Rethymno
With cascading terraces from fortress to sea, this is where locals head for dinner and unbeatable coastal views. The eclectic Mediterranean menu offers up…
Must-see restaurants in Greece
Dodecanese
It's the outdoor terrace that first catches the eye here, close to Hora's landmark windmills, but the modern whitewashed interior with its lovely open…
Plakias
Tasos and his Belgian wife, Lisa, preside over this nautical-themed family taverna towards the far end of town. Park yourself on the colourful patio to…
Parga
An unreconstructed 'date night' restaurant, Castello can feel a bit old-fashioned, but its wide-ranging Mediterranean menu satisfies, with fish brochettes…
Skopelos
A creatively reimagined olive-oil factory houses this whitewashed, stone-walled Greek-Mediterranean favourite, 100m inland from the waterfront car park…
Rethymno Province
This no-frills family-run fish taverna is usually packed to the gills, and for good reason: the owner himself drops his nets into the Med, so you know…
Hania Province
Part of an excellent family-run studio and apartment complex at the western end of the beach, about 1km from the fortress, this is the best place to eat…
Mykonos
A big pink sequinned disk provides an Instagrammable backdrop to this breezy health-focused cafe, especially popular with those who will later be dancing…
Rhodes Town
A spit away from the Roloi clock tower, facing the Mosque of Süleyman, Mama's has been feeding travellers quality Greek cuisine for generations. The…
Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
This successful operation was started by Ahmad, a Syrian refugee and excellent host. The concept is summed up in the name, with a range of different…
Hora (Naxos)
Tucked into a tiny, vine-shaded lane off Old Market St, Lucullus has been around since 1908 and claims to be Naxos' oldest taverna. Greek staples in this…
Skopelos
Islanders think nothing of driving over to Agnontas for beautifully prepared fresh fish and excellent mezedhes (appetisers) at this cheerful and…
Macedonia
Named for the bazaar that flourished near here under Turkish rule, To Pazari is an unpretentious, tile-floored little place where the owner is usually in…
Rhodes Town
Flying the flag for the cuisine of Karpathos island, little Yiannis serves some of the Old Town's best traditional Greek food. There’s seating indoors and…
Kastellorizo
This island's best-value taverna, Aiolis is often overlooked because it's the furthest away from the centre (but the nearest to the ferry port). It's the…
Ios
Entering Katogi feels like you've walked into a party in someone’s quirky house, full of hidden nooks and plants and clamour. The original cocktails hit…
Thrace
All the classics are done well at this estiatorio (restaurant serving ready-made food as well as à la carte), a block back from the harbourfront hubbub…
Kos Town
This incongruous place, behind the marina on a slightly 'busy' (for Kos) road, is worth the pilgrimage. Quality – not gourmet – Greek fare is the…
Dodecanese
An ultrafriendly, English-speaking Greek couple run this lovely spot, nestled off the main drag – look for the hanging boat and the flower boxes. It…
Karpathos
Owner Pascales comes from the region of Macedonia, so don't expect things to be served the same way here, despite their having the same menu listings…
Skyros
Basking in views across sparkling pine-lined Pefkos Bay, with whitewashed wooden tables and a terrace enclosed by stone benches with cushions, always-a…
Skopelos
Gardens of potted flowers and a lone palm mark this arty, upscale, Greek-Mediterranean bistro-style favourite, where elegantly prepared Skopelean dishes…
Hania
Opposite the minaret in the Splantzia quarter, this cosy restaurant with modern country-style furniture and an appealing flower-strewn terrace sits among…
Kos Town
A lovely surprise awaits after the nondescript entrance of Ta Votsalakia. Pass the bustling kitchen and you'll be on the beach, almost netting your lunch…
Meteora & Thessaly
With its rustic wooden fittings, this crumbling old orange-brick house in the Manavika district (entered from either of two parallel streets) is a big hit…
Kalamata
Kardamo offers a tasty alternative to traditional Greek cuisine, without straying too far from its roots. The result? Greek dishes with a contemporary…
Iraklio Province
This small place adds a touch of modern Mediterranean class to Pitsidia, serving up not only a lovely outdoor setting with citrus trees and its own veg…
Skiathos Town
Once frequented by the great Alexandros Papadiamantis, this long-running bougainvillea-adorned, stone-walled terrace taverna delights with such classics…
Rhodes
It’s worth braving Lahania’s ultranarrow lanes to reach this classic village taverna, tucked behind Agios Georgios church and famed throughout the island…
Elounda
Book ahead for a table with front-row vistas of Mirabello bay to complement the fresh-off-the-boat snapper, lobster, sea bream or whatever else the…
Skopelos
In a graceful, secluded garden-and-terrace setting just west of Plateia Platanos, Perivoli delivers excellent Greek specialities such as cheese-stuffed…
Lesvos
This hip back-alley bistro draws a crowd mostly from the university for its unusual and well-priced small plates, slight menu, eclectic music mix and all…
Ierapetra
Special jazzes up Ierapetra's dining scene with quality fast food served in an upbeat, contemporary setting. The menu is a reminder of the simple goodness…
Dodecanese
A great-value, year-round eatery, run by pleasant owner, Makis. It's all things to all people, from a kafeneio for the elderly males who sit, chatting in…
Dodecanese
Opening off a tiny alcove behind the church, this friendly taverna has tasteful burgundy-and-mustard walls and a few sheltered outdoor tables. It serves…
Saronic Gulf Islands
Part of Rosy's Little Village, this small restaurant focuses on organic produce and vegan and vegetarian options, in addition to the traditional Greek…
Zakynthos
Don't expect to get much of a say in what you eat at this delightful, very welcoming taverna-cafe on Keri’s village square. The chatty woman who runs it…
Patra
A block away from the main strip, the floors (modern Spanish tiles) are not the only striking things here. This modern, minimalist spot has excellent pita…
Rethymno Province
The steep climb up to this family-run taverna is worth the effort for the outstanding views alone: there's a commanding outlook over the translucent…
Thessaloniki
This chic patisserie chain (the name is French for 'wheat') offers a tooth-tingling range, from traditional Cretan baked goods to dainty cupcakes, at all…
