“Mpaxtses” is a journey to another era. Like something out of an old, beautiful Greek movie. At 211 Vasilissis Olgas Street, since 2014, it has been offering a unique experience in every sense. Its entrance, the interior space with the vintage mosaic floor, the wooden tables and chairs reminiscent of a traditional tavern, and the old-style advertisements are the first elements that touch your soul and prepare you for the journey that follows. No one continues to the courtyard in the back without being amazed by its colors, warmth, and authenticity, feeling as if they’ve stepped into the yard of a home in an old neighborhood! You order and… the surprises continue.

“Mpaxtses” is not just a restaurant. It is Greek comfort dining that knows how to honor tradition while also developing it creatively. It is a true “treasure” in one of the most central spots on Vasilissis Olgas, well-known and consistently chosen by many meat lovers from every area of Thessaloniki.

A place of relaxation and flavors

The place connects the old era with the present and leads into the future through boho details and a bright, welcoming atmosphere that slows your pace from the very first minute. The philosophy is clear… well-cooked food, generous portions, and flavors with history.

With a backdrop that one could call almost… Instagram-worthy, with colorful woven rugs, cheerful yet romantic décor, lanterns, and doily placemats, the atmosphere unfolds as ideal for the most pleasant and joyful gatherings. And all this in a truly UNIQUE courtyard, located right on the bustling Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, but so peaceful… as if brought from elsewhere!

You’ll walk in and relax immediately. Whether you’re with friends, family, your significant other, or even… solo, you’ll find a courtyard sheltered from all weather conditions that will host you perfectly. It is a favorite spot for many long-time residents of the area, a large part of the city’s youth and students, a celebration point after graduations, a destination for families dining with their children, baptisms, and pre-wedding meals – it even offers plenty of space for strollers and has wide spacing between tables. Here, you’ll find patrons from 18 to… 80 years old!

A comfort dining destination

You fall in love with “Mpaxtses” at first sight. The open, friendly, “allegro” style of service makes you want to dine here more and more often and become part of the company… like in the old days!

A stroll through the menu

The menu features the beloved classics of Greek cuisine, crafted in a way that combines the familiar with the modern. Spit-roasted meats and grilled Greek cuts take center stage, while seafood items (mackerel, calamari) also make an appearance as meze options, accompanied by tsipouro.

“Mpaxtses” is famous for its 700-gram (at least!) stable pork steak, a juicy, value-for-money favorite for many. The pork kebab, chicken kebab, and Elassona-style kebab are lovingly prepared from early morning and placed on the spit as soon as the restaurant opens, setting the tone for everything else.

The delicious osso buco (slow-cooked beef shank) with pappardelle, carrots, a mix of herbs, and kefalotyri cheese satisfies even the most demanding diners, as it is slow-roasted for over 3 hours to ensure it literally melts with the first bite.

Among the meats that also stand out and are beloved by many regulars are the “Athenian” kebab made with beef and lamb, the always juicy and delicious chicken kontosouvli, the 500-gram spit-roasted pork steak, the chicken chops and glazed pork chops, as well as the lamb ribs, satisfying every appetite.

You’ll accompany your dishes with rich salads such as “Mpaxtses”, “Something Else”, and “Spinach with Attitude”, handmade dips, and delicious appetizers — in portion size and taste that characterize all the restaurant’s dishes — meals the owners themselves eat with their families and offer to you at excellent value-for-money prices.

Flavors from the wine cellar

The wine list includes numerous labels from the Greek vineyard, as well as excellent barrel wine from Elvino, tasty and easy to drink, which customers even take home. There’s also the rising “Salonikíá” retsina and several other retsina options so you can choose the one that suits you best, along with many excellent choices in tsipouro and beer to accompany your meal.

Tip 1: The kitchen operates from 13:00 to 00:30, while the venue closes at 02:00.
Tip 2: On Fridays, weekends, and holidays, it’s best to make a reservation.
Tip 3: The venue is suitable for events such as baptisms, graduations, corporate meals, etc., as it can accommodate up to 250 people.
Tip 4: You can view and order the entire “Mpaxtses” menu here.