From traditional taverns to creative fusion dining, Mykonos has an excellent food scene. While the highest concentration of restaurants is clustered in Mykonos Town (Chora), you’ll find at least one great place to eat at most of the island’s 25 beaches – picky eaters included! Here are our picks for the best restaurants in Mykonos to try on your next villa holiday.
Grilled octopus
Perched above Agios Sostis beach, Kiki’s is the island’s culinary star. Don’t expect fuss or pretensions though; this unassuming little taverna seats only 50 diners and has a strict no-reservation policy (allegedly not even waived for Kim and Kanye). It’s Mykonos’ worst-kept secret, so expect a queue of hopeful diners snaking out of the door, sipping on complimentary wine spritzers as they wait. There’s no electricity, so all the dishes, from tender pork skewers to smoky octopus, are freshly grilled to perfection.
The chic Interni lures a fashionable crowd to its Paola Navone-designed sunken courtyard – all ceramic-potted cacti, acres of white stone, woven rattan lighting and marble-topped tables. The menu gives a creative Asian twist to Mediterranean classics – think beef tataki and ceviche – which means dishes are filling yet light.
Lobster spaghetti
Another Mykonos classic, Pasta Fresca Barkia has been dishing up hand-rolled pasta since 1978 – and won a lot of fans along the way. Feast on aromatic bowls of black truffle risotto or lobster spaghetti, either inside the cosy dining space or on one of the few outdoor tables scattered along Georgouli Street – one of the best places to visit in Mykonos for shopping.
An island favourite since 1976, Niko’s Taverna spills out onto the cobbled pavement and up to a small square in a bid to cater to its eager crowds. Couples sit alongside families and groups of friends, feasting on the likes of grilled pork skewers or octopus with orzo pasta – all caught fresh that day.
The unassuming Leonidas, next to Marietta’s Market in Chora, is one of the best restaurants in Mykonos for on-the-go eats. It’d be a crime to go for anything other than its speciality: gyro. Grilled pitta bread is stuffed with chargrilled chicken or pork, heaped with salad and smothered in tangy tzatziki. A smattering of tables outside is up for grabs if you’d prefer to sit while you eat.
Barbecued prawns
Now under the Soho House umbrella, Scorpios is a hip Mykonos beach club for the cool crowd on Paraga Beach, with linen hammocks and wooden cabanas. The stylish canopied restaurant has wooden communal tables and a seafood-heavy menu – expect barbecued prawns or chilli-spiked ceviche, often to a soundtrack of live music. Also, there are lots of vegetarian options made with organic ingredients from the island.
Spilia has so far remained off the tourist trail, frequented only by in-the-know diners. Hidden away in a secluded cove on the east coast, this sea-facing haunt is the place to go for fresh lobster, sea-urchin pasta or grilled octopus – hung out to dry in the salty breeze. Tables are poised on the cliff edge, so it feels as if you’re floating over the water at night – truly magical. This is one of the best restaurants in Mykonos for a romantic evening.
Situated in Little Venice with fantastic views of the Mykonos windmills, Kastro’s is easily one of the best restaurants in Mykonos. Make sure to sit outside to hear the waves gently lapping against the rocks as you indulge in the delicious freshly caught seafood. From the incredible food to the picturesque setting, Kastro’s is a truly magical experience.
Neapolitan-style pizza
For a break from Greek food, hotfoot it to Catari, painted in canary-yellow hues and illuminated by twinkly fairy lights. This Old Port trattoria serves up classic Italian plates with a modern twist – orange-marinated octopus, followed by black truffle tagliatelle or Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Any of those tickle your taste buds? Now that you’ve seen the foodie delights, why not check out our luxury villas in Mykonos? You can always contact our friendly concierge team for help with your booking!
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