Must-see restaurants in Cyclades

  • Kalamia

    Small Cyclades

    A chilled-out cafe and lively bar, Kalamia does many things well. Grab a seat under the thatched roof and dig into eggs florentine for brunch, epic…

  • Margarita’s

    Cyclades

    This standard-bearer of the 'Aegean Cuisine' label has a sunny little terrace overlooking the bay at Klissidi. Margarita's fresh-baked bread, handmade…

  • Souvlakia Kargos

    Paros

    This souvlaki joint is a model of its kind: the pork and chicken gyros meat rotates enticingly rather than forlornly on their respective spits, the pitas…

  • Harmony Ios

    Ios

    Harmony wears many hats and we like all of them. It's a mellow spot for pancakes, coffee and avo on toast in the morning, a place to laze about in a…

  • Kastanis

    Amorgos

    In the shade of some trees on the main street, this family-run taverna excels at traditional dishes, such as patatato (lamb with potatoes in tomato sauce)…

  • Falafel

    Amorgos

    Up an alley from the waterfront, grab a seat at a communal table or perch on a stool to dig into shakshuka or a falafel wrap for brunch, and a grab-bag of…

  • Liotrivi

    Cyclades

    A classy old-school taverna on the main street in Hora, where fresh fish is brought in from the family’s boat, while the eggs, vegetables and honey come…

  • Avli

    Small Cyclades

    There's a lot to love about this innovative little restaurant above the quayside, run by a Greek-Czech couple: the sea views, Donousa's best wine list,…

  • Aranto

    Paros

    Well deserving of the Aegean Cuisine label, this family-run, vine-clad taverna is a reliable stop for creative takes on recipes from all over the Cyclades…

  • Pane e Vino

    Folegandros

    At the far end of Ano Meria, Folegandros' only Italian restaurant is run by Paolo and Flavia, an Italian couple who settled here after visiting the island…

  • I Kori tou Mihali

    Small Cyclades

    At this welcoming taverna in Mersini village, 6km from Stavros by road, Koula conjures up excellent Greek cuisine with a modern twist: wild goat from the…

  • Roukounas

    Cyclades

    A little way up from Roukounas Beach, this delightful family-run taverna hides amid a lush garden. A great place to sample simple, hearty dishes such as…

  • O! Hamos

    Milos

    Located just across from the beach, 1.2km southeast of the centre, this rustic taverna delivers a delicious array of traditional recipes, such as…

  • Catch

    Oia

    This new kid on the block stands out among Oia's other fusion offerings because it gets everything right. Service is efficient, ingredient-driven dishes –…

  • Reeza

    Mykonos

    Sophisticated yet deceptively simple contemporary Greek cuisine is served poolside at this exceptional restaurant attached to the Rocabella Hotel. Playful…

  • Buddha Bar

    Mykonos

    On the premises of the luxurious Santa Marina resort, this elegant beachfront restaurant and bar is hands down the best place in Mykonos for refined takes…

  • Gialos

    Milos

    Bustling Gialos has a creative modern menu bursting with fresh local and international flavours and techniques – everything from prawn ravioli to tuna…

  • Itan Ena Mikro Karavi

    Tinos

    Named for the opening line of a well-known children's tale ('There was a little boat…'), this elegant indoor-outdoor eatery serves Greek fare with…

  • Aktaion

    Fira

    Just off the tiny Firostefani square, this taverna has been around since 1922 and continues to specialise in traditional island recipes, such as octopus…

  • Marathia

    Tinos

    Grilled fish with spicy zucchini; slow-cooked octopus with giant beans; a glass of crisp white; waves lapping at the beach – pretty flawless, as far as…

  • M-Eating

    Hora (Mykonos)

    Attentive service, soft lighting and relaxed luxury are the hallmarks of this creative restaurant specialising in fresh Greek produce prepared with flair…

  • Volkan on the Rocks

    Fira

    With a breezy clifftop terrace overlooking the caldera, this cafe is the home of Volkan craft beer, which is nicely paired with Santorini's fire in the…

  • Seminario

    Syros

    Friendly and fun, this street taverna with a minty interior serves tasty traditional grills and seafood dishes alongside pasta, risotto and burgers…

  • Sea Satin Nino

    Andros

    On a tiny leafy square, this hip cafe-cum-bistro uses local ingredients to great effect. Homemade pasta, fish dishes and a smattering of beautifully done…

  • Hanabi

    Milos

    You'll find everything from sushi to burgers at this stylish Japanese-inspired restaurant, but the kitchen's at its best when delivering creative fusion…

  • Endochora

    Andros

    Endochora is a stylish hotspot on the main drag, offering a fresh twist on Greek and Italian classics and a great vantage point for people-watching…

  • Joanna's Nikos Place

    Hora (Mykonos)

    Run by the delightful Joanna herself and overlooking the beach just a few minutes' walk south of the windmills, this taverna focuses on Greek standards…

  • Cayenne

    Sifnos

    Shaded by a fig tree and drowning in a riot of herbs just off the Steno, this modern Greek restaurant affirms its strong commitment to Cycladic…

  • Seirios

    Cyclades

    The best of Vourkari's waterfront restaurants delivers a concise but appealing seafood-focused menu including marinated anchovies and delicately battered…

  • Indian Palace

    Mykonos

    An offshoot of Athen's renowned Jaipur Palace, this breezy place overlooks Paradise Beach, offering a fresh and fragrant take on the greatest hits of…

  • 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 …

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Chic

    Folegandros

    On an enchanting little square, Chic is perfectly placed for watching the passing parade. But what’s more impressive is the flavoursome food: everything…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Katogi

    Ios

    Entering Katogi feels like you've walked into a party in someone’s quirky house, full of hidden nooks and plants and clamour. The original cocktails hit…

  • Dolly's Bar & Restaurant

    Andros

    Poolside, at the rear of the Micra Anglia hotel, Dolly's manages to be both stylish and relaxed, delivering a menu rich in Cycladic, mainland Greek and…

  • Cacio e Pepe

    Fira

    You're up for authentic Italian pizza, with ingredients imported from Rome, perfectly al dente homemade pastas and other Italian favourites at this old…

  • The Nest

    Ios

    The Nest feels authentic, right down to the rembetika music and the tables of older men deep in discussion over rounds of raki. Local garlic sausage,…