Must-see restaurants in Greece

  • Faros Taverna

    Dodecanese

    Friendly Roula runs a tip-top taverna here that sits out on the eastern end of the beach, a half hour walk from Livadi. Expect fresh seafood and changing…

  • Melenos

    Lindos

    This gorgeous terrace restaurant of the Melenos luxury hotel is set high above Pallas Beach on the donkey path up to the Acropolis. Standout dishes…

  • Niohori

    Rhodes Town

    It’s all about the meat at this simple backstreet taverna; the owner is a butcher, with a shop across the street. Sit outside rather than the dazzling…

  • Cross Tavern

    Zakynthos

    Perched above the west-coast cliffs at the end of the road that climbs beyond Kambi, and marked by a huge white Christian cross, this top-notch taverna…

  • Elvis

    Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio

    This souvlaki joint is mobbed, and not just because the counter staff slide you a shot of booze while you're waiting. The meat quality is high, the prices…

  • To Skolio

    Hania Province

    Whether gorge walker or hire-car driver, do not miss the chance to dine at wonderful To Skolio, about 5km east of Paleohora. The converted red-and-white…

  • Gialos

    Milos

    Bustling Gialos has a creative modern menu bursting with fresh local and international flavours and techniques – everything from prawn ravioli to tuna…

  • Itan Ena Mikro Karavi

    Tinos

    Named for the opening line of a well-known children's tale ('There was a little boat…'), this elegant indoor-outdoor eatery serves Greek fare with…

  • Pidalio

    Nafplio

    One of several excellent spots in the new town frequented mainly by locals, Pidalio is a lovely taverna that serves excellent Greek fare at fair prices…

  • Vezené

    Athens

    One of Athens' best modern Greek bistros, Vezené is a relaxed affair where the waiters will bring to the table the catch of the day and glistening cuts of…

  • Bergiṓtiko

    Macedonia

    They take their meat seriously at Bergiṓtiko, selecting well-marbled and aged steaks for the grill, or stewing it to spoon-ready tenderness with homemade…

  • Birdman

    Syntagma & Plaka

    This part of Syntagma offers a cluster of Japanese restaurants, among which Birdman, which specialises in yakitori (charcoal-grilled skewers of meat) is a…

  • Aktaion

    Fira

    Just off the tiny Firostefani square, this taverna has been around since 1922 and continues to specialise in traditional island recipes, such as octopus…

  • Marathia

    Tinos

    Grilled fish with spicy zucchini; slow-cooked octopus with giant beans; a glass of crisp white; waves lapping at the beach – pretty flawless, as far as…

  • Pizza Poselli

    Thessaloniki

    Many locals will agree that this is the best pizza place in town. Simple decor, with chic touches in the way of elegant wooden tables and vintage lamps,…

  • Limeri

    Rhodes

    This large restaurant, beside the road as it heads out of Monolithos towards the castle, serves high-quality local food on a spacious terrace or in its…

  • Akrogialia

    Saronic Gulf Islands

    On the Kounoupitsa seafront, Akrogialia matches its delicious food with friendly service and a bright setting. Tasty options include oven-baked melidzana…

  • Tzivaeri

    Dodecanese

    Skala’s best option for a romantic feast spreads over a balcony terrace and elegant interior at the north end of the harbour. Cretan dishes are the raved…

  • Full tou Meze

    Thessaloniki

    This Ladadika favourite sees families, friends and workmates pack broad tables to order mezedhes and mains such as marathopita (Cretan fennel-and-cheese…

  • M-Eating

    Hora (Mykonos)

    Attentive service, soft lighting and relaxed luxury are the hallmarks of this creative restaurant specialising in fresh Greek produce prepared with flair…

  • Dilaila Cafe Restaurant

    Dodecanese

    Tucked behind the beach at Katsadia, this inviting restaurant with colourful decor and split levels has intimate as well as communal areas to take in the…

  • Seminario

    Syros

    Friendly and fun, this street taverna with a minty interior serves tasty traditional grills and seafood dishes alongside pasta, risotto and burgers…

  • Volkan on the Rocks

    Fira

    With a breezy clifftop terrace overlooking the caldera, this cafe is the home of Volkan craft beer, which is nicely paired with Santorini's fire in the…

  • To Marouli

    Rhodes Town

    'Marouli' means lettuce, and you can expect greens galore in this standout vegetarian restaurant. The pasta, which like the owner comes from Italy, is…

  • Salvia

    Zagorohoria

    Sink into a velvet chair and savour both the view – mountains wreathed in clouds – and local-inspired dishes like beet salad with smoked trout. Portions…

  • Taverna Fantastiko

    Rethymno Province

    With its sweeping pastoral views and fantastic Cretan cuisine, there's no false advertising going on with the naming of this hilltop taverna. All dishes…

  • Taverna Ithomi

    Messinia

    The pick of a handful of local kafeneia (coffee houses) and tavernas, this one offers traditional cuisine with a superb view over the ruins. Friendly…

  • Veganaki

    Acropolis Area

    A fine addition to Athens' vegan dining options, this convivial spot may occupy a spot overlooking a busy road, but inside all is calm as customers enjoy…

  • Taverna Andreas Aléktor

    Messinia

    Traditional Greek dishes are served with aplomb by the friendly and accommodating multilingual husband-and-wife team, Andreas and Irini. Often there's…

  • Kerasma

    Rhodes Town

    The pick of several contemporary-styled restaurants on the New Town’s fanciest dining street, Kerasma gives Greek classics a fusion twist, with dishes…

  • Agios Merkourios

    Around Athens

    Wind past the posh country estates of Varibobi and up the foothills of Mt Parnitha to reach this busy taverna with a lovely view. Weekends, it's packed…

  • Ohh Boy

    Athens

    Whitewashed tables and chairs nestle beneath olive trees at this cool cafe that has plenty of healthy eating options, including vegan cakes. It's a great…

  • Sea Satin Nino

    Andros

    On a tiny leafy square, this hip cafe-cum-bistro uses local ingredients to great effect. Homemade pasta, fish dishes and a smattering of beautifully done…

  • Hanabi

    Milos

    You'll find everything from sushi to burgers at this stylish Japanese-inspired restaurant, but the kitchen's at its best when delivering creative fusion…

  • Margaro

    Piraeus

    This port restaurant is the picture of simplicity, with a menu that comprises exactly three things: salad, fried shrimp and fried red mullet. Although it…

  • Kallimarmaro

    Athens

    Exceptionally good spanakopita (spinach pie) and other pies at this neighbourhood bakery – it's the breakfast go-to for many locals. Fills all your cream…

  • Gorgona

    Dodecanese

    Enjoying sweeping views of Agios Stefanos Bay, this highly regarded rooftop restaurant serves olives and vegetables grown at its own farm. Following…

  • Pizanias

    Rhodes Town

    This atmospheric restaurant, opening onto one of the Old Town’s most attractive, peaceful squares, is celebrated for its fresh seafood – from boned, slow…

  • Endochora

    Andros

    Endochora is a stylish hotspot on the main drag, offering a fresh twist on Greek and Italian classics and a great vantage point for people-watching…

  • Joanna's Nikos Place

    Hora (Mykonos)

    Run by the delightful Joanna herself and overlooking the beach just a few minutes' walk south of the windmills, this taverna focuses on Greek standards…

More destinations you need to see