Florina beyond its atmospheric landscapes, is also renowned for its culinary tradition.
A getaway to the picturesque city that served as the setting for the films by Theodoros Angelopoulos will reward you with enchanting moments and standout flavors. Florina, with its misty landscapes, narrow lanes lined with stone-built houses, and the promenade along the Sakoulevas River, offers visitors distinctive local tastes.
Seek out the famed Florina peppers, red, sweet, and aromatic, used in the majority of the area’s recipes. Do not miss one of the most characteristic dishes, gioulbasi with lamb or pork, as well as traditional trahana, pork with leek and celery, and Prespa beans.
The meze taverns for traditional dishes in the city of Florina
Panellinion Meze Tavern
One of the most historic meze taverns in Florina, Panellinion is synonymous with tradition and genuine hospitality. Its vintage decor evokes bygone times, while contemporary touches bring you into the present. Standout details include shelves lined with local spirits and wines to pair with the meze. Tradition passes from generation to generation with their house-made fresh leek sausages, and with roasted Florina peppers with onion. Pan-fried meats such as their own meatballs and pork tigania alternate with seafood like grilled trout and fried cod with handmade skordalia. Georgiou Modi Square 13, Florina
Aposperitis
Near the Sakoulevas River you will find the traditional kafeneio Aposperitis. The warm space of this family-run spot, now in its second generation under chef Giorgos Kevrekidis, honors local ingredients and the flavors of the area. Here you will sit with locals to drink wine and taste Florina peppers with olive oil and Florinela saganaki, the local semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s and goat’s milk. Their traditional kebapia with boukovo chili flakes resemble the familiar soutzoukakia, while they also serve another local dish, sout makalo, Macedonian meatballs. 25is Martiou 6-8, Florina
To Diethnes
One of the most famous spots in Florina is the café-ouzeri Diethnes, and not without reason, as it is a place that speaks of stories from the past. It is housed in a 1925 building originally constructed for the Diethnes Hotel. The framed photos on the shelves attest that this café was the set, both inside and out, for several films by Theodoros Angelopoulos. A family business handed down from generation to generation, from owner Giorgos Veliamis to his children and grandchildren. Artists and people from across the country have sat at its little tables, and the space continues to host film shoots by young creators. On the menu you will find everything from assorted pickles and salads to bougiourdi, zucchini fritters, hot pepper in oil and vinegar, and traditional kebapia. Meg. Alexandrou 78, Florina
Boukovo & Meli
A contemporary space with retro references on Georgiou Modi Square, Boukovo & Meli marries the spicy with the sweet. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and locals have made it their hangout. The flavors you will try are distinctive, with recipes inspired by local gastronomy. Try the slow-cooked beef cheeks with vegetable purée, the bruschetta with pepper caviar, the chicken with mushrooms and feta, and the classic Florinela with arugula. 25is Martiou 11, Florina
To Koukoutsi
On the Megalou Alexandrou pedestrian street you will sip your tsipouro after your shopping and stroll. Beyond its laid-back vibe, Koukoutsi is renowned for its wide variety of meze. On the wall you will read love notes written in chalk. On the menu you will find, among other things, salads and spreads, fried eggs with soutzouki and smoked pork tenderloin, pork fillet medallions with cheese cream and sweet potato purée. Meg. Alexandrou 28, Florina
