Must-see restaurants in Greece

  • Isidora

    Around Athens

    Right on Marathon Beach, Isidora has beachfront tables and fresh fish and seafood – do check prices per kilo before ordering fish, as it can be quite…

  • Taverna Giatrou

    Thasos

    Set 800m on the right when entering Theologos, this big taverna has great balcony views of village roofs and verdure below. Run by Kostas Giatrou (‘the…

  • Averoff Restaurant

    Lesvos

    No-frills old-fashioned eatery with waiters in ties. It specialises in generous mayirefta (ready-cooked meals) such as chicken and potatoes, stuffed…

  • Armonia

    Pelion Peninsula

    Simple low-key taverna next to the little supermarket, near the stream crossing to Papa Nero. Two sisters run the kitchen and wait the tables, some of…

  • Thai Smile

    Ios

    Ignore the international dishes and go for the authentic Thai flavours, created by the Thai owner-chef. A backstreet spot with plenty of atmosphere,…

  • Tzitzifiu

    Alonnisos

    Enormous speciality platters of fresh grilled fish and hand-cooked chips are delivered to terrace tables at this buzzy traditional-feel spot on the…

  • To Koutouki Tis Elenis

    Tinos

    This colourful, rustic, little place is on the narrow taverna-packed lane veering off the bottom of Evangelistria. The menu bursts with local flavours…

  • Archontoula

    Milos

    The whole cheerful family is involved at this top-notch taverna in a picturesque lane. Classic Greek dishes have an assured touch and range from grilled…

  • Tasos

    Mykonos

    Tasos is from the old school of beachfront tavernas. Open since 1962, this perennially popular place, bang on Paraga Beach, is relaxed and unpretentious…

  • Primavera

    Evia

    A standout along the touristed seafront restaurant strip, serving decent pizza, mezedhes (appetisers), mousakas and fresh catch of the day at beach-facing…

  • Nisoi Vardianoi

    Kefallonia

    Enjoy whatever fish or seafood takes your fancy – or simply order a sunset cocktail – perched on a broad and breezy terrace 200m up from the beach and…

  • Vrahos

    Evia

    Sitting on the western waterfront overlooking the narrowest point of the Evripos Channel, Vrahos is great for lingering over fresh fish, grilled octopus,…

  • Friends

    Lesvos

    Between the National Bank and the town parking, this quick-stop eatery serves tasty pitta souvlaki, pork and chicken kebabs, whole and half chickens, and…

  • Bola

    Sifnos

    Trendy breakfast and lunch spot by day, cocktail bar with live sports by night, Bola seems almost too hip for laidback Vathi. Come to this 'tapas bar and…

  • Panorama Taverna & Rooms

    Hania Province

    This taverna with dramatic views down the valley in Kefali village certainly lives up to its name – and then some. It serves Greek classics and grilled…

  • Tavernaki

    Corfu

    Buzzing sunset-view restaurant on Kassiopi's curving harbour front, where you can enjoy robust, hearty Corfiot dishes such as bianco, a big chunk of bone…

  • Efi’s Alley

    Corfu Town

    A friendly haven draped in violently bright bougainvillea and with pastel-blue chairs set out in a quiet little square, away from the Liston action; zesty…

  • Kalemtzis

    Thrace

    Across the road from the hot springs in Thermes is this simple taverna with spit-roasted goat or lamb and other solid country food. Call ahead if it's not…

  • Porto Taverna

    Galaxidi

    Busy, dependable waterfront stand-by, serving oven-ready mayirefta dishes including mousakas and bakaliaro (baked cod), along with lamb pasta, grilled…

  • Pantelis Restaurant

    Kalymnos

    Old-style taverna, set slightly back off a corner of the harbour near the ferry dock, where island specialities include goat in red-wine sauce and…

  • Taverna Maritsa

    Samos

    Relax away from the waterfront at this side-street psarotaverna (fish taverna) near the castle. Fresh fish by the kilo and hearty soups and salads, with…

  • Kokkinos Fournos

    Thessaloniki

    Just above the Rotunda of Galerius, this classic bakery does great breads as well as Thessaloniki's best koulourakia vanilias – crunchy, slightly sweet…

  • Ikaros

    Ikaria

    Ikaros is a classic village ovelistirio, or grill house, referring to the upright grill for making gyros. Excellent food, lively atmosphere, snappy…

  • Capanna

    Athens

    Capanna hugs a corner, with tables wrapping around the footpath in summer. Cuisine is fresh Italian, from enormous pizzas to gnocchi with gorgonzola…

  • Synousies

    Epiros

    Scenes from classic Greek cinema adorn the walls at this nostalgic mezedopoleio with a big covered backyard. You can get smaller mezedhes or a hearty meal…

  • Fregio

    Thessaloniki

    This wickedly indulgent confectionery and ice-cream parlour is a local favourite; its gelato-topped waffles are spoken of in rapturous whispers. There are…

  • Lolita’s Gelato

    Oia

    Near the bus station, Lolita’s sells scoopfuls of homemade heaven, including classics like blueberry and pistachio, plus original flavours like rosewater…

  • Orloff

    Saronic Gulf Islands

    Fresh fish and specialities such as seafood linguine or pork fillet with aubergine purée are hallmarks of the popular Orloff. The terrace sits above the…

  • Fresko Yogurt Bar

    Athens

    Branch of the fresh Greek-yoghurt bar where you can have dessert served with all kinds of toppings in regular form or frozen.

  • Safran

    Thrace

    With burgers and pasta and some semi-Greek dishes, Safran's menu is a little bit of a hodgepodge, but the food is fresh and changes with the seasons…

  • Kratergo

    Macedonia

    This lakefront taverna is just north of central Kastoria. Featuring well-prepared Greek specialities, it has impressive stone arches, ambient lighting,…

  • Metsovitiko Saloni

    Epiros

    Tuck into aubergine and smoked cheese, or some hearty grills in the cosy salon or on the flower-draped wooden balcony, and taste the decent local wines…

  • Fresco Eatery

    Elounda

    This quick-feed stop on the main square has a lively al fresco area beside the clock tower and dishes up huge salads, pizza, gyros (meat slivers cooked on…

  • Telion Plus

    Samos

    An outstanding grill house on the waterfront near the main square, with snappy service and a good choice of pork, chicken and lamb gyros, pitta souvlaki,…

  • Aris Journeys of Flavors

    Zagorohoria

    When you want to mix it up a bit beyond the usual Greek menu, visit this friendly cafe-bar for a rotating selection of main dishes (pasta, risotto, roast…

  • O Psaras

    Evia

    Perched above a pebble beach 3km south of the harbour, with a breezy seaside terrace, this cheery little taverna specialises in well-cooked classic fish…

  • Little Italy

    Corfu

    A feast of carpaccio, risotto and pasta awaits you at this little cottage on Kassiopi's main street. The cosy stone-floored interior features checked…

  • Stou Tsouris

    Ikaria

    On the waterfront facing the square, this busy traditional eatery serves tasty grills, several very good mayirefta (ready-cooked) options and fresh fish …

  • Konaki

    Zagorohoria

    Tuck into spit-roasted lamb, Epirot pies and lovingly simmered stews at this welcoming restaurant in Megalo Papingo. Konaki also has a five-room…

  • Katarraktes Edessas

    Macedonia

    Publicly owned Katarraktes Edessas, before the waterfalls, is an old-school restaurant serving standard but dependable fare. Hearing the rushing of the…

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