Florina, just 20 km from Greece’s northern border, is one of the country’s coldest destinations and usually the first place to see snowfall in winter. Indeed, the award-winning Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos made the most of the border town’s scenic landscapes in several of his lyrical films, because of the magical atmosphere and dreamy settings. The town is also well-known for its local food products, chiefly its long, bright red Florina peppers and a variety of pulses that are produced in the wider area, including Prespes.
With such a chilly climate, Florina’s culinary tradition is unsurprisingly characterized by a hearty and warming cuisine with rich flavours and nutritious ingredients. Meat-based dishes take centre stage, as do winter vegetables like cabbage and celery, and you’ll find them in both traditional and modern renditions that please all palates.
Once there, it’s well worth visiting the Florina market, which is held every Wednesday around the Municipal Market, where you’ll be introduced to a vibrant cornucopia of goods cultivated in the region. Local sellers set up their stalls piled with vegetables, fruit and other products produced by regional farmers, many of whom are following a long-held family tradition.
In Florina, you may be surprised to discover an exciting plethora of dining options in the city centre as well as the peripheral areas. Most of the city’s tavernas are open for both lunch and dinner and prices are generally reasonable. Here we present our hand-picked selection of the five best places to eat.
Diethnes
This historic café was a favourite haunt for Angelopoulos, who, it is thought, relished its age- old authentic character. Start the day there sipping a perfectly frothy Greek coffee, or linger on for appetizing meze dishes including courgette fritters, strapatsada (creamy scrambled eggs with tomato and feta), fried eggs and country sausage, pickled cabbage, potato salad or crispy pan-fried chicken.
Info: 96 Megalou Alexandrou, Florina, tel. +30 23850 23585
Aposperitis
Although this taverna bases its menu on traditional, regional gastronomy, it is also inspired by contemporary cuisine, which it prepares to perfection. A cosy spot with comfortably settables and excellent service, Aposperitis is conveniently located near the city centre. The menu serves a wide choice of dishes, including rich and gratifying salads, tantalizing appetisers and tasty meat and seafood dishes. Try the kebabia, or soutzoukakia (spicy meatballs in a tomato sauce. The pepper-sauce steak pieces, liver with caramelised onions and kavourmas (sautéed meat) with fried eggs are also high in the feel-good factor scale.
Info: 6-8 25 th Martiou, Florina, tel. +30 23853 00794
Koukoutsi
Nestled in one of the city’s pedestrian streets, Koukoutsi is a popular meeting point for locals, and understandably so. This is an ideal place to settle down in with (hungry) friends to share a colourful array of meze dishes and enjoy the good vibes. Try the Florina peppers with tomato and garlic; local Florinela cheese as a stuffed recipe???; giouzleme (crispy pita pieces with a mixed cheese filling); grilled halloumi cheese with a marmalade made from Florina peppers and the rib-eye steak; all memorably delicious and made with love.
Info: 6 Spyraki arcade, Florina, tel. +30 23850 46010
Terpsi
If it’s exceptional, modern Greek, meat-based dishes made from good cuts, juicy burgers and creative salads you’re after, this is the place for you. Don’t miss out on the Tomahawk pork chops, beef fillet with Jack Daniel’s or the veal ribs with pepper, and definitely try their succulent burger made with Greek Black Angus that’s been matured for 70+ days. The place also offers a sophisticated wine list and has friendly, efficient service.
Info: 6 th km Florina-Kato Kleines regional road, tel: +30 23850 94040
Klossa
Klossa, a down-to-earth wine-and-food eatery, serves a limited variety of dishes, but everything tastes great. The restaurant masters the art of grilling, combining meats with fresh, seasonal and high-quality local sides. The spot is renowned for kebabia (spicy meatballs), which are deliciously moist. Their chops, steaks and sausages are also scrumptious. When ordering starters, don’t miss out on the melty feta saganaki, spicy cabbage or buttered baked potato at this value-for-money spot.
Info: 3 Dim. Papathanasiou Ave, Florina, tel. +30 23850 23861
Read also:
Northwestern Greece’s wildlife sanctuary in the Prespes lakes
10 experiences worth having in Prespes
Superb food and a warm atmosphere in one of Greece’s coldest cities
