Your Guide to Kosher Restaurants in Greece

Jews have had a presence in Greece dating back to at least the fourth century BC. The Jewish community in Greece, as of 2020, comprises approximately 6,000 individuals. These community members are primarily concentrated in major cities such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Larissa, Volos, Chalkis, Ioannina, Trikala, and Corfu, while there are only a handful of Jews remaining in Kavala and Rhodes.

Given this relatively small Greek-Jewish population, Greece is not considered a hub for kosher food. The market is relatively small, thus not providing a strong enough economic incentive for food companies to invest in obtaining kosher certification. Still, there are some amazing options to consider. Join us in discovering these hidden gems!

Jewish Communities & Chabad Houses in Greece

Athens

The Jewish Community of Athens maintains two operational synagogues, both located in the Thission neighborhood near the city center.

The oldest of the two synagogues was constructed in 1904 and is located at 8 Melidoni Street. It is known as Etz Hayyim, while the community’s elder members still refer to it as “the Ioannina Synagogue“. It is the smaller of the two and is presently used during the High Holidays only.

Directly across the street, at number 5, you’ll find the more recent and larger Beth Shalom Sephardic synagogue. Beth Shalom was constructed in 1935, underwent renovations in the 1970s, and is in full use by the community today.

The Cultural Center of the Jewish Community of Athens was established by the community shortly after World War II. The center is used for gatherings, celebrations, board elections, bazaars, theatrical performances, and a variety of other activities.

The Chabad of Athens

Address: Vissarionos 9, Athens, tel. (+30) 210 3637092, tel. & fax: (+30) 210 3608896
Tel. (+30) 210 5202880

You can find fresh fruits and vegetables at the Athens Central Market, located just across the street from the main market building (Varvakeios). Greek bakeries offer the soft and flavorful Choriatiko bread, which is included in the kosher list of the Chabad of Athens.

Image source: Akis Petretzikis

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, with its rich Jewish and Sephardic heritage, held the revered title of “Mother of Israel” for over three centuries. Today, there are two working synagogues in Thessaloniki, both located in the city center. The most significant is the Monastirioton Synagogue (35 Syngrou Street, 546 30), erected in the 1920s. The second, Yad Lezikaron (26 Vassileos Irakliou 546 24) was fully renovated in 1984 within a modern building. The Holy Ark was sourced from the former Kal Sarfati, known as the French synagogue, while the Bimah originated from the Baron Hirsch Synagogue, named after the renowned Jewish philanthropist.

The city’s Jewish Community Centre is located at 26 Vassileos Irakliou Street in the city center (Tel. +30 2310 221124).

Kosher Food in Athens

Gostijo Restaurant, Athens

Gostijo, Athens’ only kosher restaurant, is nestled in the heart of the charming and central Psiri neighborhood. Despite the presence of graffiti and aging buildings, the area is entirely safe and boasts some amazing eateries and popular bars in Athens.

Housed within a beautifully restored neoclassical building, this welcoming property features a courtyard for outdoor dining. Additionally, Gostijo offers the convenience of meal delivery to your hotel and packed lunches for your excursions.

Under the supervision of Rabbi Mendel Hendel from the Chabad of Athens the restaurant specializes in both meat and vegetarian dishes inspired by the Sephardic culinary heritage. On occasion, they host evenings featuring live music for added enjoyment.

Address: 10 Aisopou Street, Psiri
Tel. (+30) 210 32 33 825
Shabbat meals and Friday dinners by reservation only

Adjacent to the restaurant, there’s a great little market offering a selection of goods including deli meats, frozen meats, cheeses, wines, and a variety of other kosher and Israeli products (you can order online HERE)

Opening hours: Sunday 1 PM -11 PM, Monday-Thursday 10 AM-11 PM, Friday 10 AM- 3:30 PM

Images source: Gostijo Athens

There is also one Kosher butchery in Athens, located at 64 Ioulianou Street (Tel. (+30) 210 8824678)

Kosher Food in Thessaloniki

Shalom Restaurant at the Hotel Astoria, Thessaloniki

Shalom is currently the only Kosher restaurant in Thessaloniki. It is located within walking distance from the city’s Jewish Quarter, and only two blocks away from the old sea promenade (paliá paralía). The property offers kosher catering services to all hotels in Thessaloniki and the Halkidiki peninsula, can prepare packed kosher meals for your tours, and can serve up to 200 guests. Under the supervision of Rabbi Yoel Kaplan from the Chabad of Thessaloniki, the restaurant serves meat & vegetarian dishes in buffet style.

Opening hours: the restaurant is open from March to October, Sundays to Thursdays 2 PM – 10 PM. From November to February, frozen food can be ordered & prepared for collection

Image source: Kosher Astoria, Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki’s kosher butcher shop is owned by Shmuel Ben Sasson and located in the city center (71-81 Hamboughi Nea Agora / Agorá Modiano, Tel. +30 2310 222171)

Kosher Food in Mykonos

KosherMykonos Shop

KosherMykonos is the first kosher shop available in Mykonos and offers a wide range of food, drinks, and everything needed for Shabbat. Their variety includes fine chocolates, wines, salads, delicatessen, bakery goods, Boutargue Memmi & smoked salmon. You can order and plan your kosher delivery around the island. They even offer a fast delivery service (available within the next few hours) or can organize a beach kosher dinner for you.

image source: KosherMykonos

Kosher Meal Delivery to the Greek Islands

You can order ready Kosher meals or products with delivery to the islands (Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, etc) directly from the Chabad of Athens HERE

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

If you’re open to non-kosher certified ingredients, Greece boasts a treasure of vegan/vegetarian dishes to try. Here are some popular dishes and foods that are suitable for vegans and vegetarians in Greece:

• Dolmades: Stuffed grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes pine nuts and currants (Vegan)
• Melitzanosalata: A roasted eggplant dip blended with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil (Vegan)
• Fava: A spread made from yellow split peas, typically served with olive oil and onions (Vegan)
• Gemista: Bell peppers or tomatoes stuffed with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and herbs (Vegan)
• Ladera: A category of dishes cooked with vegetables, typically served in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, and olive oil (Vegan)
• Olive Varieties: Greece is famous for its olives, and you can find a wide variety of olives in vegan and vegetarian dishes (Vegan)
• Greek Salad (Horiatiki): A classic Greek salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and capers. If you are not vegan, you can add feta cheese (Vegan/Vegetarian)

For a full list of all the Vegan and Vegetarian Options offered in Greece, click HERE