Our History

The “ITHOMI” cafe-restaurant, built at the foot of the “Ithomi” mountain, opposite the historically gurgling waters of the “Klepsidra” fountain and overlooking the enchanting archaeological site of Ancient Messina, is a lively space full of stories of locals and tourists. The old stone surfaces of its walls, its paved courtyards and the old utensils in its interior give it a special touch and picturesqueness.

Its history begins in the late 1800s when it was first erected as a private residence. After a few decades it functioned as a grocery store, then it was turned into a school and during the period of occupation it housed the space of a small restaurant.

In 1981 it was an uninhabited building when Panagiotis Kountouris bought it from Ioannis and Athanasia Kouvelakis. It started operating as a restaurant in 1987. Its taste journey continues undaunted to this day by the Kountouri family and expresses the tradition and quality of its traditional foods and products over time.

Our family restaurant has been in full operation all year round for 28 years, showcasing Messinian hospitality and providing friendly service, homemade Greek cuisine and local traditional dishes.