Ancient Greeks believed that the arts and gourmet dining were inextricably linked, both satisfying all five senses.

In modern Greece, this is still the case in the gourmet capital of the country, Thessaloniki. A number of the city's museums and art galleries now offer connoisseurs of art and food excellent dining opportunities. An epicurean weekend in Thessaloniki starts from £42 per room per night at the three-star Mandrino Hotel.

The Byzantine Museum's B Restaurant started a trend in the city and many other art establishments followed. The B Restaurant is situated within the premises of the museum and offers indoor and outdoor dining, depending on the season. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as coffee, tea and local pastries. The wine list is mainly made up of wines from boutique vineyards all around Greece but focusing on northern domains.

Another must in the city is the Telloglio Institute, one of the oldest art cafes in Thessaloniki. Recently the venue has undergone complete renovation and now sports a new minimal look. The chef, Dimitri Trakas serves a lunch menu from £14 per person. Telloglio is a very popular venue for coffee mornings throughout the year and, especially at the weekends, reservations are advisable.

An unusual restaurant and bar is the city's Planetarium, located at NOECIS (Thessaloniki Science Centre & Technology Museum). While spotting the stars and the planets, guests can enjoy international cuisine or coffee and local pastries in its dining area.

The Museum of Photography, situated on the docks of Thessaloniki, is an ideal situation for a quiet and relaxing cup of coffee while reading a book or a paper or enjoying the views. Last year it hosted the exhibition for Vim and Donata Venders during the 47th Film Festival.

Last but not least, the Del Arte Bar & Restaurant is situated in the building of the Thessaloniki Royal Theatre, between the White Tower and the statue of Alexander the Great at the beginning of Nea Paralia area. It is a peaceful restaurant, opened in 2003, and it serves international cuisine in beautiful surroundings.

To experience the gourmet culture of Thessaloniki, there are a number of hotels in the city suiting every budget from three to five star deluxe properties, most of which are situated within walking distance of the above venues.

Mandrino Hotel- www.mandrino.gr - From £42 per room per night - This three-star property is located in the city centre and nearby the local markets. The hotel offers warm hospitality in a friendly environment. A double room is priced from £42 per room per night including breakfast.

The Tobacco Hotel - www.davitel.gr - From £55 per room per night – The Tobacco Hotel was converted into a four star hotel from the oldest tobacco warehouses in Thessaloniki and opened in the autumn of 2004 in the city centre. Paying great attention to detail, the hotel offers a warm and friendly environment. A double room is priced from £55 per room per night, including breakfast.

Daios Hotel - www.daioshotels.com - From £132 per room per night - This five-star boutique hotel is located right on the seafront of Thessaloniki with commanding views of the Med. The hotel is a stone's throw away from the designer shops and gourmet restaurants this vibrant place has to offer. A double room with a city view is priced from £132 per room per night, including American buffet breakfast, mini bar refreshments, taxes and parking.

For more information about the city of Thessaloniki, visit www.tha.travel or www.thessalonikihotels.travel. There are direct weekly flights by British Airways and Olympic Airlines from Gatwick and prices start from £140 per person plus taxes. This can be booked online on www.olympicairlines.com.