The natural harbor of Porto Koufo is not only known for its stunning beauty—it also gives you another reason to visit: the historic Tzitzikas Fish Tavern, located right on the waterfront. It serves sophisticated recipes inspired by traditional Greek flavors, first cooked over a century ago by the great-great-grandfathers of the current owners. “The enemy of good is better,” the owners say, and with love as their main ingredient, they offer authentic Greek delicacies and homemade specialties in an idyllic setting.

Halkidiki means turquoise waters, sunshine, and fresh seafood by the sea.
Each area offers ideal spots to taste your favorite fish and seafood, and in beautiful Porto Koufo, Tzitzikas Fish Tavern is one of the best. It combines fresh seafood with breathtaking views of the stunning Sithonia bay—a natural harbor known for its unique charm and a popular summer destination.

From Asia Minor to Porto Koufo – A Family Legacy

Back in 1914, Kyriakos Chatziemmanouil, the great-grandfather of the current owners, settled in the Toroneos Gulf after the population exchange between Greece and Asia Minor. Leaving behind everything, he became Porto Koufo’s first permanent resident. A fisherman himself, he opened the area’s first taverna—more of a coffeehouse-kitchen at the time—where people could enjoy fresh fish and ouzo by the sea.

The original owners, also fishermen, cooked, fried, and served whatever the sea offered for decades.

A New Chapter Begins in 2011

Next to the original building (which still operates under other family members), brothers Nikos and Sokratis Tzitzikas—great-grandchildren of Kyriakos—opened a new, independent fish tavern in 2011. Almost a century later, they evolved the family recipes into refined, flavorful dishes with modern presentation.

Their motto: “The enemy of good is better.”
Their secret? Passion and love for their work. Each year, they strive to improve—and have succeeded in creating one of Halkidiki’s best fish taverns, known not just for its view, but for the quality and variety of its food.

Hospitality Comes First

At Tzitzikas, you’ll feel like you’re visiting someone’s home. Customers come from all over the world—locals, visitors from Thessaloniki and across Greece, as well as international guests, many of whom return every year.

Hospitality is the cornerstone of the Tzitzikas brothers’ philosophy. They want every guest to feel comfortable, as if they were being welcomed into a family home, and to taste the very best of what the kitchen has to offer.

Continuous Learning & Passion in the Kitchen

The portions are generous, and seasonal local greens enhance the seafood flavors. The kitchen is led by Mama Kyriaki, who oversees every preparation. With her guidance, the long-standing kitchen team crafts each dish with care and expertise.

Every winter, when the season ends, the kitchen team experiments and tests new ideas to improve the menu for the following summer. Ongoing training, culinary seminars, and adapting to modern trends ensure the tavern stays at the top.

Dive Into the Menu

Rooted in local ingredients, the menu features classic Greek cuisine with some Mediterranean touches—like seafood risotto.

The signature dish: steamed mussels from Michaniona, cooked with butter, garlic, and parsley. People even drive from Kassandra (the first peninsula) just to enjoy them. Served generously and beautifully plated, many claim they’re the best mussels they’ve ever had.

Other standout dishes:

  • Lobster pasta
  • Shrimp pasta
  • Mixed seafood pasta
  • Seafood moussaka
  • Rich fish soup
  • Fresh seabass ceviche

You’ll also find small fish like sardines and anchovies, as well as larger ones like red porgy, grouper, and dentex—specialties of the house. These can be ordered in advance for perfect preparation.

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

Plenty of plant-based choices are available too:

  • Fried or grilled vegetables
  • Stuffed vine leaves (dolmadakia yalantzi)
  • Summer favorite imam bayildi

All are classic Greek dishes made fresh daily, based on seasonal produce. The tavern is also listed in several vegan and vegetarian food guides.

Local Wine & Sweet Endings

Pair your meal with:

  • Local Halkidiki wines
  • Homemade Northern Greek tsipouro
  • A wide range of Greek and international beers

To finish: handmade desserts, fruit, or ice cream round off your meal beautifully.

A Century of Tradition and Taste

“When you love something, it succeeds,” say the owners, who have even received franchise offers from abroad. The long family history—especially during the 20th century—is full of memorable moments. One worth noting: a young King Charles once visited the original taverna and gifted a ring to the family’s matriarch.

Former Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou was also a regular, along with various politicians, athletes, and artists who continue to visit each summer.

Despite this legacy, the tavern remains humble and authentic. For the owners, their greatest success is their loyal customers—those who return again and again, building almost family-like relationships over time.

In one of Halkidiki’s most scenic spots, Tzitzikas Fish Tavern guarantees top-quality, fresh, local fish and seafood just steps from the sea, all backed by a century of tradition and, above all, love.

Tips

✅ Kitchen hours: Daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
✅ Reservations recommended—especially in peak summer and on weekends
✅ Parking available—spacious and convenient for all visitors