Αλεπού Μεζεδοπωλείο

Restaurant-mezedopoleio with the chef's stamp of quality Andreas Klavdianou, and for the wine curation by Andreas Manikas, which features a permanent exhibition dedicated to the presentation of Thessaloniki's gastronomic tradition.

Behind every restaurant, and even more so behind every dish, lie the skills and fertile imagination of a person. These two elements determine whether a place will establish itself in the market or disappear like a shooting star. In the case of the restaurant «Alexpou,» what lies behind its name, but most importantly behind its success, is Andreas Klavdianos (chef) and Andreas Manikas (wine list).

With several decades of restaurant experience behind them and multifaceted activity, the former is primarily one of the few chefs in Greece who, along with his wife (pastry chef Sissy Karakolidou), has been involved in private dining in Greece. We are fortunate to have come into contact with similar projects in Paris, which in most cases have a special charm, especially when the host creators also possess the necessary talent. One such example is the case of Uma, where the result is also excellent. Although Uma is a completely different undertaking from Claudian's second «child,» we mention it as a kind of introductory credential.

Regarding Andreas Manikas, his vast experience in the catering industry is a decisive factor in the restaurant's success. It confirms that, although «The Fox» has chosen to be away from the city's bustling center, specifically in the developing neighborhood of “Konstantinopolitika” in Pylaia, it manages to stand on equal footing with many gastronomic landmarks, which due to their location are often the first to come into contact with the city's visitor.

The first element that impresses visitors to «Alepou» is the spaciousness and brightness of the space. Combined with the presence of a wood-fired oven, which highlights the kitchen's respect for Greek tradition, the overall image hints at a high-quality culinary experience. The clientele filling the space is mainly young, a mix of students and urban dwellers, though older patrons are also present. Despite its large size, the restaurant doesn't create a sense of distance or loneliness; on the contrary, it maintains a lively and familiar energy.

The menu is quite extensive, allowing even large groups to easily find options that suit them and leave satisfied. The cuisine primarily offers classic dishes with a clear Greek identity, subtly enhanced with modern techniques, but with proper execution as the main characteristic. This is the great strength of «Alepou» (The Fox), making it a particularly interesting culinary offering. As an example, since the menu changes, the beef tongue skewers, a house specialty, stand out, as does the roasted lamb with pilaf, where the impeccable quality of the meat is combined with an excellently executed side dish.

The wine list, which offers satisfying choices, also plays an important role in the experience, as does the service, which, although often underestimated, contributes decisively to the overall enjoyment.