MAREA sea spirit

We came to this little restaurant for a light dinner-we weren’t very hungry, so we ordered some wine and a couple of hot appetizers. To be honest, our expectations were a bit higher than what we actually got. We had quite high hopes that weren’t fully met. Overall, it was tasty and pleasant, just not the “wow” experience we were expecting. The service overall was disappointing. The waiters who brought the food were polite and attentive, but the waiter responsible for our table kept forgetting things: first he forgot to bring the bread we ordered, then he forgot to bring the bill, and when he finally came with the card terminal, he didn’t show us the receipt. In the end, the bread that never arrived was still included on the check. We didn’t want to make a fuss about it, but it definitely spoiled the overall impression. We’ve been to many places in Greece - from small family-run tavernas to larger restaurants - but this was the only one that left such an unpleasant aftertaste. Overall, the food was good and the atmosphere nice, but the service experience really let it down.

Not so sure why they are called "Oyster Bar" in Google Maps, because they just sell two different kinds, which also are very expensive. The wine menu only written in Greek which is a pitty in a touristy spot. The food was good and the serve nice. However our waiter could have been more attentive especially because it wasn't busy at all.

After being in Thessaloniki for about a week, I was really looking forward to eating seafood in Thessaloniki. This place came up first on Google Maps when I reached the White Tower. Yeah, I wanted a meal with a view so I was particular about searching for a place once I got to the tower. Unfortunately, the experience for me was disappointing. It could be a personal preference, or not. The ambiance was quite pleasant. And it was nice that I was given a table even though I had not made a reservation beforehand, but that’s where the positives ended for me. The curry thing that came with the bread that is served as a starter before the meal ended up being the best part of my meal, which says a lot. And luckily for me, this time I forgot to cancel it on time as I usually do most times when I go to restaurants because I just don’t have the capacity to eat my meals in three parts (starter, main course, dessert). The fish that I ordered looked appealing in the online photos, but in reality the portions were quite small and to my surprise, it was extremely salty. The salt was so much so that it was hard to even enjoy the meal. If this is how the dish is meant to be prepared, then it may not be for everyone. So be aware. This was my bad. I wanted Caesar salad but confused my order and got Greek salad instead. In taste, it didn’t resemble what I have come to expect when it comes to Greek salad which left me questioning whether it was a different interpretation or simply just not well-prepared. Overall, I left feeling unsatisfied with the food despite the nice setting. If you’re looking for seafood in Thessaloniki, I would recommend checking other options first.

First good impression in Thessaloniki. The anchovies were marvelous, good appetizer with eggplant, tasty calamari and well cooked shrimp in the risotto. To finish it we had a light dessert with melon pannacotta.

Looking for a seafood restaurant in Thessaloniki, this one had (rightfully as it turned out) excellent reviews. Charming outdoor seating, very attentive and knowledgeable staff who provided honest recommendations including telling us that we would choose too much. Greek salad was a delight as were the seabass and tuna tartare and carpaccio. But the greatest was the superbly tender grilled seabream which was so elegantly dissected by the staff lady who executed the task with elegant surgical skills – which I as a surgeon found very appealing. PS: And not to forget about the perfect dessert, ie the chocolate soufflé with caramel biscuit and vanilla ice cream!!

We came to this little restaurant for a light dinner-we weren’t very hungry, so we ordered some wine and a couple of hot appetizers. To be honest, our expectations were a bit higher than what we actually got. We had quite high hopes that weren’t fully met. Overall, it was tasty and pleasant, just not the “wow” experience we were expecting. The service overall was disappointing. The waiters who brought the food were polite and attentive, but the waiter responsible for our table kept forgetting things: first he forgot to bring the bread we ordered, then he forgot to bring the bill, and when he finally came with the card terminal, he didn’t show us the receipt. In the end, the bread that never arrived was still included on the check. We didn’t want to make a fuss about it, but it definitely spoiled the overall impression. We’ve been to many places in Greece - from small family-run tavernas to larger restaurants - but this was the only one that left such an unpleasant aftertaste. Overall, the food was good and the atmosphere nice, but the service experience really let it down.