Must-see restaurants in Greek Islands

  • Taverna To Karanti

    Thasos

    An outdoor ouzerie opposite the fishing boats on the Old Harbour. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, with traditional music and tasty mezedhes.

  • To Limanaki

    Limnos

    Near the end of the waterfront, To Limanaki serves up well-priced fresh seafood and late-night meat grills, along with cheery service and good Limnos wine.

  • Bitzarakis Bakery

    Iraklio

    Sells excellent freshly baked kalitsounia (lightly fried filled pastries) along with other traditional sweets made by a women’s cooperative.

  • Vakakis Family Bakery

    Hania Province

    Load up on fresh bread and sweet treats paired with hot or iced coffees to go, or dine in on sweet and savoury crêpes or gelato at the attached cafe.

  • Lygaria

    Hania Province

    Shady Lygaria, at the quieter end of Lake Kournas, makes decent traditional Greek dishes such as lamb tsigariasto (sautéed lamb).

  • Ouzeri Tzivaeri

    Chios

    Busy port-side eatery touting oil-drenched sun-dried tomatoes, grilled cod, traditional Chios sausages and fresh gavros (white anchovies).

  • Dionysis Gyros

    Evia

    Look for the colourful tables and chairs opposite the ferry dock: this snappy grill does a great job with its fine pitta gyros and salads.

  • Taverna Petra

    Hania Province

    This unassuming place cornering the main square serves decent souvlaki (€8), along with a range of grilled meats and the usual Greek dishes.

  • Veranda

    Cyclades

    A civilised all-day spot at Porto Sikinos Hotel, with a jazzy soundtrack and a big menu of coffee, cocktails, crêpes, salads and pasta.

  • Kadena

    Hora (Mykonos)

    This waterfront cafe offers a small menu of Mediterranean dishes, good breakfasts, friendly staff and protection from the north wind.

  • Popolo

    Hora (Mykonos)

    Hidden in Hora's labyrinthine depths, this tiny cafe serves simple breakfasts, plus salads, sandwiches and juices throughout the day.

  • Kronos

    Chios

    This historical parlour has been treating visitors and locals to great mastic-flavoured and dried-fruit ice creams since 1929.

  • Nikos Gallop

    Mykonos

    Just up from Psarou beach, this established favourite focuses largely on the bounty of the sea, prepared Mediterranean-style.

  • Antartis

    Hania Province

    Antartis has excellent mezedhes and Cretan dishes such as staka (goat’s-milk sauce over juicy cubes of goat meat).

  • Pepper

    Hora (Mykonos)

    A fresh look for a souvlaki joint: bright and cheerful, with well-priced gyros, gourmet burgers, steaks and salads.

  • Obelix

    Lesvos

    A quick, tasty backstreet grill house near the supermarket, with great pork gyros, kebabs, mixed grills and salads.

  • To Akrogiali tou Vitou

    Serifos

    Tucked behind Sykamia, one of Serifos' best beaches, this taverna serves fresh fish and good takes on Greek standards.

  • Galazio Limani

    Limnos

    The large taverna on the seafront in Moudros cooks outstanding fish soup in addition to Aegean seafood standards.

  • Taverna I Plaka

    Ikaria

    Excellent traditional taverna in Arethousa, serving traditional Greek dishes from a terrace overlooking the sea.

  • To Kantouni

    Kythnos

    On the southern bend of the waterfront, this humble taverna offers a menu of classic, meat-centric Greek hits.

  • Delfini

    Hania Province

    Among the row of seafront tavernas, Delfini is recommended for its fresh fish dishes and friendly service.

  • Oregano

    Hora (Mykonos)

    Tops for delivery to your hotel, with a huge, filling menu of gyros, souvlaki, kebabs and more.

  • Zouros

    Lesvos

    Nothing fancy, just traditional Greek recipes in an antiques-filled taverna on the seafront in Vatera.

  • Taverna O Glaros

    Limnos

    The last eatery along the waterfront, O Glaros commands the best view of the small harbour.

  • Nick's Taverna

    Dodecanese

    Separate sections serve good seafood meals, and drinks and snacks. Right on the beach.

  • Diktina

    Hania Province

    This modern fish taverna has harbour views and a range of reliable seafood dishes.

  • To Asteri

    Chios

    Outstanding views of central Chios from the terrace; it's a sunset favourite.

  • Gerakas Taverna

    Zakynthos

    The closest taverna to Gerakas Beach, just before the end of the road, this place makes an obvious stop as you explore the island. It serves local…

  • Cafe du Moulin

    Dodecanese

    Tucked in the cool shadows of a little square by the church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, this restaurant is run by a house-proud French- and Italian…

  • Taverna Lefkosia

    Dodecanese

    The island's oldest taverna, where the check-clothed tables and red chairs spread out onto the quay and the menu abounds in homemade island specialities…

  • Zen Restaurant

    Samos

    Among several etsi-ketsi (so-so) seafront eateries, Zen stands out for its well-prepared fresh fish, salads and mezedhes, along with surprises such as…

  • To Steki

    Samos

    Unpretentious and welcoming back-alley eatery with generous grills, gavros (marinated small fish), salads and homemade soups.

  • Tsikoudo Taverna

    Chios

    A veritable place in string of waterfront eateries; look for the red tablecloths. Good service, and a decent traditional menu.

  • Robinson

    Samos

    A nice pit stop for juicy pitta souvlaki and gyros at the main junction of Pythagorio, a few doors towards the port.

  • Elia Taverna

    Samos

    Once a popular taverna, now a fairly standard tourist restaurant.

  • Taverna Sarakiniko

    Hania Province

    Run by Manolis the fisherman and his wife, Gerti, this taverna serves Manolis’ fresh catch daily. Try the tangy grilled octopus or red snapper braised…

  • Ilios

    Hania Province

    Ilios is the best spot in town for fish and seafood, though it offers a full range of Cretan classics and breakfast, too. Rooms are also available.

  • Notos

    Hania Province

    Excellent mezedhes are on offer at this place set back from the beach. Order a range of small plates, like stuffed onions, and dig in.

  • Theophilos Cafe

    Hania Province

    About a 10-minute walk up from Agios Ioannis beach, this place caters to campers with coffee and snacks.

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