The sizeable fishing fleet of Koufonisia – two small islands southeast of Naxos and west of Amorgos, Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi – ensures it receives a plentiful supply of fresh fish and seafood. Think grilled and fried fish, delectable 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. ‘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.
There are several wonderful places to eat here, and in this article, we guide you to the best restaurants to visit for a rewarding meal representative of the local traditions, culinary skills and ingredients.
A stylish restaurant designed in the Cycladic style, it offers a beautiful view of the sea and Keros in the distance. The menu suggests dishes in the style of creative Greek cuisine made with quality local produce: Keros goat with crushed potatoes, green skordalia, cabbage rolls with beef tartare, fish stifado, and much more. There are also dishes with an Asian flair and a carefully selected wine list.
Pano Koufonisi
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.
Kato Koufonisi (+302285074074)
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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.
Pano Koufonisi
Michalios is an exceptional meat taverna, and the only one of its kind here. Its owners proudly raise their own livestock on Keros and Kato Koufonisi. Come for the meat, stay for the salads and classic Greek appetizers.
Pano Koufonisi (+302285071953, +306976420097)
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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.
Pano Koufonisi
This 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 tasty traditional appetizers, skillfully cooked meals, and succulent seafood pastas.
Pano Koufonisi (+302285071690)
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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 artfully centered around quality Cycladic ingredients.
Pano Koufonisi
