A large, family-friendly taverna in the Chortiatis mountain village above Thessaloniki, serving traditional country cooking with beautiful pine forest views. The lamb on the spit on Sundays draws families from the city.
Taverna Nea Foloi is a large, family-friendly mountain taverna in the village of Chortiatis, perched in the pine-forested hills southeast of Thessaloniki at an altitude that offers welcome relief from the summer heat of Central Macedonia's coastal capital. The village is popular with Thessaloniki residents seeking weekend escapes into the surrounding countryside, and Nea Foloi is the natural centrepiece of such a day — a generous, relaxed taverna serving traditional Greek mountain cooking against a backdrop of pine forest and cool mountain air. The Sunday spit-roast lamb is the defining meal of the week: the whole lamb turns slowly on the spit from early morning, basted with olive oil, lemon, and dried oregano, and serves as the primary reason city families make the 30-minute drive up the Chortiatis road. Grilled mushrooms gathered from the surrounding pine forest appear on the menu in season; trahana soup — made from fermented grain and yoghurt, a staple of Macedonian mountain villages — is warming and deeply regional. House wine is produced locally or sourced from nearby Central Macedonia producers. The dining area accommodates large parties easily, with extended family groups the norm at weekend tables. The setting is informal and child-friendly, with outdoor space for movement between courses on warmer days.
Signature dishes
- Sunday Spit-Roast Lamb — €15
- Grilled Mushrooms — €8
- Trahana Soup — €7
Good to know
- Known for
- Mountain taverna with Sunday spit-roast
- Hours
- 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM (daily, summer; weekends only in winter)
Location
Chortiatis 570 10, Thessaloniki
40.5990, 23.0550 View on map
Highlights
- Sunday spit-roast whole lamb — the event that draws Thessaloniki families up to Chortiatis village each week
- Pine forest setting with cool mountain air, a natural escape from summer heat in the city
- Grilled wild mushrooms from the surrounding Chortiatis forest in autumn and spring seasons
- Trahana soup — a fermented grain and yoghurt preparation unique to the Macedonian mountain tradition
- Large, family-friendly outdoor dining area suited to extended family groups and children
Tips for visiting
- The Sunday lamb is the main attraction — arrive before noon when the spit is at peak and full portions are available
- Book a table for Sunday lunch at least one day ahead, especially in summer when families drive up from Thessaloniki
- In winter (November–March) the taverna operates weekends only; call ahead to confirm hours
- The drive from Thessaloniki city center takes 30 minutes via the Chortiatis mountain road
- Grilled mushrooms are available in autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May) when fresh
Accessibility
The ground-floor dining area has a flat entrance from the car park. The outdoor terrace is on a level surface with adequate space for wheelchair access. The mountain road to Chortiatis is a standard paved road suitable for all vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Is Taverna Nea Foloi open year-round?
The taverna is open daily in summer (approximately May through October). In winter, it operates weekends only. Calling ahead to confirm hours outside the peak season is advisable.
How do I get to Chortiatis from Thessaloniki?
Chortiatis is approximately 15 km southeast of Thessaloniki, reached by a 30-minute drive via the winding mountain road that ascends from the Kalamaria coast. A car is necessary as there is no regular public transport to the village.
Can large family groups be accommodated?
Yes — the taverna is designed with large groups in mind. Tables for parties of 8–20 can be arranged with advance notice.
Is the Sunday lamb available every week?
Yes — the spit-roast lamb is the weekly Sunday centrepiece and is prepared every Sunday throughout the operating season. It typically begins service from noon and may sell out by 2 PM on busy summer Sundays.