Named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykonos truly is Greece’s island of the sun god, one of Greece’s most beautiful and cosmopolitan islands, was ruled by the Romans, Venetians, and the Ottomans before coming under Greek control in the 1830s. This complex history has resulted in an exciting contemporary cuisine, which the island’s restaurants delight in sharing with curious foodies.
Today we give you a list of Mykonos’ best hidden restaurants, here are 6 of the best local restaurants where you can soak up the finest of Mykonos’ culture and cuisine.
Where to have lunch
Agios Sostis, Mykonos
This hidden little tavern over Agios Sostis beach is destined to become the favourite haunt of those seeking quality in the simple and the traditional. This local institution is simplicity itself. A small, delightful, unspoiled Tavern with no sign and electricity; just follow the bronzed bohemians trailing onto the tree-shaded terrace overlooking Agios Sostis beach, lured by the aroma of chargrilled pork chops (tenderised in a marinade).
Despite the increasing queue of people waiting, outside, for tables, there is no pressure to eat up and go. Barbecue meat and seafood are accompanied by rustic-chic salads such as artichokes with Parmesan in lemon-mustard vinaigrette, served on artfully mismatched crockery and followed by devilish chocolate brownies. Open April to mid-October.
Agia Anna, next to Kalafatis beach
In the beautiful cove of Agia Anna, next to Kalafatis beach, you’ll find a restaurant-bar like no other. Peacefully nestled on a natural platform on the rocks, hanging over the sea, Spilia (cave) Seaside restaurant is one of the most iconic Mykonos hotspots.
With a 30-year history and a recent makeover, this stunning all-day venue features dishes that offer up an authentic Mediterranean-Mykonian culinary experience. Seafood and fresh fish are served straight from the Aegean – oysters, mussels, urchins, crayfish and lobsters await your order in a small natural sea pool, to be prepared before your eyes.
Breathtaking View, Unique Atmosphere, Aegean Cuisine
Kali Livadi, Mykonos.
By a name meaning “Sun and Sea”, SOLYMAR is located at one of the best Mykonos’ beaches, Kalo Livadi, a pristine strip of golden sand, on the south coast of Mykonos between the beaches Elia and Kalafatis.
SOLYMAR’s design blends harmoniously with the magnificent scenery. It’s the ultimate beach spot for soaking up the sun, a tropical design, cool Mykonos-style music, yummy cocktails and great Mediterranean dishes.
Well known Chef Marios Tsouris, combines the Mediterranean cuisine with ethnic elements and creates a highly sophisticated gastronomy. Fresh fish, live lobsters which you can fish alone, excellent quality meat…
Colours, scents, sea and of course, SOLYMAR’s staff will be the best reason for your return…
Where to have dinner
Uno Con Carne restaurant in Mykonos offers international cuisine with a lounge atmosphere. It is the ultimate and only restaurant in Mykonos, perhaps in Greece, combining finely treasures of the sea with those of meat. Located in a courtyard downtown Mykonos seems like real oasis; made with great care and respecting fully the simple traditional Myconian architecture, in a former summer cinema theater with two giant palm trees and many other species of plants. It is a genuine Steak House & Oyster Bar, which has won loyal customers. Try the unique Rib Eye, classic Argentinian picanha steaks, the excellent chateaubriand, lamb chops with mint sauce and fine t-bone iberico 45 days dry aged by Nikos Taktikos.
Interni Restaurant, remains the most enduring value of the “island of winds” when it comes to gastronomy high requirements.The most beautiful garden in Matogiannia is inspired and designed by renowned designer Paola Navone, combined with a personal touch from owner Nikos Varveris. This is an ideal destination for dinner & drinks in the heart of the island, set against the Cycladic sky.
The long presence of Interni restaurant on site, ensures variety in culinary creations, quality food and excellent service while at the same time they can organize and carry out on site, your event ideas and proposals that suit you, for your own unique, magical evening!
The Kitchen is basically Mediterranean, coupled with flavors from around the world and comes with a wide range of wines with selections from all five continents, while the menu is updated every year with fresh ideas and a vital element of high quality ingredients.
Synonymous with legendary signature dishes such as Tiradito, Black Cod with Miso and New Style Sashimi, chef Nobu’s restaurants revolutionized the image of Japanese cuisine in the Western World, establishing a “New Style Japanese cuisine” colored with South American & Western influences, in some of the most glamorous venues and locations throughout the world.
The Matsuhisa restaurant in Chora, Mykonos
With its opening in the summer of 2004, Nobu’s exciting food finally made its way to the beautiful island of Mykonos, at the Belvedere Hotel.
The International Cuisine at Matsuhisa Mykonos
Nobu felt it would be the perfect opportunity as well as the ideal setting, to introduce his signature dishes to the a la carte menu at Matsuhisa Mykonos in Chora (whereby ingredients flow in fresh daily), in addition to daily specials featuring outstanding fish and sea food sourced from the Aegean.
Renovated in 2007 by the David Rockwell Group NYC, who also collaborated on Nobu NYC, Nobu 57, Matsuhisa Athens, the Town Restaurant in New York and Maze (by Gordon Ramsey) in London, diners can now enjoy Nobu’s acclaimed creations in Mykonos in the Belvedere’s magnificent poolside setting.
With sweeping views over the white cubist houses of Chora that tumble down the hillside into the eternity of the Aegean Sea, guests can indulge in the hotel’s resident mixologists’ signature Martinis and cocktails, a vintage champagne selection and finger food at the restaurant’s Matsuhisa Bar.
The award winning Matsuhisa Cellar offers some 250 different wine bins, approximately 5000 bottles of wine from classic French, Italian and Greek vineyards, with a further emphasis on wines from the New world.