Naxos is the most fertile island of the Cyclades, and it shows on the plate: local potatoes, graviera cheese, free-range meat and fish from the harbour. These are the places we send friends to.
Axiotissa
Kastraki – A highly regarded taverna near the Kastraki beaches cooking Naxian recipes with produce from local farms, including lamb, rooster and island cheeses. Booking is wise in high season.
Scirocco
Naxos Town – A popular restaurant on a square in Naxos Town serving generous plates of Greek and Naxian dishes. Its central location makes it an easy dinner stop after a walk through the old town.
To Elliniko
Naxos Town – A Naxos Town restaurant focused on traditional Greek home-style cooking and local ingredients. It sits a few streets back from the waterfront.
Apostolis
Naxos Town – A popular taverna in Naxos Town serving Greek meze, grills and cooked dishes. It is a reliable choice for a casual dinner close to the harbour.
Paradiso Taverna
Agia Anna – A beachside taverna on Agia Anna where tables sit in the shade of tamarisk trees right on the sand. Fresh fish and Greek dishes are served with sunset views over the sea towards Paros.
Meltemi
Naxos Town – A seafront restaurant on the Naxos Town promenade towards Agios Georgios, serving Greek and Naxian dishes. A convenient choice for a relaxed meal near the beach and harbour.
Taverna Vassilis
Melanes – A traditional village taverna in Melanes, in a green valley inland from Naxos Town. Expect Naxian classics such as rooster in sauce, local cheeses and grilled vegetables, a short drive from the Kouros of Melanes.
Apanemi
Naxos Town / Moutsouna – A seafood restaurant with a branch on the edge of Naxos Town and another by the harbour at Moutsouna on the east coast. Fresh fish, shellfish and pasta with seafood are the focus.
Good to know
- Inland villages such as Melanes, Halki and Apiranthos are worth a lunch trip – food there is often cheaper and very traditional.
- In July and August book a table for dinner in Naxos Town and on the west-coast beaches.
