14 BEST Restaurants In Greece For The BEST Food In Greece
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The Greek culinary scene is often overlooked, even when it comes to the best restaurants in Greece. While food powerhouses like Italy and Paris gather all the attention, it’s Greece that quietly builds its own culinary prowess. Whether it’s the long standing traditional Greek dishes that have been perfected over centuries of repetition. Or the progressive adaptations that respect the past while adding unique twists that surprise and delight for the modern age.
The best restaurants in Greece shock you in the most beautiful ways. They take your idea of perfection and turn it in an unexpected direction that becomes even better than you imagined. And these spots can be found spread out across the entire country. From the steep oceanside cliffs of Corfu, the quiet old town streets of Crete, the bustling streets of Athens, even in the shadows of ancient monasteries in Meteora, the best restaurants in Greece are far and wide and ready for you to discover!
So keep reading to see the BEST RESTAURANTS IN GREECE FOR THE BEST FOOD IN GREECE.
1.) Avli
(Crete Rethymno)
Few restaurants are able to capture the true feeling of the city/country, but when it comes to Avli, this is what Greece is all about. Found in the cobblestone streets of old town Rethymno, this restaurant shows what it means to be a part of the Crete Island lifestyle. A quiet courtyard with terraced flowers and a large olive tree conveys the relaxed Greek Island atmosphere you always hoped to find. As for the food, you will find refreshing tropical takes on classic Greek dishes that make for exciting combinations that taste even better than they look. It’s easy to see how this hidden gem in Greece is the best restaurant in Corfu and one of the best restaurants in Greece.
Price- $$50 for a meal
Must Have- Beetroot risotto
Sticking with the fine island vibes of Avli, the beet risotto brings a certain tropical flair to an otherwise classic dish. Colorful and rich with its vibrant purple cream that bursts with every flavorful bite. This smooth meal isn’t afraid to break from the mold and explore other delicious directions. There are even a number of orange slices resting atop the risotto for a bit of added complexity and sweetness to an already fantastic meal.
2.) Elia
(Delphi)
Delphi is a quiet town with thousands of years of rich Greek history. And just a short walk from the famous ancient ruins, you can find this great restaurant. Perched on a cliffside overlooking the massive and scenic valley, Elia is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of exploring the ancient city. Here, you can enjoy a wonderful meal on the terrace as you watch the sunset in the distance. While the view is sublime, the food is just as good. Creative culinary choices show that even though Delphi is most known for their ancient history, they still have ways of modernizing the present. No wonder Elia is the best restaurant in Delphi!
Price- $30 for a meal
Must Have- Flexi Chocolate
While Elia serves many fantastic meals from exotic entrees to delicious and savory appetizers, there’s one item that stands above the rest. The Flexi Chocolate. While it may sound odd at first, this dessert is a must when in Delphi. Rich chocolate like a smooth fudge cake, topped with sweet berries and cool vanilla ice cream, it doesn’t get much better than that.
3.) Hytra
(Athens)
In most major cities it’s hard to narrow down a top restaurant. Thousands of great choices of all different kinds of cuisine, but when it comes to Athens it’s clear, Hytra is the best Athens restaurant and the best restaurant in Greece. This spot has it all, from an unbeatable view of the city and the Acropolis, to food so astounding it will stick with you for the rest of your life. Hytra isn’t merely a great place to eat in Athens, no it’s a place of artistic creation that presents modern cuisine at its peak. At Hytra, the best isn’t a luxury. It’s an expectation. Every minute detail meticulously thought out and altered until all that’s left is pure culinary perfection. Then, when you add a view of the sun setting behind the Acropolis, you get a Greek experience that will last a lifetime.
Price- $$$100 for a meal
Must Have- Short Ribs
Few dishes stick with you long after you have eaten them. Dishes that are so astoundingly delicious, so petitely perfect that you can’t stop thinking about them. The Short Ribs from Hytra are one of those meals. Light, buttery little morsels of finely crafted art, when combined with everything on the plate, create a smokey chickpea delight that impresses with every savory bite. Each aspect of this dish plays off of one another in ways that surprise and amaze both visually and gustatorily. If you only eat one thing in all of Greece, make sure it’s the short ribs at Hytra!
4.) Dolce Cafe
(Corfu)
While Athens restaurants may have all of the attention when it comes to the best restaurants in Greece, there’s one thing they don’t have. An incredible cliffside view like the one at Dolce Cafe in Corfu. At this laid-back spot you can enjoy gorgeous views over the Agios Spiridon Beach, and calm ocean waves far into the distance. Sitting on the cliffs of Corfu, this open restaurant is the perfect place to grab a late night drink or an early morning delicious dessert as the seaside breeze to lightly cools away all your trouble. Corfu is a gorgeous island that amazes at every turn, and the view from Dolce Cafe is no exception.
Price- $10 for a meal
Must Have- Orange Pie
Portokalopita, or orange pie, is a well known Greek delicacy. Rich and oozing with honey, this dish shows why Greek food is one of the most underrated cuisines in the world. Similar to a sponge cake, the orange pie is an airy, layered treat that dances off your tongue with sweet flavors and a hint of smooth orange citrus. Perfectly capturing the warm feelings found throughout the Greek islands.
5.) Anna's Restaurant
(Skopelos)
Greek paradise! Anna’s Restaurant is a Greek paradise, simple as that. In the midst of the shops and restaurants that make up the main port town on Skopelos Island, Anna’s Restaurant stands as the clear crown jewel. Here, you will be treated to a large outdoor patio filled with vibrant flowers and foliage that show what makes the Greek islands such a special place. With a fine menu of fresh seafood and Greek delicacies, that only elevates this restaurant even higher. While Skopelos has many underrated restaurants, the fine food and dining experience in the center of a vibrant island garden is why Anna’s Restaurant is the best restaurant in Skopelos and one of the best restaurants in Greece.
Price- $$50 for a meal
Must Have- Tiropita
Greece has many varied and delicious traditional dishes, and the Tiropita is another classic, especially at Anna’s Restaurant. Made with soft feta cheese wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, this dish is the ideal way to start your meal. Plus, a sprinkle of almonds and dried strawberries for some added flavor show why the Tiropita is a must have when in the flower filled patio of Anna’s Restaurant.
6.) Rachi
(Lefkada)
Wanting to enjoy Lefkada in style? Then there’s only one place to go, Rachi. One of the highest points on the island, this Greek restaurant is home to food that is just as incredible as the views. Near the Nydri Waterfalls, this stunning spot instantly shows why it’s considered one of the premier restaurants in Lefkada. A fine decor and atmosphere while dining as you overlook the island and miles of blue ocean waves makes for a meal you will never forget. Plus, it’s not often that you can enjoy fantastic food while paragliders take off right beside you!
Price- $40 for a meal
Must Have- Lemon Oregano Gnocchi
Feel the full experience of a Greek summer. As the sun shines and the blue ocean waves roll, you want a nice, light dish that helps capture the warm feelings of summer. Well, the lemon oregano gnocchi does just that. Chicken and airy pieces of gnocchi lightly rolled in a lemon oregano sauce, as well as a soft dusting of thyme and chili powder that makes this meal feel as though summer will never end.
7.) Rex
(Corfu)
Who says you have to serve new modern meals that go outside of the box if you want to be considered a great restaurant? Well, Rex definitely proves that wrong. Rex shows that tradition and care are all it takes to have a restaurant that excels. This lovely little restaurant sticks with the theme of old town Corfu, with weathered bricks, subtle beauty, and historic atmospheres every step of the way. This spot pays homage to the authentic nature of the island both in appearance and in food with its collection of fine authentic Greek specialties. So, whether you’re enjoying the cozy indoors or sitting outside to take in the sights and sounds of the town, the best restaurant in Corfu is happy to oblige.
Price- $$50 for a meal
Must Have- Almond Pie
Every great meal ends with a fabulous dessert, and the almond pie dessert at Rex shows why this is one of the best restaurants in Greece. This personal pie delight is a crunchy, crisp almond crust with a rich and sweet interior, coupled with a giant scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. After a bite of this dessert, you won’t be able to think of a better way to end your meal.
8.) Ovio
(Athens)
A short walk from the Acropolis, this Athens restaurant is a can’t miss when it comes to Italian specialties. In a sleek modern atmosphere, with a full bar, 2nd level loft, and small outdoor seating, Ovio is the place to go for a wonderful night out. Ovio brings a new age feel to Athens with the modern decor, atmosphere, clientele and the food. This spot isn’t afraid to break tradition and try something new. From their bold pasta to their fantastic pizzas that are both classic pies and unconventional creations. Even if you’re not hungry, the cool Athens atmosphere makes Ovio one of the best restaurants in Greece to hang out and grab a drink.
Price- $30 for a meal
Must Have- Carbonara Zaferano Pizza
When thinking of a great pizza, usually the same things come to mind: red sauce, melty cheese, and a nice crust. While those pizza staples usually make a great pizza, they aren’t a necessity, and the Carbonara Zaferano shows why. Warm layers of cheese coating the unconventional carbonara blend of sauces plus an egg yolk on top for an all around unique combination far better than you would ever expect. It’s this outside of the box combination of ingredients that makes the most interesting pizza in Greece also the best pizza in Greece.
9.) Carnayo Gold Lounge Cafe
(Paxos)
No shirt, no shoes, no car… No problem! The Carnayo Gold Lounge isn’t your typical restaurant. One of the few places found on the southeast tip of the island means this spot is one of the best kept secrets on Paxos. A fantastic hidden gem, this restaurant is the place to go to let the island atmosphere ease your troubles away. Feel free to experience island dining just as you would expect. You can even pull your boat right up to the restaurant. With a cabana feel to the eatery, Carnayo Gold Lounge Cafe is all about capturing the calm island vibes of Paxos, and a menu of incredible meals bursting with flavor makes this spot that much better.
Price- $30 for a meal
Must Have- Cheesecake
Looking for a cool and refreshing treat for those warm island summers, look no further. This petite cheesecake is the perfect cool treat with smooth caramel, rich cheesecake, and hints of berries in a fine and delicate dessert stuffed with sweet flavors. The only downside of this dessert is that it’s so good you might be forced to order another.
10.) Foodie Café
(Skiathos)
Sometimes the best things are found in the most unexpected places. The Foodie Cafe is one of those places. Found on the often overlooked island of Skiathos, in the small town center, sits this hidden gem. Surrounded by shops and other small cafes, you would never guess that you could find this cafe serving up the best Greek island delights. From stuffed croissants and full baguette sandwiches to fresh coffee and fruit smoothies. Foodie Café has everything you need to enjoy the island life you have been craving.
Price- $10 for a meal
Must Have- Parfait
Who doesn’t want the best of something? No matter what it is you want to make sure you’re getting the best, and when it comes to the parfait from Foodie Café, you’re getting the best parfait in the world. Rich yogurt, fresh berries that pop with sweetness, crunchy walnuts for a bit of texture, and a smooth drizzle of honey to pull it all together. So, if you want something light and flavorful to get you ready for a full day of soaking in the sun, then the best parfait in the world is the way to go.
11.) Hoocut
(Athens)
No trip to Greece would be complete without having the most well known Greek meal, a gyro. And when it comes to the best gyro in Greece, there’s no question it can be found here at Hoocut. Serving up all kinds of gyro combinations, Hoocut has a gyro that is sure to be the best you have ever had, no matter what you’re looking for. It’s not often a restaurant gains such notoriety from one meal, but when you perfect a dish like Hoocut has with their gyro, you will think that they deserve even more praise. Their gyros are so famous they were even featured on Gordon Ramsey’s show, and if he likes them, then you know they’re good.
Price- $10 for a meal
Must Have- Pork Gyro
When there is a dish that has been around as long as the gyro has, it’s hard to stand out from the pack. But after tasting the Pork Gyro from this Athens restaurant, you will never look at gyros the same. Warm fluffy pita bread, juicy shredded pork, fresh tomato and onion, a splash of paprika and tzatziki, and Hoocut’s secret spiced sauce all come together for a savory delight with a touch of spice. And at only 10 dollars, this Greek staple is so outstanding you would gladly pay double!
12.) Lukumades
(Athens)
Athens restaurants are spread far and wide throughout the city. Each with their own personal flair that adds to the city, and Lukumades is definitely one of those places. Next to Socrates prison, and set in a small 1950s Americana style diner, this spot serves up the unofficial dessert of Athens and best treat in the city, loukoumades. Little doughnut balls that tantalize the taste buds with a light, crunchy outside while still being warm, soft and fluffy on the inside. These treats are wonderful delights ready to elevate whatever topping you decide to indulge in. Craving a rich chocolaty dessert, or how about a fruit filled sweet treat? No matter what sugary meal you’re after, the loukoumades at Lukumades are sure to deliver.
Price- $10 for a meal
Must Have- Pavlova
After checking out the Acropolis Museum, climbing up to the Acropolis, or simply exploring the city streets, you might be in the mood for a nice sugary snack to keep you going. Well the peak of Athens desserts is just the thing. Many doughy balls of deliciousness topped with a sweet strawberry sensation and a scoop of ice cream are the ultimate pick me up while capturing the full feeling of summer in Athens.
13.) Meteoron Panorama
(Meteora)
No restaurant in the world offers the dining experience that Meteoron Panorama does. Home to one of the best views in all of Greece, this spot allows you to sit in the shadow of the massive Meteora Monasteries, while gazing out to the valley and distant horizon. Allowing for a dining sight that showcases the wide variety of ancient history within this country, it’s clear this spot is among the best restaurants in Greece. There’s no question the views at Meteoron Panorama are sublime, but what about the food? Well, this restaurant sports a menu of authentic Greek specialties with a new age modern twist that shows the diversity and tasteful complexity of Greek cuisine. So, if you’re looking for an incredible view with food to match, this is the spot for you.
Price- $40 for a meal
Must Have- Chicken Kabob
Another staple in Greek food is the kabob. The kabob from Meteoron Panorama is a fine blend of slowly simmered meats and vegetables flame cooked to perfection. Tender chicken sandwiched between fresh pieces of onion and pepper all mixing in an exchange of delicious harmony. Plus, with multiple variations, it’s great for whatever you’re feeling.
14.) Plateia
(Skopelos)
Maybe after a long day of island life you want to relax and just have a nice meal of comfort food, well Plateia is the place to go. In the midst of the main town bustling with life, from shops to restaurants, Plateia offers you a taste of what life on Skopelos Island is all about. Here, you won’t have to worry about dressing up or breaking the bank. Here, you can just sit back and savor the best pizza in Skopelos. While other spots may provide fine food and a lovely ambiance, sometimes you just want to unwind after taking in the sights of the island, like the peaceful Limnonari Beach or the stunning Agios Ioannis Kastri, and there’s no better place than Plateia.
Price- $20 for a meal
Must Have- Pizza
Of course you can’t come to the best pizza place in Skopelos and not get a pizza. Regarded as the best pizza on Skopelos Island, these pies are classic pizzas far better than you expect in this unassuming Greek pizzeria. At Plateia, they don’t try to reinvent the pizza with crazy concoctions or outlandish ideas; they simply use top-tier ingredients to create true pizzas the way they were meant to be.
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