The best restaurants Karpathos

This traditional kafeneio opened its doors at the beginning of the last century and, for a few decades, fulfilled its main function: welcoming the men of the village who met there to catch up, drink coffee and play tavli. Over the years, the establishment began to offer simple, traditional dishes, which it continues to do today. You can try the speciality of lamb cooked for 7 hours in an earthenware dish and, on Friday evenings, listen to concerts of traditional karpathiote music.

This traditional mezzedopoleio also serves as a tavern-restaurant and is certainly one of the classics of Pigadia. It is open all year round and in the summer the tables fill the street. Here you will find all the small dishes or mezzedes to share that make the diversity and beauty of traditional Greek cuisine: dolmades or stuffed vine leaves, salads, octopus... as well as a series of more hearty dishes, offering grilled fish and meat, in addition to typical dishes of the Karpathian gastronomy

This solitary restaurant overlooks Kamarakia Bay, north of Finiki. Ilias and Manolis are farmers and herders: all the vegetables and meats you will eat here come from their farm. As we can imagine, it is extra fresh and very tasty. Opt for the traditional makarounes, always a success, or for delicious roasted meats, to be served with grilled vegetables from the garden. The terrace is very pleasant, with a view of the sea: an essential stop to enjoy the sunset while enjoying good products!

This restaurant is located on the ridge of the village of Olymbos, in an alleyway leading off from the church. Nestled on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea, you'll enjoy incredible views of the infinite horizon and the sunset at the end of the day. When it comes to gastronomy, get ready to taste the traditional cuisine of Olymbos, especially the handmade makarouns . Pleasant, friendly service: beware, however, of being taken in by the owner's overflowing enthusiasm for every dish on the menu.

This traditional tavern is housed in the mills on the western slopes of Olymbos, facing the sea. Take the opportunity to visit a refurbished mill. The terrace is a very pleasant place to take a break and enjoy a delicious traditional karpathiote dish prepared the old-fashioned way, including the famous handmade makarouns . You'll also be tempted by an excellent kid: cooked for a long time, it's as fragrant as you could wish for. Last but not least, don't miss the loaves of bread prepared in traditional ovens by the village women.

About halfway between Finiki and Lefkos, just after the junction for Piles, this restaurant specialising in grilled meats is a must on the west coast. You will be installed in the shade, on a deserted beach, facing the sea and at sunset at the end of the day. The dishes are absolutely delicious and the meat and fish perfectly cooked. Relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, unpretentious but friendly: families often meet here and spend hours at a table. A real good address

This restaurant, located in a pedestrian alleyway off the port, will be one of your best options in Pigadia. You'll be able to sample all the classics of Greek cuisine, as well as some traditional Karpathian dishes, of course. This family-run restaurant offers better quality and slightly tastier dishes than most of the port's tavernas. Service is attentive and friendly: don't hesitate to ask for advice, especially on the special of the day. The clientele is loyal: in August evenings, free tables are rare.

All Karpathiotes will tell you that Finiki is the place to eat the best fresh fish on the island. This is not so surprising, considering that it is a small fishing port and that the arrival is therefore daily. But, in addition to the fresh produce that arrives every morning, you need to know how to prepare it: it is at the Delfini tavern that you will eat the best fish and seafood dishes. The grilled fish is cooked successfully and the seafood pasta dishes are comforting. Depending on the arrival, try Karpathos shrimp.

This small, friendly tavern on the quayside offers a good menu of traditional and well-prepared dishes. On the fish side, you can taste small karpathian shrimps, cuttlefish with fennel or the house specialty: small fish known locally as menoules. Otherwise try snails with dill and laurel or cardamom omelette. Don't forget to mention the unmissable Karpathos makarounes, prepared with onion confit and served with local cheese. They're delicious.

This establishment on Pigadia harbor doesn't look very appealing at first glance: located in a touristy area with no particular charm, you'd tend to avoid it. Yet it's one of the best places in town for gyros and souvlaki. The meat is good, as are the side dishes, and it's not for nothing that the tables are often crowded with tourists and locals alike. The tables overlooking the port are pleasant, perfect for a quick, tasty break.

This pleasant tavern is the stronghold of Chef Manolis, a restaurateur of the younger generation who has taken up the torch of local gastronomy. Here you can enjoy all kinds of delicious grilled meats, since, admittedly, the specialities are more meat-based... One of the main reasons for coming is to share the assortment of grilled meats, including the famous local lamb chops. Everything is prepared with care, and quality is certainly the order of the day at this Arkassa favorite. A good address, despite slightly above-average prices.

This taverna on the pretty bay of Kato Lefkos, or the lower town, has been delighting its loyal customers for years. The main attraction is the fresh fish, brought here daily by local fishermen. You can choose your fish in the kitchen, taking the time to confirm the price of the animal you have chosen, as the bill quickly rises with fresh fish, and prices are indicated per kilo and not per dish. Alternatively, you can opt for a nice grilled octopus, always a pleasure to enjoy with a view of the sea, in the splendid setting of Lefkos.

Lost in the small village of Avlona, this is the only tavern in the area. Run by a couple of local elders who are still very traditional, Kyria Anna's fresh, ultra-local cuisine is served here. She doesn't speak English, and doesn't offer a menu, just the dish of the day, which you'll discover as you eat. A 100% authentic guarantee, and old-fashioned cuisine prepared with local produce grown in the surrounding countryside. Just a dozen or so people live here year-round, so you're sure to be immersed in a world of yesteryear!