Must-see restaurants in Greek Islands

  • Demi's

    Alonnisos

    Well-known internationally trained island chef Demi Karanastasis turns his talents to a punchy, creative Greek-international menu at this welcoming,…

  • Fish Tavern & Rooms Mersini

    Small Cyclades

    Down at the port, 'Aegean Cuisine' flag bearer Mersini woos diners in a garden setting with great harbour views and traditional Greek dishes and seafood …

  • Ta Kymata

    Skopelos

    The island's oldest tavern, at the north end of the old port, has drawn a steady local following for its hearty grills and classic mayirefta (ready-cooked…

  • Bakalikon Galanis

    Milos

    Retro shop stock (tinned goods, matchboxes, pantyhose etc) line the walls of this atmospheric mezedhopoleio (mezedhes bar), a local favourite. Tick off…

  • Alpha Restaurant

    Hania Province

    Breakfast, sandwiches and Cretan pies are served at Alpha, the community-run cafe and tourist-info office in Azogires village. It's usually staffed, but…

  • Migomis Restaurant

    Agios Nikolaos

    Commanding Olympian views of Voulismeni Lake, this cliffside eyrie in a historic building exudes romance, with exposed stone walls, linen tablecloths and…

  • Zorba’s

    Kythira

    Nothing seems to have changed at this Hora institution for at least 60 years and it's now so retro that it could make the hipster generation giddy with…

  • Juices & Books

    Skopelos

    A fabulous midseafront breakfast spot and bookshop, Juices & Books rustles up inventive toasted sandwiches (perhaps with avocado, creamed feta and wild…

  • Kouzeineri

    Iraklio

    Those seeking a traditional Greek meal might be disappointed here, but diners looking for an ultra-contemporary experience will be happy with the modern…

  • Taverna Panorama

    Dodecanese

    This friendly roadside restaurant sits above a wildflower meadow between Plateia Ilikiomenis and Hotel Porfyris. From its hillside elevation you can gaze…

  • To Astron

    Evia

    The family team catches and cooks its own fresh fish at this beautifully located seafood-starring taverna, with check-cloth tables dotted around a shady…

  • Bakaliko

    Skiathos Town

    Listen to the water rippling beneath the seaside deck while you feast on elegantly prepared mezedhes (fava, feta saganaki), lamb kleftiko (slow oven-baked…

  • Ippokambos

    Iraklio

    This long-running ouzerie (place that serves ouzo and light snacks) just a stone's throw from the fish market specialises in fish – usually freshly caught…

  • Avli

    Rethymno

    This well-established Venetian villa serves creative Cretan food with a side of romance. Farm-fresh fare steers the menu, resulting in dishes with bold…

  • Kiani Akti

    Argostoli

    This restaurant has a huge wooden deck on stilts stretching out into the harbour, which allows you to peer guiltily down into the water at the brothers…

  • Marilena

    Elounda

    One of Elounda's oldest and most traditional tavernas, Marilena enchants with checked-cloth tables, decorative handicrafts and a lively atmosphere…

  • Stamatis Taverna

    Andros

    Founded in 1965, Batsi's longest-standing eatery is a charming time warp, with colourful tables spilling out onto a lane above the harbour. The food is…

  • Platanos

    Hania Province

    On the main roundabout in Anopoli, Platanos serves hearty lunches, and is known for its roast lamb (available most weekends in summer) and other homemade…

  • Aegli

    Kos Town

    Stretching from beneath the arches of a municipal building onto the main square, this bakery-cafe is run by a cooperative supporting low-income women and…

  • Taverna Giorgos & Maria

    Symi

    This ultratraditional spot, at the top of the Kali Strata (steps to Hora), is especially fun in summer, when bouzouki music pipes across its breezy pebble…

  • Mythos

    Lindos

    This popular taverna climbs from Lindos’ main square through several levels and dining rooms, but most diners gravitate – or should that be levitate? – to…

  • Pantheon Cafe

    Karpathos

    The pick of the best-of-both-worlds cafes along this pedestrian street, with a fine old wood-panelled interior decorated in kafeneio style of old, and a…

  • Pantelis

    Dodecanese

    Pantelis is one of Patmos' long-standing tavernas, as the blue-and-white decor and vinyl-covered menus attest. But locals and visitors alike pack around…

  • Well of the Turk

    Hania

    In an age-old stone building that used to house a hammam, and flanking a quiet square, this romantic taverna serves richly textured dishes with a strong…

  • Portes

    Agios Nikolaos

    Conversation flows as freely as the excellent house wine at this garage-sized taverna, where wooden doors, all evocatively weathered and cheerfully…

  • Three Brothers

    Hania Province

    The extensive menu here features all the staples, but it’s the location and the sensational views overlooking Vrissi Beach with a backdrop of cliffs that…

  • Alekos Kafeneio

    Rethymno Province

    An excellent choice for lunch, this little taverna has a small but superb daily selection of traditional mayirefta (ready-cooked meals). There’s no menu,…

  • Taverna Methexis

    Hania Province

    It’s well worth the short saunter to the peninsula’s southeastern tip to sample the authentic comfort food and warm hospitality at this taverna, popular…

  • Taverna Kehria

    Skiathos

    In a fabulous spot fronting north-coast Kehria Beach, this cheerful rock-built taverna sits amid grassy terraces with olive trees and tables and sunbeds…

  • Dinoris Fish Restaurant

    Rhodes Town

    Tucked just inside the walls, across from the Archaeological Museum, Dinoris is among the Old Town’s fanciest and more expensive options, with romantic…

  • Mama's Dinner

    Hania Province

    Dine on modern creative Cretan cuisine at this summer-only terrace restaurant at the Kaliviani guesthouse. Dishes are well presented and might feature…

  • Thalassographia

    Rethymno

    With cascading terraces from fortress to sea, this is where locals head for dinner and unbeatable coastal views. The eclectic Mediterranean menu offers up…

  • Agoni Grammi

    Dodecanese

    It's the outdoor terrace that first catches the eye here, close to Hora's landmark windmills, but the modern whitewashed interior with its lovely open…

  • Zoupa

    Skopelos

    A creatively reimagined olive-oil factory houses this whitewashed, stone-walled Greek-Mediterranean favourite, 100m inland from the waterfront car park…

  • Faros Fish Tavern

    Rethymno Province

    This no-frills family-run fish taverna is usually packed to the gills, and for good reason: the owner himself drops his nets into the Med, so you know…

  • Oasis Taverna

    Hania Province

    Part of an excellent family-run studio and apartment complex at the western end of the beach, about 1km from the fortress, this is the best place to eat…

  • Bowl

    Mykonos

    A big pink sequinned disk provides an Instagrammable backdrop to this breezy health-focused cafe, especially popular with those who will later be dancing…

  • Lucullus

    Hora (Naxos)

    Tucked into a tiny, vine-shaded lane off Old Market St, Lucullus has been around since 1908 and claims to be Naxos' oldest taverna. Greek staples in this…

  • Mama Sofia

    Rhodes Town

    A spit away from the Roloi clock tower, facing the Mosque of Süleyman, Mama's has been feeding travellers quality Greek cuisine for generations. The…

  • Taverna Pavlos

    Skopelos

    Islanders think nothing of driving over to Agnontas for beautifully prepared fresh fish and excellent mezedhes (appetisers) at this cheerful and…

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