102 Ethnikis Antistaseos, Nea Politia Evosmou, Thessaloniki Since November 2015, Traino in Nea Politia Evosmou has carved out its own distinctive place on the culinary map of western Thessaloniki. Originally opening as a meze restaurant and bar, it has gradually evolved its culinary identity and today offers a contemporary take on the traditional Greek meze experience, bringing together different flavours while remaining firmly committed to quality ingredients and carefully prepared dishes.
The philosophy is simple yet generous: a meal can begin with a glass of tsipouro and a few meze dishes, before developing into a full feast of grilled meats, fish and seafood. This approach has allowed Traino to create a welcoming setting where different tastes and preferences come together naturally around the same table.
From tsipouro and meze to the grill
The Traino experience can begin early, with a little tsipouro and a selection of meze inspired by authentic Greek culinary traditions. Steamed mussels, grilled octopus, fresh “married” sardines, anchovies, cured seafood and handmade dolmadakia are just some of the highlights from the restaurant’s seafood selection.
On the other side of the menu are the flavours of the grill and the meat dishes. Pork chops, pork belly, soutzoukakia, pork and chicken souvlaki, village-style sausage and homemade burgers are ideal choices for groups who want to share and sample a variety of flavours.
One of the standout dishes is the “Traino Burger”, a generous creation stuffed with four different cheeses and served with a paprika sauce. Equally distinctive is the “Traino Special Tigania”, combining pork, chicken and sausage in one hearty dish – a perfect reflection of the kitchen’s philosophy of bringing different flavours together.
Seafood and meat on the same table
What makes Traino particularly appealing is its ability to bring fish and meat together, without either side overshadowing the other. The menu features fried calamari and grilled squid, fried anchovies, grilled octopus, cod with garlic purée, grilled prawns, prawn saganaki and fried prawns, as well as seafood orzo and prawn pasta.
The kitchen also makes room for slower cooking techniques, with dishes such as beef cheeks and slow-cooked pork knuckle prepared in a traditional casserole dish, allowing the flavours and textures to develop beautifully. Daily specials add another dimension to the menu, giving the kitchen the flexibility to work with seasonal produce and whatever is freshest and available each day.
Characterful starters and salads
Starters play a starring role at the table, too. Courgette fritters, tomato fritters, baked aubergine with feta and tomato, peppers, mushrooms, dolmadakia, cheese croquettes, onion croquettes, pastourmadopita and a variety of cheeses offer plenty of choice for every mood.
A selection of dips, from tzatziki and kopanisti to taramasalata and mustard mayonnaise, completes the opening dishes, while the salads range from the classic Greek salad to more creative combinations.
The “Roka Special”, “Tou Psara” with marinated anchovies and sea fennel, “Spanakomelo”, Caesar salad and Strawberry Salad, featuring strawberries, anthotyro cheese, walnuts and strawberry dressing, add freshness, colour and plenty of character to the table.
A lush green setting with live music
The food is only part of the Traino experience. The setting is equally important to its identity. Surrounded by lush greenery and plenty of trees, the restaurant creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for groups of friends and families, while its convenient location and easy parking make it particularly comfortable to visit.
Every Friday, the dining experience comes with live music, featuring Greek laïko and entechno songs that bring an even more convivial and celebratory atmosphere to the table. Wine also has its own place on the menu, with a wide selection of bottles to complement your meal.
After eleven years of welcoming diners, Traino has created a place where tsipouro meets meze, the flavours of the sea meet the grill, and traditional Greek recipes sit alongside more contemporary creations.
Yet, despite the years, its philosophy remains unchanged: quality ingredients, plenty of handmade dishes, a generous variety of choices and a menu that leaves room for both tradition and a modern approach. Without a doubt, it is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a table filled with authentic Greek flavours, variety and that unmistakable Greek spirit of good company and shared dining.
