Tinos isn’t the kind of island where you can stay on a diet for long, as everywhere you go there are places serving excellent food. These places are sinfully necessary stops for anyone yearning to satisfy their sweet tooth.
We visit four highly recommended places across the island, from Tinos town to Pyrgos and Komi, in search of the perfect desserts, from the traditional local style sweets to those made with international inspiration, and we are happy to report that we found them, and are thrilled to share them with other sweet lovers here.
Halaris Pastry Shop
You’ll find the renowned Halaris pastry shop in the heart of Tinos town, along the cobbled streets of Taxiarchon and Evangelistrias, leading to Panagia Church. The family has been involved in the hospitality industry since 1923, when grandfather Leonidas opened a bakery offering delicious treats such as koulourakia cookies, sweet paximadi rusks, Polítiko samali (a local sweet), and traditional Tinian seven-ingredient bread. In the 1970s, Leonidas Halaris, the younger generation, and his wife, redirected the family business toward pastry-making, transforming the bakery into a workshop for crafting traditional sweets of Tinos and the Cyclades. “I’ve always had a passion for sweets,” says Leonidas, adding, “We still offer all the delicacies my grandfather made, but we have also expanded our menu to include many other treats”.
With hard work and a lot of love, the pastry shop has become the most renowned on the island, gradually earning recognition throughout Greece. Today, you can find a wide variety of fluffy almond pastries, tempting lyknarakia (cheese pies made with local stone cheese), crispy psaraki̱a (walnut sweets infused with spices and honey, traditionally made during Christmas), exceptional halvadopites (halva pies), flavorful pastelia (sesame and honey bars), and mandolata (almond nougat). The sweet collection is complemented by baklava, galaktoboureko (a Greek custard-filled pastry), other pastries, cakes, spoon sweets, and marmalades. Moreover, kourabiedes (butter cookies) and melomakarona (honey-dipped cookies) are made throughout the year. The Halaris name has become synonymous with exceptional, authentic sweets in Tinos—a reputation fully understood by anyone who has savored their delights.
Pastry Shop Address: Taxiarchon 12, Phone: +30 22830 25087 and +30 22830 23274, Fuel Station Address: Evangelistrias 3, Instagram: halaris.group
Kalais Aperitivo Bar
In the mountain village of Komi, deep in the heart of the island, you’ll discover Kalais, the all-day bar owned by Apostolis Kritsas and Dionysis Diplaras since 2019. Its name carries a charming tale from Greek mythology: Heracles slew the twin sons of Boreas, Kalais and Zetes, in Tinos, and as a result, the enraged Boreas unleashed his northern winds upon the island. However, it seems that Apostolis and Dionysis found the good son, Kalais, and brought him to the mountainous hamlet where fragrant sweet breezes playfully dance. This all-day bar emphasizes cocktails, comfort food, coffee, and, of course, sweets. The scene, with its scattered colorful tables on the village square and the refreshing shade of the plane trees, beckons you to relax and savor the delicacies on offer.
At Kalais, you’ll indulge in imaginative and uniquely delicious desserts featuring artichoke. From the fluffy artichoke cake, which has become the signature of the establishment, to the luscious artichoke ice cream and the delectable pentanostimo (filo pastry dessert) with artichoke, each treat will captivate your taste buds. “All the ingredients used in our dishes come from local sources and producers. From the very beginning, we wanted to serve sweets, and by chance, we met Mrs Roula, who specializes in pastry-making and told us about the artichoke festival held on the island. That’s when we decided to make it the star of our menu,” says Apostolis. The dessert choices are complemented by rich cake with molten chocolate and a light and airy cheesecake.
Address: Komi, Phone: +30 22830 51212, Instagram: kalaisaperitivo
O Megalos Kafenes
In the northwestern part of the island stands alpine Pyrgos, the largest village in Tinos and the birthplace of Giannoulis Halepas, one of the most prominent Greek sculptors, whose house and workshop can be visited when in the village. In the central square, beneath the colossal plane tree that provides shade and melody with the rustling of its leaves, you’ll find The Great Coffeehouse, which has been a landmark for about a hundred years. The great-grandfather, grandfather, and uncle of current owner Argiris Xypolytidis, worked with the same zeal in this establishment, which underwent name changes throughout its long history but remains a pivotal meeting point for the village residents and now for visitors as well.
The establishment serves breakfast and, as the day progresses, numerous tasty appetizers. However, it is primarily renowned for its exceptional galaktoboureko. “My aunt Alexandra started making it about 40 years ago when my uncle owned the place. Today, my mother Penelope relies on the same recipe and prepares the dessert for us,” says Argiris. Syrup-soaked yet exceptionally light, it stands out from the typical galaktoboureko because it has a thin layer of pastry and more custard, without the addition of orange or any other flavoring. The list of delectable desserts is completed by the aromatic orange pie, the airy ekmeek (a type of pastry), and the rustic walnut pie.
Address: Panormos, Phone: +30 22830 31647, Instagram: o_megalos_kafenes
Serano
In the town of Tinos, right across from the island’s old harbor, you’ll find Serano, owned by the Surani family since 1971. It initially opened as a pastry shop, and after about a decade they added homestyle dishes and comforting flavors from Italy, giving the place its present identity. White tables and chairs stretch out on the covered cobblestone area in front of the restaurant, offering a panoramic view of the harbor and the crowds strolling along the bustling street. From the kitchen, carefully crafted appetizers, cooked dishes, and grilled plates emerge. “We used to have many pilgrims who came on day trips. While waiting for the afternoon ferry, they craved something delicious and homemade,” says Eleni Surani, a relative of the current owners.
However, apart from its savory offerings, Serano has become widely known and remains so for its highly addictive loukoumades. Light and slightly fermented, they are made by hand and not by machine. Round in shape, with the traditional hole in the center, they are fried to perfection, acquiring an exceptionally crispy crust while maintaining a fluffy interior with distinctive air pockets. They’re served with plenty of honey and cinnamon, or chocolate, and even with ice cream. They truly complement an afternoon coffee or serve as a dreamy finale to a meal.
Address: Palio Limani, Phone: +30 22830 23011
Read also:
Tinos Island: A Journey into its Artistic Heritage
