At number 9 on the quiet pedestrian street of Ioannou Dellioú, just down Ippodromiou Street from Kamara on the left, a taverna has been serving flavors and aromas from the island of Lesvos for the past 14 years, along with a wide and carefully selected range of local Greek products.

Here, you’ll find everything you could wish for: from house-made salt-cured fish and hand-cut fresh fries, to fresh fish and seafood and mouthwatering meat dishes—always accompanied by two essential ingredients for an unforgettable meal: ouzo from the island of Lesvos and a fine variety of Greek tsipouro to pair every flavor at your table with the perfect… spirits.

Although it is located in the heart of the city and just steps away from two of its most central streets—Egnatia and Ethnikis Amynis—and within walking distance of the Sintrivani metro station, Ioannou Dellioú remains one of the quietest pedestrian streets in the center, where you can easily escape the hustle and bustle for a while.

The taverna “To Tarti” has been here since September 2012. Its owner, Grigoris, may have grown up in Thessaloniki, but he was born in Lesvos—specifically in the picturesque Tarti, a secluded fishing spot on the island that he has visited every summer since childhood. The flavors and traditions of his homeland are reflected in every aspect of the menu.

Salt-Cured Fish, mackerel, and hand-cut fries

The philosophy here is simple: excellent raw ingredients and a great balance between quality and price, so that everyone leaves satisfied. Maria is in charge of the kitchen, bringing her skill and care every single day, always present and contributing in every possible way.

Naturally, products from Lesvos hold a prominent place on the menu. We suggest starting your meal with one of the most fundamental elements of the island’s culinary tradition: salt-cured fish, prepared in-house. Handmade and flavorful, they are the perfect entrée for a seafood-focused—or not only seafood—meal.

Mackerel, lakerda (cured bonito), and anchovies are among your choices, and you can enrich your meal with marinated anchovies, lemon shrimp, fresh handmade appetizers such as dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves), and hand-cut fried potatoes. Of exceptional value on the menu are the fried zucchini blossoms—prepared just as they are on the island.

A variety of PDO cheeses

The list of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheeses is impressive. In addition to graviera and ladotyri from Mytilene, and of course feta, you will find selections from all over Greece—unique flavors that stand out and pair perfectly with your meal, as well as with your choice from the drinks list. Whether you choose one of the Lesvos ouzos or one of the 14 different tsipouros available, the combination at your table will be magical.

Seafood and Meat dishes

Among the fish and seafood options, you’ll find large and small fresh grilled or fried fish, as well as dishes such as cuttlefish, shrimp, calamari, and excellent octopus from Mytilene. Cod with garlic dip (bakaliaros skordalia) is also available daily.

And of course, if you’re craving classic meat dishes, you’ll be delighted by excellent options of fresh and well-cooked meats, including sausages, biftekia (Greek-style burgers), kebabs, pork belly, and meatballs. The core menu remains steady, complemented by daily specials. On festive days throughout the year, there is always a special menu to fully satisfy every preference—such as the March 25th menu or festive menus for Christmas and New Year’s.

All dishes are accompanied by salads made with seasonal vegetables and olive oil brought directly from Lesvos, adding an extra layer of flavor to every plate.

An unpretentious atmosphere that soothes the senses

At “To Tarti,” you’ll meet locals from the neighborhood, visitors from other parts of the city center, students and professors from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the University of Macedonia, families, and groups of friends—from Thessaloniki, the island itself, and other parts of Greece.

As you dine at the few indoor tables or outside on the pedestrian street, you’ll listen to rebetiko and contemporary Greek art music in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere—one you might easily encounter in many places in the owner’s homeland.

The value of taverna “To Tarti” has been firmly established over the years. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed meze with tsipouro or a full meal with friends and family, a visit is a must. It will make you feel right at home.

Tip 1: The kitchen at “Tarti” operates from 13:00 to 23:00, while the taverna remains open until 01:00.
Tip 2: For better service, especially on Fridays and weekends, reservations are recommended.
Tip 3: The restaurant does not offer delivery, but takeaway is available.