MeZen, the authentic meze place that startout in Volos, has recently landed in Thessaloniki adding to the Greek tapas tradition this charming town has. In a small, cosy corner of the city centre, MeZen Salonica is the perfect spot for seafood small bites with lots of tsipouro to go with it.

Taking advantage of the good ol’ tsipouro tradition from Volos, a small town in the center of Greece, the MeZen team started out from this historical building of the late 1900s with the aim of offering top quality tsipouro and authentic meze bites. Working with local producers from Mount Pelion and around, MeZen ventured out to other places like Athens and Larissa… and now, Thessaloniki!

The place is small so make sure you get your reservation game up. The best spot of the house is probably next to the long kitchen bar (or by the window glass stools just behind) where you can enjoy all the action. As soon as you pick the tsipouro you want (there’s a very rich selection so take your time and ask for advice!) they’ll start rolling in the meze dishes one by one until you tell them to stop.

However, there’s also an a-la-carte menu from where you can pick your treats if you’re looking to eat more. When we last got there, we tried pastrami from cured gopa fish – what a delight! – coupled with some fried red mullets. On the side dishes, we went for some aged Gruyere cheese from Crete sprinkled with pollen and country style fried potatoes salad with xinomyzithra cheese and spring onions. Both, a perfect choice!

Although we loved the food, what really struck us was the team’s hospitality. Great team, great place! Well done guys!