OYIROS: A CASUAL, BUDGET-FRIENDLY LUNCH OR DINNER OPTION IN THE HEART OF THESSALONIKI’S WATERFRONT AREA
The Cost -$10
The Atmosphere – Oyiros is a small, casual Greek eatery just off Leoforos Nikis, the main waterfront avenue in Thessaloniki that is home to the city’s famous White Tower. It has a couple of tables inside as well as a few tables outside in a cute, plant-covered area that boasts views of the sea. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner and does not take reservations.
Located just steps from the calm waters of the Aegean Sea, Oyiros serves up casual Greek classics like gyros, souvlaki, and a variety of dips and spreads as well as burgers and salads. The eatery is nicer than the typical local gyro joint but has most of the same menu items, including Greek beers. On a warm day, after climbing the spiral staircase of the White Tower, I sat down for lunch at one of the restaurant’s outdoor tables.
The Order – Grilled Halloumi and a Pork Gyro.
The Great – The homemade Pork Gyro contained a third of a pound of tasty pork meat that was cooked on the famous vertical rotisseries that you see all over the country. I chose only to add tomato and onion to the gyro but ketchup, mustard, and french fries were also add-in options. You could also order one of the traditional spreads like tzatziki and use that as a sauce but make sure to ask for a half portion as the full portions are large. The meat and toppings are served in a wonderfully warm and slightly fluffy pita bread that had a good, savory flavor to it. Overall, I really enjoyed the gyro and thought it was a great value at just over $5.
The Good – I started the meal off with a Grilled Halloumi, a typical Greek appetizer that is just a piece of pan-grilled halloumi cheese, which is generally made from goat and sheep milk. Oyiros’s version is covered in a balsamic vinegar drizzle and has tomatoes and onions as well. While I enjoyed the balsamic vinegar, I didn’t think the cheese they used had the best flavor and so it wasn’t my favorite grilled halloumi from my time in Greece. However, it was still a solid dish that was enjoyable to eat.
The Verdict – Oyiros is a nice place to stop for a quick lunch while taking a break from touring around Thessaloniki’s museums and historical sites. While you can probably get the same exact meal at a more local gyro spot for one or two dollars less, Oyiros presents a good value for the quality of food it delivers, especially given its location in one of the highest-end districts of the city. If it is nice weather, grab one of the outdoor tables and enjoy some Greek food with a nice view.