In July 2025, in the beautiful area of Agios Pavlos, right behind Trigoniou Tower, “Nifty Roots” opened its doors—a gastronomic venture of a kind rarely found in the city of Thessaloniki. Its philosophy is based on highlighting flavors reminiscent of our mothers’ and grandmothers’ beloved homemade dishes, with a more modern and original twist, using seasonal ingredients sourced through collaborations with local producers as well as their own cultivation.

“Nifty Roots” means “refined roots,” explains the restaurant’s owner, Jenny Mavromatidou. “We all have references to our roots, and what we want to do is honor them—along with our food, the food of our mothers and grandmothers.”

The entire concept of this distinctive venture is built on showcasing local products through steady partnerships with local producers and the use of self-produced ingredients. With high-quality, pure raw materials and excellent culinary expertise, the team at “Nifty Roots” offers an all-day bar–restaurant menu. It starts with breakfast and brunch and continues with the restaurant’s à la carte offerings, with the key feature being that everything can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The lunch and dinner menus, in particular, also include many street food options.

Greek creative cuisine with fusion elements

Overall, the menu is an ode to Greek flavors and aromas, enriched with fusion notes. From their signature dish—smoked trout mille-feuille—and pork belly with orange–plum glaze and mashed potatoes, to seasonal grilled vegetables with xinotyri cheese, smoked paprika, and aromatic oil, as well as “perek” (Pontic-style pastry sheets) with cheese or pastourma, every ingredient and dish highlights a different region of Greece.

Among the truly standout flavors is the kunefe with ginger and lavender syrup, which you will love.

You should definitely try the lahmacun with mushroom and truffle filling, the beef kavourmas served in brioche bread, and the handmade ravioli with wine-braised rooster, aromatic red sauce, and dry anthotyro cheese from Crete.

If you are a burger lover, two special options—one with 100% beef patty and tartar sauce, and another with black pork belly—are always available.

For dessert, the handmade molten chocolate cake with chocolate ganache, seasonal red fruits, and aronia syrup—optionally served with handmade ice cream without colorings or additives on almond crumble—will surprise and delight you with its flavor.

An excellent dessert choice is also the baked Basque cheesecake with salted caramel and lemon zest.

You can accompany your meal with a glass of fine wine from selected Greek estates that collaborate with the restaurant.

The brunch choice with a view

Starting your day at “Nifty Roots” with breakfast or brunch, you’ll find plenty of options for a delicious and filling first meal that will energize you and leave you with unforgettable flavors.

In the egg section, you’ll find a variety of omelets—plain, Mediterranean, black pork, mushroom, and vegetable—as well as poached eggs with sautéed seasonal greens, smoked black pork belly, and Hollandaise sauce on brioche bread.

For a sweet treat, try the pancakes with Nutella, white chocolate, and aronia syrup. Aronia, after all, is one of the organic products highly valued at “Nifty Roots” and is also used as a base in some of their smoothies. Their signature pancake with aged cheese and chili honey stands out.

You can pair your breakfast with a cup of coffee made from the strong, aromatic, and flavorful “U Roast” blend—highly praised by regulars—or refresh yourself with a fresh natural juice.

Food as a “canvas” and smiles as the “color”

Guided by freshness and the “magic” of each season, the team at “Nifty Roots” says they journey “from sowing to foraging, from vegetable stalls to the adrenaline of the kitchen,” putting their best into every dish served at your table. Their “canvas” is food, and the “color” is the smile of every guest.

All preparations are made in-house, ensuring that each ingredient shines. They put all their love into a menu that changes with every season.

This love is evident to visitors, who describe “Nifty Roots” as a “wonderful gem in the city’s Castles” and “an amazing gastronomic experience, a place where time stands still and the view takes you away.”

In the beautiful space they have created, as well as on the balcony overlooking the walls, the team guarantees you an unforgettable dining experience.

Tip 1: The restaurant operates daily from 09:00 to 24:00. Breakfast and brunch are served all day on weekdays and from 09:00 to 13:00 on weekends.
Tip 2: You can also place your order via e-food.