Must-see restaurants in Greece

  • San To Alati

    Tinos

    Meaning 'like salt', this cute seaside taverna takes its name from a royal-themed fairy tale (hence the crowns and salt shakers). The place lives up to…

  • Theoni's Kitchen

    Fira

    Theoni's isn't fancy and you won't be gazing out over the caldera, but this 'mumma's kitchen' restaurant does its thing with grace, humour and enthusiasm…

  • Triporto

    Amorgos

    Once the village bakery, this colourful, hip cafe doubles as a breakfast joint and a mellow late-night bar. Create an omelette from ingredients like olive…

  • Fatolitis Snack Bar

    Kalymnos

    A favourite with the après-climbing gang, this lively roadside cafe has a vine-shaded terrace and cosy interior spattered with rock posters. The menu isn…

  • Kato Zakros Bay

    Lasithi Province

    With its stone floors, open range and tables topped with Cretan rugs, this is an atmospheric spot for dinner. Local vegetables are grown next door, and…

  • Archontissa Potami Adventure Cafe

    Samos

    Its called Adventure for good reason: trekking along the creek before climbing wooden stairs on a near-vertical slope is indeed just that. But this canopy…

  • Akrogiali Taverna

    Lasithi Province

    The food gods have been smiling upon Kato Zakros’ oldest taverna, which does a brisk trade in fresh-off-the-boat fish and Cretan classics, all prepared…

  • Vira Potzi

    Ierapetra

    Next to the Kales Fortress, this next-gen Cretan seaside tavern has an enticing menu packed with culinary twists such as grilled calamari with zucchini…

  • Asimenos

    Skyros

    Look for the turquoise-shutter sign and lightly stylish roof terrace, 3.5km south of Skyros Town, to find this sensational seafood taverna. The owners…

  • Kali Kardia

    Kos

    Atmospheric taverna near the harbour (that claims to be the oldest; see the lovely black-and-white photos), with tables out on the footpath and a wooden…

  • Ev Oinos

    Central Greece

    Attractive, lively taverna in a busy little pedestrian precinct not far back from the port. Its cuisine blends Greek-style appetisers and salads with more…

  • Kuzina

    Athens

    This comfortably elegant restaurant does chic Greek, with creations such as fried dumplings filled with feta and olives. It's cosy in winter, as light…

  • Tzimas

    Parga

    A great little taverna on the main highway, Tzimas is open year-round and recommended by locals for Greek standards such as roast aubergine with feta,…

  • Taverna Sofia

    Iraklio Province

    Formerly known as Taverna Sactouris, this is the most traditional-looking spot on the plaza. It makes good salads and vegetable dishes, sometimes…

  • Sotiris

    Kythira

    Avlemonas’ largest restaurant has a beautiful setting facing the seafront across a broad, open plaza in the heart of town. Naturally, it devotes itself…

  • Lithos stou Taki

    Zagorohoria

    Settle in by the fireplace or out on the terrace, near the goat-bell wind chimes, and sample an array of super-local and seasonal food. Dishes like baked…

  • Galini Cafe

    Fira

    Right near the Firostefani church, this breezy cafe sits right on the lip of the caldera, where the cliff plunges down into the cobalt sea. Chilled out…

  • Cook-Nara

    Skyros

    Enjoy the sifted sunlight and fine Skyrian taverna fare at this country hit, 2km north of Atsitsa. There's also an attached kiosk-bar, from where drinks…

  • Zygos

    Galaxidi

    The German beer mugs seem a little incongruous until you realise this small and inviting taverna, near the end of the port, serves more than 40 beers,…

  • Platia

    Rethymno Province

    Set in a square just up from the harbour, this cafe-bistro-bar is popular with locals. Excellent breakfasts (€6 to €10) offer everything from yoghurt and…

  • To Limani

    Amorgos

    This popular restaurant, up from the main street, carries its traditional atmosphere comfortably. Using homegrown produce, the cooks whip up hefty…

  • Anastasia

    Zakynthos

    This friendly taverna at the southern edge of Anafonitria village, at the turning for Shipwreck Beach, is busy at lunchtime, when day trippers stop by for…

  • Meze 2

    Hora (Naxos)

    It would be easy to dismiss this waterfront restaurant at the harbour as a tourist trap, but don’t. Its Cretan and Naxian menu and fantastic service make…

  • Taverna Rea

    Lasithi Province

    This cheerful little restaurant on the village's main street has stone walls decorated with Cretan artefacts. The soul of the kitchen is Maria Spanaki,…

  • George’s Place

    Dodecanese

    Superchilled, long-standing beach bar, accessed straight off Kambos Beach sand, with an enticingly shaded, sun-dappled terrace facing the peacock-blue bay…

  • Galasia Thea

    Hania Province

    On the cliff overlooking the great expanse of Falasarna beach, this cafe has spectacular views from its huge lawn terrace. It offers a full range of…

  • Fournos Karanika

    Preveza

    One of Preveza's busiest bakeries, Karanika is just east of the clock tower. It makes very good savoury pies (you'll think you're back up in the mountains…

  • Trigono

    Around Athens

    At this casual grill house, the pork chops are flawless and flow nonstop – thanks to an in-house butcher, a rare feature in Greece. As it's just off the…

  • Taverna Baido

    Ikaria

    Past the bridge towards Nas, this interesting taverna is the work of Marianthi, who serves well-priced dishes using local products, fresh fish and Ikarian…

  • Platanos

    Skiathos

    This hillside terrace restaurant, engulfed in greenery high above Skiathos Town, with views across to Skopelos, Evia and the islets, makes an ideal spot…

  • Albatross

    Galaxidi

    We love this little place, just along from Agios Nikolaos church, run by a long-standing, young-at-heart couple. Prices haven't changed in years and the…

  • I Palia Pyli

    Kos

    This is one of the most understated spots on the island. Sure, it isn't fancy, just a couple of tables out on a veranda, under a ficus tree and…

  • To Alato Pipero

    Corfu Town

    Welcoming all-day taverna–ouzerie (place that serves ouzo and light snacks) with outdoor tables in a pedestrian alley. Grilled specialities include local…

  • Leonidas

    Dodecanese

    Sitting on the crest of the hill overlooking Lambi Beach, Leonidas has a flower-filled terrace with food to match the serene view. Dine on souvlakia,…

  • Jimmy's Balcony

    Dodecanese

    Perched above the road, on the principal lane through the village to the Monastery of the Apocalypse, the shaded terrace of this welcoming all-day cafe…

  • Sarris

    Agios Nikolaos

    This tiny, been-here-forever taverna in a quiet residential area has a dozen or so cheerfully painted tables across the street beneath a shady pergola and…

  • Penelope’s

    Rhodes

    The largest of three rival tavernas in Kattavia’s little square, with outdoor seating beneath a spreading plane tree. Appetisers such as spinach pie or…

  • Tavernaki Dimitris

    Lasithi Province

    No direct sea view but Greek food with a dollop of French je ne sais quoi is what awaits at this little taverna where you can make your taste buds dance…

  • Pallas

    Hania

    This hip, much-buzzed-about cafe-bar has a sweet location in an impeccably renovated 1830 customs house right in the Venetian Harbour. Grab a high chair,…

  • Taverna Megalos Mourtias

    Alonnisos

    A stone’s throw from the surf, this laid-back taverna and beach bar 2km down the hill from the village prepares fine salads, gyros (meat slithers cooked…

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