35 Anaximandrou Street, Charilaou, Thessaloniki Located at 35 Anaximandrou Street in Charilaou, Ovylos has been open for almost a year and, in this relatively short time, has already made its own distinctive mark on Thessaloniki’s dining scene. Its philosophy is built around a simple yet meaningful idea: bringing much-loved traditional recipes together with a contemporary culinary approach, without losing the charm and authenticity that made them so special in the first place.
That is precisely what sets Ovylos apart. Here, tradition evolves. The aim is not simply to serve a beautifully presented dish, but to make you remember something.
The taste of a dish once prepared by your grandmother, a family meal around the table, an old recipe etched into your memory – all return to the table through contemporary techniques, thoughtful presentation and a culinary perspective that looks ahead without forgetting where it began.
Although the kitchen is at the heart of the experience, it is the genuine hospitality, sense of familiarity, elegance and warmth of the space that completes it.
From the moment you arrive, there is a feeling that you have stepped somewhere where you can relax, share and simply enjoy the moment. A contemporary space with character, designed to create its own distinctive atmosphere through a timeless aesthetic.
Memories of Greek tradition
Chefs Andreas Balakostas and Pavlos Malamis stay true to the foundations of Greek cuisine while bringing a fresher, more creative perspective to the table. The result is a collection of dishes that feel different, yet wonderfully familiar.
The experience begins with their own handmade sourdough bread, served with olives and extra virgin olive oil sourced from carefully selected small producers in the Kavala region.
The menu then unfolds through a concise and clearly defined selection of dishes. The Ovylos salad, their own interpretation of a Caesar salad, is one of the signature choices, alongside seasonal greens that follow the rhythm of the seasons.
Fried smoked Vertiskos kaseri cheese with tomato chutney transforms a familiar Greek ingredient through a distinctive sweet-and-sour combination. The goat’s cheese log, finished with a seasonal fruit glaze, kataifi pastry crust and orange gel, reflects the kitchen’s creative spirit even more clearly, while remaining firmly rooted in its core philosophy.
The main courses lean towards meat, with chicken fillet, grilled meatballs and beef cheeks served with orzo risotto continuing the same approach: familiar flavours, carefully prepared with a focus on quality ingredients and balance.
Greek terroir in a glass
The culinary experience at Ovylos does not end on the plate. It continues in the glass, where the Greek land tells its own story through the aromas and flavours of its vineyards. The restaurant’s wine list is a small tribute to Greece’s rich wine heritage, featuring carefully selected white, red and sparkling labels from notable Greek wineries.
A special place is reserved for Biblia Chora Estate, with a selection of premium white, rosé and red wines that complement the culinary philosophy of Ovylos. The wine list continues to evolve, with new recommendations regularly added, inviting guests on a sensory journey where every sip becomes a small discovery of the Greek vineyard.
The same emphasis on handmade preparation continues with the desserts: profiterole prepared to order, orange pie, galaktoboureko and daily desserts that change according to the season and the availability of ingredients, ensuring that the sweet finale remains fresh and ever-changing.
The setting at Ovylos follows a casual-premium aesthetic, combining industrial influences, contemporary lines and the warm, distinctive presence of wood.
Large glass windows fill the space with natural light, while the design adapts effortlessly to the seasons. In summer, the roof opens to create an open-air feel, while during the colder months the restaurant remains warm and sheltered. There is also a specially designated outdoor area for smokers.
Hospitality that stays with you
Ovylos has been designed to adapt to the mood of every occasion. Many guests choose to begin their evening with a drink, setting the tone for a relaxed night out.
Authentic hospitality and the care with which the team looks after every table are frequently highlighted in reviews, creating the feeling that every guest has their own special place. The service is described as highly professional, polite, attentive and discreetly present whenever needed.
Perhaps this is ultimately its greatest achievement: making you try something for the first time while simultaneously giving you the feeling that you have tasted it somewhere long ago, in a genuinely warm and welcoming setting.
Almost a year after opening, Ovylos has established its own place in the neighbourhood, with flavours that leave you wanting to return.
Tip 1: The Ovylos kitchen is open daily from 13:00 to 23:00, while on Fridays and Saturdays service continues until midnight.
Tip 2: The restaurant also caters for private events and corporate dining, with the set-up and menu adaptable to the requirements of each occasion.
