal with live tunes

Every Friday and Saturday, meals are accompanied by live music: bouzouki and guitar and Greek, rebetiko and folk songs are continuing the tradition of “Kivotos Ton Gefseon” in folk evenings.

In the context of the same tradition, which has started since its first day of operation, “Kivotos Ton Gefseon” continues to write its own history every day, in the center of Thessaloniki. A visit to “Trip Advisor” and “Google My Business” and of course a visit to enjoy the wonderful proposals of the restaurant is enough to have a complete picture and to understand why “Kivotos Ton Gefseon” has obtained the best reviews and is loved by so many people.

Tip: Friday and Saturday make sure to make a reservation, as demand is high.