The island’s gastronomy primarily hinges on the fresh fish and seafood abundantly caught in its waters – anchovies, sea bream, red mullet, sea bream, grouper, swordfish, as well as the exceptional tiny shrimp, octopuses, squids, lobsters, and prawns. This is followed closely by the local meats, predominantly goat. Kastellorizo’s traditional dishes include young goat stuffed with rice, fragrant herbs, and oven-baked (chiefly during Easter), and goat stuffed with bread crumbs, pilaf with onions, mint, and tomato (known as saytia).

20

Other local favourites include salantourmasi, onions stuffed with rice and aromatic herbs and spiced with cumin, and the ever-popular octopus meatballs, stuffed squid, and chickpea meatballs.

A signature sweet from the island is katoumari, a round sweet pastry made of dough spirals coiled, snail-like, into one another, pan-fried and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon-clove powder.

Another distinctive dessert is the strava, or rolls of pastry filled with walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon-clove, fried and syrup-soaked. Other sweet offerings include spoon sweets like little figs and soumada, a non-alcoholic beverage made from almonds and sugar syrup.

Since World War II, no wine has been produced on Kastellorizo. The enforced mass exodus from the island in that period resulted in the desolation of all vineyards. Since then, sadly, viticulture has not rebounded.

Now let’s take a look at some of the absolutely top places to dine at in Kastellorizo, if you want to be sure to eat where the locals and others in the know eat the best of the island’s cuisine.

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Alexandra/Photo: Facebook
Alexandra/Photo: Facebook

Alexandra’s Place

Seaside tables, fresh fish, and splendid seafood mezes await you here. You’ll sample chickpea meatballs, octopus meatballs, octopus stew and fresh squid. For those partial to meat, try the traditional oven-baked young goat stuffed with rice.

Address: Megisti, Kastellorizo Harbour, Phone: +30 2246 049019

Old Time

A little taverna with tables gathered under the shade of a vine trellis, with lovely views of the sea. Delicious homemade dishes, both meat and fish, are served.

Address: Kastellorizo, Mandraki, Phone: +30 2246 049363

Lazarakis

A finely-tuned fish taverna with tables right on the seafront. Popular among the yachting crowd, and priced accordingly. They prepare their seafood well, offering dishes like seafood pasta, freshly cooked tuna, and tiny shrimp in a spicy red sauce. Efficient service.

Address: Kastellorizo, Harbour, Phone: +30 2246 049370

To Paragadi

A family-owned seafood taverna right by the sea, complete with its own traditional boat. The offerings include an outstanding soup, delightful chickpea fritters, oven-baked aubergines, and shrimp from Symi. If fortune favours, one might witness a grand sea turtle meandering right before them. Courteous service accompanies.

Address: Kastellorizo, Harbour, Phone: +30 2246 049396

Billi’s Restaurant

Set against a backdrop of gentle waves, Vasilis masterfully grills fresh fish (and meats) while Mrs Despoina prepares delectable dishes, including pasta with Symian shrimp and oven-baked aubergines.

Address: Kastellorizo, Harbour, Phone: +30 2246 049224

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Ta Platania/Photo:Facebook
Ta Platania/Photo: Facebook

Platania

A charming, quaint taverna on the cobblestoned square offers traditional homemade dishes, both fish and meat. Be sure to try the goat, the grilled octopus, and the stuffed onions.

Address: Kastellorizo, Agios Georgios Square, Phone: +30 2246 049206

Agora

A grill house located within the market, it offers shelter from the wind in a rather picturesque setting, balancing out its lack of a view. They serve skewers, meatballs, sausages, kebabs, all flavourful, well-prepared and at reasonable prices.

Address: Kastellorizo, Agora, Phone: +30 2246 049138