Lesvos
Snappy family taverna in the busy agora (market) above the waterfront. Great for well-priced fresh fish and grills, and stellar views of the sea.
Must-see restaurants in Northeastern Aegean Islands
Limnos
A waterfront favourite known for well-prepared fresh fish at decent per-kilo prices. It also has postcard-worthy sunset views across the sea to Mt Athos.
Chios
Occupying an erstwhile Ottoman-period port quarantine station, this excellent eatery is known for its outstanding stuffed pork and stuffed goat dishes.
Lesvos
Excellent taverna fare, fresh fish and tasty grills overlooking the beach. It's part of the Hrysi Akti domatia.
Samos
This old-style Samian taverna by the spring at Vourliotes’ entrance offers exceptional village cuisine in ample portions, and homemade barrel wine.
Limnos
This modern eatery and takeaway with a nice seafront terrace serves large portions of salads and pasta, as well as omelettes, crêpes and waffles.
Northeastern Aegean Islands
Up in the little village of Kamari, 9km from the harbour, this relaxing waterfront taverna has subtle charm, and plenty of fresh fish and lobster.
Thasos
Relaxing, popular and well-priced fish taverna on the beach, just before Hotel Kamelia, in Skala Potamia.
Ikaria
Anna's is known on Ikaria's north coast for its fresh fish and lobster. It's not the cheapest, but quality, setting and service are excellent.
Ikaria
Very traditional setting on the road halfway between Kambos and Evdilos. Excellent taverna fare, cooked and happily served by Popi.
Samothraki
This popular grill house in Profitis Ilias heaves during the weekends when a whole animal is grilled – either a goat or a sheep.
Thasos
Limenaria’s best seafood is served at this waterfront restaurant opposite the National Bank of Greece. Prices can be steep.
Lesvos
A very popular seafront fish taverna, where people enjoy chatting with the friendly owner as much as they like his cooking.
Thasos
At the beginning of Theologos, just before the church, this charming cafe has balcony seating, coffee and snacks.
Lesvos
A good place to stop for a light meal or a more substantial grilled dish in the main square of Mantamados.
Samos
Excellent tiny three-table gem, with superb small plates and charming service from Sophia and friends.
Samos
Serves good Greek standards in a lovely garden setting. It's up to the left behind the main square.
Thasos
Located 1km west of Thasos (Limenas), Tarsanas offers great fish and unique seafood mezedhes.
Samos
This eastern harbour eatery sits on the bay, beyond Elia Taverna. Faros is a minimalist, contemporary Mediterranean bistro serving huge bowls of salad and…
Samos
Opposite the bus stop, Bira is an elegant old-fashioned taverna, offering local favourites including ladhera – traditional olive-oil-rich veggie dishes…
Lesvos
Turkish-style cezve coffee, delicious cream cakes and traditional Greek desserts such as baklava and kataïfi (angel-hair pastry) are served on a terrace…
Thasos
Potos’ 50-year-old beachfront taverna was operating well before mass tourism came to town, and continues to stick to the recipe with specialities such as…
Ikaria
This ouzerie (place serving ouzo and light snacks) on the waterfront is known for its traditional meat and seafood mezedhes to accompany the local…
Samos
Popular taverna in heart of the village, serving traditional dishes such as yemista (stuffed tomatoes), mousakas and rabbit stifadho (stew), plus…
Ikaria
Join the regulars for good grills and salads, fresh chips, beer or tsipouro at this small and unpretentious mezedhopoleio (place serving mezedhes) on the…
Samothraki
Start your day with yoghurt and honey at this flower-filled taverna, or sample the house tzigerosarmades (goat with onion, dill and spearmint). The large…
Lesvos
No-frills old-fashioned eatery with waiters in ties. It specialises in generous mayirefta (ready-cooked meals) such as chicken and potatoes, stuffed…
Thasos
Set 800m on the right when entering Theologos, this big taverna has great balcony views of village roofs and verdure below. Run by Kostas Giatrou (‘the…
Lesvos
Between the National Bank and the town parking, this quick-stop eatery serves tasty pitta souvlaki, pork and chicken kebabs, whole and half chickens, and…
Samos
Relax away from the waterfront at this side-street psarotaverna (fish taverna) near the castle. Fresh fish by the kilo and hearty soups and salads, with…
Ikaria
Ikaros is a classic village ovelistirio, or grill house, referring to the upright grill for making gyros. Excellent food, lively atmosphere, snappy…
Samos
An outstanding grill house on the waterfront near the main square, with snappy service and a good choice of pork, chicken and lamb gyros, pitta souvlaki,…
Ikaria
On the waterfront facing the square, this busy traditional eatery serves tasty grills, several very good mayirefta (ready-cooked) options and fresh fish …
Samos
Just past the square in Vourliotes, this atmospheric old eatery has a variety of mezedhes, including bourekakia (crunchy cheese-filled filo pastries)…
Samos
Under the shade of a wooden pergola and next to a running spring, this little taverna, halfway up the village in Manolates, serves grills and fine…
Limnos
In the main square of Platy, 2km east of Myrina, O Sozos excels in traditional Greek fare. Specialities include kokkaras flomaria (rooster served with…
Ikaria
A local favourite among the waterfront tavernas, Koralli specialises in fresh fish and chips, excellent meat grills, veggie salads and oven-ready…
Ikaria
A family-run taverna with tradition, the Pashalia offers tasty homemade mezedhes, such as wild mushrooms, fresh wild asparagus and goat’s cheese, and is…
