Naxos may be ringed by perfect beaches, yet its real seduction begins at the table. The island is a bumper pantry, turning out PDO treasures such as buttery graviera, tangy xinotyro, sweet-fringed potatoes from the Tragea plateau, and the citrus liqueur kitron, distilled since Venice ruled these shores. Menus lean confidently on what the land and sea hand over each morning: spit-slick lamb, caper leaves still briny from the jar, tomatoes that taste of August even in June.
The tavernas gathered here keep things disarmingly simple. Tables spill into vine-strung courtyards or across breezy terraces, ceramic jugs sweat with local rosé, and recipes travel straight from a grandmother’s notebook to the stovetop. Order the Greek way, filling the middle of the table with small plates – maybe goat simmered in red wine, zucchini fritters lifted by mint, or a slab of graviera seared in honey. Pass, taste, repeat; let conversation wander until the moon rises above the fortress of Chora. This is Naxos at its most persuasive, a lesson in how profoundly place can season a meal.
01
Axiotissa
Located 20 minutes from Chora, this well-known tavern with a tranquil green courtyard celebrates the values of authentic local cuisine, using quality ingredients from its own farm. The diverse menu highlights traditional dishes, including slow-cooked lamb with garlic and kefalotiri cheese, local rooster in tomato sauce with linguini, fried potatoes, shrimp in lemon sauce with chili, rosemary, and Cretan avocado. Its dedication to local produce and farm-to-table dining ensures a unique and fresh and pleasurable dining experience.
Chora
02
To Gefyraki
Hidden in the lush green interior near Danakos, To Gefyraki is a true local taverna where home-cooked flavors shine. The kitchen celebrates Naxian recipes—goat braised in red sauce, tangy salads with xynomizithra, and crisp zucchini fritters, all made with ingredients grown nearby.
Expect unfussy, generous portions, excellent house wine, and a view over trees and running water. The hospitality is genuine, the cooking soulful, and every meal tastes unmistakably of Naxos countryside.
Danakos
03
To Petrino
This restaurant, set in a shady courtyard overlooking Abram beach exclusively uses Naxian products, like cheeses from local producers, fish caught that day by fishermen and meat like rabbit and chicken from their farm. The chef presents a creative rendition of the traditional cuisine of Naxos and the Cyclades, Signature dishes include rabbit stew, coq au vin, olive oil-based Mediterranean dishes made with garden vegetables, such as imam bayildi, artichokes, moussaka, stuffed vegetables, and stuffed vine leaves. There is no set menu and reservations are necessary.
Plaka Beach
04
Sun Kyma
Directly on Agios Georgios beach, newly opened Sun Kyma brings a fresh, easygoing energy to modern Greek dining. The menu delivers crisp calamari, smoky grilled octopus, and inventive vegetarian options alongside classic mezze platters. Dishes highlight peak local produce, with juicy tomatoes and sweet Naxian cheese appearing throughout.
Guests linger for the sunsets and well-crafted cocktails, all served to the soundtrack of gentle surf and laid-back summer playlists.
Agios Georgios
05
Apanemi
Located in a charming harbor with tables under salt cedar trees by the breaking waves and overlooking the Portara, this restaurant offers a true Mediterranean-Naxian experience. Enjoy dishes like bream carpaccio caught from their own fishing boat, marinated anchovies, and fresh crab meat pasta.
With a history spanning 118 years and a recent renovation, the restaurant serves organic ingredients with a focus on “conscious cooking.” Fresh seafood from the Aegean, including juicy oysters, succulent mussels, sea urchin salad, crayfish, and lobsters, which all pair perfectly with their extensive wine list.
Moutsouna
06
Vassilis
In the picturesque village of Melanes, this traditional taverna has been serving quality dishes since 1983. Food is served on the charming terrace with stunning views of the expansive verdant landscape below. Stars on the menu are the quality variety of meats, local cheeses, hand-picked vegetables, and barrel wine produced in-house.
Specialties to definitely try include rooster in wine with handmade pasta, expertly grilled meats, and the spetzofai sausage, caramelized in a rich tomato sauce.
Old Market Street, Chora
07
Amorginos
In the heart of Apeiranthos village, this meat tavern offers a charming view from its rear balcony. Known for traditional specialties like “rosto” (braised pork casserole) and “kalogero” (beef stew with eggplant, gruyere cheese, and yogurt), it prides itself on using locally sourced meats, many reared by the owners.
The tavern honors its local heritage and history by serving authentic Apeiranthos recipes with tweaks from classic Naxian cuisine. Enjoy roast meats, local cheeses, grilled specialties, homemade pies, and myzithrokeftedes (mizithra cheese balls) with sweet mizithra. Traditional live music nights enhance the dining experience.
Apeiranthos
08
Stou Vasilarakiou
Awarded by the FNL Best Restaurants 2024 and widely recognized as the leading destination on the island for meat lovers, this third-generation family-run tavern in Kinidaros village is a gastronomic gem. Known for exquisite quality and expertly cooked meat dishes, the Klouvatos family, breeders and butchers, delight guests with famous Greek grilled specialties like kokkoretsi, kontosouvli, lamb chops and homemade sausages.
The menu also features strip loin beef steaks, ribeye, picanha, and other dry-aged beef, all served with Naxian fried potatoes. The tagliata is sublime. Located in the family’s old butcher shop, the tavern’s authentic atmosphere and dishes (with tasty options beyond meat too) make it a must-visit for carnivorous foodies. Reservations are required.
Kinidaros
09
Platia
A family-run tavern with a whitewashed courtyard in Galini village’s central square. It serves mouthwatering traditional home cooked and grilled dishes made with the freshest local ingredients that come straight from the owners’ cultivation and local farmers.
You’ll taste succulent chicken with okra and appetizers like their famous stuffed onions, eggplants oozing with gruyere cheese, and crispy, fluffy zucchini balls. Platia also runs a successful cooking school that offers groups and individuals the 101 of Naxian cuisine.
Galini
10
Naxos Apothecary
Set just behind the Portara, Naxos Apothecary fuses creative Greek cuisine with a modern, stylish bistro atmosphere. Expect plates like marinated sea bass crudo, roast chicken with Naxian potatoes, and elegant seasonal salads.
The menu leans heavily on small producers and daily-picked island herbs, while the cocktails incorporate house-made botanical infusions. Dining here is as much about the delicate flavors as the clean, perfumed air and discreet, attentive service.
Chora
11
Matina Stavros Platsa
Hidden in the scenic alleys of Koronos, a mountain village perched on the edge of a gorge, Mrs. Matina’s Tavern is a well-known local favorite. With tables set around a stone fountain under a vine-covered pergola, the setting is charming.
Mrs Matina cooks with ingredients from their farm, including their own meats, cheeses, eggs, and garden vegetables, while her husband grills in the evenings. The menu changes daily based on available ingredients. Don’t miss the wine-braised rabbit, stewed goat, and their homemade cheeses like sweet mizithra and kefalotyri.
Koronos
12
Stou Lefteri
On the central cobblestone street of Apeiranthos village, this taverna welcomes guests in a courtyard shaded by a grand walnut tree. Focused on meats, the menu features specialties like the stuffed beef patty with Naxos gruyere cheese, stuffed zucchini or zucchini flowers and fried potatoes from the village, and the local melt-in-your-mouth charcoal-grilled lamb.
People return for these as well as the T-bone steak and whole lamb shoulder. Don’t miss the handmade galaktoboureko for dessert.
Aperathou
13
O Giorgis
In the amphitheatrically built village of Melanes, Giorgis’ serves local meats and cheeses that diners from near and far love with a passion. Located at the entrance of the village, this taverna has a large balcony with views of the surrounding mountains. The menu includes home-cooked dishes and grilled meats, with ingredients from their own farm.
Highlights are the stuffed beef patty, monkfish, and rooster in tomato sauce. Don’t miss the beef stew with pasta, pork casserole with potatoes, or the weekend special of whole-roasted pig. The appetizers are made fresh to order.
Melanes
14
Alos
Here you can look forward to a soothing beach setting in Moutsana village, far from the madding crowds. This family-run, sea-facing restaurant (part of the Ostria Inn), shows genuine loyalty to local cuisine, making the best of high-quality local ingredients, with a creative and modern twist.
The menu impresses with signature dishes like lobster pasta, Naxos beef fillet with potato cream and refreshing watermelon salad with creamy xinomizithra and cherry tomatoes. Cheese croquettes made with feta, gruyere, and mizithra, paired with green apple puree and roasted pepper sauce, offer a flavorful appetizer. Enjoy these dishes while sipping on cocktails or choosing from an extensive selection of Cycladic and Greek wines.
Moutsouna
