Best gathering places
Samothraki
Sotiros
Goat is served in greaseproof paper at this taverna which is to be found in the gully next to the small church. The tables are laid under the plane and fig trees. You can watch the cook in the yard peel the potatoes and fry them in large pans over the wood fire. (Samothraki, tel. +30 25510 41500)
Lesvos
Vafios
This is a taverna and a gastronomic staging post. Surrounded by vegetation, the cobbled yard with its wooden pergolas is the perfect place to savour local recipes and enjoy the view of the castle of Molyvos. Our tips: marvellous cheese pies (gkiouzlemedakia), exohiko, lamb with chickpeas and kiskiek (traditional dish with lamb, cracked wheat and cumin). (Vafios, Lesvos, tel. +30 2253071752)
Anemoessa
The tranquil little harbour of Skala Sikamnia, with its fishing boats and the small church of the Panagia Gorgona nestled above the rock, is reminiscent of a bygone age. Your joy will be complemented by the food in the Anemoessa fish taverna. (Skala Sikamnia, Lesvos, tel. +30 22530 55360)
Patmos
Apocalypsis
The gastronomic restaurant of Patmos Aktis Hotel on Grikos Beach. Elegant environment and modern International cuisine by chef Christos Xeraxoudis. (Grikos, Patmos, tel. +30 22470 32800)
Andros
Tou Josef [Chez Josef]
This place is like a doll’s house. Chandeliers in an art deco dining room with a buffet that looks like a grocery shop. Modernized local cuisine using the island’s produce. You must absolutely try the frutalia, the rooster pasta, the limpet pilaf, the local pie with wild greens, the kid with lemon and olive oil sauce and the Andros apple pie!
(Pitrofos, 6km before Andros Hora, tel. +30 22820 5105)
Milos
Medousa
In a small fishing village of this wonderful Milos island, you will taste exquisitely cooked dishes. Grilled octopus and sardines, small fish and pies. The swordfish is masterfully roasted and served with the perfect lemon-mustard sauce. The chips and the Greek salad with mizithra cheese are reason enough for you to come here. You can reserve your table to enjoy the full moon rising behind the white rocks in Mandrakia. The best wine list in Milos. (Mandrakia, Milos, tel. + 30 22870 23670)
Armenaki
Popular and famous taverna thanks to the freshness of the ingredients it uses and the careful execution of recipes. Here you’ll find superlative seafood. Excellent spaghetti with lobster. Exquisite cuttlefish with rosemary and scorpion fish with sage. (Apollonia, Milos, tel. +30 22870/41061)
Paros
Thea
In the small port of Pounta, with wonderful views of Antiparos, the restaurant offers Greek delicacies from the Constantinople and Asia Minor (where the owner’s family comes from). The best wine list in Paros, both as to the range of choices and as to vintage years. (Pounta, Paros, tel. +30 22840 91220)
Tinos
To Thalassaki
A traditional tavern on the pier, featuring unforgettable food. You have to try the pawn spaghetti, the seafood with fennel seeds and the salad with boiled pulses, cod and chick pea mash. (Ormos Isternion, Tinos, tel. +30 22830 31366)
Mykonos
Bill & Coo
Chic ambiance and marvellous sea views on the luxurious terrace of the restaurant. Executive chef Ntinos Foteinakis delivers a fascinating creative Greek cuisine, consistently making the most of the raw materials from Mykonos.
(Hotel Bill & Coo, Megali Ammos, Mykonos, tel. + 30 22890 26292-3-4)
Kensho
Impressive design and a unique style in the new restaurant of the namesake boutique hotel. Executive chef Yiorgos Stylianoudakis presents a creative cuisine based on the Greek tradition and French techniques.
(Boutique Hotel & Suites, Ornos, Mykonos, tel. + 30 22890 25303)
Santorini
Selini
One of the best Greek restaurants, showcasing local products. Your host is Georgios Hatziyannakis, in a constant search for quality Greek and, mostly, Cycladic products and a modern culinary concept that creatively evolves tradition. (Pyrgos, Santorini, tel. +30 22860 22249)
Koukoumavlos
Chef Nikos Pouliasis is an iconic figure in the gastronomic landscape of Santorini. The service is second to none as are the premises, with dramatic views of the Caldera and Fira and the quintessential cuisine. (Fira, Santorini, tel. +30 22860 23807)
Aroma Avlis
A lovely, cosy restaurant run by the Artemis Karamolegos Winery. The chef prepares superb Greek dishes such as rooster in red sauce and homemade pasta to match with their wines. (Exo Gonia, Santorini, tel. +30 22860 33395)
Kokkino podilato [Red bicycle]
Bohemian intellectual ambience and hip decor. The cuisine expresses Greek and Mediterranean gastronomic neologisms based on iconic local products of Santorini. (Oia, Santorini, tel. +30 22860 71918)
Ammoudi
Classic fish taverna, literally sitting above the waves. Sunset is the best time to enjoy this. (Ammoudi, Oia, Santorini, tel. +30 22860 71606)
Kos
Barbouni
Tastefully designed seafood restaurant enjoying superb location on the waterfront at Kos. Menu features classic and sophisticated sea cuisine. In the small delicatessen you can find a lot of local products they source all around Greece and especially the Aegean islands. (26, G. Averoff St., Kos, tel. +30 22420 20170)
Rhodes
Mavrikos
Located in beautiful Lindos, in a courtyard, Mavrikos offers one of the best fish-based cuisines in Greece.
(Lindos square, Rhodes, tel. +30 22440 31232)
Crete
Avli
Avli serves traditional recipes with a modern twist in Rethymnon, in a 17th century Venetian palace, hidden in a stone courtyard full of Cretan plants and herbs, sculptures and antiques. The wine list is a pleasant surprise, with more than 400 Greek wines. (Xanthoudidou 22 & Rodamanthios, Rethymnon, Crete, tel. +30 28310 26213)
Mylos tou Kerata
Built adjacent to a watermill, it resembles more a garden in bloom with its impressive flower displays and rose petals scattered on the tables. The menu and the wine cellar also impress. (Platanias, Hania, Crete, tel. +30 28210 68578)
Corfu
Etrusco
Hettore Botrini, improving by year, expresses in an original way the contemporary gastronomic revolution through his techna e contrasti, a menu with dishes which combine modernistic techniques and fabulous taste. (Kato Korakiana, Corfu, tel. +30 26610 93342)
Kefalonia
Tassia
Famous fish tavern in the heart of the beautiful Fiskardo’s harbour, with a clientele of celebrities. Serves seasonal stews, fish and seafood. Service quick and helpful, nice wine list. (Fiskardo, Kefalonia, tel. +30 26740 41205)
Kyani Akti
In its beautiful wooden platform -with the water under your feet- you can taste delicious ‘petrosolines’ (razor clams), scallops and fresh fish, pork with apple sauce, coq au vin and handmade potatoes. (I. Metaxa St., Argostoli, Kefalonia, tel. +30 26710 96680)
