Olympos Naoussa

Olympos Naoussa is a contemporary Greek restaurant at Leoforos Nikis 5 on the Thessaloniki waterfront, in Central Macedonia, Greece. It occupies a building dating from 1926, and the setting on the seafront promenade, with views over the Thermaic Gulf, is a large part of its appeal. The restaurant is also tied to a hotel, and it serves breakfast from 7AM to 10:30AM to hotel guests and walk-ins, followed by lunch and dinner service from 1PM to 11PM daily. Typical spending is about €65-90 per person, which places it at the upper end of the city's dining scene.

The cooking is modern Greek, drawing on regional produce and Aegean seafood. Dishes most often associated with the kitchen include octopus from Mount Athos served with smoked taramas, chargrilled shrimps, and a version of moussaka made with beef cheeks and oxtail. The moussaka in particular reinterprets one of the best-known Greek dishes with slow-cooked cuts of meat, while the octopus and taramas pairing shows a seafood-led approach typical of the northern Aegean.

The dining room has a polished but not stiff character. The historic building gives it a more formal tone than the tavernas of Ladadika, and smart casual dress is a sensible choice, though no strict code is stated. Noise levels are moderate, and the waterfront outlook suits a long lunch or an evening meal.

The drinks list focuses on Greek wines, including producers from Naoussa in Macedonia, a region known for the Xinomavro grape, which suits the restaurant's name and its red-wine pairings. Tsipouro and ouzo are also served.

Reservations are recommended, with online booking available through olymposnaoussa.gr. Booking a few days ahead is advisable for weekend dinners and for tables with a sea view. The telephone number is +30 2310 275715.