The Northern Aegean Islands Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Northern Aegean Islands - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Kafeneion O Ermis

    $ | Greek

    This centuries-old landmark on the main thoroughfare between the old and new harbors dates back to Ottoman times, and is perhaps the best place in town to sip ouzo—you'll be sat beneath a vine-shaded terrace at a wizened set of table and chairs with plenty of old-world relics to eye over while you wait. A long list of mouth-watering and excellent value mezedes are on the menu, such as soutzoukakia, octopus in wine sauce, long-cooked chickpeas, baked aubergines, and homemade sausages, plus traditional desserts including halva.

    Ermou 2, toward the north end of the street, Mytilini, Lesvos, Greece
    22510-26232

    Known For

    • Old-world ambience
    • Opening early (and staying open late)
    • Cash only
    • Old-world charm
    • Fantastic value
    • Authentic Greek cuisine
  • 2. Kalderimi Grillhouse

    $ | Greek

    In the quaint village of Petra, this pretty garden restaurant set amid potted plants and vine-matted pergolas specializes in grilled meats including gyros and souvlaki, though it serves traditional Greek favorites, too, and a wide selection of local cheeses. Family-owned with all the heart that goes with it, it's a popular spot for the locals who sit down to chit-chat over coffee throughout the day.

    Petra, Lesvos, 81109, Greece
    22530-41234

    Known For

    • Traditional Greek food
    • Relaxed garden setting
    • Large selection of local delicacies
  • 3. Kronos Ice Cream Parlor

    $ | Café

    A favorite stop in Chios Town is this modern, trendy ice cream shop that has been making its best-selling praline ice cream since 1930. It's open from early morning well into the wee hours. The mastic-flavor ice cream is a must-try.

    Philipos Argenti 2, Chios Town, Chios, Greece
    22710-22311
  • 4. Nan

    $ | International

    This not-for-profit social enterprise restaurant was founded by four Greek women seeking to integrate the refugee population into island society. Volunteer-run and offering paid employment to refugees from the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond, the refugee-chefs cook a global cuisine: you can start your meal with Syrian tabbouleh, then have an Ethiopian fava stew as a main, and an Afghan sweet for dessert. The "day menu" is recommended—choose from a selection of daily specials, served on one plate for an excellent price.

    Komninaki 29, Mytilini, Lesvos, 81100, Greece
    22510-20250

    Known For

    • Serving Middle Eastern and North African favorites
    • Honorable mission statement
    • Relaxed and friendly dining atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 5. O Hotzas

    $ | Greek

    Family portraits and brass implements hang below a wood-beam ceiling at this spacious taverna that shows off its 19th-century origins. In addition to deep-fried dishes, there's also succulent lamb with lemon sauce and several vegetable choices. The squid is always reliable, and it's delicious with the homemade retsina or ouzo. For dessert order yogurt with homemade cherry or quince preserves.

    Yioryiou Kondili 3, Chios Town, Chios, Greece
    22710-42787

    Known For

    • Old-world atmosphere
    • Delicious home-style cooking
    • Squid

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
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  • 6. The Captain's Table

    $ | Seafood

    This harborside favorite serves seafood that's grilled to perfection including the island's famous sardines, all caught locally. It's best to enjoy the fresh fish and seafood, garden-grown vegetables, and tantalizing homemade dips as small mezedes to be shared—six are recommended for two. Owners Melinda and Theo (wonderful resources for visitors) also rent upscale houses a short walk away. Grab a seat early, as the Table gets busy quickly.

    Molyvos, Lesvos, 81108, Greece
    22530-71241

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Harbor views
    • Captain's Platter for two
    • Skilled at grilling seafood and vegetables
    • Terrific harbor views
    • Wide vegetarian and vegan selection

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mid-Oct.–mid-Apr. No lunch
  • 7. The Pastards

    $ | Italian

    It doesn't flaunt itself in quite the same way as the other restaurants that line the port, but the food here is far superior, and the atmosphere significantly more grown-up. Pizza, pasta, and risotto dishes feature on the menu as well as Greek favorites like salads with feta, and grilled fish and meat.

    Michael Livanou 13, Chios Town, Chios, 82100, Greece
    22710-81466

    Known For

    • Excellent value-to-quality ratio
    • Relaxed atmosphere amid hustle and bustle
    • Lengthy wine menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 8. Ammos Plaz

    $ | Greek

    What many locals consider to be the best traditional Greek food in Kokkari is served in an ideal location—smack on the beach. The owner's father is a fisherman, and he brings his haul to the restaurant daily. Octopus in a sweet Samos wine sauce and grilled lobster are two favorites.

    Kokkari Promenade, Kokkari, Samos, 83100, Greece
    22730-92463

    Known For

    • Beachfront setting
    • Fresh seafood
    • Octopus in sweet Samos wine and grilled lobster
    • Excellent traditional food

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Mar.
  • 9. Antonis Ouzeri

    $ | Greek

    This friendly spot in the hill village of Kagiani, next to Varia and just south of Mytilene, has wonderful views of Mytilene town, the Aegean, and Asia Minor beyond. Grilled octopus, fried crispy fish, and other meat favorites are served in traditional Lesvos style as small plates to accompany ouzo. It's best to reserve in the busy summer months, when locals and returning visitors crowd in to enjoy the evening breeze and twinkling lights.

    Up the hill from Varia, Taxiarhes, Vareia, Lesvos, 81100, Greece
    22510-61951

    Known For

    • Fantastic views
    • Delicious mezedes
    • Friendly family-run environment
  • 10. Elia

    $ | Greek

    A standout among the affable places along the harbor front, Elia is a little more sophisticated than its neighbors in its surroundings and, with a Swedish chef, offers a refreshingly eclectic take on Greek cuisine, with a big nod to local flavors. Prawns are sautéed in ouzo and meats are cooked with Samos wine. As you would expect, the wine list is full of Samian vintages as well as a few of the best from the rest of Greece.

    Pythagorio, Samos, Greece
    22730-61436

    Known For

    • Innovative takes on Greek cuisine
    • Pleasant waterside terrace
    • Good wine list
  • 11. Enjoy

    $ | Café

    Creamy frozen yogurt is served with your choice of topping from a dizzying line-up of options, from Kinder Bueno to banana. Find a seat on the harbor and wolf it down as you watch the boats and marine life.

    P. Kountourioti 63, Mytilini, Lesvos, 81100, Greece
    22510-55755

    Known For

    • Popular with children
    • Great value
    • Open from morning to early hours
  • 12. Gatos

    $ | Greek

    Gaze over the island and harbor from the large, wide veranda of this yellow-and-green-dressed charmer, or sit inside and watch the cooks chop and grind in the open kitchen. The beef fillet is tender, the lamb chops nicely spiced, and the salads enormous and fresh. This is also a lovely spot to enjoy a morning or afternoon coffee.

    Molyvos, Lesvos, 81108, Greece
    22530-71661

    Known For

    • Grilled meats
    • Terrace views
    • Popular spot for coffee

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.–Mar.
  • 13. Kalderimi

    $ | Greek

    An ever-popular ouzeri and grill on shady Thassou Street in the Old Town is an almost mandatory stop while shopping along adjoining Ermou Street. Fresh grilled baby calamari and lightly fried courgette flowers stuffed with cheese are among many enticing bites that accompany the generous selection of ouzo. Some evenings local musicians come and play rembetiko (Greek folk music), which makes the ouzo taste even better.

    Thasou 2, Mytilini, Lesvos, Greece
    22-5104–6557

    Known For

    • Ouzo and atmosphere
    • Rembetiko music some nights
    • Excellent seafood
    • Zucchini flowers
  • 14. Limenas Meston

    $ | Seafood

    The fishing boats bobbing in the water only a few feet away supply the kitchen with a rich daily fish selection. Meats served at the simple taverna include homemade sausage, and lamb or beef on the spit. You can sit outside among the ivy and blossoms, where Limenas, Mesta's working harbor, unfolds before you. On colder days, enjoy the fireplace with the locals. The owner rents studio apartments within walking distance.

    Limenas, Mesta, Chios, 82102, Greece
    22710-76389

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Harbor views
    • Cozy wintertime ambience
  • 15. Maritsa

    $ | Greek

    A regular Pythagorio clientele frequents this simple fish taverna in a garden courtyard on a quiet, tree-lined side street. You might try the shrimp souvlaki or squid garnished with garlicky skordalia (a thick lemony sauce with pureed potatoes, vinegar, and parsley), though the kitchen also does justice to lamb on the spit.

    Pythagorio, Samos, 83103, Greece
    22730-61957

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Nice garden
  • 16. Misirlou

    $ | International

    It isn't often you come by restaurants serving high-quality non-Greek food on the island of Lesvos, so for those wanting to switch things up for a night, head to this sleek, gastro-style burger and pizza restaurant perched above the harbor.

    Molyvos Harbor, Molyvos, Lesvos, 81108, Greece
    22530-72388

    Known For

    • Classy, modern vibe
    • International menu
    • Fabulous evening views

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 17. Parasol Beach Bar

    $ | Café

    Totem poles, colored coconut lamps, and other knickknacks make this beach bar endearing in its evocation of the South Pacific, as if the setting weren't transporting enough. The owner and his wife serve omelets, fruits, yogurt, and sweet Greek coffee for breakfast, and simple dishes like pizzas, veggie spring rolls, sandwiches, and cheese platters the rest of the day. The music might be characterized as sophisticated lounge; the owner calls it "intellectual."

    Skala Eresou Beach, Skala Eressou, Lesvos, 81105, Greece
    22530-52050

    Known For

    • Exotic beachside terrace
    • Great cocktails
    • Cash only
    • Lively music

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Apr.
  • 18. Skamnia

    $ | Greek

    Sit at a table of Skala Sikaminias's oldest taverna, under the same spreading mulberry tree beneath which novelist Stratis Myrivilis wrote, to sip a glass of ouzo and watch the fishing boats bob. Stuffed zucchini blossoms or cucumbers and tomatoes tossed with local olive oil are food for thought: light, tasty, and ideal for snacking. Other tempting dishes on the extensive menu include chicken in grape leaves, but sitting a stone's throw from the sea, you would do well to stick to the wonderfully fresh fish and seafood.

    On the waterfront, Skala Sikaminias, Lesvos, 81104, Greece
    22530-55319

    Known For

    • Idyllic views
    • Chicken in grape leaves
    • Fish and other seafood
  • 19. Solid All Day Bar

    $ | Café

    This "espresso bar" serves some of the town's best coffee, along with a selection of homemade cakes and pastries. Return in the evening to enjoy a cocktail in its swanky, modern setting.

    Sofouli 43, Samos Town, Samos, 83100, Greece
    22730-24800

    Known For

    • Excellent coffee and cocktails
    • Open morning to early hours
    • Cosmopolitan atmosphere
  • 20. Soulatso

    $ | Seafood

    The enormous anchor and octopi drying on a line outside are signs that you're in for some seriously good seafood. Tables set on a wooden deck are just a skipping-stone's throw from the break of the waves. Owner Sarandos Tzinieris serves, and his mother cooks. Fresh grilled squid is mellifluous, and the fish are carefully chosen every morning.

    Skala Eresou Beach, Skala Eressou, Lesvos, 81105, Greece
    22530-52078

    Known For

    • Great seafood
    • Outdoor seaside dining
    • Cash only
    • Brilliant service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Apr.

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