Naxos is a beautiful Greek island in the Cyclades, famous for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, ancient monuments and rich cuisine. If you are planning to visit Naxos, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining options. Whether you are looking for traditional taverns, modern fusion restaurants, seafood delicacies or vegetarian dishes, Naxos has something for everyone.
In this blog post, we will give you some tips on where to eat in Naxos and what are the best restaurants and dishes to try. We will also share some of our personal favorites and recommendations based on our experience. So, get ready to discover the gastronomic delights of Naxos and enjoy your stay on this amazing island!
What to eat in Naxos
Naxos is known for its rich and diverse cuisine, influenced by its history, geography and culture. Some of the most typical products of Naxos are cheese, honey, olive oil, potatoes, citrus fruits, herbs and spices. You will find these ingredients in many dishes, either as main components or as flavor enhancers.
Some of the most popular dishes that you should try in Naxos are:
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Kefalotyri
: A hard yellow cheese made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, with a salty and spicy taste. It is often grated over pasta or salads, or fried as a snack. -
Arseniko
: A semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s milk, with a strong and pungent flavor. It is usually aged for several months and can be eaten raw or cooked. -
Graviera
: A semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk, with a mild and nutty flavor. It is one of the most versatile cheeses of Naxos, as it can be used in salads, pies, sandwiches or desserts. -
Xinomyzithra
: A soft white cheese made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, with a sour and creamy taste. It is often used as a spread on bread or crackers, or as a filling for pastries. -
Loukoumades
: Deep-fried dough balls soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and sesame seeds. They are a traditional dessert that can be found in many bakeries and pastry shops. -
Melachrino
: A moist cake made with semolina, eggs, butter, honey and spices. It is usually topped with walnuts and syrup and served with ice cream or whipped cream. -
Kleftiko
: A slow-cooked lamb dish with potatoes, garlic, herbs and cheese. It is one of the most hearty and delicious dishes of Naxos, ideal for cold winter days. -
Moussaka
: A baked dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat, béchamel sauce and cheese. It is one of the most famous Greek dishes that can be found in almost every tavern. -
Gyros
: Thin slices of roasted meat (usually pork or chicken) served on a pita bread with tomato, onion, tzatziki sauce and fries. It is one of the most popular street foods in Greece that can be enjoyed any time of the day. -
Souvlaki
: Skewers of grilled meat (usually pork or chicken) marinated in olive oil, lemon juice and oregano. They are often served with pita bread, salad and fries. -
Dolmades
: Vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and sometimes meat or cheese. They are usually served cold as an appetizer or a side dish. -
Tzatziki
: A yogurt dip made with cucumber, garlic, olive oil and vinegar. It is one of the most refreshing and versatile dips that can accompany any dish. -
Fava
: A puree made from yellow split peas, olive oil, lemon juice and onion. It is a simple but tasty dish that can be eaten as a dip or a spread. -
Salad
: A fresh and healthy dish made with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, olives, feta cheese and oregano. It is usually dressed with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice. -
Seafood
: Naxos has a long coastline and a rich fishing tradition, so you can expect to find a variety of fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Some of the most common ones are grilled fish, fried calamari, octopus, mussels, shrimps, lobster and ceviche.
Where to eat in Naxos
Naxos has a plethora of restaurants, taverns, cafes and bars that cater to every taste and budget. You can find them in the main town (Chora), in the port, in the villages or along the beaches. Here are some of the best restaurants in Naxos that we recommend you to try:
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Axiotissa
: A family-run restaurant located in the village of Kastraki, about 15 km from Chora. It offers a creative and seasonal menu based on local and organic products. Some of the dishes that you can try are the grilled octopus with fava, the stuffed zucchini flowers, the lamb with artichokes and the chocolate cake with mastiha ice cream. The restaurant has a cozy and rustic atmosphere, with a lovely garden and a view of the sea. -
Vassilis Tavern
: A traditional tavern located in the village of Eggares, about 7 km from Chora. It specializes in meat dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven, such as kleftiko, lamb chops, rabbit stew and rooster with pasta. The tavern also serves homemade cheese, bread, wine and desserts. The tavern has a friendly and authentic vibe, with a spacious terrace and a playground for children. -
Yucca
: A modern fusion restaurant located in Chora, near the port. It combines Mediterranean and Asian flavors, creating dishes such as tuna tartare with avocado and mango, chicken curry with coconut milk and basmati rice, beef fillet with teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds and cheesecake with passion fruit sauce. The restaurant has a chic and elegant decor, with a bar and a lounge area. -
La Vigne
: A French-inspired restaurant located in Chora, near the castle. It offers a refined and sophisticated menu, featuring dishes such as foie gras with fig jam, duck breast with orange sauce, salmon with saffron risotto and crème brûlée with lavender. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring both Greek and international labels. The restaurant has a romantic and cozy ambiance, with a fireplace and a courtyard. -
To Elliniko
: A steakhouse located in Agios Prokopios, one of the most popular beaches of Naxos. It serves high-quality meat from local farms, grilled to perfection on charcoal. Some of the dishes that you can try are the ribeye steak, the pork chops, the beef burger and the souvlaki. The steakhouse also offers salads, appetizers and desserts. The steakhouse has a casual and lively atmosphere, with a spacious terrace overlooking the sea. -
Nostimon Hellas
: A Mediterranean restaurant located in Agia Anna, another beautiful beach of Naxos. It serves fresh and tasty dishes made with local ingredients, such as grilled fish, seafood pasta, stuffed peppers, moussaka and baklava. The restaurant also has a vegetarian and vegan menu, featuring dishes such as hummus, falafel, veggie burger and vegan cheesecake. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a garden and a view of the sea. -
To Souvlaki tou Maki
: A fast food joint located in Chora, near the port. It offers the best gyros and souvlaki in Naxos, along with salads, fries and sauces. You can choose between pork or chicken meat, pita bread or wrap, tomato or onion or both, tzatziki or spicy sauce or both. The joint is open until late at night and is very popular among locals and tourists alike. -
Menu me nou
: A vegetarian restaurant located in Chora, near the castle. It offers a variety of dishes made with fresh vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Some of the dishes that you can try are the vegan moussaka, the quinoa salad, the lentil burger and the carrot cake. The restaurant also has gluten-free and sugar-free options. The restaurant has a colorful and cozy decor, with paintings and books. -
Alos (by Ostria Inn)
: A seafood restaurant located in Moutsouna, a small fishing village on the east coast of Naxos. It offers a selection of fresh fish and seafood dishes cooked in different ways: grilled, fried, baked or raw. Some of the dishes that you can try are the ceviche, the lobster pasta, the grilled sardines and the fish soup. The restaurant also has meat
