Must-see restaurants in Greece

  • Tzivras

    Argostoli

    Slightly grungy and brilliantly atmospheric, this veteran restaurant a block inland from the waterfront market is where locals lunch on hearty, great…

  • Youkali

    Amorgos

    Wander over to the opposite side of the bay from the port for Katapola's most imaginative cooking. That ingredients are fresh and locally sourced goes…

  • Prosilio

    Zakynthos

    Gourmet dinner-only restaurant, with a boutique interior and a romantic garden courtyard. The hushed atmosphere may be unusual, but the service is relaxed…

  • Ktima Skreka

    Lakonia

    A pleasant outdoor terrace and rustic stone-walled interior make for appealing surrounds here. The menu focuses on local produce but has influences from…

  • Taverna Panorama

    Pelion Peninsula

    This much-loved taverna occupies a wedge-shaped building 100m north of Milies’ central square, and spreads in summer from the cosy interior to a terrace…

  • Restaurant Agios Theologos

    Kos

    Set in dreamy sand dunes above Agios Theologos Beach, this much-loved seasonal taverna enjoys the best sunsets in Kos. It offers everything from zesty…

  • Kali’s

    Serifos

    Slather zingy seafood spread onto bread and get messy with mussels saganaki (in a rich broth, with feta) and scampi on orzo (pasta) at this water's edge…

  • Malanos

    Zakynthos

    This much-loved family-run taverna, set amid fields on the southern outskirts of town 2km from the centre, is renowned island wide for its huge portions…

  • Leventis

    Hania Province

    This award-winning taverna about 10km west of Hania attracts locals and visitors for its authentic and refined Cretan cuisine. Tables fill an elegant…

  • Okeanis

    Elounda

    At Okeanis, the decor, menu and service blend as perfectly as the rich oven-baked lamb with garlic and sweet wine that's a top menu pick, alongside chef…

  • Maria's Tavern

    Lefkada

    In the hamlet of Kolyvata, which enjoys idyllic views over the hills, the gregarious Kiria Maria opens her home to culinary adventurers. Using whatever’s…

  • Trata Fish Taverna

    Paros

    A five-minute walk from the port, this family-run place has been going strong for two decades. You come here for one thing only: some of the best fish and…

  • Drosero Akrogiali

    Pelion Peninsula

    With its tables on the quayside and friendly service, this taverna is exactly what you’d hope to find on the seafront. Ask about the daily catch – fresh…

  • Tzanakis

    Santorini

    A local institution into its third decade, this family-run taverna uses vegetables and herbs grown in its garden and meat and fish sourced from farmer and…

  • George & Georgia’s

    Rethymno Province

    Husband-and-wife team George and Georgia serve up satisfying homestyle Cretan food at this cheerful, hopping place. Expect scrumptious oven-roasted dishes…

  • Marathounda Taverna

    Symi

    Quintessential beach taverna (a boat shed in historic times), where the island's wild goats – responsible for the delicious homemade cheese and, whisper…

  • Philos Athens

    Athens

    Distressed walls, a beautiful old tiled floor and a cascade of paper cranes dangling from the tall ceiling set the shabby-chic tone for this delightful…

  • To Tigani tis Platias

    Samos

    Beautiful Greek standards, popular with both locals and visitors. It's especially great for veggie choices, such as baked feta, gigantes (white beans) and…

  • Klimataria

    Corfu

    This tiny, old-fashioned taverna, in a custard-coloured villa facing the main road, is worth a pilgrimage in its own right – every dish is delicious and…

  • Armeno

    Thasos

    Well-regarded waterfront taverna, where you can have a look at the day's catch of fish. The organic produce here is from the gardens of the friendly…

  • Kochili

    Messinia

    Just along the beach from the main taverna strip, this upmarket spot has tables on boards over the sand and fresh fish cooked simply and beautifully. Take…

  • Taverna Poseidonas

    Pelion Peninsula

    Seafood restaurant with a large sea-view terrace at the heart of Agios Ioannis’ waterfront strip. The owners proudly serve only their own fresh catch…

  • Bebelis

    Galaxidi

    Vintage village taverna with fresh flowers and lace curtains. Proud and convivial owner Bebelis offers a lovely go-slow dinner experience. There's a full…

  • Oraia Hydra

    Hydra Town

    Oraia Hydra translates as 'Beautiful Hydra' and this small bistro lives right up to its name. You'll dine on the harbour with sailboats bobbing alongside…

  • Techne

    Hydra

    Spread across several terraces and overlooking a broad sweep of sea and sunset, this elegant cafe and restaurant serves lighter fare by day and full, well…

  • Garden Taverna

    Peloponnese

    Nestled under olive trees in a tranquil rose garden that overlooks the valley, this restaurant is the most original in Olympia. Alongside the excellent…

  • Tarsanas

    Saronic Gulf Islands

    A hugely popular psarotaverna (fish taverna) on the water at the Old Harbour, this family-run place deals almost exclusively in fish dishes. It can be…

  • Voltes Mezedopolio

    Monemvasia

    Named after the switchbacks leading to Monemvasia's upper kastro (the voltes), this wonderful place manages to link modernity and tradition with ease…

  • Taxidi Gefsis Apo Ti Kriti Sto Aivali

    Amorgos

    Near the south end of the beach, this Cretan restaurant is exceptional in terms of hospitality and the quality of its homemade dishes. Slow-cooked goat,…

  • Taverna Efkaliptos

    Lesvos

    You might be sitting closer to the fishing boats than the kitchen at this first-class fish taverna in Panagiouda; it's just 4km north of Mytilini Town but…

  • Petrino

    Pelion Peninsula

    Quintessential seafront taverna that plants its tables in the gravel of the beach, shaded by palm-fringed awnings. As well as good fresh fish, they serve…

  • Mylos

    Fira

    Located in a converted windmill on the caldera edge in Firostefani, this uber-glam venue has upscale food that’s ambitious in its techniques and…

  • Barbarossa

    Dodecanese

    You can't miss this friendly taverna, serving food with soul along the main approach to Hora, with a buzzing terrace near the town hall. Menu highlights…

  • Dasargiris Taverna

    Central Greece

    Outstanding traditional taverna, with a big open kitchen and vintage skis on the wall. House favourites include hilopites (local pasta), horta (wild…

  • Aspros Gatos

    Saronic Gulf Islands

    A short walk from town, 400m west of the bridge on the road to Neorion Beach, Poros’ best seafood taverna sits smack out over the water. Watch the local…

  • Yefuri

    Ithaki

    This eclectic, very popular little restaurant, 2km north of Stavros, is renowned island-wide for its fresh produce and rotating Italian-influenced menu,…

  • Mandragoras

    Piraeus

    This superb delicatessen and spice shop offers a fine selection of gourmet cheeses, ready-made mezedhes, olive oils, Greek honey and preserved foods. It's…

  • Fournos me Ksyla

    Epiros

    A cheerful couple has been running this bakery since 1969, with deserved pride. The excellent spinach-and-cheese pies are flaky, buttery and completely…

  • Restaurant Anna

    Paros

    A fine example of farm-to-table cooking, Anna serves whatever happens to be fresh from her family's farm. This might be goat in lemon sauce, rabbit…

  • Archontiko

    Meteora & Thessaly

    Adorned with delicately painted frescoes, this lovely village mansion spills down peaceful garden terraces with tremendous views. It serves an extensive…

More destinations you need to see