For some vacations, we board a plane armed with guidebooks, maps and an itinerary full of stops, visits to museums, churches, ruins and so on. But when you go to the small Greek island of Mykonos. That’s a different story. Mykonos is the ideal place to indulge in what you might call a “hedonistic vacation”. A trip where the only things on your “to do list” are restaurant reservations.
Sometimes, the best way to discover a place and soak up the local gastronomic flavors is to sample the local, fresh and traditional dishes offered by the best restaurants.
When a trip to Mykonos is on the horizon, what could be more natural than visions of grilled feta and fresh fish?
Where to eat and what to eat on Mykonos
Imagine that as soon as you arrived on the island, you were about to enjoy a dish of crispy octopus and creamy taramasalata, a tasty mezze to share with friends, accompanied by a glass of white or rosé retsina (Greek wine infused with pine resin). The vacations are off to a great start! And that’s just the beginning, because for such a small island, there are a multitude of good restaurants where you can go for lunch or dinner.
Vine leaves, moussaka, olives, baklava. To say that Greek cuisine is delicious would be an understatement. When it comes to indulging in classics or more sophisticated dishes, Mykonos doesn’t disappoint. So follow our guide to the island’s best addresses!
Our recommendations: the best restaurants in Mykonos
Kiki’s Tavern: a place to eat and be merry on Mykonos
Everyone will recommend Kiki’s and here’s why: it’s a fantastic place. It’s a 10-minute drive from Chora. Overlooking a pretty little cove next to Agios Sostis beach, Kiki’s is a small straw hut with no electricity, just a grill, fresh local produce and lots and lots of wine. There’s no phone number, no website. There’s not even a sign at the entrance. Kiki’s is a safe address. Typical signature dishes to try: grilled eggplant that melts in your mouth, grilled shrimp, herbed pork chops and the delicious Mykonos bites. Any one of these dishes is worth waiting in line for. And if you’re only in Mykonos for a day, Kiki’s Tavern will give you the perfect taste of the island’s gastronomic delights.
TIP: this restaurant opens at 12:30 for lunch, but get there early and wait in line. You may find it excessive, but it’s best to go just after breakfast (seriously). Don’t worry, there’s a beautiful white and turquoise church that you can take gorgeous shots of to post on your Instagram while you wait. The other option is to head down to the beach and bask in the sun, and Kiki’s Tavern is handing out free wine to all the hungry, impatient customers in line.
Discover Scorpios, a must-see beach club
The idea of a “24-hour beach club” can be a scary one. However, when you hear about Scorpios and it’s recommended by so many friends, it’s because this place has something special to offer. The term “boho chic” is perfectly suited to describe the beautiful wicker lighting, driftwood loungers and open-air bars that greet you from the moment you arrive. Scorpio is located close to Paraga beach. Enjoy the panoramic views from your sun lounger. Cool off with a dip in the sea and quench your thirst with a delicious cocktail.
The food is excellent, perhaps the best on the island. The most popular dish is fresh grilled snapper, which an army of tattooed waiters come to your table to prepare. The fish is accompanied by countless pots of sauces, each as delicious as the next.
As night falls, the DJs get going and the crowds hit the dance floor in this open-air amphitheatre.
TIP: Don’t forget to reserve your deckchair for morning and lunchtime. Take your time enjoying your lunch and order a refreshing sorbet just as the sun begins to set.
Spilia, feet in the water
Hidden in a secret grotto, practically in the sea, feet in the water, Spilia is a romantic and delightful place. Perfect for a romantic evening. Settle down at a table right next to the water for an idyllic view (you’ll even see the lobsters emerge from the water, fished right before your eyes). Try the traditional Mykonos salad, which is actually a Greek salad, but with croutons instead of onions. The fresh octopus is to die for! Spilia is clearly one of Mykonos’ hot spots for oysters, mussels, sea urchins, crayfish and lobsters. The restaurant is located in the beautiful Agia Anna cove, next to Kalafatis beach.
TIP: If there’s one dish you absolutely must order, it’s the lobster pasta. It’s to die for!
Interni
Mykonos restaurants are very much alike: comfortable wooden tables, blooming bougainvillea, friendly waiters and lots of wine. If you’re looking for something a little more “cosmopolitan”, book your dinner at Interni. It’s set in a large courtyard nestled in the heart of the city. Interni is the place to be seen. It offers fresh, colorful Mediterranean cuisine. Start with ceviche or avocado gazpacho before ordering grilled meat or fish.
TIP: Don’t hesitate to come late for dinner, because after a certain hour, the restaurant turns into a disco. It’s the perfect place to dance after your meal and enjoy a cocktail as a dessert.
