The best restaurants Iles grecques

It's a well-hidden treasure nestling in the rocks of the peninsula that juts out to the south of the Kallithea thermal baths. Far from the high-rises and resorts, this summer shack spreads out its few tables in the shade, overlooking the infinite horizon of the Aegean. On the menu: a limited menu that reflects the freshness of the dishes offered in the kitchen. Treat yourself to a few mezzedes and grilled fish, sheltered from the world. No loud music, just a few good-value deckchairs and you're back to the simple pleasures of Greece, far from the crowds.

This pleasant taverna is located on Meloi (pronounced Méli) beach, offering soothing views of the Aegean and the horizon. The large, shaded terrace is ideal for a refreshing break after a day on the beach. Here, you can dine with great honor on good, traditional cuisine, prepared simply and with the finest ingredients, the old-fashioned way. This family-run business spreads hospitality, warmth and generosity. Take your pick from the fresh, tasty daily specials in the kitchen. Vegetarians will be delighted by the options available.

In the pretty village of Zia, this restaurant successfully blends tradition and modernity. It's a wonderful place to sit, under the cover of refreshing vegetation and with a view of the green horizons of Mount Dikeos, the Aegean Sea and the islands in the distance. This is certainly one of the best addresses on Kos, maintaining the culinary reputation of the island's unspoilt center. Everything is good, prepared with care, and you'll appreciate the effort put into decorating by the owners. The sunset here is sumptuous: don't forget to make a reservation if you're hoping for a table!

Lachania became an artists' den when foreigners in search of tranquility bought back the traditional houses abandoned by the locals who went to the United States or Australia to try their luck. Since then, life in the village has revolved around the central square and the only tavern in the shade of the plane tree. Here, Michalis serves a limited and simple menu but only uses fresh ingredients. The emblematic dish: eggs with chips. It's simple, we grant you that, but when they are good products, what a treat!

A very subtle play on words for this establishment, which specializes in souvlaki... in Lakki, hence Souvlakki! Whether it makes you laugh or not, the main thing is the delicious grills, kebabs and gyros you can enjoy here, set right on the bay. The service is friendly, the prices are low and the quality of the meat is top-notch. Vegetarians will be happy to pass, but lovers of grilled or roasted meat will be delighted with a light snack or a more substantial meal, including sets to share.

One will come to the restaurant and wine bar of the eponymous hotel, notably for its impressive cellar which aligns a beautiful selection of 170 Greek wines, including some orange wines. The restaurant, which matches the hotel's chic and tasteful style, offers an assortment of cheeses to match either the white wines or the more robust reds. Grilled meats, grilled cheeses and traditional Greek dishes(ladopita, tigania...) complete the menu.

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 small, friendly tavern is located slightly back from the waterfront in Pera Gialos. The food is good and generous, served with a smile. The regulars are not mistaken, who come back here several times during their stays, depending on the fish arrivals. Indeed, here you have to order to reserve the catch of the day, which you will be served perfectly grilled and simply accompanied by good fresh vegetables. Do not hesitate to do as they do and reserve the fish dishes in advance. The desserts are delicious, a plus!

This traditional kafeneio has been installed in the New Market since 1946. Today, it has been taken over by the granddaughter of the original owner, who has given new life and dynamism to this historic establishment. We like to come and sit in the shade to have a good breakfast in the morning (omelettes, toasts) over an iced coffee, waiting for the arrival of the day's fishing. The extra-fresh small fish are grilled or fried for lunch and are simply served with a little fava or eggplant caviar. That's what happiness is all about after all!

This café-restaurant has been a Krithoni Bay institution for many years. The cuisine here is entirely vegan or vegetarian, prepared with care and attention to detail. Locals gather here for a coffee or a drink, as do tourists, all in a relaxed and very pleasant atmosphere. Unfortunately, the road right in front spoils the fun a little, but if you're lucky, you'll be able to sit with your feet in the water on the few tables set up on a small stretch of beach shaded by large tamarisk trees.

This tavern is a delightful option in the narrow streets of Fri, set back from the port. You'll enjoy delicious home cooking, prepared with the freshest ingredients, including vegetables from the owners' garden. If possible, opt for the dish of the day, which is always delicious. You'll certainly have the chance to try some of the island's specialties, such as the local squid ink risotto known as soupiopilafo in Kassos, or skate fillets (rare in the rest of the Greek islands), accompanied by skordalia, a garlic sauce.

The Alinda restaurant belongs to the hotel of the same name, not far from the Bellenis Tower. The hotel's rooms are simple but pleasant, but the tavern is well known throughout the island for its generous and tasty traditional cuisine, prepared with Leros products and respecting certain local recipes. In summer, this vast terrace restaurant hosts concerts three times a week, of the highest quality. It's an opportunity to discover the Greek repertoire, and to dance along with the locals who flock here!

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!

This restaurant is one of the must-visit spots in the port of Gialos. You can enjoy a delicious menu of traditional dishes right on the seafront. In the evening, the tables are packed: reservations are essential to enjoy the view over Gialos Bay and the succulent dishes. It's a family-run business, and you'll appreciate the warm, intimate atmosphere and warm welcome. The house also offers a few rooms for rent upstairs, which are simple but pleasant, and offer very good value for money for Symi.

Overlooked by the rock of the Acropolis, this beach establishment spreads out its tables and deckchairs over the small bay of Saint-Paul, south of Lindos. The setting is exceptional, which explains the inflated prices (especially for deckchairs rented by the day). But the quality of the place is no less high, with a tasty menu, a boho chic aesthetic that's been all the rage for the past few years, and the opportunity to swim and dine in one of the island's most beautiful spots.

The village of Apollona lies about halfway between Eleoussa and Prophitis Ilias, about 10-15 minutes by car, below the forest mountain. This farming village is home to a little gem of Rhodian gastronomy: the Paraga tavern. Housed in a former club for Italian officers, this traditional tavern offers local cuisine, prepared and cooked the old-fashioned way (wood-fired) with locally produced ingredients. You'll discover a taste of Rhodian authenticity, in a setting from another time.

This small, traditional kafeneion is located at the foot of the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin, on the pebble mosaic square in the heart of the picturesque village of Nikia. Here you can enjoy a pleasant break under the parasols. You can enjoy a quick coffee or a refreshing drink during the day, or linger a little longer to take advantage of the exceptional location and savour generous, unpretentious home cooking. Please note: we don't accept credit cards, so please bring cash.

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

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.

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.

This tavern is one of the favorites of Ikariots who come here all year round to enjoy the generous cuisine served here. The chef, Eleftheria, is known for her successful interpretation of zucchini fritters, a great Greek classic, and for her pitarakia, small puffs with local cheese. We appreciate this good table without fuss, where you can sit comfortably on the terrace with a view, in the freshness of the trees and groves. For meat lovers, we recommend the grilled meats, very successful.

Open since 1960, this tavern is a must. Everyone stops here for lunch at Martha's, a real little local institution. Under a veranda cluttered with flowerpots, you will enjoy mussels, fresh fish, and excellent local meats, especially a delicious lamb with eggplant. In addition to mussels, lobster spaghetti and fresh fish, you'll also find great casseroles and other stews. Most of the products used are taken from the Lemnian seas and lands.

A good sign here: the majority of the customers are Greek and the restaurant does not need to open in the evening. A few tables shaded by two large plane trees await visitors without a reel. Here, the daily specials (soutsoukakia, gemista and other moussakas) leave very, very quickly. We probably tasted one of the best pasticios on the island. Whose recipe is it? Mystery... We can guess that the establishment, which opened in the last century, has seen a few generations of people come and go. Really an excellent value for money.

If you push your waterfront walk a little further north, passing Romaikos, you will arrive in this relaxed family tavern, and especially the tables laid on the sand. Leaving the centre of Myrina, we go back in time a little bit with customs as we like them. Here, you can choose your daily specials from your mother's kitchen across the street (salads, meatballs, delicious vine leaves...). Open all day long, the place is also ideal for a drink or coffee between two dives.

We like this restaurant for its absolutely ideal location, at the end of the pier of Myrina: dominated by the rock of the kastro and below the small church of Agia Paraskevi, the tables that are spread out there enjoy a postcard setting. The view of the bay and the port of Myrina offers a touching landscape, in contrast to the severe fortifications. Beyond the decor, the kitchen delivers all the usual classics, relatively well prepared, including spaghetti with lobster, the specialty of the place. During the day, you can enjoy the shade of the tamarisk trees.

The tables of this pretty traditional tavern are pleasantly set in the shade of mulberry trees, in the unspoiled village of Kontias. You can enjoy authentic cuisine, especially the meatballs of the mother, the most famous specialty of the menu. But don't hesitate to try other mezzes, especially from the sea: the mussel saganaki is particularly good, thanks to the freshness of local mussels. Don't miss the opportunity to taste also the traditional cheeses of Lemnos, including melichloro and kalathaki.

This tavern overlooking the beach of Nas is one of the best tables of the island. You can taste fresh fish, perfectly grilled. Be careful with the bill though: get the price of the fish confirmed before ordering because fresh fish is expensive. Otherwise, opt for all the delicious dishes prepared by the hostess, especially her baked chickpeas and her kathouropites, turnovers with local cheese, the kathoura, and vegetables. The spaghetti with lobster is a must of the house. To be enjoyed in the evening, under the setting sun.

This pleasant tavern is located slightly behind the small port of Limnia: you can eat the best fish dishes and mezzes from the sea in the area! The owners of the place have their own caïque which brings back a daily catch, guaranteeing the absolute freshness of the fish prepared here. We sit at the large tables on the vast terrace and let ourselves be tempted by an authentic and tasty home cooking. The service is warm, the portions are generous and the prices very reasonable. To be washed down with a local ouzo, like the Kazanisto.

This charming place spreads its tables on the beach, and even under the rocks overlooking the small church of Aghios Ioannis tou Prodomou, about 8 km north of Myrina. Here you can taste delicious fresh fish, grilled as it should be, and other sea products, the specialty of the house. To be accompanied by tasty eggplant (with mackerel or octopus) and fava from Lemnos. The setting is truly enchanting, particularly romantic at the end of the day, facing the setting sun in the west. Not to mention the quality of the cuisine, which is on point.

Perched at the western end of the village of Avgonima, the tavern To Asteri is one of the best on the island. You can sit on the panoramic terrace overlooking the coast in the distance and the setting sun at the end of the day. But the most spectacular thing is what you get on your plate: delicious traditional, homemade dishes, including fresh pasta prepared by hand in the village streets. The stews (coq au vin, goat with tomato, beef stew) and spit-roasted meats (suckling pig, kontosouvli, kokoretsi) are delicious.

In the beautiful village of Thymiana, known for its quarries from which the building stones of the Kampos estates are taken, this tavern is a well-kept secret. The locals frequent it widely but the tourists have not yet discovered it. A traditional and family-run restaurant, we sit in the backyard, under the beautiful trees, to enjoy a menu with local flavors. When it's in season, don't miss the house's marinated artichokes. Other simple delights: the fava, particularly successful, and the small fried dishes.

The Karnagio is located at the end of the old port, where the old shipyard used to be. An exceptional beach bar, notably for its immaculate marble beach, with beach furniture in the boho chic trend, the Karnagio is a little jewel in Liménas. One comes here to swim in comfort, of course, but also for its breakfast brunch, to be accompanied by a good espresso freddo and its light lunch menu of fresh and tasty mezzes. Don't miss the sunset too, to be admired with a drink on the west side or on the roof.

This pretty tavern spreads its tables outside under the big plane trees of the small square of Agios Dimitrios, before arriving to Christos Rahon. One comes here for its delicious home cooking, which honors the Ikari products, such as the goat cheese of kathoura, the local olive oil or the traditional stews like the vegetarian soufiko. For the amateurs, the dishes based on kid are famous here. We like the very relaxed atmosphere, in the calm of the village, which sometimes welcomes some musicians in the evening.

Friendly outhouse near the island's old port and traditional Greek cuisine tasted and approved by the locals! The fava (creamy split pea purée) is exceptional here, as are marinated anchovies, octopus cooked in wine, sardines, meatballs and the very tasty tyrokafteri (watch out, this is spicy cheese) and many other well-cooked specialities. Excellent mezzés in general and, of course, a fine menu of ouzos and Macedonian wines. In summer, it is served in a courtyard. Lively, it can get very noisy!

This high quality restaurant lives up to its name: it embraces the infinite horizon. The chef and his wife decided to set up this modern restaurant in the heart of Samos, where you can enjoy a high quality menu, accompanied by the best wines of Samos. All of this in a contemporary and open setting, which allows you to enjoy the view without hindrance. Cockerel, kid and pork are mixed with traditional flavors such as sweet potato, citrus and ginger. No worries for vegetarians who can also enjoy creative and tasty dishes.

One of the best addresses of Chios is nicely installed in the remains of a historical house in the Kastro district. The atmosphere is perfect, especially in the evening, but beware that tables are scarce and demand is very high in season. To succeed in sitting here in the evening, it is essential to reserve in advance (and in August several days in advance!). The effort is worth it, beyond the enchanting setting, because the quality is there and the small dishes to share are really tasty, to be accompanied by a local craft beer.

Stop by this friendly tavern near the waterfront and Sappho Square. The few tables with embroidered tablecloths are very popular with the locals, and have been since 1960. The small tavern is located in an alley off Ermou Street, under the shade of an arbor. One comes here to taste all the "classics" of Greek and local cuisine. Let yourself be tempted by an infinite variety of mezzes, among which delicate grilled sardines, a specialty of Lesbos, or octopus cooked in wine, all to be washed down with a local ouzo, of course.

This tavern is the best option in the port to eat fresh fish: the owner is also a fisherman, his caique goes out to sea every day, and swings by the terrace the rest of the time. To enjoy fresh fish without unpleasant surprises, you just have to follow the procedure: choose your fish in the window, ask for it to be weighed so that the price can be confirmed (otherwise it is displayed by the kilo, so it is sometimes difficult to evaluate the final bill). If you are satisfied, all you have to do is wait for your perfectly grilled fish.

Another one of our favorites in Molivos on the port. It is undoubtedly here in one of the prettiest and most romantic corners of the village, a Greek-Australian couple offers a beautiful seafood menu. But Melinda excels in Italian cuisine while Theo is sometimes called the "king of keftedes". A beautiful table and a beautiful view, including inside where the works of local artists are often exhibited. If you have a choice, go for dinner, for the nightlife, and to taste, why not, its lobster.

Loukas Mailer and Akis Bletsogiannis have transformed this traditional kafeneion into a gourmet address in the alleys of Myrina. They know the unique quality of the products of Lemnos, which they work admirably in the kitchen: they prepare and harvest themselves even the essentials such as bread, salt, herbs (thyme, capers, oregano), as well as olives and cheeses. The result is a simple, authentic, high quality cuisine with local flavors. The menu changes daily, with an emphasis on fish dishes.

This family tavern is set back from the waterfront, on a parallel street. The food is warm and simple, not surprising but above average for Kamariotissa. The grills are good, as well as the different mezzes to share. Vegetarians will enjoy a good baked imam (a kind of ratatouille, based on eggplant) or a lightly spiced bouyourdi (baked feta cheese on a bed of tomatoes and peppers). Some evenings in summer, musicians come to play some rebetiko pieces, in a warm atmosphere.

This small mezzedopoleio is a gem not to be missed, for the authenticity of the place, the quality and freshness of the mezzes and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It is far from the touristy restaurants of the sea front, far also from the more trendy attempts of the city center. We come here in all simplicity to share dozens of small dishes, around a bottle of local ouzo. Everything is good but don't hesitate to choose the mezzes of the sea, speciality of the place: you will enjoy fresh mussels, fried fish or marinated octopus.

Quality traditional cuisine served in a beautiful setting (located on the main street, with a terrace facing the other side). Since it is not located in the port, it feels peaceful. The staff is very professional. The menu is composed of traditional Greek specialities, including excellent and original dishes. One of the best restaurants in town, but not the cheapest. It must be said that it is tempting to catch grilled fish that is excellent. Traditional Greek cuisine of good quality.

Below the Ottoman fortress, at the end of the village, this tavern welcomes you overlooking the sea and offers a simple but authentic cuisine. Don't miss the speciality: the lobster pasta. It is true that here we privilege the products of the sea and the fish: tarama, fried anchovies, squids stuffed fresh with cheese... As for traditional mezzes, try the meatballs or the dakos salad with tomatoes, cucumber and cheese. Finally, ravani (semolina cakes with syrup) and homemade walnut cakes are worth trying.

A nice place to enjoy authentic dishes from the island's local cuisine. Eleni, originally from a village in the mountains, offers a caviar caviar for nuts or a delicious rooster served with homemade pasta.