Hydra has minimal natural resources and thus, historically, all edible products (and not only) typically come from the neighbouring Peloponnese. The locals engaged in fishing and commerce, and their extensive maritime culture led to the creation of the legendary Hydriot war fleet that greatly contributed to the revolution of 1821.
Today, the island’s traditional cuisine is characterised by fish and seafood – a distinctive dish is red mullets on toast – wine-braised octopus, stuffed squid, cuttlefish with pilaf using their ink, and fish soup. Additionally, ‘gogges’, short handmade pasta of the Arvanitiko cuisine, hortopita pie with greens, and snail stew are commonly served.
On the local meat menu, the most popular dishes are the arnaki kapamas (lamb with cinnamon and cloves), or roast lamb with beef with quinces (during winter). The Hydriot almond sweets with flower water, in the shape of a small pear, are well known. Lesser known but still popular are the Lalaggites (fried dough), which are served with honey and, in the old days, grape molasses.
Restaurants & Tavernas
01
Techne
Set inside a restored nineteenth-century boat factory above Avlaki, this dining room combines indoor seating with a sea-facing terrace a short walk from the harbor. The kitchen works seasonally, drawing from Greek and Mediterranean traditions with technical training visible in plating and balance. Dishes often include seafood pasta, lamb preparations, vegetable-led starters, and composed mains that rely on strong raw materials rather than heavy sauces. The cocktail list references Hydra’s literary past, and the wine selection favors Greek producers. Service is structured and paced for dinner reservations.
Avlaki Beach
02
Plakostroto
A courtyard restaurant just off the harbor, operating from breakfast through late evening. Morning service includes egg dishes, yogurt, pastries, and coffee, while later hours shift to Mediterranean plates, salads, grilled items, and vegan options. Tables are arranged beneath greenery in a stone-paved yard that buffers harbor traffic. The kitchen handles a wide menu efficiently, making it practical for mixed groups and extended daytime stays.
Miaouli
03
Omilos
Positioned on the rocks at the harbor’s entrance, this former industrial site functions today as a waterfront restaurant with continuous sea exposure. Lunch and dinner menus reflect modern Mediterranean cooking with Greek sourcing: raw fish preparations, structured salads, seafood pasta, grilled fillets, and composed meat dishes. The deconstructed Greek salad remains a reference point. In summer, the dining service transitions into late-night bar activity. Reservations are advisable in high season.
Spilia
04
Oraia Hydra
Located directly on the harbor promenade, this long-running dining room maintains a broad Greek and Mediterranean menu. The kitchen prepares cooked classics such as beef stews and baked dishes alongside fresh fish, ceviche-style plates, and seasonal salads. Seating runs parallel to the harbor traffic, with closely arranged tables and consistent service flow. The wine list includes Greek labels suited to seafood.
Hydra Harbor
05
Douskos Xeri Elia
Operating for generations in the central square above the harbor, this historic taverna continues to serve traditional Greek cooking beneath mature trees. The menu centers on moussaka, kleftiko baked in paper, grilled meats, daily casseroles, and fresh fish when available. Wine is offered in carafes. The room expands into the square during peak months, with high table turnover and steady local and visitor presence.
Hydra Town
06
Psaropoula
Now situated on an elevated terrace above the port, this restaurant serves a full dinner format built around seafood and home-style Greek cooking. Expect risotto with fresh squid, grilled fish, moussaka, pastitsio with thick béchamel, and structured salads. Meals often conclude with fruit or a house dessert. The layout resembles a private veranda, with white walls and compact table spacing.
Hydra Town
07
Kodylenia’s
Overlooking Kamini harbor, this waterfront taverna operates as both lunch stop and evening dining address. The chefs focus on seafood: grilled squid, shrimp in tomato sauce, whole fish by weight, and composed salads, alongside standard Greek meat dishes. A shaded terrace wraps around the building, facing fishing boats and anchored water taxis. Evening service carries a slower pace than midday traffic.
Kamini Harbor
08
To Pefkaki
Situated on the road toward Kamini, this scenically shaded taverna facing out to the glittering water is the ideal stop after swimming or coastal walks. The menu remains within traditional Greek range: grilled fish, fried items, salads, and cooked dishes suitable for shared tables. Seating benefits from tree cover and partial sea views, with an informal, midday rhythm.
Kamini Road
09
Lefterakis
Located at Mandraki Bay near organized beach facilities and the Mandraki Beach Hotel, this friendly taverna inspires an all-day plan of swimming, drinks, and flavorsome traditional dishes. The kitchen prepares grilled meats, fish, salads, and traditional cooked dishes suitable for families and groups arriving by boat taxi. Seating is simple and oriented toward the shoreline.
Mandraki Bay
10
Piato
A harbor-facing restaurant designed for continuous service, covering lunch through dinner with a broad, multi-category menu. Seafood, grilled meats, pasta dishes, salads, and traditional Greek mains coexist, making it suitable for mixed groups with varied preferences. The kitchen is structured to handle steady volume, and tables along the promenade turn over quickly during peak hours.
Hydra Harbor
