A perennial star in the Cyclades, Sifnos charms with terraced hillsides, white-washed villages, and a culinary tradition as deep as the Aegean. Cooking here remains a daily ritual: chickpeas slow-baked overnight in clay pots, capers drying on sun-bleached rooftops, honey infused with wild thyme. Small wonder the island has become a magnet for food lovers.

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A new wave of chefs, some Sifnian and others adopted, is now reworking family recipes with ideas gathered from kitchens around the world. Cliff-top dining rooms present raw amberjack like modern art, while waterfront tavernas still draw big flavor from yesterday’s catch and tomorrow’s tomatoes.

Below, we chart the island’s standout tables – forward-looking kitchens and tavernas that keep Sifnos’ soul intact. Meet the cooks, taste their stories, and, above all, come hungry.

Kali orexi (Bon appetit).


01

Cantina

In Seralia, the harbor of Sifnos’ ancient capital, you’ll find Cantina, a restaurant that has become a destination for gastronomy lovers from around the world. The award-winning restaurant is the vision of Giorgos Samoilis and Yiannis Olympios, who have created a unique culinary concept. The restaurant is housed in a weathered building among dry-stone walls, brought back to life by architect David Gonzalez. However, the true architect of Cantina is nature itself, with views of the sea and a feeling of blissful escape. Giorgos Samoilis unfolds his personal cooking vision, balancing creativity with taste, familiarity with originality.

Their cuisine is “naked,” emphasizing nature, sustainability, and environmental responsibility, with ingredients sourced almost entirely from the terroir of Sifnos and the Cyclades. The dishes are impressive: from smoked eggplant mousse and raw dusky grouper fillets to fava crepe and fish kebab with lamb caul. The mutton chop is astounding, and desserts like bread ice cream and kadaifi with xinomizithra ice cream provide a perfect finale. Cantina is a restaurant worth noting, a concept that merges past and future, making it one of the most exciting and important restaurants in the Cyclades.

Seralia, Kastro


02

Alyelo

In picturesque Faros of Sifnos, Alyelo is a brand-new restaurant that promises a unique gastronomic experience to its visitors. Its name is inspired from the tamarisks growing on the beach of Faros fishing village (7 kilometers from Apollonia town) and the deep blue sky. The restaurant captures the simplicity of a genuine Greek summer, offering creative dishes, exceptional wines, and refreshing cocktails.

Owners Kostas Souliotis and Vera Politi fell in love with Sifnos on their first visit 15 years ago, and Faros soon became their second home. In 2023, they decided to open their own restaurant in a preserved Sifnian building from the 1800s, which once housed a pottery workshop. Together with chef Theodoros Grigoriadis, they have created a destination for brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails, always respecting the landscape and history of Faros.

Faros, Apollonia


03

Yalos

Located in the heart of Platis Gialos, the island’s most popular beach, Yalos Seaside Obsession is a haven for sea lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Here, chef Manolis Monogyios, with his expertise and passion for fresh ingredients, creates dishes that blend tradition with modern cuisine.

The menu features a variety of recipes centered around fish and seafood. Freshly grilled fish, ceviche, steamed mussels, octopus, orzo, and delicious salads form a menu that can satisfy every visitor. The wine list offers a journey through Greek vineyards, with a strong presence of wines from the Cyclades. The restaurant’s minimalist decor, comfortable furniture, and pleasant music create a relaxing environment that perfectly complements the gastronomic experience.

Platis Gialos


04

Loggia

Tucked within a charming stone portico, this intimate spot overlooks maze-like alleys and sparkling sea views—an ideal spot to unwind. The design fuses Cycladic minimalism with warm textures: exposed stone walls, soft lighting, and rustic wooden furnishings.

Curated by a team passionate about natural and biodynamic wines, the menu includes local treats like marinated olives, aged cheeses, artisanal bread, and inventive small plates such as caper‑infused tzatziki and seaweed cracker bites. Sip their signature Assyrtiko, produced exclusively for Loggia from vineyards in Kato Petali and Faro, while Velvet Underground plays lightly in the background. The atmosphere is effortlessly chic yet laid‑back, perfect in swimwear or cocktail attire. Events like wine tastings and themed evenings foster conviviality, and the knowledgeable, friendly service enhances the warm, social feel.

Apollonia


05

Pelicanos

In a dreamy beachfront setting, this stylish Cycladic brasserie offers a serene ambiance under the gentle glow of the Faro lighthouse. Chef Giorgos Samoïlis—celebrated for Cantina’s terroir‑driven creations—brings his signature flair here, crafting a menu of modern Mediterranean gems.

Start with smoked eggplant mousseline topped with zesty ftira bread and venture into oshizushi featuring smoked tomato and sushi rice. The standout is the cacio e pepe with blue crab and premium avgotaracho—creamy, briny, and indulgent. Grilled chicken arrives with tahini sauce over herbed farro, while the olive oil–rich tart of praline chocolate, soy caramel, and fleur de sel is a sublime finish. The room exudes a relaxed, elegant vibe with linen tablecloths, white wood accents, and attentive service from a polished team. A thoughtfully curated wine list includes Greek and international selections, making Pelicanos a refined yet approachable seaside escape.

Faros


06

Bostani

Bostani at Verina Astra in Sifnos is a gastronomic destination that uniquely combines traditional Greek cuisine with modern touches. Under the guidance of talented chef Nikos Thomas, the restaurant has distinguished itself with its creative offerings and commitment to quality ingredients. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Aegean and Greece, chef Nikos Thomas creates dishes that harmoniously blend flavors and textures, adding a creative fusion twist. Among the standout offerings at Bostani, the calamari with caper-raisin chutney is notable for its original combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Additionally, the lasagna filled with local Sifnian manoura cheese provides a delightful modern take on a classic dish. Beyond the excellent dishes, Bostani impresses with its carefully curated environment. The beautiful garden with aromatic herbs and plants and the enchanting sea view create an atmosphere of relaxation and enjoyment that perfectly complements the dining experience. With its focus on tradition, creativity, and quality, Bostani in Sifnos is a unique gastronomic destination that deserves the attention of every food lover. The awards and accolades it seeks confirm the high level of the culinary offerings it provides.

Poulati


07

Ω3 (Omega 3)

Set right on the sand at Platis Gialos, Ω3 redefines seafood on Sifnos with a bold, outward-looking culinary approach that fuses Cycladic ingredients with Latin American technique. This is not your classic island taverna. The menu is built around sustainability, lightness, and precision—think ceviche of sea bream with fava purée and wild fennel, or shrimp aguachile with sharp citrus and a whisper of heat.

Even the bread is unexpected: pão de queijo with fig jam, a Brazilian-Greek hybrid that sets the tone for what’s to follow. The tuna tartare is clean and umami-rich, while caramelized octopus with olive syrup manages to feel both luxurious and beachy. Lobster orzo is intensely flavoured yet unfussy. The atmosphere is casual and sun-drenched, with whitewashed wood, driftwood touches, and a few tables facing the bay. Service is fast, easygoing, and knowledgeable, echoing the restaurant’s balance of elegance and ease.

Platis Gialos


08

Perivoli  

Artemonas is undoubtedly one of the top gastronomic destinations in Sifnos. The local restaurants and tavernas offer exceptional traditional dishes, based on fresh ingredients and authentic island recipes. Among the standout culinary options in Artemonas is the high-end meze restaurant, Perivoli. Housed in an old olive mill, Perivoli offers a unique experience in a beautiful setting that combines tradition with contemporary aesthetics. At Perivoli, guests have the opportunity to taste sophisticated flavors and creative dishes that highlight the best products of Sifnos and the Aegean.

The menu includes traditional mezes with a gourmet twist, as well as original combinations that pleasantly surprise the palate. Besides the excellent cuisine, Perivoli also offers an atmospheric experience. The space of the old olive mill, with its warm and welcoming decor, creates an environment of relaxation and enjoyment that perfectly complements the culinary delight. A stroll through the picturesque alleys of Artemonas and a stop at Perivoli are a must for every visitor to Sifnos seeking an authentic, high-quality gastronomic experience in a wonderful setting. It is an opportunity to discover the richness and creativity of Sifnian cuisine.

Artemonas


09

To Tsikali

A shaded haven on Vathi’s soft sands, this traditional taverna is a masterclass in relaxed, family-rooted Greek hospitality. Tables under tamarisk trees sit mere steps from crystalline water, setting the tone for an unhurried, warm beachside meal.

The kitchen sticks to authentic Sifnian recipes: start with their creamy, house-made cheeses showcasing nuanced flavor profiles, then savour the signature Revithada—a slow-cooked chickpea stew renowned across Sifnos for its soul-warming depth. The pace is leisurely, encouraging you to linger over bright Greek salads, freshly caught seafood, and crisp local plates. With staff who treat you like old friends and barefoot ease underfoot, Tsikali captures the spirit of laid-back Cycladic dining. The ambiance, though simple, feels soulful—ideal for those seeking unvarnished local charm. Whether lunch or sunset dinner, this is where beachside tradition meets genuine smiles.

Vathi


10

O Aggeles

In the heart of picturesque Artemonas, one of the most beautiful settlements in Sifnos, lies the traditional taverna and butcher shop, Aggelés. Here, visitors have the opportunity to savor authentic local recipes in a charming environment that exudes the warmth and hospitality of the island. The taverna’s lovely courtyard, with its traditional tables and chairs, offers an ideal setting for relaxed meals with friends and family. The traditional style and meticulous decoration create an atmosphere of another era, transporting visitors back in time.

In the kitchen, Tavérna Aggeles specializes in delicious grilled meats, largely of their own production, prepared with care over charcoal. The fresh ingredients and traditional recipes guarantee an authentic culinary experience. However, the true star of the menu is the famous Sifnian revithada. This traditional chickpea soup, cooked in a clay pot according to the local recipe, is a must-try delight. Other menu highlights include caper salad, chickpea fritters, dolmades, the local cheese mastelo, and many fresh and refreshing salads.

Artemonas


11

Vroulidia

Accessible only via a rugged, winding dirt track to a remote pebbly cove, Vroulidia Tavern feels like discovery itself. Once a family pottery workshop, the space retains a rustic charm—outdoor tables under wild sea pines, rugged stone floors, and a breeze-tossed sense of adventure. Chef’s family recipes shine: tender char‑grilled sun‑dried octopus, vibrant blites & saltwort, tangy caper stew, crunchy zucchini “chips,” and fried manoura cheese set the tone.

The star of the show is a creamy, comforting shrimp‑macaroni cooked the old-fashioned way—no al dente, just hearty home cooking. Seasonal additions include lemon‑roasted goat, chickpea stew, and baklava or “sokobanana” for dessert, served with fresh watermelon or prosciutto-melon. Service is unhurried and genuinely friendly—after feasting, a cool dip resets you before the thrilling ascent back up. It’s more pilgrimage than restaurant, and immensely rewarding.

Vroulidia Beach


12

Heronissos – O Fyssas

At the location where the Heronissos fish tavern O Fyssas had been operating since 1973, a new establishment will open around the end of June this year under new management. Yiannis Atsonios, along with his partner Giorgos Atsadakis, will focus on fish while also serving a couple of cooked dishes, primarily ladera (vegetable-based dishes with olive oil). They will also prepare the traditional revithada. The tables will be spread out in the outdoor area, offering a panoramic view of the white houses adorning the hillside and the turquoise waters of the bay.

Heronissos


13

Ammoudia

In the beautiful bay of Heronissos in Sifnos, Ammoudia is an authentic fish tavern offering an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Overlooking the picturesque beach and the turquoise waters, this restaurant stands out for the quality of its dishes, the freshness of its ingredients, and the excellent service. The menu includes a gratifying variety of delicious dishes that highlight the best of local cuisine. The fish is always freshly caught. The octopus is tender and juicy, while the traditional chickpea fritters melt in your mouth. The string beans are a pleasant surprise.

What makes the experience even more special is the warm and friendly service. The staff makes you feel at home, as if you were among friends. They are always willing to serve and recommend the best dishes. All of this is enjoyed in a magical setting, with tables spread out next to the beach, offering a panoramic view of the bay. It is the ideal place for a relaxed lunch or a romantic dinner under the stars.

Heronissos