Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
Housemade village-style bread, mismatched retro crockery and brown paper on the tabletops set the tone for this modern taverna serving regional Greek…
Must-see restaurants in Greece
Cyclades
Run by Greek-Californian Stefanos, Magazes serves high-quality local dishes in a stylishly restored warehouse on the waterfront. It’s recommended for its…
Zagorohoria
Next to the town hall on the plateia in Tsepelovo, in the shade of a giant plane tree, this restaurant is a friendly place beloved by locals for miles…
Lefkada
The vine-shaded terrace of Agios Nikitas’ finest taverna sits in a quiet, tucked-away spot slightly up from the beach and offers sweeping views out to sea…
Evia
Dine on the waterfront terrace or in the elegant interior at this smart Greek-Cuban-owned seaside restaurant, known for its well-priced fresh fish, late…
Lefkada
On the quieter, eastern side of the port, this long-standing family-run place is a little less hectic than others, which means that staff members can pay…
Amorgos
Look for the bright red window shutters and follow your nose. This tiny patisserie, a block back from the waterfront, bakes up cakes, pastries and lots of…
Hora (Mykonos)
Its patio shaded by hanging grapevines, this tempting corner of Eden focuses on traditional Greek home cooking, such as 'Mama's soutzoukakia' (oblong…
Nafplio
Ample servings of homemade fare in a convivial restaurant adorned with antique oddments. The mezedhes – zucchini balls, feta with honey, tzatziki – are…
Iraklio Province
This excellent Cretan chain of cafes and bakeries is a one-stop shop for those with a sweet tooth, with all manner of baklava, cakes, pastries and gelato…
Hania Province
Enjoy traditional Cretan dishes like gamopilafo (lamb and stock-cooked rice) or faves like homemade pizza in this stone-built restaurant with a balcony…
Messinia
On a harbourside corner, this is the best of the restaurants in this zone, with a decent line in fresh fish as well as a wide range of everything from…
Lefkada
The pick of several similarly tempting and colourful seafood tavernas along the pretty quayside, Stavros, which has been going strong since the mid-1970s,…
Nafplio
This taverna bolsters its menu with stew-type specials like beef stifado and slow-cooked pork. There are numerous vegetarian options and the starters are…
Rhodes Town
Run by grandfather Kostas, this friendly Old Town taverna spreads from a simple limewashed dining room into a bright rear conservatory. Come for Greek…
Thessaloniki
This close to the port, it makes sense to try Thessaloniki's take on fish and chips, prepared here since 1940. Thick cuts of salt cod are expertly fried…
Thessaloniki
With their views of the White Tower, Zythos' outside tables are a scenic spot to enjoy a fava-bean purée topped with capers or feast on beautifully smoked…
Lesvos
Owner George spent a large part of his life in the Netherlands – hence the proliferation of bicycles in the decor – and, more importantly, he's also a…
Symi
Paradise has Aegean-blue tables and chairs and owns the sun loungers on the nearby beach of Nos (free to diners). It nets the customers with its local…
Corfu Town
Much-loved little back-alley restaurant with a handful of outdoor tables. Most diners are here for the seafood, savouring dishes such as squid carpaccio,…
Skyros
Long-established, family-run and perched on the roadside 3km south of Skyros Town, Taverna Lambros draws local favour for its generous grills, fresh fish,…
Athens
In summer this family-run taverna can look abandoned – but that's because everyone is up on the roof terrace, shaded by the climbing vines. Meaning …
Kythira
Locals head to this seafood specialist, its tables propped in the sand just north of the causeway in Diakofti, to savour excellent grilled fish or Italian…
Andros
Tables spill down the eponymous stairs from this charming bric-a-brac strewn taverna run by a mother-and-daughter team on a fairy-lit lane. There’s a…
Corfu Town
This small, bright and modern wine bar and bistro down on the waterfront is causing waves among foodies in Corfu. With a menu strong on Italian influences…
Athens
An Exarhia favourite on a lively pedestrian strip, this family-run taverna serves grills and homestyle fare. Mezedhes are brought around on a tray, so you…
Lesvos
This reliable alleyway cafe between Ermou and the waterfront has everything from gavros (marinated small fish) and grilled pork chops to mayirefta (ready…
Rethymno Province
Come here for the home cooking and dine on the patio hung with gourds and overflowing with flowers. You’ll likely find Maria in the kitchen stuffing…
Ikaria
Up on the hill, at the bend in the street that connects with the main road to Kambos, this summer-only taverna occupies a kind of natural balcony with bay…
Hydra Town
This little streetside spot is traditional Greek personified. Sit on the corner terrace to watch the people parade as you dig into classic mezedhes –…
Hydra Town
Look just above the quay, near the Pirate bar and main bakery, to find this reliable taverna with lovely harbour views. Visitors and locals dig into daily…
Hora (Mykonos)
A welcome alternative to Mykonos' pricey restaurants, Sakis is perpetually crammed with hungry budgeteers tucking into heaped portions of pork or chicken…
Small Cyclades
This tiny taverna at Loutro, where the tables skirt the small harbour, has a magical setting. Karnagio means 'boatyard', and the taverna is owned by the…
Thasos
This classic taverna under a shady patio off the square, run by Georgios and Elena, specialises in spit-roasted lamb and goat. Before you get to the…
Serifos
Sitting postcard-pretty in the sunbaked main square, Stou Stratou has a menu full of art and poetry (literally), plus it serves good breakfasts and light…
Peloponnese
Owner Theodore’s brother-in-law is a fisherman, so you get to eat the catch of the day. But have a look at the prepared dishes inside first – the…
Hania Province
In the village of Armenoi, south of the ruins at Aptera, seek out Tzitzikas for a fresh Cretan meal or a coffee on the edge of a river, under lush,…
Zagorohoria
Love mushrooms? Head straight for this restaurant devoted to woodland fungus in all its delicious forms. The menu celebrates foraged chanterelles, berries…
Aegina
Plan for a sunset meal at this simple seafood taverna, 1.5km north of Perdika (6km south of Aegina Town). It's a favourite with locals for its beautiful…
Samothraki
The summer-only Lefkos Pyrgos is an excellent, inventive and all-natural sweets shop run by master confectioners Georgios and Dafni. Try lemonade with…
