By now, Tinos has become popular amongst both Greek and foreign visitors who flock to the island for its sandy beaches and picturesque villages, as well as its sophisticated gastronomy. The island offers a wide range of delicious products, including artichokes, capers, figs, honey, and thyme, which take center stage not only in savory dishes but also in sweet creations. Richly flavored louza ham, fresh eggs, creamy cheeses, crispy pies, thick yogurt, and a plethora of other sweet and savory treats are just a few of the mouthwatering dishes that make up the island’s unique cooking repertoire, to be relished at these three top-notch spots.
Krok Monsieur
In the picturesque mountain village of Krokos, for the past five years, you’ll find Krok Monsieur, an all-day bistro owned by Yannis Psaltis and his wife. Its name is a delicious play on words, combining a favorite brunch dish with Krokos, the name of the village it is located in. “My wife and I have envisioned the idea of a brunch place for many years. At one point, I came to work in Tinos, where was born, and saw that this place was available. We fell in love with the space and its location, so we decided to turn our vision into reality,” says Yannis.
The wonderfully open space allows your gaze to wander through the surrounding area with its charming houses and village trees. Beautifully crafted old tables and chairs are spread across the spacious courtyard, enjoying the shade provided by the trees and a rustic canopy. The open bar wafts aromas of coffee and natural juices, while tantalizing scents from Yannis’ dishes waft from the kitchen, where he also serves as the chef.
Using mainly local ingredients of excellent quality, such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and Louza (a local cured meat), as well as cheeses, Yannis’ brunch menu, which doubles as breakfast, features healthy dishes with yogurt and fruit salads, mouthwateringly fresh eggs and homemade fries, hearty sandwiches, incredible pies, fluffy pancakes and delectable desserts. Coffees, beverages, and freshly squeezed juices perfectly complement the meal, providing an exceptional dining experience.
Delectable delights await you on the menu at Krok Monsieur. Indulge in the refreshing seasonal fruit salad with yogurt, honey, and crunchy nuts. Savor the egg slices on milk bread, accompanied by creamy avocado mousse, crumbled feta, cherry tomatoes and fresh chives. Prepare your taste buds for the extraordinary Croque Madame, made with artisanal sourdough, louza ham, local gruyere cheese, and a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg. Don’t miss the tantalizing Tinos-style fried pie filled with tangy anthotyro cheese, gruyere, sun-dried tomatoes, honey, and sesame seeds. And for a truly delightful treat, indulge in the incredible pancakes topped with chocolate, fruits, and other delectable toppings.
The dessert selection is simply irresistible, with highlights like the refrigerator cookie sweet with chocolate and praline coating. Krok Monsieur also offers a delightful dinner menu, along with a range of refreshing cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, served throughout the day. With warm hospitality, a carefully designed summer ambiance, and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, Krok Monsieur promises invaluable moments of relaxation and culinary enjoyment.
Address: Provincial Road Tripotamou-Kalloni, Krokos, Phone: +30 22830 51089, Instagram: krok.monsieur.tinos
Komissa
In the charming village of Komi since 2021, Komissa is the all-day bistro owned by Laertis Grigoriadis and Markos Machairopoulos. The youthful charm of this establishment, combined with its delectable cuisine, quickly garnered a reputation and became a magnet for both locals and island tourists. The name itself was inspired by the picturesque village where it took root, almost serendipitously. “Markos and I came to Tinos for a vacation two years ago and fell in love with the island, especially the square of Komi, where we had a meal. We stumbled upon the availability of this place and decided to open our all-day bistro here,” Laertis says.
Blending modern touches with respect for local traditions, techniques, and the aesthetics of the landscape, Komissa stands gracefully on the charming village square, dressed in pristine white like a true Cycladic gem. Its tables are scattered under elegant shades and lush plane trees, offering coolness and unique moments of relaxation for its guests.
The cheerful ambience created by the beautifully curated summer setting and friendly service is enhanced by the culinary mastery of Chef Thanos Chalistis at Komissa. Using quality local ingredients, the chef offers a brunch menu that may be small in quantity but immense in flavor. Eye-catching dishes include sunny-side-up eggs with homemade crispy potatoes and toasted bread, fluffy caramelized pancakes with whipped cream, strawberries, hazelnuts, and dulce de leche, and an extraordinary grilled sandwich on brioche bread filled with Volaki (a goat’s milk cheese from Tinos), Tinos’ gruyere cheese, and cheddar, served with a side of baby salad and cherry tomatoes.
The tea selection at this establishment is particularly noteworthy, offering choices such as lemon and honey-infused tea with various fruits like peach, blueberries, and mango. Coffee, beverages, and refreshing natural juices perfectly accompany the meal. Komissa also serves exquisite dinners, featuring a range of tasty dishes that showcase some of the island’s culinary treasures, including artichokes, louza, garlic, wild greens, and Volaki cheese.
Address: Plateia Komis, Komi, Phone: +30 22830 51883, Instagram: komissa.tinos
Myrtilo Bistro
Tucked away in one of the charming cobblestone alleys in the heart of Tinos town is Myrtilo, the all-day bistro owned by George Delatolas since 2017. It resembles a home, with its large windows and doors always open for its guests. The interior features stone walls and earthy colors that reflect the island’s rocky landscape. The tables outside the establishment enjoy the coolness provided by the surrounding trees and beautiful plants. “This used to be my grandfather’s carpentry workshop,” George says, adding, “I wanted to keep the name but liked the idea of a food establishment, so I transformed it into an all-day bistro. Our ingredients are local, and the recipes are our own. All our dishes are made fresh daily on the premises”.
Using top-quality ingredients, Myrtilo offers a brunch menu with delectable sandwiches, hearty egg dishes and omelettes, savory delights, and sweet pancakes. Additionally, they serve refreshing salads, yogurt bowls with homemade granola and Tinos thyme honey, as well as exquisite desserts and ice cream. The menu boasts extraordinary dishes, such as pancakes with bacon, fried eggs, cheese, crispy onions, fresh tomatoes, and cocktail sauce, Peinirli (a boat-shaped pastry) with scrambled eggs, tomato sauce, cheese, prosciutto, baby arugula, and truffle oil, and a refreshing yogurt with seasonal fruits, homemade granola, and Tinos thyme honey. Not to be missed is the exceptional avocado toast made with toasted bread, guacamole, cottage cheese, boiled or poached egg, baby arugula, cucumber flakes, dill, and either turkey breast or smoked salmon.
The desserts are outstanding, including a strawberry tart with white chocolate and a chocolate-caramel tart with pistachios. A remarkable list of coffees, beverages, natural juices, and smoothies perfectly complements the meal. The tea selection at the establishment is also of particular interest, featuring options like the “four red fruits” tea (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and fig), as well as the “fragrant shrub” with orange, apple, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, pink pepper, and cloves. Myrtilo also serves delightful dinners, offering a variety of comforting Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Always bustling with people in a vibrant intersection, Myrtilo provides the enjoyment of summer intensity accompanied by exceptional cuisine.
Address: Vitali and Afentouli, Phone: +30 22833 00605, Instagram: myrtilo_bistro
Read also:
Tinos Island: A Journey into its Artistic Heritage
