Restaurants in Greece
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A
Hatzis
In operation since 1908, when Thessaloniki was still an Ottoman city, this local legend brings the tastes of old Constantinople to you. After Hatzis, you'll never ask for a simple 'baklava' again.
The veritable symphony of sweets served at Hatzis includes vezir parmak (politika syrup cake with cream filling), hanoum bourek (hand-made pastry with raisins, peanuts and cream) and a dish of malempi mastiha (cream from milk and rice porridge, flavoured with mastiha from Chios and served with rose syrup).
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Kitchen Bar
Whether you're just coming for a cool waterside coffee or seek some inventive international fare, this lofty, sumptuously decorated café-restaurant on the port is fab. The salads and risotto are as bright as the flames in the open kitchen where the chefs, like the style-conscious clientele, are always on display.
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Paradosiako
For great traditional fare at very fair prices you can't beat this inconspicuous, no-frills taverna on the periphery of Plaka, with a few tables on the footpath. There's a basic menu but it's best to choose from the daily specials, which include fresh and delicious seafood. Get there early before the locals arrive.
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Harmony
Few places take chill-out to the honed level of this great bar. Hammocks, deckchairs and discerning sounds set the pace and kids are well looked after here. It's just along the northern arm of Mylopotas beach. There's live music too, and Tex-Mex food is the main attraction.
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Varsos
This huge patisserie has been making traditional sweets and dairy products since 1892. Dine in the old-style café, or sit outside in the courtyard and sample the famous rice pudding, honey pastries, honey or scrumptious cheese pies.
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Waves on the Rock
The unassuming fishing hamlet of Ravdouha Beach, on the western side of the rugged Rodopou Peninsula, is one of the area's hidden gastronomic treats. Follow the signs to Ravdoucha until you reach a fork in the road. To the left, a rough dirt road leads 700m to the Waves on the Rock run by fisherman Theodoris Falelakis, who serves excellent fresh fish. If you really feel like getting away from it all there are also five rooms upstairs with kitchenette and air-con.
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Thalassino Ageri
It can be tricky to find, but this solitary fish taverna in a tiny port amongst the ruins of Hania's old tanneries is one of the most delightful eateries in Crete. Apart from the superb setting they have fresh fish and excellent mezedes such as tender octopus in wine vinegar and melt-in-your-mouth calamari as well as a delicious fisherman's salad. Take a taxi or follow Venizelou around the coast turning left at Noel St as soon as you veer away from the coast.
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E
Yiorgos Hatziparaskos
One of the last traditional filo masters in all of Greece, Yiorgos Hatziparaskos still makes super-fine pastry by hand in his traditional workshop. The highlight is when he throws the dough into a giant bubble before stretching it over a huge table. His wife Katerina encourages passers-by to watch the spectacle and try some of best baklava and kataifi they will ever eat.
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F
Antica Gelateria di Roma
Antica Gelateria di Roma 'Bongiorno - this is an Italian gelati shop!' announces Italian gelati maestro and maestra Marcello and Claudio Raffo as you enter their premises. That's just in case you didn't see and smell (and we'll bet, soon taste) the smorgasbord of the best (yes, best) traditional gelati outside Italy. And don't say we didn't warn you!
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Paradise Restaurant
A visit here is made more attractive by the lush flower garden and Paradise Restaurant, run by the charming Evdokia. She rustles up a good line in vegetarian dishes, such as revithokeftedes(chickpea rissoles) and filo-pastry turnovers with fillings such as aubergine, vegetables and onion. Stuffed mushrooms or zucchini flowers is another one of her specialities.
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Diporto Agoras
Near the Athens Central Market, there’s no signage, only two doors leading to a rustic cellar taverna where the handful of dishes hasn’t changed in years. The staples are delicious chickpea soup, grilled fish, fried potatoes and salad, washed down with mandatory wine (they don’t ask) from the barrels lining the wall. The often-erratic service is part of the appeal.
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Indigo
You wouldn't expect to find quality in among the fast-food joints of the New Market. But there is Indigo. Salads feature strongly: the Indigo salad with croutons, rocket, walnut, lettuce oil and garlic entices, as does a 'playful chicken' salad made up of chicken strips in vegetables and a hazelnut salad with blue cheese. Subtle and scrumptious at the same time.
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Ali Baba's
- Ios, Greece
- Restaurants › Thai
In the same venue as the restaurant of that name there's another great Ios favourite, this is the place for tasty Thai dishes, including pad thai (thin rice noodles stir-fried with dried shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu and egg) cooked by authentic Thai chefs. The service is very upbeat and there's entertainment. It's on the same street as the Emporiki bank.
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Kalipateira
In a neoclassic building overlooking an archaeological dig, young Athenians gather for long sessions over carafes of ouzo, snacking on one of the pikilies (mixed mezedhes). There are acoustic rembetika (Greek blues) and Cretan live music Thursday to Sunday.
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Pomodoro
Opened in recent years, this new Ios favourite spreads over two floors. There's a fabulous roof garden with panoramic views. It's just off the main square above Disco 69, and offers authentic wood-fired pizzas as just part of its excellent Italian and Mediterranean menu.
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J
Tamam
Housed in an old hammam, Tamam presents a superb selection of vegetarian specialities - try the spicy avocado dip on potato - and inspired dishes such as the Tas kebab veal with spices and yoghurt or the Beyendi chicken with creamy aubergine purée.
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Ouzou Melathron
Just from the sight of the scroll-like menu at this very popular sidestreet ouzerie, you know you're in for something special. Occupy yourself with ouzo and mezedhes, then dig into heartier fare like lamb in sweet wine sauce.
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Pelagos
For an excellent selection of fresh fish and seafood, this place is generally considered the best (and priciest) restaurant in Agios Nikolaos. The mezedes are excellent. It's in a beautifully restored house with an ambient garden.
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Akrogiali
One of the best seafood restaurant in Hania, Akrogiali is on the beach side of the new town. The fish is fresh and the accompaniments are superb. The airy restaurant opens onto the seafront giving you a great view of the sunset.
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Strofi
This charming old-style taverna’s rooftop terrace has superb Acropolis views, and a reasonable array of taverna classics. It used to be a hang-out for theatre performers, as the photos of its famous guests attest.
reviewed
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Lemonokipos
Dine among the lemon trees in the lovely courtyard of this well-respected taverna in the old quarter. It's good, typical Cretan fare, with a decent range of vegetarian dishes and lots of tasty appetisers.
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Sitia Beach
This unassuming place on the beach makes a decent pizza but it is more highly recommended for home-style cooking that appears daily on the specials board. Try the pork with lemon and rice.
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Megaro
This recently refurbished place on the corner of the square is popular with locals around the district. The owner fishes from his own boat and the menu also includes Cretan specialities.
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Sarris Taverna
Local families head for this reliable waterfront eatery at sunset for grilled calamari and sautéed red peppers, and then let the children romp at the sandy playground opposite.
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Kapilio
Popular with students, this Serb-run mezedopoleio has a mixed menu with a range of special set menus that include raki, wine salad and a main dish.
reviewed