Chios
In a welcome departure from the island-taverna routine, this place serves homemade pastas, risottos and risonis, all with a strong locavore element,…
Must-see restaurants in Northeastern Aegean Islands
Samos
The warm ambience and predominantly Greek clientele hint at the fact that this place delivers the goods, with snacks such as chickpea croquettes and…
Lesvos
Owner George spent a large part of his life in the Netherlands – hence the proliferation of bicycles in the decor – and, more importantly, he's also a…
Lesvos
This reliable alleyway cafe between Ermou and the waterfront has everything from gavros (marinated small fish) and grilled pork chops to mayirefta (ready…
Ikaria
Up on the hill, at the bend in the street that connects with the main road to Kambos, this summer-only taverna occupies a kind of natural balcony with bay…
Thasos
This classic taverna under a shady patio off the square, run by Georgios and Elena, specialises in spit-roasted lamb and goat. Before you get to the…
Samothraki
The summer-only Lefkos Pyrgos is an excellent, inventive and all-natural sweets shop run by master confectioners Georgios and Dafni. Try lemonade with…
Samos
Very friendly and smallish new taverna on the edge of a nice mountain village, with sweeping views of the sea and adjacent islands. Anna is a great cook:…
Samos
Upon entering Manolates you'll see signs, one after the other, pointing the way to this traditional eatery above the village. Proud owner Manolis serves…
Samos
Named for Kokkari's old boat-building area, this authentic old-style Greek taverna – nothing more, nothing less – does great pizzas and mousakas…
Samos
An efficient and comfortable Kokkari harbour bar, serving good breakfasts, afternoon snacks, fresh juices and evening cocktails. Decent prices, plus free…
Thasos
The friendly Anastasios Kuzis and family run this tranquil taverna with great sea views. It serves excellent fare, with fresh fish and mezedhes among the…
Ikaria
A small taverna in tiny Gialiskari, next to Armenistis, overlooking the marina. It's known for great mezedhes and mayirefta (ready-cooked) dishes, and has…
Lesvos
This no-frills taverna began life in 1800 as a cafe in the Turkish quarter, as its traditional decor reveals in faded bits and pieces. It offers good…
Samos
Having relocated from Manolates to the main coastal road right at the turn to the village, this large restaurant offers a refined and somewhat urban take…
Chios
In a cute little square within the castle walls, this welcoming and efficient taverna receives a batch of fresh catch from the port in the morning and…
Lesvos
Some 800m along the beach from Skala Sikameneas, this friendly taverna serves freshly caught fish, grilled meat and excellent vegetables, especially…
Ikaria
A summer-only affair run by a Greek-Belgian couple, Kalypso is renowned for its cooking – it's all about fish here – as much as for its festive atmosphere…
Lesvos
Owner Theodoris spends most mornings fishing to provide the evening’s fresh fish. Aigaio also serves very good mayirefta (ready-cooked) dishes and good…
Ikaria
On a bamboo-roofed seafront patio, this excellent family-run taverna serves up good fresh fish and salads. Try Ikaria’s speciality soufiko, a tasty…
Ikaria
An inviting backstreet taverna, behind the National Bank, with a lovely shaded courtyard. Strong on grilled meats and pastitsio (layers of buttery…
Limnos
Homemade pasta, good Limni wine and excellent mayirefta (ready-cooked meals) dishes with an emphasis on meat are served at this iconic place under two…
Samothraki
A short distance from the popular Lakkoma Beach, this is a pretty terrace filled with rose bushes and geraniums. It's a prime spot to sample Aegean fish,…
Chios
Veering from the taverna mainstream, this beach cafe features a good variety of salads and unusual appetisers, such as spicy mussels with beer and ginger,…
Ikaria
Meat dishes such as katsikaki (kid goat) or veal in a clay pot are specialities at this taverna, the first along the Armenistis harbour road. The great…
Samos
Very useful 24-hour bakery selling large pies with cheese and mushrooms, plus croissants, fresh orange juice and coffee. Convenient for hiking trips,…
Ikaria
Kelaris serves its own fresh-caught fish, cooked over coals, along with midday mayirefta (ready-cooked) dishes from the oven. Look for the landmark church…
Samothraki
Fournello makes for a nice change of pace, serving good pizza and spaghetti. It's one of the few places where you can dine by the sea. Close to Niki Beach…
Lesvos
A friendly taverna perched dramatically on the edge of a near-vertical cliff. Specialities include octopus cooked in red wine, and their trademark salad…
Limnos
Popular with visiting Greeks and airbase personnel, this upmarket seafront taverna is heaving at weekends when it roasts a whole lamb or goat. Seafood…
Ikaria
An upgraded village grill, Ma'Mu serves substantial meat platters featuring chops and kebabs, as well as more modest pitta wraps, including nice…
Northeastern Aegean Islands
Oranges are the reason why this seafront place is a must-visit, but To Arhontiko makes a whole range of great desserts. Come here after you've finished…
Lesvos
People flock here for lobster spaghetti, but this vast taverna with tables in the shade of a mulberry tree offers an extensive list of seafood delicacies…
Samos
This intriguing taverna on the square has numerous excellent dishes including kleftiko (slow oven-baked lamb with vegetables), and unusual desserts, such…
Chios
This beach taverna in Lithi marries Greek and Italian rural standards, with seafood spaghetti a definite highlight. Pizza made with Greek salad…
Thasos
This traditional Greek grill house, set in a pebbled rose garden, is a local favourite away from Potos' more touristy main road. It offers friendly…
Northeastern Aegean Islands
Fourni lobster and fresh fish are expertly prepared at this iconic waterfront taverna. Excellent mezedhes and traditional salads; fish and lobster are…
Lesvos
Locals swear by this unpretentious spot just outside of town, on the road to Eftalou Beach. It has a convivial atmosphere and serves up fresh fish, Greek…
Ikaria
A tiny roadside cafe with good coffee and small plates served through the day. 'Sourta-Ferta' means 'back and forth' in Greek. Located in the middle of…
Northeastern Aegean Islands
This is a very reliable seafood option, next door to sibling restaurant O Miltos. Look for daily specials on the chalkboard.
