Lesvos
A hands-down favourite for excellent gyros, pitta souvlaki and snappy service. Great for picnic lunches, too. Find it on the waterfront at the south end…
Must-see restaurants in Greece
Thrace
When all you want is a simple, inexpensive and fast meal, head for Kosmidis for spit-roasted chicken, plus roasted potatoes and a salad. It's only a block…
Iraklio Province
This lakefront taverna is a peaceful oasis serving Cretan specialities, and it’s just the spot for trout dishes. The starters that come out with the bread…
Hania Province
Near Georgioupoli’s central church, Arolithos has an extensive selection of appetisers and traditional Greek dishes such as spetsofaï (sausage-and-pepper…
Skyros
As close to the ferry dock as you can get, for reliably good mezedhes (appetisers), fish grills, lobster spaghetti and other local favourites, in a warm,…
Mykonos
Right on the beach, this chilled-out, catch-all tavern is well-loved by repeat customers who come here for grilled fish, moussaka, steak and a range of…
Corfu
Reliable veteran taverna on the eastern side of the beach, serving well-prepared and well-priced Greek classics, from fried-cheese parcels to an entire…
Igoumenitsa
In a strip of restaurants north of the ferry ports, Alekos has good service and seafood. Order grilled squid, a salad and some white wine while you wait…
Alonnisos
Pi & Fi roughly means 'quick and easy', like its grab-and-go kebabs and pitta souvlakia (cubes of meat on skewers). Opposite the police station on the…
Ikaria
Serves a variety of meat – souvlaki, steaks, kebabs, sausages – to take away or to eat on the spot, from simple gyros to large platters for two (€15).
Serifos
One of two seafront tavernas right on the beach in scrappy Megalo Livadi, the Cyclops specialises in grilled fish and wild-fennel dumplings. The service…
Ikaria
If you want your lunch to be quick – something most tavernas can't guarantee – head to this veritable gyros place at the southern end of the seafront.
Central Greece
This warm and welcoming winter-only taverna, next to the former town hall on the main road, is renowned for its mayirefta and grills, and good local wine.
Hania
Packed with fresh Cretan breads and sweets, this bakery gets jammed with locals, too, buying its wares or taking them out to the shaded plaza tables with…
Thasos
An outdoor ouzerie opposite the fishing boats on the Old Harbour. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, with traditional music and tasty mezedhes.
Syros
The name means sunset, and this west-coast, fish-heavy restaurant is a fine choice for watching it. The menu is an ode to local produce; try the fennel…
Limnos
Near the end of the waterfront, To Limanaki serves up well-priced fresh seafood and late-night meat grills, along with cheery service and good Limnos wine.
Iraklio
Sells excellent freshly baked kalitsounia (lightly fried filled pastries) along with other traditional sweets made by a women’s cooperative.
Galaxidi
Waterfront restaurant with a full menu of fresh seafood, ranging from whitebait to lobster, plus a range of generous salads. Ask about daily specials.
Hania Province
Load up on fresh bread and sweet treats paired with hot or iced coffees to go, or dine in on sweet and savoury crêpes or gelato at the attached cafe.
Hania Province
Shady Lygaria, at the quieter end of Lake Kournas, makes decent traditional Greek dishes such as lamb tsigariasto (sautéed lamb).
Chios
Busy port-side eatery touting oil-drenched sun-dried tomatoes, grilled cod, traditional Chios sausages and fresh gavros (white anchovies).
Evia
Look for the colourful tables and chairs opposite the ferry dock: this snappy grill does a great job with its fine pitta gyros and salads.
Hania Province
This unassuming place cornering the main square serves decent souvlaki (€8), along with a range of grilled meats and the usual Greek dishes.
Piraeus
A good place to have a bite while you wait for the ferry – a simple choice of Greek staples, souvlaki and gyros. The service is friendly.
Cyclades
A civilised all-day spot at Porto Sikinos Hotel, with a jazzy soundtrack and a big menu of coffee, cocktails, crêpes, salads and pasta.
Macedonia
If you're waiting for a train, this taverna on the crossroads above the station serves good Greek standards in a faux-rustic interior.
Parga
This chain cafe on Krioneri Beach tempts your sweet tooth with chocolate-drizzled waffles and ice cream. It also has very good coffee.
Hora (Mykonos)
This waterfront cafe offers a small menu of Mediterranean dishes, good breakfasts, friendly staff and protection from the north wind.
Hora (Mykonos)
Hidden in Hora's labyrinthine depths, this tiny cafe serves simple breakfasts, plus salads, sandwiches and juices throughout the day.
Chios
This historical parlour has been treating visitors and locals to great mastic-flavoured and dried-fruit ice creams since 1929.
Mykonos
Just up from Psarou beach, this established favourite focuses largely on the bounty of the sea, prepared Mediterranean-style.
Hania Province
Antartis has excellent mezedhes and Cretan dishes such as staka (goat’s-milk sauce over juicy cubes of goat meat).
Hora (Mykonos)
A fresh look for a souvlaki joint: bright and cheerful, with well-priced gyros, gourmet burgers, steaks and salads.
Lesvos
A quick, tasty backstreet grill house near the supermarket, with great pork gyros, kebabs, mixed grills and salads.
Nafplio
A worthy contender for Nafplio's best souvlakia and gyros, this grilled meat joint has whimsical decor and a meaty menu.
Serifos
Tucked behind Sykamia, one of Serifos' best beaches, this taverna serves fresh fish and good takes on Greek standards.
Limnos
The large taverna on the seafront in Moudros cooks outstanding fish soup in addition to Aegean seafood standards.
Preveza
The friendly 'mermaid' taverna on a side street near the water prepares excellent fresh fish dishes and grills.
Ikaria
Excellent traditional taverna in Arethousa, serving traditional Greek dishes from a terrace overlooking the sea.
