Far from other islands and relatively isolated in the South Aegean, between Rhodes and Crete, Karpathos is a unique island with a distinct culture. It has been slow to join, and perhaps hasn’t yet fully embraced, mass tourism, allowing locals to preserve their traditions and customs.
This is evident in the island’s cuisine, as most dishes honor local culinary practices. Although located in the Aegean, the main focus here is on meat, especially goat, which is freely raised on Karpathos’ slopes. Each household on the island used to make its own bread, cheese from their animals, and maintain their vegetable gardens. Most dishes were cooked in traditional, built-in ovens. Today, many taverns operate with the same philosophy, sharing this ritual with visitors.
Explore the diverse tavernas of Karpathos with ease and comfort, using your car rental for a tailored culinary journey.
Orea Karpathos
Although located directly in front of the harbour, this little taverna is anything but touristy, and serves well-made traditional dishes made with local ingredients. Be sure to try the handmade pasta with onion and local cheese, which is the island’s speciality. The dolmades are handmade, the omelette is made with “tsimetes” (wild greens), artichokes and spinach, and the sardines are sourced from local fishermen. The meatballs and Karpathos sausages are also delectable. The establishment is family-run, and the service is friendly and relaxed.
Address: Oreia Karpathos, Harbour, Karpathos, Phone: 0030 22450 22501, Website: https://www.facebook.com
Anixis
In the small village of Diafani, on the slope of Olympos in northern Karpathos, you will find traditional cuisine in a charming alleyway behind the sea. Under the pergola, you can sample local dishes, both cooked and grilled. The Greek salad is served with pickled sea samphire, the pasta is prepared with “staka” cream, and the goat in tomato sauce is accompanied by succulent potatoes. Don’t miss out on the chickpea salad and the stuffed courgette flowers. The fried potatoes are hand-cut, and the portions are generous.
Address: Anixis, Diafani, Karpathos, Phone: +30 22450 51226, Website: www.instagram.com
Kedros
Facing the sea on the beach of Agios Georgios, the owners apply a “farm to table” philosophy, as most of the meat and vegetables they serve are grown in-house. Local meat takes centre stage, and you should order the melt-in-your-mouth oven-baked goat. Chicken and “kontosouvli” are skewered for grilling, and the fried meatballs are delicious. The salads are seasoned with quality olive oil and locally made cheese, and they also serve homemade bread. The best time to come is in the early evening, so that you can enjoy the sunset too.
Address: Kedros, Agios Georgios Beach, near Finiki, Karpathos, Phone: +30 6972 414686, Website: www.facebook.com
Poseidon
At Poseidon restaurant in the Poseidon Blue Hotel, Chef Angela Papavasileiou showcases Karpathos’ local cuisine through inventive and intricate dishes. Plates such as linguine with squid ink and salmon, grilled calamari with lemon pickle, or slow-cooked lamb with carrot puree combine the island’s raw ingredients with modern techniques and original ideas. The daily specials vary with the season, and many dishes are cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven. The wine list includes dozens of selected labels from Greek vineyards. The restaurant has a lovely sea view and exemplary service.
Address: Poseidon Hotel, Afiartis, Karpathos, Phone: +30 6978 694482, Website: www.facebook.com
Kelaria Restaurant & Cafe Bar
A terrace with a beautiful sea view, located close to Apella. An excellent choice for those who want to combine their walk with a swim at Kyra Panagia and then enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants in the area. All dishes are made with local products, while the appetizers are unique and delicious. Choose eggplant rolls with local cheese as a starter, and of course, the excellent pasta for which Kelaria is famous.
Address: Kyra Panagia, Karpathos 857 00 Phone: +30 697 413 9446
Blue Garden
Here you will enjoy one of the loveliest views on the island as from the taverna’s tables you gaze down to the sea and Olympos. Homemade and traditional food is served here, with many dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven. Here you’ll taste Karpathos’ speciality, homemade pasta, in one of its best renditions. The cooks here are also meze masters: crispy courgette balls, creamy fava, succulent dolmades, and courgette flowers stuffed with mizithra cheese are all great. The highlight is the goat in tomato sauce, but they also expertly grill lamb chops.
Address: Blue Garden, Olympos, Karpathos, Phone: +30 22450 51101, Website: www.facebook.com
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