Just before reaching Perea, at the 20th kilometre of the Thessaloniki–Michaniona road, near what locals still refer to as the old Lidl junction, you’ll find a place where time seems to slow down in the most comforting way. That place is “O Italos”.

Far more than a traditional delicatessen or casual eatery, O Italos is the culinary continuation of the story behind the family winery “Casa Mantovani”, founded in Neoi Epivates in 1994 by Angelo Mantovani — an Italian who fell in love with Greece, its vineyards, and its wine culture. Today, the winery continues to flourish, producing five carefully crafted wine labels every year.

Inside the welcoming space of O Italos, visitors can explore the winery’s full collection alongside a daily selection of homemade dishes, thoughtfully prepared to complement the wines. And from the very first moment you arrive, before even spotting the sign outside, the comforting aroma of slow-cooked food draws you in like an old family memory.

A family story rooted in wine

The story of O Italos began in 1997, initially operating solely as a retail point for the wines of Casa Mantovani. The winery itself had been established three years earlier in Neoi Epivates by Angelo Mantovani, beginning modestly with just 2,500 bottles made from grapes sourced from local growers.

Today, under the care of his son Luigi, the winery produces up to 50,000 bottles annually from its privately owned 6.5-hectare vineyard on Mount Vertiskos, at an altitude of 700 metres.

But O Italos quickly evolved beyond wine. Cooking soon became an essential part of its identity — not in the formal sense of a restaurant kitchen, but with the warmth and spontaneity of home cooking.

Nearly three decades later, the venue has become a cosy culinary destination where Italian tradition blends naturally with Mediterranean freshness and genuine Greek hospitality.

A different menu every day

One of the greatest charms of O Italos is the absence of a fixed menu. Every morning, much like someone shopping for their own family table, hostess Elsa Mantovani carefully selects the freshest seasonal ingredients: vegetables, premium meats, fresh fish, and seafood.

The result is a daily selection of at least ten freshly prepared dishes. Depending on the day, guests may find legumes and vegetable-based meals, hearty winter soups, grilled fish, marinated sardines, seafood orzo risotto, or beloved classics such as pastitsio, moussaka, slow-cooked beef in tomato sauce, and lemon-roasted pork shoulder with potatoes.

The homemade meatballs — prepared using the hostess’s grandmother’s secret recipe from Tyrnavos — are a favourite among returning guests, while the seasonal salads impress with their freshness and simplicity.

Naturally, the house pizza recipe has developed something of a loyal following of its own, while the selection of pasta and spaghetti dishes consistently surprises visitors with rich, authentic flavours.

Perfect pairings with Casa Mantovani wines

Every dish can be ideally accompanied by wines from Casa Mantovani, whose reputation now extends far beyond Thessaloniki to destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos.

The collection includes three white wines, one rosé, and one red, all available for tasting and, upon request, paired with selected cheeses for a complete gastronomic experience. Guests can also enjoy tsipouro and other products produced by the winery.

Cosy winters and relaxed summer evenings

Simple, warm, and inviting, the venue offers a fireplace during the colder months and a spacious courtyard for sunny spring and summer days.

Although many customers choose takeaway meals for home or the office — particularly employees working in the surrounding area — visitors will almost always find a welcoming table available if they wish to dine in.

For anyone searching for authenticity, comforting flavours, and people who genuinely love what they do, O Italos is certain to become a favourite culinary stop. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick takeaway lunch or a glass of wine shared with good company, the atmosphere immediately feels familiar and welcoming.

You’ll find it at the very next set of traffic lights after the turn-off towards Epanomi — a place where the wine tells the story, and the food completes it.

Useful Information

  • Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm, and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. The kitchen opens daily at 12:00 pm. Closed on Sundays.
  • Pre-orders are available, allowing customers to collect their meals at a preferred time.
  • With capacity for up to 100 guests, the venue is also available for small private events.