Even though Mykonos is a much-loved destination in Greece, let alone the Cyclades, frequented by international tourists, the food here is delightfully provincial. Chefs and restaurants often go out of their way to source produce from nearby islands, supporting the local economy while cooking original recipes that have made Greek cuisine a favorite across the globe.
For gourmands, taking a ferry to Mykonos, just for its food, is worth the time and money. As amongst the island’s best restaurants, they will find gorgeously positioned taverns, beach clubs, and restaurants that plate gourmet dishes in the most scenic of settings.
Bakalo
Address: Lakka, Mykonos 84600
Bakalo is a mishmash of trends and cultural classics. Yet, it somehow manages to bring it all together to create the liveliest restaurant in Mykonos, full of vibrant character and homely charm. Located inside a “traditional Mykonian house,” there is a hipster café-like vibe that flows through its space, quite unlike the rustic ambiance one expects from a Greek eatery. The food follows the same notion, with the menu listing comfort dishes which arrive on the table in an unexpectedly contemporary incarnation.
The menu at Bakalo does have its limitations, but that only means everything on it gets the full attention of chef Yiannis Gavalas, who works tirelessly behind an open kitchen. Start your meal at Bakalo with the Cycladic cheese dumplings and baked mushrooms that come stuffed with Naxos gruyere and pork. For your mains, stick to the homemade moussaka, the grilled octopus, or the meaty goodness of the beef stew. In the end, it’s either the baklava or the absolutely divine honeypie ice cream.
Bowl
Address: Peripheral Road, Mykonos 84600
There is plenty of free vitamin-D for the taking in Mykonos, but for everything else your body needs, there is Bowl. Shining a spotlight on the island’s international character, Bowl came into existence when married couple Victoria and Robert Fisher decided to combine their love for Mykonos and health-food together. Catering to the modern eater, Bowl, with its contemporary chic interiors, is all about organic preparations and health shots that leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.
Not surprisingly, the menu at Bowl is chock-a-block full of distinct superfood bowl choices. Old-style breakfast eaters can pick up the brekkie bowl with soft boiled egg, crispy bacon, mushrooms, and avocado. For a bit of Asian magic, go with the tasty Thai noodle bowl containing glass noodles, cherry tomatoes, red cabbage, and coconut flakes. Supplement your meal with a lip-smacking chocolate caramel smoothie or the organic house wine, and you’ll be fully charged to explore Mykonos for the rest of the day.
Kiki’s Tavern
Address: Agios Sostis beach, Mykonos 84600
The biggest issue with Kiki’s Tavern is that it is small, extremely popular, does not take bookings or have a website, and will require patience on your part to be seated during peak season. The rest, be it the views of the secluded Agios Sostis beach down below, the authentic Greek atmosphere, super-friendly staff, and the food are, to put it mildly, unforgettable.
Located on a hillside, Kiki’s Tavern is your quintessential off the beaten track restaurant, so make sure you book a taxi in advance for your return. Moreover, the restaurant adds to its intimate allure by offering a complimentary glass of rosé to all customers. If that wasn’t enough, the food here, simple as it might be, is delicious, mostly grilled over a charcoal fire. In fact, until recently, they didn’t even have electricity. What to eat, you ask? Pick anything your heart desires from the limited menu, but definitely try the salads and, of course, the freshly caught seafood.
The Liberty Breakfast Room
Address: New Peripheral Road, Mykonos 84600
Food somehow elevates to a whole new level whenever you dine al-fresco style in Mykonos. The stunning panoramas, fresh sea breeze, and the glorious Mediterranean sun all play their part in making the local produce stand out. Perched on top of a hill, The Liberty Breakfast Room epitomizes this scene by being the best breakfast restaurant in Mykonos. It has lovely terrace seating and an indoor area with lots of sunlight pouring through the glass windows
Liberty, as it is known locally, is an all-day restaurant, serving amazing Greek delicacies, cooked using regionally sourced ingredients. Besides their extensive breakfast menu, they also plate up yummy mezze come evening. The two hot favorites worth trying here are the egg burger with homemade mayo and Naxos gruyere, and the Liberty sausage with homemade tomato chutney and fried potatoes from Tinos.
Scorpios
Address: Paraga, Mykonos 84600
Scorpios is the kind of free-spirited beach club you’d typically expect in Ibiza, but in Mykonos, it takes on an alluring Greek persona, making it the trendiest place on the island to have a meal. A day at Scorpios begins with reserving a sunbed on the beach for your afternoon siesta, followed by a hearty meal, and finally ending your experience at Sunset Beach, grooving to the latest sounds as part of the club’s famous “music ritual.”
The food at Scorpios has an almost mystical undertone as it celebrates a wholesome and healthy dining event accentuated by Greek ingredients and spices from different parts of the world. Boasting of an open-plan and open-air seating area, Scorpios’ memorable dishes include spicy feta cheese, flame-grilled meatballs, and plenty of vegan options. The preparations here might sound familiar, and they are priced on the higher side, but the essence of the cuisine, cooked under the watchful eyes of chef Alexis Zopas, remains intact and never fails to impress.