Must-see restaurants in Cyclades

  • Pounta

    Folegandros

    A family business for over 20 years, Pounta is the work of a creative Danish-Greek couple – dishes are served on Lisbet’s handmade ceramics (also for sale…

  • Nice n Easy

    Hora (Mykonos)

    With a great view of Mykonos' windmills from its seafront terrace, this Athenian outpost is Mykonos' best brunch option, serving hangover-assuaging eggs…

  • Taverna Yorgis

    Antiparos

    To locals, this food speaks of quintessential Greek cooking: classic recipes executed with flair and attention to detail. The crisp, fresh Greek salad,…

  • Fanari

    Fira

    On the steps down to the Old Port, Fanari offers a mix of traditional Greek dishes, plus pastas and pizzas, with a free helping of superlative views of…

  • Uni Sushi Bar

    Paros

    Unlike pale imitators elsewhere, this is the real deal. The tataki and tartar dishes are executed with precision and flair, the signature rolls are…

  • Jazzmin

    Amorgos

    Down some steps from the main pedestrian street, Jazzmin spreads through the cosy rooms of a traditional home. Perch in a window seat or lounge on the…

  • Absinthe

    Sifnos

    On a 1st-floor terrace above the main street, Absinthe takes inspiration from the cuisine of historic Smyrna, incorporating Greek, Anatolian, Ottoman and…

  • Labyrinth

    Hora (Naxos)

    It’s a toss-up as to which is more welcoming here: the warm interior or pretty, private courtyard. Munch through marinated vegies with grilled manouri …

  • 1800

    Oia

    Housed in a restored sea captain's mansion, the artistically prepared modern Greek cuisine has won this restaurant accolades for years. Sea bass with an…

  • Taverna O Platanos

    Naxos

    Set beneath the shade of its namesake plane tree, this lively family restaurant is deserving of its Aegean Cuisine certification. The chunky hamburger…

  • Folie

    Sifnos

    Advertising itself as an 'all-day bar restaurant', this beachside terrace allows you to slip from morning coffee to a salad lunch, a lazy sunlounger G&T…

  • Gioras Wood Bakery

    Hora (Mykonos)

    When the wood ovens first fired up in this basement bakery, the Byzantines still ruled Constantinople and Christopher Columbus' father was a toddler…

  • Kiki's Taverna

    Mykonos

    Every day around noon, customers begin lining up outside Kiki's, helping themselves to complimentary cask wine as they wait. Their prize? Enormous…

  • Parea Traditional Greek Restaurant

    Fira

    There's nothing fancy or fussy about Parea, which pairs traditional, wallet-friendly, home-cooked Greek dishes with rooftop dining and views out to the…

  • Ephessus

    Paros

    Sit in the beachfront, lantern-filled garden, then dig into a dish of Greek or Anatolian cuisine from Ephessus’ wood-fired oven, and you’ll understand why…

  • Levantis

    Paros

    A vine-covered courtyard and whitewashed interior with splashes of modern art create a polished setting for some of the Cyclades’ finest contemporary…

  • Metaxi Mas

    Hora (Naxos)

    Sit on the tiny, vine-shaded terrace or in the wood-and-stone, cavern-like interior, and join the locals for a feast of flash-fried catch of the day,…

  • To Bakakaki

    Serifos

    Named after a small native frog, this chilled-out kreatotaverna (literally 'meat tavern') on the waterfront is known for its grilled and slow-roasted meat…

  • Karma

    Oia

    With fountains, flickering candles, golden-coloured walls and wine-coloured cushions, this courtyard restaurant feels rather royal and august. The food is…

  • V Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar Restaurant

    Fira

    Serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and drinks on the top floor of the Panorama Boutique Hotel, this is a place to enjoy both the cuisine and the view. There…

  • Capetan Nikolas

    Small Cyclades

    A local seafood institution, this cheerful restaurant overlooks the harbour at Loutro. Bearded Captain Nikolas may greet you at the door – you may have…

  • PitoGyros

    Oia

    You'll rarely find 'cheap' and 'Oia' in the same sentence, yet both apply to this souvlaki joint, a model of its kind. Go for a pitta filled with smoky,…

  • Triporto

    Amorgos

    Once the village bakery, this colourful, hip cafe doubles as a breakfast joint and a mellow late-night bar. Create an omelette from ingredients like olive…

  • Theoni's Kitchen

    Fira

    Theoni's isn't fancy and you won't be gazing out over the caldera, but this 'mumma's kitchen' restaurant does its thing with grace, humour and enthusiasm…

  • San To Alati

    Tinos

    Meaning 'like salt', this cute seaside taverna takes its name from a royal-themed fairy tale (hence the crowns and salt shakers). The place lives up to…

  • Galini Cafe

    Fira

    Right near the Firostefani church, this breezy cafe sits right on the lip of the caldera, where the cliff plunges down into the cobalt sea. Chilled out…

  • To Limani

    Amorgos

    This popular restaurant, up from the main street, carries its traditional atmosphere comfortably. Using homegrown produce, the cooks whip up hefty…

  • Meze 2

    Hora (Naxos)

    It would be easy to dismiss this waterfront restaurant at the harbour as a tourist trap, but don’t. Its Cretan and Naxian menu and fantastic service make…

  • Symposium

    Paros

    A gorgeous location under a massive bougainvillea tree adds to the delicious light meals, sophisticated atmosphere and tasteful jazz and classical music…

  • O Paparounas

    Cyclades

    Occupying a terrace on the corner of the main square, this friendly little taverna serves local favourites such as Greek salad, tabouleh, grilled sardines…

  • To Spiti Sti Hora

    Cyclades

    Set on a series of terraces with views over the town to the distant sea, this restaurant prepares elaborate takes on seasonal Kea dishes, with local…

  • Artemis

    Milos

    Set on a side street next to the main free car park, this excellent bakery serves lip-smacking spanakopita (spinach pie), pizza slices, sandwiches and all…

  • Little Green Rocket

    Paros

    Fresh and fun waterfront restaurant-bar, with a short and sweet menu grabbing influences from all over (yakitori, curry, burritos), the resulting flavours…

  • Burger Project

    Ios

    Just off the little main square, this burger bar has a short and sweet menu of burgers and gourmet hot dogs and does both things very well. Opt for a…

  • Jordan's Meat...ing Steak House

    Milos

    Just imagine: you spent the day at the beach. You come here, suntanned, happy, salty, ravenous. Then comes the moment of ecstasy: a giant slab of…

  • Drimoni

    Sifnos

    Look out over the countryside or lounge by the pool (yes, pool!) at this bright and breezy contemporary restaurant. Chef Giorgos Patriarchis does the…

  • Oti Kalo

    Andros

    There's no better place to watch the sunset than the covered terrace of this relaxed restaurant, just up from the harbour. There are a couple of token…

  • Eva’s Garden

    Folegandros

    Eva’s is a sophisticated spot that puts a gourmet spin on Greek cuisine. The menu mixes classic and bold flavour combinations, with crayfish risotto and…

  • Sinadisi

    Folegandros

    Also known as Maria's, Sinadisi is at the far end of the strung-out village, so much so that you may think you've missed it. With pale blue colours, it…

  • Fratzeskos Fish Tavern

    Santorini

    This superb waterfront taverna specialises in fresh fish, from grouper to sea bream, expertly grilled with the high notes of lemon making it sing of the…