Where to eat in Mykonos
Mykonos eats from the sea and from small farms: grilled fish and octopus, spicy kopanisti cheese, louza cured pork and sun-dried tomatoes. The glossiest restaurants are in Chora and on the beaches, and they cost the most. Eat one street back from the water, ask about the local cheese, and book dinner in summer.
The short answer
- Best area to eat
- Chora, one or two streets back from the waterfront, and Ano Mera for village tavernas.
- Order this
- Grilled fish, octopus, kopanisti cheese, louza, a Greek salad and a glass of local wine.
- When to eat
- Lunch from 1pm and dinner from 8pm or later.
- Book or walk in
- Book dinner in summer, especially in Chora.
- Tipping
- Round up or leave 5 to 10 per cent for good service.
What to eat in Mykonos
- KopanistiA soft, sharp, peppery cheese from the island, served as a spread with bread and tomato.
- LouzaCured pork, spiced and air-dried on the island, sliced thin as a meze.
- Grilled octopusOctopus grilled over charcoal and dressed with olive oil, a staple of harbor tavernas.
- Grilled fishSea bream, sea bass or the day's catch, weighed and priced by the kilo.
- Greek saladTomato, cucumber, onion, olives and feta with olive oil, the standard side with any meal.
- AmygdalotaSmall almond sweets, a traditional Mykonian treat given at weddings and festivals.
- Souvlaki and gyrosGrilled meat in pita, the quickest and cheapest meal in Chora.
Where to eat in Mykonos, by area
Chora
The widest choice, from fish tavernas and grills to cocktail bars. Waterfront tables cost more, so go a street back.
Ano Mera
The island's inland village, with tavernas around the square and local produce at lower prices.
The south coast beaches
Beach tavernas at Ornos and Platys Gialos, and big beach club restaurants at Psarou and Paradise, which are expensive.
The north and east
Small tavernas at the quieter beaches, best with a car. Many close in the off-season.
Places worth a booking or a queue
-
Kounelas
€€€Fish taverna · Chora
OrderGrilled fish of the day and grilled sardines
A fish taverna in a small lane in the old town, long known for its fresh catch and for being where fishermen eat.
- Book
- Book for dinner in summer
Confirmed open: greeka.com
-
Niko's Taverna
€€Taverna · Chora
OrderGrilled pork skewers and octopus with orzo
A taverna open since 1976 on a square in the old town, with tables out on the cobbles.
- Book
- Walk in early or book in summer
Confirmed open: oliverstravels.com
-
Sea Satin Market
€€€€Seafood restaurant · Chora, by the windmills
OrderFresh fish and Cycladic dishes
A large waterfront restaurant by the windmills in Little Venice, serving traditional Greek food and seafood.
- Book
- Reserve by phone, email or WhatsApp
Confirmed open: seasatin.gr
-
M-eating
€€€Restaurant · Chora
OrderModern Greek dishes and the Mykonian honey pie
A dinner-only restaurant in the old town cooking creative Greek and Mediterranean dishes.
- Book
- Reservations essential
Confirmed open: santorinidave.com
Farms and producers in Mykonos
- Mykonos Vioma organic farmA farm and winery near Ano Mera with a vineyard tour, tastings of its wines and a plate of local cheese, cured meat and sun-dried tomatoes.Daily from May to October, 12:00 to 17:00Source: minimalistjourneys.com
How Mykonos eats
- Meal timesLunch from 1pm and dinner from 8pm, and many places serve until late.
- SharingOrder several plates to share, then a main to follow.
- Fish by weightWhole fish is priced by the kilo. Ask the price and have it weighed before it is cooked.
- TippingRound up or leave 5 to 10 per cent for good service.
- SeasonMany places close from November to March, so check before you plan.
Signs of a place to walk past
A waterfront terrace with a generic international menu.
A tout on the street calling you in.
A menu in six languages with photographs of every dish.
Eating in Mykonos: questions people ask
What food is Mykonos known for?
Grilled fish and octopus, kopanisti cheese, louza cured pork and sun-dried tomatoes, with local wine.
Where should I eat in Mykonos?
In Chora one street back from the water, and in Ano Mera for village tavernas.
Do I need to book restaurants in Mykonos?
In summer, yes, especially for dinner in Chora. Grills and souvlaki shops take walk-ins.
Is Mykonos food expensive?
Yes at waterfront restaurants and beach clubs. Village tavernas and grills cost less.
What cheese should I try in Mykonos?
Kopanisti, the soft, sharp, peppery cheese made on the island.