One of Thessaloniki's most popular meze restaurants, Zythos combines excellent traditional Greek food with an impressive craft beer selection. Located near the White Tower, it has a lively atmosphere and extensive mezedes menu perfect for group dining.
Zythos is one of Thessaloniki's most consistently popular meze restaurants, combining the city's tradition of communal sharing plates with an unusually broad selection of craft and specialty beers — a pairing that has earned it a devoted following among locals and visitors alike. Positioned near the White Tower in the heart of Central Macedonia's capital, the venue operates across two floors with an animated ground-floor bar and a more spacious dining room above. The mezedes menu spans the full range of northern Greek sharing culture: grilled halloumi, fava spread, shrimp saganaki, fried calamari, and braised pork with leeks are perennial highlights on a menu that shifts slightly with the season. Mixed mezedes platters offer a well-curated introduction for first-time visitors. The craft beer selection is among the most interesting in Thessaloniki, featuring regional Greek microbreweries alongside Belgian and German labels chosen to complement the rich flavors of the kitchen. A dedicated bar team can advise on pairings. The noise level rises through the evening as the room fills — this is an energetic, social venue better suited to groups than to intimate dinners. Tables turn relatively quickly, though the kitchen encourages a relaxed pace. Reservations are accepted and recommended on weekend evenings. The combination of excellent food, competitive pricing, and a distinctive drinks programme makes Zythos a reliable choice for experiencing the convivial side of Thessaloniki's dining culture.
Signature dishes
- Mixed Mezedes Platter — €15
- Grilled Halloumi — €8
- Braised Pork with Leeks — €13
Good to know
- Known for
- Greek meze with craft beer pairings
- Hours
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 AM (daily)
Location
Katouni 5, Thessaloniki 546 25
40.6368, 22.9370 View on map
Highlights
- One of Thessaloniki's widest craft beer selections, curated to pair with Greek mezedes
- Classic northern Greek sharing plates including grilled halloumi and braised pork with leeks
- Central location near the White Tower, ideal for an evening meal after sightseeing
- Lively two-floor venue suited to groups and sociable communal dining
- Mixed mezedes platter offers the best introduction for first visits
Tips for visiting
- Order the mixed mezedes platter to start — it samples six to eight dishes and is good value at around €15
- Ask the bar team to recommend a Greek craft beer pairing; the rotating taps change monthly
- Weekend evenings fill by 8 PM; booking ahead avoids a queue on the street
- The upstairs dining room is quieter than the ground-floor bar for conversation
- Prices are notably lower at lunch — the same menu costs around 20% less before 4 PM
Accessibility
The ground floor bar area is step-free with accessible entry from the street. The upper dining room is accessed by an internal staircase with no lift. Ground-floor tables are available for guests with mobility requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Does Zythos Thessaloniki accept reservations?
Yes — reservations are accepted and strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings. Weekday visits are usually possible without booking.
What makes Zythos different from a standard taverna?
The combination of traditional Greek meze and a dedicated craft beer programme sets it apart. Most tavernas offer house wine and ouzo; Zythos pairs food with an extensive curated beer list.
Is it suitable for large groups?
Yes — the shared-plate meze format works very well for groups of 4–10. The venue can accommodate larger parties with advance notice.
Are there vegetarian options?
Several mezedes are vegetarian, including fava, grilled halloumi, tzatziki, and seasonal vegetable dishes. Staff can advise on the current menu.