Mezen

For those looking to experience how traditional meze can evolve with new techniques while respecting traditional flavors, Mezen is a must-visit. This modern tsipouradiko has become a lively hangout both at noon and in the evening, attracting a bustling crowd. Andreas Diakodimitris and Grigoris Helmis left their previous careers to create this gem, offering the largest collection of bottled tsipouro and aged spirits, alongside mezes that tell a flavorful story. Their offerings include house-made seafood cold cuts and appetizers, grilled and stewed fish, spreads, pulses, and salads, all perfectly paired with tsipouro. Highlights include calamari chicken, fish sausage, and excellent seafood appetizers.
Address: Alonissou 8, Tel. 24210 20844

Demiris

Located in Nea Ionia, this spot has honored seafood meze for over thirty years. The father of the current owner, a former singer and self-taught painter, adorned the place with his marine paintings. The restaurant attracts a mixed crowd and offers an air-conditioned space with guaranteed quality and unpretentious care, serving well-prepared meze.
Address: 23 Efraimidou (Englezonisiou), Nea Ionia, Tel. 24210 65559

Karma

Situated at the Volos Nautical Club, Karma appears to float above the sea. This all-day venue in an iconic location caters mainly to locals but also welcomes visitors. Chef Konstantinos Pantazidis focuses on fish dishes that use Greek ingredients in modern recipes, such as squid with taramasalata, octopus with baked potatoes, scallops with celeriac puree, and shrimp with avocado. The bar offers a rich cocktail list curated by Groove Bar and Thanasis Kouziokas, a small but comprehensive wine list, and a different breakfast menu. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a nice view and polite service.
Address: Akti NOB, Tel. 690 902 5648

Plagios

Opened in 2009, Sideways is known as the go-to spot for locals. It features a large bar, tall windows overlooking the streets, a monastic table, and cozy seating against a white stone backdrop, creating a sense of everyday intimacy. It’s quiet on weekdays but lively on weekends, maintaining its welcoming atmosphere. The cuisine blends Italian and modern Greek influences, with a significant focus on pasta. The restaurant boasts an impressive wine list with around 300 labels, mainly from Greek vineyards.
Address: 8 Kontaratou, Tel. 24210 21900

Isalos

Located along the rocky coast in the park of Anauros, Isalos offers stunning views and sunsets perfect for romantic evenings. Open all day and night, it serves as a popular meeting point for locals, featuring a pier, lounge, bar, restaurant, and a consistently full beach during summer. Chef Michalis Filos has curated the menu with different options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The venue provides a unique opportunity for sea bathing within the urban area under excellent conditions. If you seek tranquility and traditional mezes, consider another choice.
Address: Plastira 17b, Anavros, Tel. 6985661062

Karakatsanis

First established in 1969 and revived in 2021 by Voliotis cook and “Master Chef” winner Timoleon Diamantis, Karakatsanis continues with a fresh touch. Together with his childhood friend Angelos Argyris, they have infused new life into this beloved establishment, offering traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.

Marina

This tavern has been around for 43 years, with Mrs. Marina’s son, Apostolos, now at the helm. The menu includes grilled cuttlefish, small fish, greens, baked potatoes, and spicy kopanisti. Apostolos, like his mother before him, stands ready to serve from morning till night. Their house tsipouro is good and easy to drink. Although tourists rarely venture here, everyone receives the same excellent service as regulars.
Address: Magnisias 13, Nea Ionia, Tel. 24210 66245

Kavouras

This classic, “male-dominated” hangout has over 70 years of history. Despite its reputation, women are welcome. The menu features simple mezes, crab, small prawns (sea cockroaches), small fish, and famous baked potatoes. Tsipouro with appetizers is still the tradition. The founder retired in 1991, passing the torch to Sakis Papoulias, who maintains the same philosophy. The atmosphere is lively with patrons standing around the fridge bar, small groups at tables, quick service, and frequent banter among guests and staff.
Address: Hatzhiargyri 3, Tel. 24210-28520

Xifias (Swordfish)

Xifias combines the charm of an old, reputable establishment with some modern touches in its mezes. If you want to learn how tsipouro is enjoyed in Volos, this is the place. Their well-crafted dishes include boiled crab, small fish, and clams (weather permitting), as well as modern offerings like cuttlefish ink risotto and grilled monkfish liver. As with all serious tsipouradika, frying is minimal while the grill works constantly, producing delicious mezes.
Address: Kaisareias 15, Tel. 24210 69912