Whenever I search for the best restaurant in Thessaloniki via Google, I get many recommendations for Ladadika, the quaint cobbled district near the port. However, from personal experience, that area gets a bit too crowded in the evenings and I have noticed that the food in the centre can be mediocre (for the most part). One summer evening in 2022, I came across a highly-rated gluten-free friendly Mediterranean restaurant named To Manitari (trans. The Mushroom).
Located on the southeastern side of Thessaloniki, at the 2nd floor of Sofouli Center on Themistokli Sofouli 57, in Kalamaria, I decided to try out To Manitari for the first time.
I was guided primarily by their 4.8-star rating from 3,000+ diners. To Manitari’s quality-over-quantity menu also trumped those never-ending menus of restaurants in Ladadika trying to offer it all. So, off I went on a 15-minute taxi journey to the other side of the city!
My first impressions of To Manitari
I anticipated a charming ambiance based on a quick review of their menu before setting off in the taxi. It was exactly the type of food I was looking for: fish and meat options with healthy side dishes. They are not exclusively gluten-free but I like their extensive list of gluten-free meals, which I have shared below.
Their most recent gluten-free options include:
- Chicken Breast with prosciutto di Parma and basil, roasted cauliflower puree with gruyere, raisin cream and capers
- Beef Steak 400 g with vegetables baked in the oven
- Fresh sea bass with kale fricassee, parsley root puree and bergamot sauce
- Chicken Legs with spicy mustard, rum and brown sugar, fried pumpkin with paprika and yogurt sauce
- Beef Tartare Marinated in Asian style, egg yolk cream and truffle mayonnaise
- And of course many salads!
The main courses presented in the menu looked very sophisticated. The gluten inclusive meal of beef fillet with gnocchi stood out to me as someone who has never had gnocchi before. *While the gnocchi contained gluten, I decided to try something new during my holiday. However, I reverted to my gluten-free regimen for my next visit.
The restaurant had elegant seating both outdoors and indoors, with subtle lighting and gentle music that created a rather romantic and gracious atmosphere.
Even though I was dining alone, I realised To Manitari is the perfect place for a first date or even a memorable night with close friends. The feeling of intimacy and care which permeates through the restaurant is bound to create an equally loving atmosphere amongst company.
Placing my order
It was slightly busy when I dined at the restaurant in August 2022, but a waiter came over within a minute or two of seeing me. He asked about my allergies (I told him I was gluten-free) and he helpfully identified the dishes containing gluten so that I could avoid them.
I also visited To Manitari the following night for dinner and think it’s important to mention that they remembered I was gluten-free! (I was really impressed that the staff not only remembered me on my next visits, but also my gluten-free needs. Their genuine interest in helping me avoid gluten made the dining experience all the more memorable!)
Back to my first meal, the waiter reminded me that the gnocchi dish contained gluten and after weighing up my options, I proceeded and placed the order, then waited around 15 minutes before it arrived – beautifully presented. I paid 32.50 EUR for this dish (tax included).
My first meal at To Manitari
I was surprised to see mushrooms sitting on top of the beef fillet, as it wasn’t mentioned on the menu at the time, but after learning the meaning behind To Manitari, I realised it likely served a symbolic purpose and so the mushrooms didn’t offend me as much.
*To Manitari remains my favourite restaurant in spite of my dislike for mushrooms (the Greek gods must be laughing).
As a very particular eater, I asked the waiter if they could provide a plate so I could remove the mushrooms. They kindly took my plate away and promptly returned with a new one, free of mushrooms – much to my delight!
The beef was cooked nicely, and the sauce was equally delicious. I enjoyed the gnocchi, and although the portion appeared small at first, I found the meal to be quite filling.
After such a delicious meal, I asked for the bill but instead received a cute-looking dessert! I was bemused because I didn’t order anything else, but the waiter assured me that it was on the house. This pretty little cheesecake was incredibly good.
And I don’t even like cheesecake! 😯
The main cheese layer was soft and perfectly sweetened, decorated with an aesthetic dash of cherry sauce. The bottom biscuit layer of the cheesecake had a melt-in-the mouth consistency.
As my bill came, I thanked the staff for the great food and paid by card, confident that I would be dining here the next night as well.
Was my second dinner at To Manitari as good as the first one?
Yes (shocker) it was! I decided to try another dish which was gluten-free: fresh sea bass with kale fricasse and bergamot sauce – this quickly became my all-time favourite main course. I paid 18.60 EUR for this dish (tax included).
Since my two visits here, I’ve returned to the city multiple times – twice in 2023 and once in 2024. I made a point to dine at this exceptional restaurant each time.
Their sea bass must be from waters close by because it really is fresh and so delectable. The presentation is incredibly artistic and mesmerising that you almost don’t want to ruin it by putting your fork in it, but you have to try it.
The pairing of sea bass with bergamot sauce was new to me and demonstrates the creative flair of the chef in the kitchen. I also appreciated the vibrant colours on the plate, which make it all the more enticing. It’s truly a flavour union blessed by the heavens!
The potato looking puree was really a perfect touch and I hardly had to chew much during this meal (always a good sign!) – everything was so soft and cooked to perfection.
Did I receive another complimentary dessert? Of course! (They offer it on every visit 🥰 )
Why do I think To Manitari is the BEST (ever) Mediterranean restaurant?
To Manitari seamlessly blends traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a modern interior, adding a creative flair for an affordable fine dining experience.
From locally-sourced produce to attentive service, every aspect of the dining experience here reflects the warmth and authenticity of Mediterranean culture.
Yes, I am already thinking about my next meal here..
Next time I dine at To Manitari I plan on trying something different to my previous fish-based visits. The beef cheeks in hull with potatoes puree + roasted asparagus has been calling to me through their online menu.
Since beef and potato are a classic combination, I am curious to see how the chef at To Manitari interprets this dish and I hope to share some photos from my next visit!
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