ATHENS
Cafe outside the Old Agora
Not sure of the name of this cafe, but it was our memorable first meal in Greece. On the day we arrived, we got there in the afternoon, and having read all the recommendations for doing so, sat down at a Greek cafe to people watch and allow the senses to absorb where we were. It is a very chic place, with very modern design, spotless loos at the basement level, and the most delicious chocolate souffle - warm, gooey and sinful. We loved it so much that we returned for seconds on the last day of our trip.
Italian Taverna in the main Plaka square
The square is lined with a large number of tavernas, including the highly recommended Vyzantino restaurant, but the choice of veggie options was somewhat limited. So we opted for the Italian taverna, and they rustled up a nice pasta for me, and a stuffed squid dish for Gordon, which he loved so much, we returned for dinner the last night of our trip.
We had a whole list of recommended places for Athens, but we were there for so short a time, we did not get to explore much of the eating options the city has to offer. Next time.
RHODES
Atlas Taverna, Old Town
This place was not on our list but we chanced by it as we walked around the old town, and we decided to eschew the main stream tavernas on the main drag for this small homely looking place. The cooking was as homely as it could get too, with the son waiting on the customers, and the father cooking up a storm inside. My first veggie moussaka, and it was really good. Sadly, not too many places offered the veggie option, but whenever it was available, I indulged.
Wonder Restaurant, just steps away from our hotel
We had originally planned to walk back into the old town for dinner, probably at the Romeo taverna, but we were still quite jet lagged and decided to ask the hotel for a close option and this is what they recommended. We had never heard of it, and were naturally wary, but we thought that since it was on the way to the old town anyway, we'll have a look see, and if its not exciting, stick to the original plan.
We arrived to a beautiful setting of a restaurant in a garden all lit up and filled with beautiful people. The Wonder restaurant is run by a Swedish couple, who have provided their own twist on traditional Greek food. We did not have a reservation, and the restaurant was booked out, but they were kind enough to accommodate us nevertheless. Gordon had a wonderful scallop started followed by some lamb thing, I had a divine spinach and mascarpone risotto, and we ended with some delicious chocolate cake.
It happened to be my birthday dinner, and I was well pleased. Highly, highly recommended, and make a reservation beforehand.
Mavrikos, Lindos
This place is such a venerable institution, that it was an easy choice when deciding where to eat in Lindos. Its easy to find, on the main square before you enter the village and is a lovely courtyard setting, which must be magical in the night. I had a very interesting orange hummous, and Gordon enjoyed his seafood meal a lot. Easy to see why its been so famous and popular for over 70 years.
CRETE
Tamam, Chania
Easily the most popular and its not difficult to understand why, the food is great. We got there late afternoon, and there was still a long line of people waiting to be seated. I had some delicious jacket potatoes, and Gordon had what he calls the "sublime lamb dish". Very highly recommended.
Cafe Remedios, Chania
It was time for the law of averages to catch up with us, and for our first average meal. Gordon had pizza, I had pasta, both nothing to write home about. The setting of the place, right on the waterfront, is great, and allows for magical moments looking at the twinkling lights of the harbour and the lighthouse, and people watching. A better meal would have been the final touch to a great evening.
NAXOS
The Good Heart, Naxos Town
How can you go wrong with a place called "The Good Heart" ? Situated on the waterfront in Naxos, this was the other place where I indulged in the veggie moussaka and it was really good. Gordon had a salad and was not too happy with it though. The thing is, not too many places in Naxos were open at that time of the year for lunch, so its the kind of place where you like it or not depending on what you order.
Picasso, Naxos Town
Time for a change, and this was just what the doctor ordered. Want some amazing Mexican food in Naxos ? You've come to the right place. We loved our salsa, guacamole, and burritos. Super, super fun and a must visit. Case closed.
Cafe, Apeiranthos
It should be easy to find, look for the amazing view. Lots of people were ordering the omelettes, we chose to sip our drinks and listen to the sounds of the valley. We returned to the hotel for lunch that day, and gorged on a sumptuous risotto (me) and sea food pasta (Gordon).
Susanna's Pizza, Naxos Town
One of the places where the reality does not live up to the hype. The ambience is great, the service friendly and enthusiastic. If only the food tasted as good as it looked. Someone recommended the pizzas over the pastas, but even these, although delicious looking, were too salty. They seem to want to get things right, so hopefully, they will make the adjustments necessary, 'coz they really seem popular and fun.
Waffle House, Naxos town
Have to mention the best place to indulge your sweet tooth in Naxos. Right in the middle of the Chora, very popular, they do waffles, icecream, crepes, etc. Good for a last bite, or even a meal of the sweet stuff.
PAROS
Glaros Greek Restaurant, Naoussa
Paros ended up being the most challenging place, food wise for us, simply because a lot of the regular tavernas had already shut for the season. We had had lunch at a seafood restaurant that morning on the main Naoussa harbour, where all I could eat was some spicy cheese dip and bread. Dinner was at this place in the main village, where Gordon had the moussaka, and I had the ubiquitous pasta. Food was decent, by no means the best or anything, just wholesome fare. While on the subject, the best thing to do in Naoussa has to be ending up in the town's bakery for a sinful Tiramisu. Yum.
Cafe in the Chora, Parikia
Just the languorous setting simply begs to be indulged in this wonderful cafe under the trees, just the thing after perusing the history of the Church of the 100 doors. We both had delicious jacket potatoes, but more that the food, it was relishing the down time, not looking at watches or Blackberrys, feeling time drip by ever so slowly, almost falling asleep, before rousing oneself to head onwards.
Food Bar, Naoussa
The only other open option in town that wasn't seafood heavy. Its structured like a deli, with counters and fast food type machines. I had pizza, Gordon had pasta, dinner done.
MYKONOS
Restaurant, Cavo Tagoo
Of course the beautiful hotel with the beautiful people has a beautiful restaurant. Its very trendy and edgy to be sitting suspended over the swimming pool, surrounded by every shade of white you can think of. The food is good, my pasta was on the money, but make no mistake, it is pricey.
Baci, Mykonos
Meaning "Little Kiss", this is a cute Italian place in the heart of Mykonos' chora, in the neighborhood of the famous whitewashed church. The pastas were very good and the Tiramisu sinful. Good choice.
Ristorante Casa di Giorgio
Well located in Little Venice along the waterfront, huge portions, standard delectable Italian fare. Service is attentive, its very nicely lit up in the night. Well worth a visit.
SANTORINI
Ambrosia, Oia
On my list, and deservingly so. Located overlooking the caldera, as most nice places in Oia are, although, we went for dinner, which means the twinkling lights of Fira in the distance, and the magic of the moonlight over the water were captured only by our eyes and sadly not by the camera. The food was very good, we had some tomato and goat cheese tartlets to start with which were absolutely divine. There's a reason for the recommendations - the food is great.
Selene, Fira
Selene routinely makes the list for the top gourmet places to eat in Greece, let alone Santorini. The menu changes ever so often, always at the cutting edge of the best fusion Greek food you can think of. What amazed us that day, was that for the major part of our meal, we had the place all to ourselves, and that makes it truly special indeed. Located on a terrace overlooking the caldera, it felt like our own private gourmet heaven. Service was at a different level, attentive but unobtrusive. Gordon had some incredible sea bass crepes and they rustled up an unbelievably delicious saffron based pasta for me. One of the highlight meals of the trip, easily.
Rumeli Cafe, Fira
We only stopped by to avail of their fabulous view for the sunset, and stayed for a small appetiser of spicy hummus dip and bread.
Pheretini, Oia
Another establishment overlooking the caldera, and located handily in the initial part of the village. The food was good, although my pasta had to be taken back once, as they had forgotten to omit the chicken, but all told, a good meal.
Enigma Cafe, Oia
A nice view overlooking the caldera + good food + good service = a good lunch in Santorini. Its that simple.
Nectar, Oia
The sister establishment of Ambrosia, this one does not have the caldera view, and is situated further into the village but has a very nice vibe as a traditional taverna, as it is situated on the premises of a lovely old Greek village house. Reservations would be a good idea as the place fills up very quickly. Service was wonderful - as I was debating over whether to choose spinach or pumpkin ravioli, our attendant leaned over and whispered, "I'll get you a mix of both kinds". And the ravioli was simply awesome. Followed up by sinful gooey chocolate cake, our last dinner in Santi was one for the books.
Restaurant, Perivolas
Quite the obvious option when you are all packed up, checked out and waiting to get dropped off to the airport. But far from being simply a restaurant of convenience, the staff at the Perivolas ensure that just as everything else on the property, the menu is top notch. A creamy and delicious veggie risotto filled with fresh Santorini produce, and that endless view. We almost cancelled the flight.
