Here’s our list of the best cheap eats in Thessaloniki for tasty food and unforgettable culinary experiences
Just arrived in Thessaloniki and don’t know good dining spots in the neighborhood yet? No more struggles with finding a budget-friendly and tasty place to eat! We’ve put together a list of the top 5 cheap eats in Thessaloniki; scroll down to find out the best dishes that will satisfy your wallet and taste buds! We also feature several vegan options. tick around until the end to discover a hidden gem!
Authentic dishes with a twist at Zeme
Location: Olympou 1, Thessaloniki 546 30, Greece
Opening hours: Every day from 1pm – 11:30pm
Right next to the Church of the 12 Apostles, you can share over 35 small dishes, all priced between 3€ and 5€, with your fellow travelers. Fresh and raw ingredients, along with seasonality, are the star of the show. The recipes are inspired by classic Greek staples but elevated with unique twists. At Zeme you will find 243 labels of Tsipouro and Ouzo from all over Greece as well as aged spirits. Moreover, the service is excellent, and the staff is always ready to provide guidance regarding the menu.
Enjoy a rustic dinner at To kourbeti
Location: Vaiou 2, Thessaloniki 546 25, Greece
Opening hours: Every day from 12:30pm – 2am (Sundays until 12am)
Located in the Ladadika area, this cute, rustic restaurant allows you to enjoy your lunch or dinner among locals. Their dishes are between 8€ and 14€. But their sides and main courses to share are the real highlight. You can never go wrong with that in Greece. This is also a great spot to get vegan alternatives for Greek classics, which are usually heavy on meat and dairy. Finally, a restaurant that serves vegan tzatziki and feta. I really appreciated their transparency: they primarily use natural ingredients, but they clearly indicate when they must use vegan substitutions. If you happen to not be in the mood for Greek food, they serve burgers too.
It’s up to you to decide whether to sit outdoors or inside.
Round off your evening at Tarantoúla
Location: Olympou 127, Thessaloniki 546 35, Greece
Opening hours: Every day (except Tuesdays) from 2pm – 2am (kitchen closes at 11pm)
This restaurant is a true cheap eats spot in Thessaloniki, and everyone, even if you eat meat, should come here. The food is so affordable and delicious. It took me some time to comprehend how cheap it actually is. You can get pastitsio, a baked pasta dish with soy-based mince and béchamel sauce, for just 6€. And this is the most expensive meal on the menu. Can you believe it? Otherwise, The generous eggplant dip is also highly recommended. But really, anything on their menu is worth giving a shot.
The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere attracts tourists as well as locals.
The fact that they are open till two in the morning is also very pleasant. It’s the perfect place to return to for a glass of wine or a beer and slowly let the evening come to an end.
Pastries for on the go from MLRT
Location: Mitropolitou Iosif 15, Thessaloniki 546 22, Greece
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday from 8am – 6pm
Want to support a local business? Head this way! No matter if you’re looking for a nice breakfast spot, quick lunch, or a sweet treat. They sell filled focaccias for just 4€ – what a steal! I can’t recommend this place enough. Also, the staff is soooo nice. They offer several panini menus, salads, and yogurts, which are great for lunch. Of course you’ll find all the typical pastries as well.
The best streetfood in town: Handwich
Location: Egnatia 112, Thessaloniki 546 22, Greece
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday from 8:30am – 10:30pm
For 5€ you can get a ginormous amount of delicious vegan gyros! Add €2 to make it a combo, and you’ll get crispy fries on the side. The fries are tossed in the best spice mix.
But they don’t only imitate gyros – you can get souvlaki, steak, and kebab sandwiches on top of that. And I have to admit, they’re doing a pretty good job. Besides that, they also sell filled pitas and other savory pastries. The bread is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Served warm, it’s one of the best affordable lunch or dinner options in Greece.
The place has an amazing vibe, with young people everywhere and a welcoming atmosphere outside where you can strike up a conversation with locals. There’s no doubt that the founder cares deeply about his place.
Still hungry?
We hear you loud and clear. Take a look at our Anti-Tourist Guide for Thessaloniki – scroll down and there it is. This time we listed some fancier restaurants.
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