At the foothills of Mount Vermio, where wine has its own story and dishes honor tradition, Naoussa invites us on an authentic culinary journey that remains unforgettable.
Naousa is a destination that knows how to win visitors over through its simplicity and authenticity. Known as the city of wine thanks to its long tradition in winemaking, it harmoniously blends its gastronomic wealth with the natural landscape and the hospitality of its people. The region is famed both for its impressive natural scenery and landmarks and for its traditional products and flavors.
At every food stop, Xinomavro takes center stage in the glass and traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation coexist with contemporary techniques. From wineries and grocers to the tavernas of the town and the nearby villages, Naousa offers experiences every visitor who loves authentic Greek cuisine should savor.
The city of wine
Naousa is a city inextricably linked with wine. Built on the foothills of Vermio, with an ideal microclimate and fertile soils, the area has been one of Macedonias most important vineyards since antiquity. Here the renowned local variety Xinomavro (dry red wine) was born, which since 1971 has belonged to the Appellation of Superior Quality (OPAP) category.
Naousas wines have been celebrated for their aromatic, complex character and their longevity. It is no coincidence that Naousa was proclaimed an International City of Wine and Vine in 1987 by the International Organization of Vine and Wine. The regions reputation goes beyond Greece, with exports to many countries around the world.
In every restaurant in the city you will enjoy Xinomavro and pair it with local flavors. However, it is worth visiting one of Naousas renowned wineries to learn the story behind the famous wine, taste old or rare vintages and buy a bottle for your cellar. Some options are Dalamaras Winery in Naousa, Boutari Winery in Stenimachos, Kir-Yianni Estate in Giannakochori, Chrysochoou Estate and Foundi Estate in Nea Strantza. Moreover, every January, with the participation of the winemakers, the celebration of Xinomavro «Naousa, City of Wine» is organized, with the town becoming a stage for oenology and tasting.
Local products
Naousa is famed not only for its fine wines but also for a range of local products worth discovering and taking with you as a delicious memento of your trip. The area is renowned for fresh fruit such as Naousa peaches and Rodohori cherries, apples, plums and eggplants. In addition, you will find traditional spoon sweets made from the fruit, jams and traditional pasta from small producers.
Shop for authentic products of the city at the traditional products store Ktima Diamanti in the city center. There you will find shelves filled with selected local items, worth buying as a gift or for yourself. To buy wine in the center of Naousa, head to the House of Xinomavro which specializes in the local variety.
6 food stops in Naousa
Spondi
The restaurant Spondi is located on Naousas central square and is a point of reference for those seeking authentic flavors with a creative eye. It has been one of the citys best-known restaurants for over 20 years, with owner andchef Angelos Chatzistyllis placing emphasis on the quality of the ingredients. Try local dishes such as batzos saganaki (the famous local cheese) and various meat tigania and accompany them with selections from the local vineyard. 17 Karatasou Square, Naousa
Paradosiako
As its name suggests, Paradosiako honors the local cuisine with recipes that are unforgettable. The shops atmosphere stands out with warm decor, stone walls and the friendly people who welcome you with a smile. Here youll try dishes at affordable prices, such as fresh salads, braised veal in tomato sauce, pork tigania, pork tenderloin with honey sauce and local country-style sausage. Megalou Alexandrou 28, Naousa
Tesseris Epoches
Within the verdant Agios Nikolaos Grove, in one of the most beautiful areas of Naousa, among towering trees, running waters and stone paths, the restaurant Tesseris Epoches offers a gastronomic experience in nature. It is one of the locals and visitors favorite places thanks to its location and flavors. The menu philosophy focuses on simplicity and local treats such as mantza, the traditional dish with fried peppers, potatoes and zucchini, and grilled meats. Agios Nikolaos Grove, Naousa
Harama
In the nearest picturesque village of the area, Arkochori or Arkoudohori, Harama has been a constant for traditional flavors since 1992. It is housed in an impressive stone building, with a warm atmosphere, a fireplace and views of the slopes of Vermio. Here game and the aromatic vegetables of Vermio are combined harmoniously with handmade bread baked in a wood oven, offering a unique gastronomic experience. Their cellar hosts a wide range of aged wines, mainly Xinomavro from the Naousa area. Arkochori Imathias
Mikri Arktos
The traditional café Mikri Arktos is located on the central square of Arkochori. From early on youll meet locals and visitors sitting at the tables inside and outside for homemade omelets and meze that accompany the wine. The shop combines the café with the traditional grocery with local products on its shelves. The family business serves tasty dishes such as gavopsara (the traditional tsipouro meze, eggplants roasted in brine with mustard), sausage tigania and Renas meatballs. Arkochori Imathias
Sfendamos Mountain Cuisine
In Agios Pavlos, Imathia, Sfendamos Mountain Cuisine combines gastronomy with the impressive landscape of Vermio. The restaurant of Sfendamos Wood Village bases its philosophy on local ingredients and the regions recipes with a more contemporary approach. They choose meats from local farms and cheeses and vegetables from the surrounding areas. In a warm environment in nature, enjoy your coffee, a glass of wine and dishes such as thick-cut pork steak, batzos saganaki and pappardelle with veal and mushrooms. Agios Pavlos Imathias
