The tavern “To Limanaki”, which opened on October 4, 2024, was built with love and passion and with the aim of combining tradition with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, becoming a meeting point for everyone! On Nikis Avenue, in the Old Waterfront, in a bright space and with an unobstructed view of the sea, almost at the height of Aristotelous Square, you will find a variety of fish and seafood, as well as meat options, that will cover your every preference.

From small fish, such as sardines, anchovies, and bream, to large ones, such as carp, sea bream, or sea bass, whatever you try will bring the sea to your plate.

How many of us know the story behind each building on Nikis Avenue? Entering “Limanaki”, you will not only taste some of the most delicious traditional recipes, but you will also learn about the commercial and historical importance of the spot, where in the 19th century the city’s covered fish market operated and then, in the 20th century, two of its most important hotels: the “Splendid” and the “Mediterrane”. The very character of the space will win over all your senses!

The philosophy of “meze”

The philosophy at “Limanaki” is that of traditional Greek cuisine and meze (small dish) and you can enjoy either a simple ouzo with a meze, or a full meal. The area may be touristy and “expensive”, however the dishes and prices are absolutely value for money.

You can start your day early with a Greek breakfast, which includes “Limanaki for two” (a combination of Greek breakfast flavors) French toast, omelettes, handmade bougatsa and other hearty flavors, such as yogurt with honey, fruits and nuts.

In the appetizers of the main menu, Santorini fava, grilled eggplant, fried zucchini with aromatic yogurt sauce, Thessaloniki bouyourdi with P.D.O. feta cheese in clay, the Sfakian cheese pie and shepherd’s pie, as well as the delicious potato salad with smoked trout and of course the savory and salty dishes, will be the best ouzo appetizers.

From the seafood menu, the barley soup with shrimp and mussels stands out, as well as the daily, warm fish soup that, especially on cold winter days, comes as a balm! Try the salmon souvlaki, octopus and grilled shrimp, for a more complete experience.

The choices also in pork, beef and chicken in the meat section will fully cover you, while in the daily dishes you will often find handmade Cypriot sheftalia and louvi (black-eyed beans), a dish that goes wonderfully with the accompaniment of smoked mackerel.

The moussaka is also excellent, while the salad that is definitely worth trying is the tavern’s namesake. Cool, fresh and simple, with lettuce and simple ingredients, it fits perfectly with its philosophy.

If you are vegetarian, you will still find options, such as mushroom risotto or skioufichta with vegetables.

In the cellar you will find labels loved by everyone, exclusively from Greek Wineries, tsipouro, ouzo and everything else you will need, to magically accompany your meal.

“Window” to the past

It may have barely opened, but at “Limanaki” the flavors and services are constantly improving, aiming for quality. Visitors have described it as “a classic tavern, with a very nice atmosphere and fantastic view, with an excellent “window” to the past”, a well-kept environment, where “you can find a wide variety of appetizers and enjoy a good tsipouro”! The staff is very kind, the place is spotless, the cuisine is excellent.

The space itself will not leave you indifferent: an impressive arch overlooking the sea, the sunset and Mount Olympus, in a traditional style, black and white photographs on the walls and plenty of wood and stone, with earthy colors of nature, with olive and gray prevailing.

Wooden shutters, collected from every area of ​​the city, cleaned and painted in various colors, enhance the feeling of the “old neighborhood” of the ’50s and ’60s, which the owners were aiming for from the beginning. In two “windows”, made of shutters, old, black and white photographs are projected on screens.

The point itself, moreover, is historical. The current building may have been built in the ’80s, however, until 1978, when it suffered serious damage from the earthquake, the legendary and beautiful “Mediterrane” hotel operated here.

Even earlier, until 1917, when it burned down, the site was home to the former “Splendid” hotel, built in 1907 and hosting prominent figures such as Eleftherios Venizelos and King Constantine.

Even earlier, the city’s municipal fish market (“Balik Bazaar”) operated here. It was built in 1895 by mayor Ahmed Hamdi Bey, it was covered with 21 shops and was demolished to build the “Splendid”.

Nourishing body and soul!

At this point, therefore, in the Old Waterfront, where the city’s old port operated for most of the 20th century and where all the boats stopped, the “Limanaki” offers a daily “bridge” to the past… and it’s really worth asking them about the history of the area!

In the same context, on some days of the week you can enjoy your meal accompanied by live music from local artists, sounds of old folk songs, like in old, black and white Greek films, while the restaurant’s logo is a faithful copy of an old photograph of the area.

Visit “Limanaki” for a meze, one of those that bring people together: fresh small fish served with olive oil and lemon and other flavors of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, which go well with ouzo, tsipouro and other spirits. You will experience the everyday life of the inhabitants of Thessaloniki: the passers-by, the local shops, the sounds and smells from the cafes and restaurants, a vivid image, full of memories, rich history and culture. And, under the blue sky, you will live an experience that will take you back in time, nourishing your body and soul!

Tip 1: At “Limanaki” breakfast is served from 09.30 to 12.00 and the main menu, from 12.00 to 23.00. If you wish, you can stay for your tsipouro, until closing!

Tip 2: Reservations are possible, but we would recommend that you … hurry up and get there!