The story of the restaurant To Neon begins in 1991, when 22-year-old Babis Triantafyllidis decided to create something different on Anatolikis Thrakis Street in Toumba. Guided by his passion for good food, hospitality, and authenticity, he opened a mezedopoleio (Greek-style small-plates tavern) that broke away from the ordinary — a place where Greek cuisine met the warmth of friendship and shared moments.

Three decades later, To Neon has become part of Thessaloniki’s culinary identity, now boasting two locations — on 39 Diogenous Street and 205 Lambraki Street — and a loyal clientele that has supported it for over 30 years, making it one of the city’s most beloved and respected restaurants.

From a small tavern to a culinary landmark

The journey of To Neon is a genuine success story built step by step with hard work, consistency, and a love for detail. From the very beginning, Babis Triantafyllidis had a clear vision: to create a space where food quality and authenticity of experience would always remain core values. Over the years, the restaurant grew and evolved, yet never lost its soul.

In recent years, Giannis Iliadis joined the management and leadership team, bringing fresh ideas and new energy — without altering the beloved identity of the brand. The result is a modern yet deeply traditional restaurant that continues to attract guests of all ages — from long-time friends to young newcomers discovering what authentic flavor really means.

The philosophy of taste

At To Neon, Greek cuisine is always at the center. The menu’s philosophy is based on the use of top-quality ingredients sourced from across Greece: olive oil from Argolida, cheeses from Naxos, meats from farms in Macedonia. Fruits and vegetables arrive daily from producers in Thessaloniki and Halkidiki, while fish comes fresh from the northern Aegean.
This carefully selected supply chain is the secret behind the consistent quality that defines every dish at To Neon.

While staying true to its Greek roots, the menu doesn’t shy away from creativity — subtle touches from Eastern and international cuisines add a cosmopolitan flair that both honors tradition and surprises the palate.

A menu with soul and character

Anyone who opens To Neon’s menu immediately understands why the restaurant has so many devoted patrons. Traditional flavors blend harmoniously with more modern interpretations of beloved dishes.
The meze (small plates) form the heart of the experience: crispy fries with feta and oregano, pork bites (tigania), country-style sausage with peppers, but also refined seafood options like garides saganaki (shrimp in tomato sauce), steamed mussels, fried calamari, cured fish, smoked delicacies, and grilled octopus.

For meat lovers, the options are plentiful: premium cuts, juicy meatballs, lamb chops, buffalo soutzoukaki, pork belly, rib-eye steaks, and chicken fillet — all grilled to perfection, served with homemade sauces and fresh vegetables.
Seafood lovers will enjoy Aegean fish — both small and large — shrimp, mussels, and the signature shrimp spaghetti (garidomakaronada), a timeless favorite for those who want the “taste of the sea” on their plate.

The dreamy mushroom risotto — A signature dish

To Neon’s mushroom risotto deserves a special mention. It’s one of the restaurant’s signature dishes — and for good reason. Prepared with care and passion, it features fresh seasonal mushrooms slowly sautéed to release their full aroma, combined with perfectly cooked Arborio rice, vegetable broth, and a rich Parmesan cream that adds depth and a velvety texture.
The result is a full-bodied, aromatic dish that balances simplicity with culinary excellence — a risotto that impresses not through extravagance but through the strength of its ingredients and the craftsmanship behind every spoonful.

The sweetest culinary finale

Desserts at To Neon are the perfect ending to a delightful meal, proving that the same attention given to savory dishes extends to the sweets as well.
The lemon-sauce cheesecake is a hit, while the Armenovil — with caramelized almond fillet and melted couverture chocolate — is an irresistible blend of crunch and rich chocolate flavor. The white-chocolate millefeuille stands out for its buttery cream and delicately crisp pastry. For those who prefer something lighter and fruitier, the blueberry-sauce Pavlova offers a refreshing balance of sweetness and freshness — the ideal finale to a memorable meal.

Consistency you can taste

What truly sets To Neon apart, beyond its exceptional food, is consistency. Here, the flavors remain unchanged — familiar, comforting, and loved. It’s no coincidence that many regulars have been dining here for over three decades. For them, To Neon feels like home — a place of connection and memory.
This loyalty is no accident; it stems from unwavering quality, meticulous ingredient selection, and a genuine love of cooking. Guests themselves act as informal “tasters,” whose feedback often inspires new dishes or improvements.

A modern hangout with history

Today, both To Neon locations are culinary landmarks in Thessaloniki’s dining scene. On Diogenous Street, the setting is cozy and neighborhood-like, while on Lambraki 205, the atmosphere is more modern — yet the traditional soul remains. In both, visitors immediately feel at ease, as if sitting at a friend’s table.
The To Neon team has masterfully combined the old-school spirit of Greek hospitality with the modern demands of taste and aesthetics, creating a restaurant that honors tradition while always looking ahead.

The success of To Neon is not a matter of trend, but of consistency and a deep love for Greek cuisine. Since 1991, it has proven that with passion, dedication, and respect for the guest, success naturally follows.
More than thirty years after its founding, To Neon continues to write its own culinary story — with the same love and devotion that made it a beloved institution among Thessalonians and beyond.
It’s a restaurant with memory, character, and soul — where every dish carries a touch of artistry and decades of experience. From the classic meze and daily specials to its famed risotto and exquisite desserts, everything is made with the same philosophy: to honor Greek cuisine and offer authentic pleasure.
In Toumba, amidst changing neighborhoods, To Neon remains a beacon of flavor and hospitality — a timeless value proving that when tradition meets consistency, the result is always enduring.