“Koru” means new beginning and this is exactly the casual dining restaurant in the area of Dodeka Apostoli (12 Apostles), on 15 Olympou street. In an area that has recently been upgraded, in the center of the city, with new places springing up all the time, “Koru Inspired Cuisine” gives its own stamp of creative flavor combinations, based on quality, Greek-based dishes, with raw materials exclusively from local producers and according to the seasons. Ideal for those who want to try something different in the city.

The “KORU inspired cuisine” is celebrating its 2nd anniversary and continues its journey dynamically. As a new entry, it won the world already from the first days of its operation, providing a total experience to its audience, making evident the five basic “foundations” of its existence. Who are these?

Good food, with a modern creative look

We start with the excellent food, based on the Greek character, with only fresh ingredients from local producers and with flavor combinations consisting of products of the Greek land, which are used to the fullest.

Recipes either traditional and comfort, such as giouvetsi with slow-cooked veal, barley and feta mousse or fricassee with seasonal greens, a tasty celeriac and shi drum puree, or more modern, such as veal liver with grapes, sautéed shrimp with spicy orange sauce (or melon depending on the season) and ewe prosciutto are among the menu’s standout offerings.

These are dishes given with a modern creative look, which allows guests to enjoy a delicious culinary result, which on the one hand will bring back culinary memories from childhood, on the other hand will lead to new culinary paths. Be sure to try the refreshing fennel pie, veggie gyros with pleurotus mushrooms (vegetarian dish), sea bass carpaccio and citrus, grilled free-range rooster ribs, fish of the day sautéed with kakavia sauce and parsnip puree, and seafood pappardelle. And of course, ask them about the daily specials with fresh seasonal ingredients!

Plates for … sharing, in a modern vintage atmosphere

The second “foundation” of “Koru” is its pleasant space, decorated in modern vintage architecture and style, with bright colors, a large glass window that allows light to pass inside and an open kitchen. The open kitchen philosophy is in line with the general philosophy of “Koru” for “sharing”, that of “food sharing”, as its owners say, in the context of which they also propose the “sharing dishes” that you will see on the menu: each dish is recommended for “sharing” in the middle instead of individual consumption, so that everyone can enjoy the same taste experience. The view of the kitchen creates a shared social experience between the guests and the people cooking.

The staff, the wine cellar and the music

The third “foundation” is the well-trained staff of the restaurant, with an impeccable knowledge of the menu and willing to suggest the ideal pairing with wines from the restaurant’s well-stocked cellar. The latter consists exclusively of wines from Greek producers, both from well-known and recognized estates, as well as from new ones and aims to cover the entire territory of the country and all proposals for PDO and PGI wines. Be prepared! The soft white and rosé wines of summer are getting ready to succeed the red ones, with autumn and winter aromas.

Fourth, the music. “Koru” has set up its own music playlists so that every meal is enhanced!

Taste the cheeses!

Fifth and last “foundation” is the special cheese card with suggestions from all over Greece, in combinations that highlight their taste. This particular card is also regularly renewed and brings us into contact with the production of Greek cheese factories, with options ranging from Komos of Naxos, and the Greek blue cheese of the “Arvaniti” Cheese Factory, to goat graviera from the islands and xygalo of Crete which is offered as millefeuille. The special, soft sheep’s cheese (Goniani) with truffle, which is served with chocolate sauce and almond croquant, but also the special and unique in taste Kariki cheese from Tinos, which is aged for 4 months in a pumpkin!

All this in an absolutely value for money restaurant! Don’t be fooled by the menu, each dish is perfectly adapted for casual dining meals, accessible to everyone.

Effort, development, satiety and satisfaction

Next to the Byzantine church of the Twelve Apostles, in the unknown to many, but constantly upgraded area of the beginning of Olympou Street, where restaurants, taverns, cafes and original bars have started to appear and where every meal is enjoyed in peace, without sounds of cars or crowds (the area has been included in a regeneration plan of the municipality of Thessaloniki and this is seen gradually), “Koru” has dynamically made its own new beginning and promises us many more. Besides, the spiral shape of the homonymous plant “koru” is consistent with the constant effort and evolution, while the word itself is a paraphrase of the ancient Greek word “koros”, which means “satiety”, “satiation” and “satisfaction”.

As its people are constantly listening to the world and its needs, you can be sure of one thing: you will always have something new and fresh to try and you will definitely find something that will blow your mind! Whether it’s meat, fish or vegetables, its well-prepared menu is constantly changing and has surprises in store for you! From the beginning of September it is renewed again, in harmony with the abundant materials offered by the Greek autumn.

On every visit, you will be taken care of by its owners. Pelagia will take care of your service and Kelly will take care of your indulgence. They may have had no previous professional experience with gastronomy, but their love for cooking and food changed their lives. They wanted an impressive menu and they achieved it. Now it’s your turn to try it!

Tip: From September, the restaurant will remain open every day, except Mondays, at noon and in the evening and the kitchen will be open from 14.00 to 23.30