There is a proliferation of dining places on
the island, especially in Chora, where you can enjoy your meal in picturesque
settings hidden in the maze of narrow streets. From simple Greek dishes to
gourmet plates of the international cuisine, and from the naïve decor of small
taverns to the avant-garde ambient of club restaurants, the choices are numerous
and diverse, for every taste and every budget.

At the higher
end of the market there
are several restaurants offering dishes both
from the Greek tradition and the international
sophistication. La
Maison de Catherine is one of the oldest and
chicest sitting along a small lane (Lidou
str.) off Matoyanni str., which, despite its narrowness, is the perfect passage
for those wishing to see and to be seen. On the central Matoyanni str.
you'll find Phillippis with the trendiest garden
of the island, where fresh fish and seafood, as well as classic Greek dishes are
served under the trees. Also on Matoyanni str., the atmospheric minimal
design of Interni is
matched by the fusion gastronomy that has earned this trendy restaurant a Golden
Cap distinction in the recent past. Mamaca's is situated on the beautiful
courtyard of an old mansion, lined with huge palm trees, and offers a variety of
tasty Greek plates.
Strategically placed under the Windmills, with a
stunning view to the sea, the sunset and Little Venice, Sea Satin Market Caprice is trendy and
always boasts a variety of seafood dishes, as its name suggests.
For more
affordable dining you can choose one of the
numerous taverns featuring lots of local colour, like Kounelas, a unique fish tavern on a tiny
spot hidden within the labyrinth of streets, famous for its fresh fish
accompanied by Greek salads and appetizers (you'll have to ask for directions at
the block between Skandinavian Bar and the port). The Klimataria is traditional and
unpretentious, serving Greek homemade food. Alefkandra, opposite the Catholic church,
is a picturesque island tavern, also specializing in fresh seafood, while
Ta Kioupia at Kastro
offers authentic Greek specialties, as does Matthios at Tourlos on its pleasant
veranda overlooking the new port.

At many beaches you'll also
find a variety of dining places. At trendy Psarou beach you can relax and
enjoy exquisite tastes at
Nammos, an all-day bar-restaurant with an elegant
ambience in white and sand colours. At Agios Ioannis beach Manoula's is a beautiful restaurant with a
view to the sea and a "tampered" Greek cuisine. Fokos
tavern at Fokos beach is quiet. At Panormos, the super-trendy Panormos beach-bar/tavern is responsible
for putting the beach on the map, plus rivals the
island’s other cosmopolitan beach
restaurants. The veranda of Capelayo with a panoramic view to Elia
beach is perfect for enjoying one of its numerous dishes, with the emphasis on
the grill, away from the hot Aegean sun. Kalua at Paraga beach, white and
beautiful, offers large tasty plates in a fun-charged atmosphere, while at Agia
Anna beach, behind Paraga, under the shady trees of Achinaioi (Sea Urchins) is where you'll
want to be if you're after top quality seafood.