The sizeable fishing fleet of Koufonisia ensures a plentiful supply of fresh fish and seafood to the islands, making grilled and fried fish, fish soup, vinegar-marinated octopus, and stew, as well as fried calamari and calamari with rice, staples of the local cuisine. From the neighboring uninhabited island of Keros, succulent goats fed on sea-adjacent grass and within the craggy terrain are brought over – some island residents maintain their own herds there and on Kato Koufonisi.

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“Patatato,” a dish of stewed goat with an ample serving of potatoes, roasted in a wood-fired oven, is a fundamental celebratory dish of the island. The abundance of aromatic herbs on the islands produces an exceptionally fragrant honey. Desserts are represented by delicacies such as “xerotigana” (fried pieces of thin dough) served with honey, and “pasteli,” a sesame and honey treat, preserved between lemon leaves.

Restaurants

LaSka

A stylish restaurant designed in the Cycladic style, it offers a beautiful view of the sea and Keros in the distance. The menu, curated by Chef Sifis Manouselis, suggests dishes in the style of creative Greek cuisine with local produce: Keros goat with crushed potatoes, green skordalia (a type of garlic puree), cabbage rolls with beef tartare, fish stifado (a type of stew), and so on. There are also dishes with an Asian flair and a carefully selected wine list.

Address: Pano Koufonisi, Tel: 2285 074599, facebook.com

Venetsanos

A unique taverna on the island where electricity is absent (a generator is used instead). The menu offers a good variety of cooked dishes. It also operates as a cafe.

Address: Kato Koufonisi, Tel: 2285 074074

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Photo: Tzet/Facebook
Photo: Tzet/Facebook

Tzet

Tzet is a chic, all-day bar-restaurant, featuring the culinary stylings of renowned chef Athinagoras Kostakos (Meraki, The Clumsies). The menu revolves around wood-fired pizzas, but the options are far from limited. With its clean, simple décor, where white and wood dominate, Tzet offers a seamless transition from brunch and smoothies to dinner, cocktails, and beyond. Its extensive wine list and aperitif selections will leave you spoilt for choice.

Address: Ano Koufonisi, above the port, Tel: 6984440000, facebook.com

Michalios

Michalios is an exceptional meat taverna, where the owners proudly raise their own livestock on Keros and Kato Koufonisi. Come for the meat, stay for the salads and classic Greek appetizers.

Address: Pano Koufonisi, Tel: 2285071953, 6976420097, facebook.com

Melissa

Melissa is a historic, old-school taverna – the oldest on the island – and a veritable institution. Excellent traditional dishes, tasty goat stew, octopus stifado, daily meats, and fresh fish will take you back to Greece’s culinary roots.

Address: Pano Koufonisi, Tel: 2285071454, 2285071678, melissanet.gr

Captain-Nikolas

Captain-Nikolas, a family-run seafood taverna, now in the hands of the third generation, offers stunning views of the harbor and the windmill from its spacious yard. Along with fresh fish, expect a variety of traditional appetizers, cooked meals, and seafood pastas.

Address: Pano Koufonisi, Tel: 2285071690

Kalofego

Kalofego is a taverna located just behind the beach, housed in a white Cycladic building with a covered cool veranda and courtyard tables. Its Mediterranean kitchen serves a good number of dishes incorporating Cycladic ingredients.

Address: Pano Koufonisi, Pori, Tel: 6937641805, facebook.com

This concludes our culinary journey. May your travels bring you great food, unforgettable experiences, and the warmth of meeting new friends over shared meals. Happy exploring!

Read also:

Pisina: Miracle of nature at Ano Koufonisi

Amorgos: Immerse Yourself in an Authentic Cycladic Experience

Schinoussa: A lilliputian island full of gorgeous, isolated beaches