Today, the capital of Epirus is redefining its culinary identity Insider guide by food journalist Dimitris Stathopoulos.
Today, the capital of Epirus is redefining its culinary identity. Chefs who once left are returning to their roots, bringing with them knowledge and experience from kitchens across Greece and beyond. Voidomatis trout, Metsovo kadotyri cheese, and wild foraged mushrooms form the backbone of menus that honor seasonality and place. Here, ten destinations map the city's evolving food scene.
1. Thamon
(Αβέρωφ 63, +30 2651 083500). Chef Thanasis Tassos serves modern bistronomie with dishes like seskoulo dolmas stuffed with smoked trout that bridge tradition and innovation.2. Erectus
Open-fire cooking defines this spot, where earthenware pots cradle slow-cooked stews and a lamb burger gets elevated with tangy galotyri cheese.
3. Italian restaurant στον μόλο
(Πάροδος Εθνικής Αντιστάσεως 2, 2651 029738). Italian technique meets Epirote ingredients: think sweet Ambracian Gulf shrimp tossed with house-made pasta.4. Contemporary fine dining
Beef carpaccio shaved thin and showered with truffle, silky mushroom gnocchi, and pumpkin risotto that tastes like autumn in a bowl.
5. Μαρία Κλήμη
Set in a 1920s house, the menu leans into comfort: shrimp pastitsio layered with béchamel, hilopites tangled with tender rooster ragu.
6. Il Castello
(Κάστρο Ιωαννίνων). Inside the castle walls, dive into hyper-local specialties: eel and frog legs pulled from Lake Pamvotida, goat makaronada rich with tomato and spice.7. The Log
Premium cuts dominate here: dry-aged T-bones, perfectly charred, with sweeping views of Lake Pamvotida as the backdrop.
8. Χρύσανθος Αμφιθέα
(Οικογένεια Μηλιώτη). The Milioti family keeps Epirote cuisine alive, serving the kind of mountain cooking that's been passed down for generations.9. Κύριος Τζο
(Οδός Κωλέττη). Beef sliders spiked with feta, lamb kebabs dusted with sumac: casual, craveable, and utterly satisfying.10. Πορίκη bakery
(Απέναντι Ρολόι). Start your morning here: crusty sourdough, flaky chicken pie, and chocolate-swirled tsoureki still warm from the oven.Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ioannina known for food-wise?
Ioannina is celebrated for Northwestern Greek cuisine — lamb dishes, savory pies, freshwater fish from Lake Pamvotis, and the city's bougatsa. The lakeside tavernas are unlike anywhere else in Greece.
How far is Ioannina from Athens?
Ioannina is ~440 km from Athens — a 4.5 hour drive or 1 hour flight. A great long weekend from Athens.
