Far from all the other islands and relatively isolated in the South Aegean, between Rhodes and Crete, Karpathos is a special island with a unique culture.
Karpathos was late to enter, and perhaps has not yet entered, the game of mass tourism, which has allowed the inhabitants to keep their traditions and customs alive. The latter is even reflected in every dish served on the island’s restaurants, as most of them honour the local cuisine. We may be on an island of the Aegean, but here, meat and especially goat, freely reared on the slopes of Karpathos, is at the top of the list. Traditionally, in Karpathos each house would make their own bread, their own cheese from their own animals and grow their own vegetables. Most of the food was baked in traditional, built-in ovens. Most restaurants still operate in the same way, conveying this ritual to the guests.
Orea Karpathos
It may be right in front of the port, but this quaint restaurant is anything but touristy. Orea Karpathos serves traditional dishes made with local produce. Definitely try authentic Karpathian specialities such as the handmade makarounes (a type of pasta cooked with onions and local cheese). Try also their homemade dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves), the delicious omelette made with tsimetes (wild asparagus), artichokes and spinach, as well as fresh local sardines directly from the source. Their Karpathian sausage and meatballs are equally delicious. Orea Karpathos is a family-run restaurant; therefore its atmosphere is relaxed and particularly friendly.
Info: Orea Karpathos, Karpathos port, +30 22450 551226
Anixis
Traditional cuisine, served in an alley behind Diafani beach, the seaport/haven of Olympos village in northern Karpathos. Enjoy delectable local casserole dishes, traditional Greek salad with sea fennel pickle, makarounes with stakovoutiro (fresh cream butter) and goat stew with potatoes under the lush vine arbour. Do not miss the chance to try the chickpea salad and the zucchini blossoms. Note that they serve large portions.
Info: Anixis, Diafani, Karpathos, +30 22450 51226
Kedros
Overlooking Agios Georgios beach, Kedros restaurant offers a farm-to-table experience, since everything they serve is picked at peak freshness from their own farm. Do not miss the slow-roasted goat that melts in your mouth. Try also their spit roasted chicken or their kontosouvli (large pork chunks slow-roasted on a rod) and their juicy fried meatballs. They use their own olive oil and cheese in their salads and serve their own yeast bread. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when you can also enjoy the sunset.
Info: Kedros, Agios Georgios beach, Karpathos, +30 697 241 46 86
Poseidon
Chef Angela Papavassiliou highlights the local Karpathian cuisine through tantalizing and elaborate dishes at the Poseidon Restaurant of the Poseidon Blue Hotel. Dishes such as linguini with cuttlefish ink and salmon, grilled calamari with lemon pickles or slow-roasted lamb with carrot puree blend the island’s fresh ingredients with modern techniques and original ideas. The dishes change depending on the season and many of them are cooked in a traditional Karpathian wood-fired oven. The wine list includes dozens of selected labels from Greek vineyards. The restaurant features sea views and exemplary service.
Info: Poseidon, Afiartis, Karpathos, +30 697 869 44 82
Blue Garden
From here you will enjoy one of the best views of the island. The tables overlook the sea and the village of Olympos. Blue Garden serves traditional and homemade food. Many of their dishes are cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven. Relish the best makarounes on the island and delectable homemade mezedes( an assortment of small dishes served as appetizers)such as zucchini balls, fava (yellow split pea puree), dolmadakia, and zucchini blossoms stuffed with myzithra (traditional Greek whey cheese). The highlight of the menu is the goat stew, but they also serve spare ribs masterfully grilled.
Info: Blue Garden, Karpathos, +30 22450 51101
