Blessed with beauty in every season, Pelion is a destination that has something for everyone. It captivates visitors with its dual nature, effortlessly combining mountainous landscapes with stunning coastlines and lush slopes with the deep blue Aegean Sea. Add to this the exceptional culinary offerings found in both small and large villages, and the Mountain of the Centaurs quickly becomes one of the most attractive destinations. Here we present our top picks for eating out in Pelion:
Aleka’s House Restaurant
Attention to detail is evident everywhere, from artworks by Greek painters and tasteful classical soundtrack to the candles on the tables and hand-embroidered towels. The menu follows the seasonality of the raw materials, and in the kitchen, the tasty fruits of Pelion from the family estate or local producers give another dimension to the dishes. Currently, a velvet soup from the region’s vegetables is served daily, and of course, Mrs Aleka’s classic speciality, the famous red beef stew that is enriched with fresh and dried mushrooms or chestnuts, acquiring a deep earthy flavour. The wine cellar at “Alekas” is also noteworthy, featuring selected small producers from all over the country, which can harmonize perfectly with each dish. For dessert, the chestnut mousse is well worth trying. You can pair it with a homemade liqueur of walnut, cherry, or blackcurrant depending on the season and your preferences.
Address: Tsagkarada, Pelion, Phone: +30 24260 49380, Website: www.alekas-house.gr
Anapodo Platani
This restaurant, housed in a quaint old traditional kafenion, has been transformed into a warm and welcoming home away from home. They offer a range of unique dishes with flavors inspired by the Mediterranean and the Middle East, as well as spicy sauces, fresh bread, and homemade drinks. However, what really sets this place apart is their extensive wine list and selection of exceptional cheeses. If you’re a foodie or wine enthusiast, Anapodo Platanii is a must-visit destination.
Address: Tsagkarada, Pelion, Phone: +30 24260 48886, Website: www.anapodoplatani.gr
Kardamo, Makrinitsa
Located in a restored 1830 stone building in Makrinitsa, Kardamo restaurant offers guests a cosy interior with a corner fireplace, wooden beams, and terracotta decorations. On sunny days, the balcony provides mesmerising views of the Pagasetic Gulf. Kardamo serves unique flavours with a modern twist on traditional recipes like Spetzofai, which surprises with its light taste. Other dishes worth trying include oven-baked beef with sweet aubergines, fragrant stuffed vine leaves, beef cheeks with vegetable orzo, and lemon-flavoured local goat. Don’t miss their excellent pies, such as the spinach pie rich in feta, which pairs well with Thessalian wines.
Address: Makrinitsa, Pelion, Phone: +30 2428 090131, Website: www.facebook.com
Salkimi, Milies
In southern Pelion’s most famous village, enjoy a satisfying meal at Salkimi, a year-round favourite for locals and visitors. Named after the wisteria plant’s hanging purple flowers, the restaurant features rustic decor and a protected balcony, offering Asia Minor-inspired dishes. The menu focuses on cooked meat dishes combined with traditional Pelion flavours. Appetisers include courgette flowers with rice, Asia Minor-style stuffed vine leaves, and cabbage rolls based on a Polis recipe. Aubergine dishes, such as imam bayildi and hunkiar beyendi with velvety aubergine purée, are also highlights.
Address: Milies Square, 37010 / Pelion, Phone: +30 2423 086010/ 6977306075, Website: tosalkimi.gr
Kritsa, Portaria
Located on the main square of Portaria, Kritsa Gastronomy Hotel’s restaurant is renowned for its warm atmosphere, high-quality traditional comfort food, and attentive service. Dishes are crafted with love and skill, using the freshest local ingredients, often sourced from the family’s estate. Simple appetisers, such as fava beans with caramelised onions and toasted pine nuts, or leek and cheese pie with handmade filo pastry, delight the taste buds. The sumptuous cheese pie ranks among the best in Pelion, while the humble yet incredibly flavourful fried eggs with various greens showcase the restaurant’s dedication to quality produce.
Address: Central Square of Portaria, Pelion, Phone: +30 2428099121/ 2428090006/ 6972405836, Website: www.hotel-kritsa.gr/
Meintani
A simple and unpretentious tavern with a narrow balcony covered in flowers and a painted sign bearing the name Meintani. The owner, Mrs. Niki, is a skilled cook who welcomes guests warmly, cooks delicious food, and serves them as if they were guests in her own home. Visitors often choose the balcony with a view of the green hillside that touches the blue Aegean Sea. The menu includes an array of mouth-watering appetizers and main dishes, including goat slow cooked for six hours, pork, beef, lamb, and excellent pies. It is impossible not to try the exceptional cooked dishes, especially the slow-cooked goat in oil, the amazing “kleftiko” with pork and stuffed lamb or beef stew.
Address: Zagora, Pelion, Phone: +30 693 771 8205, Website: www.meintani.gr/
El Resto, Mouresi
A pleasant surprise awaits those who visit Mouresi in Pelion. Maintaining the perfect balance of flavours in almost every dish, El Resto proudly sits on the go-to list of foodies. The presentation of the dishes is also a big plus, as they are visually appealing and appetizing. As they say, the eyes eat first! Make sure to add El Resto to your itinerary when you’re in the area, and you won’t regret it.
Address: Mouresi, Pelion, Phone: +30 24260 31005, Website: http://elresto.gr/
Yiannis o Germanos, Neohori
For meat enthusiasts, a visit to the picturesque village of Neochori, home to the charming taverna owned by “Yannis the German”, who has gained a reputation for perfectly cooked and juicy meats over the past 20 years, is a must. The establishment offers year-round service, with a welcoming atmosphere and delightful decor featuring an open fireplace and nu-jazz tunes. Visitors will be tempted by the succulent pork and lamb souvlaki and buffalo sausages with a hint of spice. Yannis is particularly renowned for his preference for buffalo meat, which he personally sources from Northern Greece. These and other mouthwatering dishes, accompanied by homemade tzatziki, spicy cheese dip, fresh salad, and local wine, will undoubtedly make you want to return for more.
Address: Neochori 37010, Phone: +30 2423 055390, Website: www.facebook.com
Pinakoti, Pinakoti, Pinakates
Just 7km from Milies lies the serene village of Pinakates, with its stunning, restored mansions. The village is worth a visit, particularly for its charming square where the 1895-built Pinakoti Pinakoti restaurant is. Specialising in carefully crafted Pelion cuisine, the owners offer vegan and vegetarian options, using organic vegetables. Dishes such as vegetable tarts, mushroom fricassee, and spinach, pumpkin and homemade cashew cheese lasagne feature on the menu. They excel in meat dishes too, like the special rooster in wine with delicious local, handmade pasta, stuffed duck with sour apples, pork with plums, tender beef with chestnuts, and incredible lamb with figs stuffed with goat’s cheese. Don’t miss the kebab or kontosouvli.
Address: Pinakates, 37010, Phone: +30 697 430 4538, Website: www.facebook.com
Lotos, Agios Lavrentios
At this charming tavern, even the simplest dish creates a memorable taste, thanks to the loving care of Mrs Froso, the beloved chef. Set in the picturesque, stone-built village of Agios Lavrentios, Lotus features a beautiful flower-filled stone terrace and a bright red dining area adorned with framed vintage posters and figures of Karagiozis shadow puppets.
Standout dishes include caramelised pork shank with honey and orange, succulent goat in oil and tomato sauce, and beef with chestnuts. Accompany these with delicious salads, local cheese, and a mouth-watering feta saganaki topped with sesame and honey. Mrs Froso’s signature dishes are her beef tail stews and lemony baked beef tail, which are not to be missed.
Address: Agios Lavrentios 37300, Pelion, Phone: +30 695 511 8669, Website: www.facebook.com
Read also:
Portaria Village on Pelion Mountain in Greece, Home of the Centaurs
Fakistra Gorge: Astonishing canyoning paradise at Pelion
On one side the mountain and on the other the sea: the two sides of Pelion
