The city of Thessaloniki, 80 years ago…
Nickos Kreonidis begins building his career in the field of taste from the legendary “VARELAKIA” (small wine barrels) at the port of Thessaloniki.
A few years later, enchanted by Ano Poli moved uphill to the present spot. Customers and good friends of his, simple people frequent his tavern to taste his food, drink wine and above all crack jokes. The motto of the era is ‘enjoy your food and be merry’.
Famous composers, actors and actresses, men of letters honour him and his tavern with their presence. Among them Vassilis Tsitsanis, Markos Vamvakaris, Prodromos Tsaousakis, Sophia Vempo, Melina Merkouri, (George Ioannou) to mention but a few.
One of the most honorary moments of his life is the description of his tavern in Stratis Tsirkas’ trilogy “Ungoverned Cities” (Akyvernites Polities).
Today, in the same place, the third generation, Nikos Kreonidis’ granddaughters, Anna and Ourania, follow the great family tradition. New tastes are harmonically combined with the traditional ones of the Greek cuisine.
The view from “Kreonidis Balcony” is unique especially at sunset or at night when the lights of the city are on. The City, The Bay down below, the White Tower, the Castles add a magical dimension to it.
Lunch or dinner at the historical tavern “Kreonidis Balcony” are in every respect an extraordinary experience.