The best restaurants Greece

In the shade of centuries-old plane trees, this tavern in the village of Spilia offers typical Cretan cuisine, succulent, prepared with quality ingredients. Sometimes crowded during big celebrations or weddings, it will be an opportunity to get in touch with local life. Among the dishes to be tasted: baked aubergines, au gratin, with tomato sauce and cheese, grilled lamb chops, chips (homemade), pork in wine, fried zucchini, meatballs, baked lamb, etc. A very good address!

Located on the main square of the Horafia district, on the hill that separates the main port from the port of Mandraki, this tavern is one of the best restaurants on the island. It serves a family cuisine, especially known for its traditional dishes such as stews and oven-roasted vegetables. It is also where some scenes from Gabriele Salvatores' film Mediterraneo were shot. We like the calm of this square and the outdated atmosphere found near the plane trees and the church of Saint-Georges-des-Prés.

An old pastry that also serves ouzo at night.

This restaurant, run by the same family for decades, is a must if you want to discover the community and gastronomy of the Turks of the Dodecanese (see Religion section at the start of this guide). The menu features Turkish-Greek specialties that will delight you after or before your visit to the nearby Asclépéion. Everything is delicious, especially the stuffed zucchini flowers and the yoghurt vegetables. As for meat, the kebabs are famous. Another stall, on the other side of the street, also sells good ice creams and oriental pastries.

Ampavris is one of the best tavernas in Kos. Located close to the town center, it's set on the road leading to the Asclepion, which, although busy, doesn't get in the way of enjoying a good meal. The family who run the restaurant are always ready to recommend the dish of the day. Try the lahano dolmades (cabbage stuffed with rice, minced meat and herbs), otherwise the stewed or grilled meats(souvlaki) are delicious. We appreciate the warm and attentive service, which is not necessarily very common in high season in Kos.

One of the best value for money and often crowded. You can easily make your canteen. 

Just below the monastery, Jimmy's Balcony has long been the only café with a view in Chora. Tables are installed in this old house, typical of Chora, but if one comes here it is especially for the tables installed on the terrace, on the famous "balcony". Indeed, the view on Patmos, the sea and Skala is breathtaking. The place fills up quickly: we advise you to come early in the morning to have breakfast or a fresh juice, before or after visiting the monastery. You can then enjoy the view and the peace and quiet.

At the northern end of Linaria beach, on the quays that border the bay, this tavern serves very good grilled fish and meat, almost with your feet in the water. You will find all the classics of local and national cuisine in a wonderful setting. As always, fresh fish can be a little more expensive than the rest and don't forget to get the price of the animal confirmed before confirming the order. The mezzedes to share will be a great option for a light lunch on hot summer days.

This restaurant is located on the pretty Agia Lesvia square: sit on the terrace and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the village, which transforms in the evening to welcome a more bourgeois population than elsewhere. The long-established tavern here has recently had its ups and downs: revisited in a modernized, somewhat pretentious style, the quality of the dishes had plummeted and prices had inflated in recent years. It seems that quality is gradually being restored, even if the slightly blinged-out style has been maintained. The location is well worth a stop.

Michalis and his family run L'Olympia and its sublime roof terrace, overlooking the entire city, from where you can admire the ramparts of the fortress, the acropolis and the sea. Mediterranean cuisine inspired by Greek and Italian culinary traditions - Michalis' wife is from Italy. The homemade wines are very correct. It is not necessarily easy to find, as always in the maze of Lindos: from the main square, go to the church of the Virgin Mary, then to the right and always straight ahead towards the amphitheatre.

An appointment by the Greeks at the time of the aperitif, both for the map and the view of the port.

There are three ouzeries on the port. This is where we meet for a coffee during the day or a drink in the evening, nibbling on grilled octopus that has been drying there in the sun since the morning. It is the heart of local conviviality, you cannot - and should not - cut through it. Depending on the evening, we will choose Niko's Place or Aspraki which has our preference for dinner. Traditionalists will choose the calm of the Sofoklis ouzerie, a little set back from the quays, sheltered from the wind. It is the only one that remains open all year round: the oldest have their headquarters there.

In this traditional ouzerie, the owner Theo finds his own fish: the assortment of grilled fish proves to be a very good choice as well as the octopus salad, which will bring a salutary freshness to the hot summer nights. In the small alley, the tables are often crowded around musicians who have come to play traditional rebetiko tunes. People drink, sing and eat well, far from the bling bling. Simple, cheap and really nice: you will find here all the benevolent atmosphere of Skala and more widely of Patmos.

This taverna, which opened in 1965, is one of the village's best-known establishments: for almost sixty years, located directly on Grikos beach, it has maintained reasonable prices and appreciable quality, despite growing tourist pressure. Enjoy your mezzedes on the terrace, overlooking the sea and the horizon. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with good, honest and tasty home cooking, featuring all the classics of Greek gastronomy. One of the island's authentic tavernas.

Go for the sunset because the view on the harbour is unique. Fish and seafood only.

200 m from the centre, it is the only pizzeria and café restaurant in the new port. It is also one of the oldest establishments in Tinos. Very well known by French tourists for more than 30 years, it changed owners 5 years ago, but its reputation has not deteriorated. Ideal for breakfasts, lunches, dinners by the sea. It offers homemade pizzas cooked over a wood fire, local products, fresh fish, Tinos omelettes, local loukoumades sweets, all at very good prices.

Restaurant, certainly highly tourist but whose copious meats offer good value for money. Fish is expensive.

5 € for a superb moussaka and 1 € the glass of white wine. A very affordable treat!

Once located on the harbour, it was one of the first restaurants to open for tourists. The same team always offers excellent Greek specialities, stuffed aubergines aubergines, stifados (onion beef with tomatoes), fresh swordfish with lemon… We're going to choose its dish from the day in the window at the bottom of the room. Some servers speak French. The prices are very correct. Breakfast in the morning.

This restaurant, opened in 1999, is located below the pedestrian street, right after the square near the main church. Ambrosia means "divine food". It is best to book, because the tiny terrace that overlooks the caldera directly counts only about twenty hedges. Greek fusion kitchen. Pasta, salads, fish, vegetarian dishes prepared with local produce.

Another restaurant at the Nautilus Hotel, and as its name indicates, is specialized in purely Italian cuisine. The service is the same, only inside the changing dishes.

One of the restaurants at the Nautilus hotel. The hotel specialises in local cuisine, especially on the island. The dishes are a pure delight, well served, in an architectural setting blending tradition and modernity. Magnificent view over Caldera. Private parking. Maps accepted: Visa, Master Card and American Express accepted.

Welcome to a pleasant tavern on the waterfront facing the volcano. What a nice surprise to find it after walking down the steps to share tasty plates with a welcoming Greek clientele. They serve very good specialities based on fresh fish. Taste the delicious homemade specialties: fish balls, eggplant puff pastry, tomatokeftedès and octopus. Prices are all the more correct compared to the restaurants that line the caldera in height and whose quality is sometimes questionable.

Propiétaires always offer fresh fish every day.

The restaurant is famous for its cafés and pastries.

Under a bicentennial pine tree and in a small garden lined with orange trees, Dimitris welcomes you in simple but very clean and functional studios. Good value for money.

Very nice setting for a pleasant and romantic dinner on the background of Greek music. Greek and French map. The chef advises the lamb square that is particularly tasty. Big appetites will be tempted by T-Bone steak (which is huge). Fine wine list also.

In 1971, La Maison de Catherine opened its doors with the idea of bringing French gastronomy to Mykonos. Since then, the name of the restaurant has been anglicized, but the menu remains faithful to its origins. It is an absolute institution in Mykonos and you will have to make a reservation in order to hope to have a table in the discreet whitewashed alley. No "bling-bling" decoration, but an address of (rich) regulars where you will not necessarily be received with the same warmth if you come for the first time. The quality is there if you are in need of coq au vin or tartar...

Bonatsa is the last restaurant on the beach of Platys Gialos. It is possible to eat on the deckchairs under the umbrellas, with your feet in the water. On the menu here: fresh fish from Mykonos, modern and light cuisine and sushi bar. Friendly owner, good staff and good quality products for a simple cuisine based on fresh products. Ideal for a light evening meal. And not very expensive to eat Japanese food (the dumplings and noodles were very good). In short, the food is as good as the setting is enchanting.

Seemingly very touristy, Star Taverna serves tasty traditional Greek cuisine: moussaka, grilled fish, fried squid, meatballs... Try lamb chops with garlic or lamb shank with potatoes and vegetables. The portions are generous, the prices are correct, and above all the staff is very friendly! The owner and staff are adorable and may give you some free appetizers (like pita with tzatziki, a small cheese salad) and often ice cream for dessert.

On the highest point of the town, this family restaurant offers perhaps the best view in the area. Ideal for a romantic sunset dinner as the views from the room and its terrace are extraordinary, overlooking Argassi and the town. If you want to meet locals, you should know that the atmosphere is particularly lively on Thursdays and Saturdays (we spotted a menu with traditional dancing and unlimited local wine all night long, that's saying something). Besides, transportation is sometimes free with transfers from some hotels.

This intimate restaurant and its nearby bar are two ideal places for a view. The dishes are fine. Continental cuisine and Asian menus occasionally. Recommended reservation.

Grilled chicken offers excellent value for money. Lamb and rabbit are not bad either.

One of the few taverns on your road to Tripiti. Traditional dishes nicely served, and with view. Nothing original, but a significant oasis under the sun…

Ndaxté extra to away on the thumb. The savings you will make at Takis will soon be spent in the jewellery of its restaurant.

Great choice of music or disco-bars for the tard.

This restaurant has the reputation of being the most elegant of the island with a magnificent view of the illuminated harbour and the sea.

This restaurant serves European cuisine in a sophisticated setting.

A nice terrace in a garden, just a few steps from the harbour. Traditional Greek cuisine.

Ouzerie to excellent grilled fish and meat grills and amazing variety of mezze. Toasted octopus is a delight.

On the seafront, 5 minutes from the center, a psistaria as the Greeks call it, i.e. a tavern specializing in grilled meat and fish. Generous portions and strong Mediterranean flavours. For vegetarians, the pasta dishes, fried or grilled vegetables and salads are also very good. A fine address with a view of harbor life. The food has something for everyone, and the bill remains moderate. And maybe you'll be served by Marietta, who is very attentive and quick.

An unpretentious place from the street, but the food is really very good. Inside, it's even a little more sophisticated than a traditional tavern. Local specialties include Captain's Soup (fish, lobster, mussels, shrimp and vegetables), mussel risotto, grilled calamari. Excellent wine. The house lemonade is also very, very good and fantastic on a hot day, as is the chicken club sandwich with home fries for a snack. A good address and good value for money.

You will not find a menu in this tavern, which is very popular by the local population. Take a look in the kitchen.

Despite a location that - a priori - does not dream, it is one of the best addresses of Mytilene. Try seafood, especially squid stuffed with feta and herbs. And the race, by taxi, will cost you no more than € 3.

Perhaps the best place to eat by the sea. This tavern serves good local food and fresh fish delivered directly from the local fishermen. The calamari, sardines and seafood spaghetti are delicious! You can also enjoy a nice selection of typical Greek dishes (lamb and potatoes, beef in sauce, moussaka). You can also go (or return) for breakfast for its freshly squeezed orange juice and excellent homemade marmalade. The owners are always lovely.

If only we could, we'd pass by without going inside. We must! In a warm atmosphere, your friend the chef Alex invites you to a charming evening filled with wonderful flavours, good wine and music. Away from the noise, enjoy true Greek Mediterranean cuisine. All dishes are prepared with the best ingredients, the kitchen is open. Ask for the fish of the day and you will be sure to get fresh products. You can order the very good house wine or choose a bottle from the best Greek producers.

You can have lunch at the Rosa di Paxos on the beach. This restaurant serves Italian-inspired Greek cuisine on a beautiful flowered terrace. In the picturesque bay, you will sit at tables with director's chairs. On display: a high level Italian cuisine (table open in the morning for breakfast), with fifteen kinds of spaghetti and some suggestions for meat dishes. Carpaccio (octopus, tuna, swordfish), fresh fish and exquisite lobster. Delicious steamed mussels are not to be missed.

When you are invited to come to the kitchen to see what is being prepared as daily specials, it is always a good sign. Anteti means "customer" in the ancient patois of Zakynthos. The shaded terrace is really charming. The local cuisine is in the spotlight: beef with red sauce and a little spicy local cheese, baked rabbit with potatoes, among other dishes with sauce... A family address just the way we like it, a little away from the tourist centres, which exudes authenticity! Excellent service and value for money.

Don't let its small name fool you. The Flisvos tavern ("The lapping of the waves"), has weathered its share of media storms on the port of Nidri. "I met Athina Onassis Roussel when she was thirteen", Dimitris, the owner, liked to tell us. As the photo on the wall attests, "She dined here with her father, Thierry Roussel, the first time she went to Skorpios, and it turned into a riot! What's left today is an honest menu and lots of old photos on the wall to savor too...

Another excellent Italian restaurant in the old town. Despite the moderate prices, the cuisine is fine, with white tablecloths, a romantic setting and very good Greek wines. The food is fresh and perfectly seasoned. You may want to have a beef carpaccio followed by a fresh pasta dish and the sage ravioli is an absolute delight. There is also the penne à la pergola, with truffles. In short, fine food and good wine just a few steps from downtown Corfu. Don't forget to book, especially at weekends.

Specialized in grilled sardines and wine at the barrel for not very expensive.