Taverna restaurants in Greece
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A
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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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B
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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Taverna Tasso
Usually packed, offering tasty mezedhes, fresh fish and lobster.
reviewed
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C
Psarotaverna tis Kyra Dimitras
Although Kyra (Ms) Dimitra's Armenian grandfather originally came to Alexandroupoli for railroad work in 1875, from 1915 the family business became this little blue-and-white taverna. Choose from the daily catch, set out on ice at the front; tsipoura (golden bream) is tasty, while a plateful of crunchy koutsomoura makes for a scrumptious lunch. Come in summer, when the amiable Kyra Dimitra might bring you a plate of ripe watermelon for a complimentary dessert.
reviewed
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Mythos
Even the waiter tells you this romantic place has a woman's touch: flowers, petunias and shrubs create a beautiful oasis outside, Mediterranean antiques, lamps and other surprises adorn the inside (thanks to the female owner-decorator). And that's before you've even reached her essence - try the mythos pie (containing chicken, feta and fresh vegetables) and chocolate soufflé.
reviewed
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D
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.
reviewed
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Thea
With a waterside location near the Antiparos ferry quay at Pounta, echoes of old Greece and Asia Minor hang in the air at this great restaurant. Mains include Cappadocian lamb with apricots, or beef with quinces, rice and plums. There are over 450 different vintages kept in a wine room-cum-bar, which even has a glass floor with bottles nestling beneath your feet.
reviewed
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E
Portego
This delightful restaurant serves excellent Cretan and Greek cuisine and has dishes cooked in the wood-fired oven (as is their bread). Try the lamb in a clay pot with yogurt. It is housed in the historic 1900s house of local character Anna Bey, whose portrait is in the back room. It has a good wine list, a lovely courtyard for summer and a cool bar.
reviewed
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Taverna Bacchus
The God of Wine, Bacchus, has extended his portfolio to include delectable delights with fresh ingredients in this smart stone taverna in nearby Miraka. Don't miss the lamb with oregano. The restaurant is on new premises with accommodation (per room including breakfast, a pool and lovely valley views. Mmmm, now where's Cupid?
reviewed
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I Sterna tou Bloumosifi
The old stone taverna I Sterna tou Bloumosifi has a pleasant courtyard garden and is widely known for its excellent Cretan cuisine. For starters try the gavro (mild anchovy) wrapped in vine leaves, or the garlic and herb mushrooms, and then move on to the hilopita (tagliatelle) with rooster.
reviewed
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F
Omorfi Poli
More upmarket than the neighbouring tavernas and well worth splurging the extra euro or two, the professional chef does gourmet wonders with Greek and Italian dishes to a changing menu (surprise!). If it's on offer, try to catch the farfalle with salmon. It has an excellent wine list with many local choices .
reviewed
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Amvrosios
From sardines to swordfish, they have it all at this iconic fish taverna spilling out onto a flowering side lane by the waterfront. Everyone comes here, from confident cats to boisterous assortments of Greek students. Choose from the catch of the day, relax with a beer or wine and let the chefs get to work.
reviewed
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To Mati tis Limnis
There are a number of tavernas around the lake, but few of the older rent rooms above the tavernas were operating. The shady To Mati tis Limnis on the quieter end of the lake makes good traditional dishes such as rabbit stifado (braised with onions) or filling mizythropites (cheese pies).
reviewed
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Barbagiannis
An Exarhia institution, this low-key mayirio (cook house) is popular with students and those wanting good-value home-style Greek food. Choose from the variety of big trays of traditional dishes, such as pastitsio (layers of baked macaroni and minced meat), washed down with house wine.
reviewed
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Finiki View Taverna
In Finiki an obvious yet recommendable place to eat is the Finiki View Taverna. Taking poll position on the location stakes overlooking the beach this place does look touristy, but it's Greek enough when it comes to the crunch. The whitebait, octopus salad or the caper salad are all excellent options.
reviewed
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Drakos Taverna
Enjoy reasonably priced fish dishes (although some species are by the kilogram) at this popular taverna that overlooks the sea at the southern end of the beach. Whatever's on the dish, you get the feeling that it may well have hopped straight from the water into the kitchen and then onto your plate.
reviewed
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Art Cafe Liotrivi
You might spot the owner-artist George's paints and brushes on the counter at this handsome 200-year-old seaside café on the old harbour. Half taverna and half museum, its excellent dishes range from simple olives and dolmadhes to shrimp flambé and mussels in tomato sauce.
reviewed
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Ammoöpi Taverna
At the far northern end of Ammoöpi and right on the beach, the food here is uniformly good. Look for the daily specials - the clove-laced mousakas (sliced eggplant and mincemeat arranged in layers and baked) excels. There is a fairly genuine 'Greek music night' once a week.
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To Koutouki tis Elenis
Gagou is a narrow lane that veers off from the bottom of Evangelistria. It's crammed with tavernas whose tables fill every corner. This cosy little place is one of the best and dishes up cheerful local treats such as chicken in lemon sauce, rabbit in tomato sauce, and a tasty fish soup.
reviewed
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O Damigos Bakaliarika
Reputedly Plaka’s oldest taverna, this basement eatery features in many old Greek movies. It’s a lively winter place for traditional Greek fare; just mind your step on the way in. The house speciality is bakaliaro (salty cod fried in batter), served with a lethal garlic dip.
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Halaris Taverna
There are a number of tavernas and cafés on the waterfront at Piso Livadi, but Halaris is a great choice. There's fresh fish available from the family's own boat while the shrimp pies are delicious. Other treats range from zucchini croquettes to homemade cheese and spinach pies.
reviewed
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Pelagia Taverna
Top culinary marks go to Pelagia Taverna, on the road down to (or up from) Ammoöpi, where free-range goat and lamb are on offer. Opt for the Karpathian salad, the local sheep's milk and white manouri cheese or the excellent mashed fava lentils served with raw onion.
reviewed
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Giakoumis Taverna
This is one of our favourites among the tavernas clustered around the 1866 market side streets. There's a full menu of Cretan specialities and vegetarian options. Turnover is heavy, which means that the dishes are fresh, and you can see the meat being prepared for the grill.
reviewed
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K
To Berdema
Tucked in a quiet residential street, this modern taverna with an east-west fusion menu has a delightful garden courtyard. The light-shades made from graters hanging from the trees are part of the playful décor. You can’t miss the hotel – look for the pink glass façade.
reviewed
