Must-see restaurants in Greece

  • Masabuka

    Thasos

    Visitors rave about this exceptionally friendly 21st-century souvlaki joint, where meat skewers are served with a variety of mouth-watering dips. It's…

  • Misirlou

    Lesvos

    A new American-run place above the marina, Misirlou serves delicious tortilla wraps, burgers and pizzas – all using fresh local produce. In the evening,…

  • My Falasophy

    Samos

    A guest from the Levant, this little fast-food joint in the main square serves large portions of artfully prepared hummus and falafel, as well as great…

  • Mavro Provato

    Athens

    Book ahead for this wildly popular modern mezedhopoleio (mezedhes restaurant) in Pangrati, where tables line the footpath and delicious small (well, small…

  • Magazaki pou Legame

    Ioannina

    Fresh, imaginative food comes from the open kitchen at this little restaurant. The printed menu is small, to leave room for daily and seasonal specials…

  • Sunset

    Hydra Town

    Famed for its splendid panoramic spot near the cannons to the west of the harbour, Sunset also has fine, fresh cuisine. Tasty salads, inventive pastas and…

  • Kali Kardia

    Amorgos

    On the tiny square next to the church, this wonderful, family-run place, decorated with family photos and retsina jugs, cooks up the best meatballs in the…

  • Ladokolla

    Argostoli

    Lively and hugely popular grill house, where piping-hot and irresistibly flavourful chicken, pork or lamb kebabs and pittas are served up straight onto…

  • Kastro Cafe

    Kefallonia

    Relaxed garden cafe, just before the gateway to Agios Georgios Kastro, that's a wonderfully peaceful spot for coffee, cake, cold drinks or lunchtime…

  • Sta Perix

    Ikaria

    Classy eatery in Akamatra, 6km south of Evdilos, well regarded for its traditional Ikarian recipes, a variety of local cheeses, and even its own wine.

  • Il Casta

    Hydra Town

    Dine al fresco and enjoy authentic Italian food like owner Pietro's Neapolitan grandmother used to make. Menus change daily. Reserve in high season.

  • Flora's

    Hydra Town

    Flora’s sweets shop on inland Plateia Votsi makes galaktoboureko (custard slice), rice pudding and ice cream from local goat's milk.

  • Miltos

    Aegina

    The most locally popular of Perdika’s quayside tavernas, known for the highest-quality seafood and no-nonsense Greek staples.

  • Varoulko

    Piraeus

    Chef Lefteris Lazarou, a Piraeus native, has been shaping Greek tastes since the 1980s, when he brought fish to the fine-dining menu. For years he had a…

  • Marmita

    Skiathos Town

    Twirls of greenery and soothing background music mingle with cheese-grater lamps, olive-oil baskets and candlelit tables in this tranquil, standout…

  • Bakaliko

    Iraklio Province

    Bakaliko means meeting point; traditionally, that meant kafeneio (coffee shop) and grocery shop in one. The concept has been revitalised in this lilac…

  • Taverna Casa Doria

    Iraklio Province

    Given that the owners are Italian, it’s little surprise that your taste buds will receive a touch of Milanese flair here, three kilometres from town…

  • Taverna Mouries

    Skyros

    Super-sized, deliciously traditional island cooking rooted in home-grown organic produce is the star at sprawling Mouries, whose soothing terrace sits…

  • Tao’s Center

    Paros

    This wellness retreat and meditation centre has an excellent restaurant open to nonguests, serving authentic Thai curries courtesy of the Thai chef, plus…

  • Flisvos Taverna

    Skopelos

    Turquoise tablecloths match the waves washing directly below the fabulous seafront terrace at friendly Flisvos, whose simple, superb Greek cooking excels…

  • David Vegera

    Iraklio Province

    A fabulous spot housed in a former kafeneio (coffee house), this place has a buzzy vibe due to the scores of Greeks and tourists who descend on it from…

  • O Mylos

    Karpathos

    This wonderful spot, beside a traditional (and working) windmill, serves Karpathian dishes, some of which are cooked in a traditional oven. This means…

  • O Pappous Kai Ego

    Skyros

    One generation of exquisite family recipes follows another at small, charming and elegant ‘my grandfather and me’. It's known for its Skyrian dolmadhes,…

  • Marigo

    Skyros

    Dressed in soothing greys, with fresh flowers, dangling baskets and modern-rustic style, Linaria's most elegant portside restaurant specialises in…

  • Yiannis

    Iraklio Province

    For something with a genuine bygone local flair, head one block inland from the Kalamaki beach to Yiannis, a bare-bones eatery that has been running for…

  • Astrofegia

    Alonnisos

    There's a stunning village view from this outdoor-dining delight, with its red-check tablecloths, friendly family welcome and wandering grape vines…

  • Cavo d’Oro

    Evia

    Join the locals at this cheery alleyway restaurant just back from the central waterfront for beautifully home-cooked Greek mainstays such as octopus in…

  • Vegera

    Iraklio Province

    The vivacious Vivi has a knack for turning farm-fresh local produce into flavourful and creative dishes based on traditional recipes. Her philosophy is to…

  • Stefanos Taverna

    Skyros

    Kick back on the breezy beachside terrace at the southern end of Magazia and choose from juicy grills, baked dishes such as yemista (stuffed tomatoes),…

  • Kritamon

    Iraklio Province

    Send your taste buds on a wild ride at this foodie outpost in a street off Arhanes' main square and set attractively around a garden courtyard with walnut…

  • Parasties

    Iraklio

    Parasties’ owner, Haris, is genuine about serving great-quality local produce and top Cretan wines. And his passion shows in his gourmet menu of…

  • Kabourelias

    Skiathos Town

    Poke your nose into the open kitchen to glimpse the day’s catch at this beloved, efficient, well-established old-port taverna with blue-cloth tables…

  • Oi Istories Tou Barba

    Skyros

    Pale-blue tables and fabulous panoramas of Skyros Town mark this popular, welcoming terrace taverna overlooking the northern end of Magazia Beach. Settle…

  • Meraklis

    Symi

    This old-school taverna, with Santorini-blue walls decked in vintage diving photos and antique mirrors, is as pretty as it is friendly. Sure, it is a…

  • Scala Fish Tavern

    Iraklio Province

    Past all the bars at the easternmost end of the beach, this dramatically perched, multitiered pit stop is Matala’s best seafood restaurant. It’s been in…

  • Anemelo

    Cyclades

    This is Kastro’s most atmospheric place to grab a local tea, beer or simple crêpe-and-salad lunch. Locals chat at the tables over chess games or lounge…

  • Hippy's Restaurant Café

    Samos

    This cool open-air cafe-bar is a family affair, combining Greek and South Seas decor with jazz, reggae, classical, trip-hop and ambient sounds. Good…

  • Taverna Giorgos

    Lasithi Province

    Favoured by the cast of hit TV series To Nisi (look for the fading photos inside), this wood-beamed hobbit hole on the seaside promenade has a welcoming…

  • To Rodi

    Skopelos

    Sprinkled with overflowing geranium pots, in the shade of a pomegranate tree, this romantic courtyard restaurant steals the show with its refined Greek…

  • I Sterna tou Bloumosifi

    Hania Province

    The old stone taverna I Sterna tou Bloumosifi has a welcoming tree-shaded courtyard garden and is known far and wide for its excellent Cretan cuisine. For…

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