6 Best Restaurants in Samos, The Northern Aegean Islands

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.

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.

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.

Chicken is the star on the menu of this affordable grill restaurant (whose name means "the chickens" in Greek) that serves simple yet delicious seasonal dishes throughout the day in a laid-back atmosphere.

Sometimes it seems like everyone in town gathers at this friendly harborside spot, where the emphasis is on fresh seafood and traditional home cooking. Fresh, locally grown vegetables and Samos wines accompany the meals, which are served with care by the friendly staff.