Beautiful mountains; accessible dirt paths; soft, warm guesthouses; refreshing walks; the sun glistening through the clouds; a kaleidoscope of colours and images.

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None of the above memories of a trip to a marvellous destination, however, can compare to the memories of the flavours and aromas of one or more generous dishes. None compares to the memories of sitting around a large wooden table with great company, exchanging stories and sharing food.

Trikala, Korinthia, offers amazing food, everywhere. Enjoy responsibly.

Stou Dekleri

Already from 1938, the grandmother and grandfather of the owners owned the butcher shop here, in Ano Trikala. During a time of great poverty, of no electricity and no fridges. With love and perseverance, they grew their business and turned it into a small tavern specialising in grilled meats.

As I try the juicy, meaty wild boar sausage, Dimitris Dekleris looks at me expectantly, waiting to hear my verdict, but my expression says more than words. In the past, they were open only during the summer and their customers were almost exclusively of the wider surrounding area.

After the tourist development, around 2000, they changed their operating period. The tavern stays now open throughout the year, with the exception of May and June. A legendary tavern, famous by word of mouth, something that “obligates” the Dekleris family to always offer top quality services. Not that it’s hard for them.

«It’s all thanks to my mother, Alexandra, as she was the one who taught us how to cook,” Dimitris says as the meat sizzles on the grill.

Mr Apostolis smiles as he looks at us from inside his “command centre”, the small room with the grills, where he’s been positioned for 60 years. “I cook until noon, and then I go through the main hall, maintaining a lively relationship with the customers,” Dimitris tells me before he serves me and transports me to a parallel, delicious universe.

dekleris.gr

Katafigio Gefseon

In Mesea Trikala, a few steps lower than street level, you’ll find a refuge of warmth, hospitality and amazing flavours. Good Greek music, tables spread out, in strategic locations, either in front of the fireplace or near a window with a great view, a selection of bottled wines and spirits compose the picture.

But we’re not here for pictures. Tiropitari (fried cheese pie) as an appetizer, Greek beef tomahawk masterly cut and served, lamb with mastelo cheese from Sifnos and mash potatoes, wild boar skewers, all delicious delicacies, that together with the crunchy salads complete this gastronomic picture. A lovely cooking “gallery” open all year round

Opos palia

This particular restaurant is an experience in its own right. It is housed in a historic building in Mesea Trikala, built in 1935, where the hotel “Zireia” used to be. The Pagkalos brothers, Panagiotis, Georgios and Aggelos, decided to present their approach to food, that is filled with love. They offer fine traditional cuisine, using local ingredients, and provide quiet, quality service inside the two-storey stone-built building.

The restaurant remains open throughout the year and the flow of customers, new and old, seems constant. Greek food, a great mix of meat and farm products. The soutzoukakia (traditional type of meat balls with origins in Asia Minor) compete with the roast pork shank with chickpea puree, and the chicken with pomegranate with the caramelized pork.


opospalia.gr

To Hani tou Hania

From the street of Ano Trikala you can see the chimney and the white smoke coming out as culinary history unfolds. Already from the smells you get an appetite. Antonis Hanias is at the door with a glass of tsipouro (traditional pomace raki) in hand, waiting for me. His mother, Eleni, is preparing dishes, homemade, as if she’s cooking for her family.

A steamy bowl of chicken soup leaves the cold outside and warms the mood. 14 years now, this family business prepares traditional mountain dishes, using local ingredients. The wild boar steak, marinated in olive oil and mustard for 4-5 days, is unbeatable. This tavern too stays open all year round.

www.trikala-korinthias.gr/xanixania

Psitosynantisi

Going through Mesea Trikala, on your morning walk towards Ano Trikala, the rotating grill by the road brings you to a halt. The menu includes mainly variations of grilled meats, as well as many wine labels. Wood dominates the interior space, and the garden is perfect for the less cold days.

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O Platanos

The two imposing plane trees in the stone-built square of Kato Trikala, gave the tavern under them its name (Platanos is plane tree in Greek). Here you can enjoy traditional local pies, salads, and, of course, chops and various grilled meats. Great food in one of the most beautiful squares next to the majestic bell tower of the church of Agios Ioannis.

tavernaplatanos.gr