You don’t find fresh and affordable seafood every day – especially by the sea. And yet, you will find more than one budget fish taverns in stunning locations around the second “leg” of Halkidiki –the peninsula of Sithonia- without compromising on quality.
Apart from the lush vegetation and the amazing sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, the second leg of Halkidiki has a lot to offer to residents and visitors, and most importantly, excellent food. In particular, next to the expensive and award-winning restaurants, seafood lovers will find several quaint fish taverns with great experience, serving fresh, grilled and fried fish at affordable prices and within a stone’s throw from the sea. Here are five delicious suggestions:
“Tzitzikas” in Porto Koufo
The enclosed bay in the traditional fishing village of Porto Koufo is an ideal fishing shelter for local fishermen. They unload their fresh catch directly here and the owners of “Tzitzikas” always get the very best. Try the married sardines (grilled stuffed sardines), grilled octopus, fried mussels and their specialty, the luscious shrimp pasta.
Porto Koufo, Sithonia, +30 23750 51270
“Stelios” in Toroni
For years, Toroni has been widely known, not only for the staggering beauty of its homonymous beach, but also for the amazing experience of Stelios’ fish tavern. Tables right next to the golden sand and locally caught fresh fish and seafood. Don’t miss the delicious grilled sardines, the crispy fried squid and the plump mussels. Depending on the catch of the day you may find fresh bass, mullet or roach.
Toroni, Sithonia, +30 23750 51072
“Aristos” in Ormos Panagias
A few meters further down, in the small harbour of Ormos Panagias, local fishermen unload their catch, and in Aristos you will find a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood. Grab a table by the sea and start with handmade taramosalata (fish roe dip), fried shrimps, steamed mussels and hand-cut fries. As for fish, here you will usually find fresh red mullet, sea bream, white sea bream and striped red mullet. Their wine list, featuring some fine Greek labels, is also very good.
Ormos Panagias, Sithonia, +30 23750 31420
“Ta kymata” in Neos Marmaras
This small tavern by the sea has been operating since 1950 and today the third generation of owners continues to honour its fresh fish tradition. It is famous for its crispy and juicy grilled octopus, seafood pasta and grilled sea bream.
Neos Marmaras, Sithoniam +30 23750 71371
“5 steps in the sand” in Sikia
At the quiet Pigadaki beach in Sikia, you will taste well fried squid, delicious octopus fritters, grilled shrimps and of course fresh fish, large or small. Their married sardines, grilled mullet and shrimp pasta are not to be missed.
Pigadaki beach, Sikia, Sithonia, +30 23750 41206