Παλαιά Πόλις

A historic mansion from another era, over a century old. Modernized with utmost respect for the history and aesthetics of the space. A kitchen that honors Greece and, with it, Thrace and Macedonia. Traditional local flavors, excellent technique, and quality local products.

The rules of publicity and «fishing» for readers or users require news and coverage of events or places that conform to the law of large numbers. The result is that this logic excludes initiatives and noteworthy ventures from coverage and publicity, whose only «disadvantage» is that they don't happen in the capital or one of the two or three major cities in Greece. This, especially concerning Greek flavors and our country's great tradition in gastronomy, is catastrophic. Experience has shown that Athens, despite its population, lags behind in promoting Greek cuisine, while, conversely, efforts that honor it often remain in the background – simply because they flourish in places with far fewer «receptive ears.».

To many, such a long introduction may seem unnecessary and pointless. Wrong. We have traveled to Xanthi many times, we have visited several places, and we even went as far as Kottani (to Tzemil's tavern) because we were told it was worth it. However, no matter how much we asked, no one told us about a restaurant that, for reasons you will understand later, mandates a stop for both visitors and residents of the city.

The restaurant «Palaiá Pólis» is located in the heart of the old town of Xanthi, which in its entirety is a unique attraction. Equally important, both historically and aesthetically, is the semi-basement space that houses it. Its renovation was done with absolute respect for history and with the use of traditional materials, so that the whole emanates the aesthetic and sensibilities of another era, which combined with modern equipment makes it truly a «place to be.».

However, let's get to the most important part: the flavor profile. This is clearly based on traditional Greek cuisine, with strong Thracian elements. However, the appeal to tradition is not enough on its own to make a dinner enjoyable. The «cherry on top» is the kitchen's skill in managing raw ingredients and highlighting all their quality characteristics. Furthermore, Xanthi maintains a special relationship with both the sea and the land, with the plains as well as the mountains. This proximity contributes decisively to the completeness and enjoyment of each dish.

However, to be completely honest, you can't fully grasp the taste quality and the aesthetics of the space just by reading. We will give you some ideas and suggest a few dishes that are definitely worth trying. Xanthi's kavurmas is one of them, as is the patsaga (phyllo rolls with beef pastourma, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta). For pasta dishes, after trying the smoked mackerel, an excellent continuation is Xanthi petoura with rooster in wine sauce. Of course, you won't miss a nice avgolemono pilaf. We would probably stop somewhere here or look for other dishes with the same philosophy that would «click» with us. But since good meat holds a premier position in public preference, «Palaia Polis» also offers excellent cuts from the four corners of the world.

We could continue writing a lot more. If we did, however, we would deprive you of the charm of discovery. Therefore, we simply suggest you go.