Messinia
The Cuckoo serves hearty portions of grills and oven-baked dishes on a changing menu to a local clientele. It's about 100m up the coastal hill from the…
Must-see restaurants in Greece
Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
Out on the fringes of Gazi, amid car workshops and the occasional experimental theatre, this hip little cafe-bar is a treat. There's a simple but good…
Small Cyclades
Run by the daughter of a local fisherman, this friendly spot is a fine bet for grilled catch of the day, excellent Greek salads and other standards. Head…
Evia
Right on the seafront under a sprawling plane tree, popular all-day local standby O Platanos works up excellent grills, hearty salads, stuffed tomatoes,…
Plakias
This unfussy restaurant by the bridge has excellent homestyle cooking; try the pork in lemon sauce with almonds. It also does its bit for the…
Samos
Having relocated from Manolates to the main coastal road right at the turn to the village, this large restaurant offers a refined and somewhat urban take…
Cyclades
On the far side of Vourkari Bay, this waterfront restaurant focuses mainly on seafood, particularly grilled fish, with a few meaty dishes offered as well…
Thrace
Tucked among old olive groves and overlooking Demir Ali Beach, this sleek restaurant-lounge is expert in higher-end seafood, from sizzling shrimp saganaki…
Serifos
On the road behind the waterfront, Metalleio dishes up quality cuisine from a short menu emphasising local products, such as risotto with goat’s cheese,…
Thessaloniki
This bawdily decorated, iconic eatery near the White Tower is a local institution offering refreshingly light souvlaki and soutzoukakia (meat rissoles in…
Paros
An essential evening stop for a serve of To Paradosiako's legendary fresh doughy balls of goodness known as loukoumadhes (Greek doughnuts). It’s a self…
Evia
Opposite the rock-carved riverside church of Agia Kyriaki, 5km south of Steni, the 'Watermill' rests amid a lush water-filled landscape, dishing up…
Thrace
Tucked by a little patch of green, off the main street, this is a pleasant place for a bargain light meal (unless you get a giant pork chop – but that's…
Hania Province
Considered one of the best fish tavernas in the area, the classic Argentina has tables on the main road and across the street overlooking the harbour. It…
Santorini
The quintessential seaside taverna with fresh fish daily. It's hard to go wrong with catch of the day or octopus and squid thrown on the grill just long…
Pelion Peninsula
Among the row of fish tavernas lined up along the Agia Kyriaki waterfront, this one is especially renowned for its lobster and spaghetti (among other…
Lesvos
Some 800m along the beach from Skala Sikameneas, this friendly taverna serves freshly caught fish, grilled meat and excellent vegetables, especially…
Macedonia
This cheerful family-run taverna in Panagia isn't expensive, yet delivers an expertly cooked menu of meaty Greek favourites. Locals come for the barbecued…
Chios
In a cute little square within the castle walls, this welcoming and efficient taverna receives a batch of fresh catch from the port in the morning and…
Ikaria
A summer-only affair run by a Greek-Belgian couple, Kalypso is renowned for its cooking – it's all about fish here – as much as for its festive atmosphere…
Cyclades
Fresh fish dishes are the go-to staples at this traditional taverna in Hora, enhanced by an airy terrace, splendid views and occasional live music. Head…
Kardamyli
Sweaty hikers make a beeline for this frozen yoghurt (and sweets) joint that provides a cool, sweet balm. Gorgeous flower-filled garden out the back in…
Hydra
In a renovated 18th-century bastion and spilling onto the beach, Castello offers waterfront snacks at its daytime beach bar, gourmet seaside dining at its…
Athens
Born out of a popular food truck, this hip joint merges American and Greek wisdom on the subject of slow-cooked meats. American standard sides like mac…
Corfu Town
Ultra-friendly bakery-cafe that’s a real home from home. It serves luscious, creamy cakes, succulent pastries, local yogurt with kumquats, and good coffee…
Naxos
With tables filling Halki’s pretty central square under a trellis of vine leaves, Giannis is well known for traditional fare. Try moussakas, pork souvlaki…
Meteora & Thessaly
Spreading from an old cottage into the adjoining garden, this small taverna faces a small park a few minutes’ walk north of the Manavika district. As well…
Lesvos
Owner Theodoris spends most mornings fishing to provide the evening’s fresh fish. Aigaio also serves very good mayirefta (ready-cooked) dishes and good…
Thrace
One of two tavernas in the village of Dadia, this one has a menu that excels both in local game meats and more standard basics, such as a supremely…
Ikaria
On a bamboo-roofed seafront patio, this excellent family-run taverna serves up good fresh fish and salads. Try Ikaria’s speciality soufiko, a tasty…
Messinia
Locals are in agreement: this is the place to head for traditional dishes. It’s in an old home, with seating on the front porch and in the courtyard…
Rhodes
In this lively and always busy taverna in the heart of Gennadi, you can check out the murals depicting ancient myths while feasting on Olympian portions…
Hania Province
Restore your energies with a cold beer and classic Greek snacks after you tackle lovely Agia Irini Gorge. From here it's another 7km walk or a €15 taxi…
Ios
Right on the port where the ferries dock, this place is fabulous for Italian cuisine. The owner has shipped an authentic oven over from Italy and makes…
Athens
Locals swear by this tried-and-true taverna that has been serving reasonably priced, refreshingly simple and tasty traditional food since well before…
Rethymno Province
On the shady main square, Mandolos is a well-regarded taverna. Dig into big portions of local standards like slow-cooked goat while relaxing under the…
Kefallonia
Buzzing beachfront taverna, right at the foot of the road, where the no-nonsense seafood cooking has a devoted local following. A pleasant spot for lunch,…
Ikaria
An inviting backstreet taverna, behind the National Bank, with a lovely shaded courtyard. Strong on grilled meats and pastitsio (layers of buttery…
Kythnos
Seafood is the main attraction here: grilled snapper, scorpion fish, grouper, calamari and lobster spaghetti all get the thumbs up. Stop by earlier for an…
Syntagma & Plaka
When you want a quick pick-me-up that's not souvlaki, head for this tiny shop that makes delicious, sophisticated sandwiches. The open-face house…
