26 Best Restaurants in Naxos, Greece (By Area)

If you’re going to Naxos soon (or maybe already there), you’ve probably already noticed that the food recommendations online are all over the place. TripAdvisor reviews contradict each other, travel blogs list the same four tourist traps, and nobody tells you what to actually order.

We’ve spent a lot of time on this island, taking multiple trips over the past few years, and we’ve eaten at nearly ALL of the recommended restaurants around Naxos. Some meals were forgettable. A few were genuinely some of the best we’ve had in Greece.

Naxos punches above its weight when it comes to food. The island produces its own cheese (graviera and arseniko), raises mountain lamb and goat, and grows an impressive amount of its own produce. That ingredient quality shows up on the plate with a ton of farm-to-table restaurants and local ingredients at almost every eatery, even the casual gyro spots.

And almost every sit-down taverna ends the meal with a complimentary dessert or a shot of Kitron, the local citrus liqueur made only here on Naxos.

This guide covers the ones worth your time, organized by area so you can find what’s closest to where you’re staying.

Price key (per person, excluding drinks):

• $ = under €10
• $$ = €10–25
• $$$ = €25+

Naxos Chora

Naxos Chora (also called Naxos Town) is where the majority of visitors eat, and for good reason. Over 80% of tourist accommodation on the island sits between the port and Agios Georgios Beach, so the density of options here is the highest anywhere on Naxos. The quality is, too, if you know where to look.

These are the spots that personally stood out to us, including a couple we returned to more than once.

Taverna Naxos ($$)

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM–12:30 AM
Menu | Google Maps

This was one of our favorite spots to eat in Naxos, and we visit multiple times every time we’re in Naxos.

It’s a farm-to-table taverna in a shaded garden courtyard right at the center of town. Despite being one of the most popular spots in Chora, it never felt like it was coasting on that reputation. The food was excellent, portions are generous, service is warm, and every meal ends with a complimentary shot of Kitron.

We always order their pita platter with homemade butter to start. Then for the main dish, the Lamb Kleftiko and the Papardelle Pasta are both excellent, and the Grilled Stuffed Burger caught us off guard in the best way!

Apostolis ($$–$$$)

Opening Hours: 7:00 PM–12:00 AM
Menu | Google Maps

Apostolis impressed us with a blend of generous hospitality and amazing food.

There were a couple of tour groups dining when we arrived, but the experience still felt intimate. There was beautiful garden seating, flickering lights overhead, and attentive service from the start. Before we’d even ordered, they brought out a pumpkin soup with fresh bread. That bread was, without question, the best we had anywhere in Naxos.

The menu takes local ingredients and gives them thoughtful twists. The standout is the Saganaki Kefalotiri, which is the same concept as traditional saganaki, but the crust is made from local nuts instead of flour. We also ordered one of their signature salads and the grilled chicken fillet with potatoes and whiskey sauce. Both were excellent.

Metaxi Mas ($$)

Opening Hours: 1:00PM – 12:00AM
Menu | Google Maps

We’d already loved the sister restaurant in Santorini, so finding this one in Naxos was a nice surprise.

It’s small, tucked away from the busier streets, and focused entirely on meze (small shared plates) meant to be grazed through over a long meal. Every dish felt well-crafted without trying too hard to be modern. The setting is especially good for a late dinner as the temperature drops and the streets quiet down.

Piperi Remastered ($)

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM–2:00 AM
Google Maps

This is a new gyro shop that looks too trendy for its own good, especially sitting across the street from one of the island’s oldest places to get a pita wrap. But we ended up eating here twice.

The gyros are enormous and packed with flavor. The vegetarian and vegan options are some of the best we found anywhere on Naxos. Prices are fair, service is fast, and it’s ideally located for a quick lunch or a casual dinner near the port.

To Spitiko Naxos ($)

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM daily
Menu | Google Maps

To Spitiko Naxos is our go-to for gyros when staying in Chora.

It’s been family-run since 1999, and the quality shows. The meats are juicy, the pita is always fresh, and everything is made with care using local ingredients.

We first stopped here because it’s right on the port and open year-round, and we came back again and again for their chicken gyros and saganaki because it really hit the spot.

Naxos Bakery ($)

Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Menu | Google Maps

This was our go-to bakery when we visited Naxos during the off-season.

Naxos Bakery is centrally located, stays open year-round, and is exactly what it sounds like: a no-frills bakery that does the basics really well.

We loved the spanokopita, and the ham and cheese pastries are worth grabbing on the way out the door. We’d often pick something up here in the morning to eat on the go.

BACO Cocktail Bar & Restaurant ($$)

Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Menu | Google Maps

BACO is a stylish cocktail bar and restaurant right along the waterfront, making it an ideal place to end your day or kick off your night.

We didn’t get a chance to sit down here, but we walked by almost every night, and it was packed.

The music and atmosphere make it feel like a local hangout with just the right amount of buzz, and the menu leans modern Mediterranean with a lot of Asian fusion dishes, like sushi, ceviche, and bao buns. For breakfast, they offer a variety of omelet options and other Western-style breakfast foods!

Agios Georgios Restaurants

Agios Georgios is the stretch of town just past the port, running south toward the beach. Despite the name, this is actually where you’ll find the town square and the Old Town. We’ve booked villas in this area multiple times, and these are the spots we keep coming back to.

Menu Me Vou ($$)

Opening Hours: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Menu | Google Maps

This low-key, farm-to-table spot surprised us with some of the best food we had on the island.

The portions are enormous, and the ingredients felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared. We ordered their signature salad (which was one of the best we’ve had in Naxos) and the Chicken Skewer. I am not joking when I say that the chicken skewer was about as big as my forearm. Sarah and I were sharing and barely finished it!

Service was friendly, and they brought complimentary dessert and a shot of Kitron at the end of the meal.

Maro’s Taverna ($)

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Google Maps

Maro’s is one of those places that feels like it’s been around forever, and for good reason.

It’s casual, busy, and the portions are absolutely massive. This is the restaurant that made us fall in love with fried zucchini, and we’ve also loved the Lamb Kleftiko, Pork Rosto, and a Stuffed Burger here.

Other great choices are their ‘Chicken on the Spit’ and Keftedes.

Come hungry; we ended up taking leftovers home, and like most Naxian tavernas, they finish the meal with a free dessert.

To Elliniko Restaurant ($$)

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Menu | Google Maps

If you want a proper Greek dinner in Naxos Town, To Elliniko is the name that comes up consistently, and it lives up to it.

The setting is a leafy courtyard, cozy and unhurried. The menu covers a wide range of traditional dishes, such as oven-baked lamb, moussaka, baked feta with honey, stuffed vegetables. It’s a solid choice for a longer sit-down dinner. Reserve in advance during peak season.

Nissaki Restaurant ($$$)

Opening Hours: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Menu | Google Maps

Located right on Agios Georgios Beach as part of Nissaki Hotel, this is one of the more upscale dining options in the area.

Prices are higher, but the setting and service match. White tables on a deck, unobstructed sea views from every angle, and a menu built around refined Greek and Mediterranean seafood. Think lobster pasta, fresh grilled fish, and shrimp saganaki. Well worth it if you’re looking for a special-occasion dinner without leaving the beach strip. And if you’re considering staying nearby, this is one of the best beachfront hotels in Naxos.

Nevermind Cafe ($)

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 1:30 AM
Menu | Google Maps

Nevermind looks like a cocktail bar, and it is, but it’s also one of the better spots for early morning coffee near Agios Georgios Beach.

They open at 6:30 AM, earlier than most coffee shops in Naxos. The coffee quality is solid, the vibe is relaxed, and the breakfast options were perfect for us while staying near the beach.

Agios Prokopios Restaurants

Agios Prokopios is Naxos’s largest beach resort town, and our top recommendation if you’re visiting for a honeymoon or a more relaxed beach-focused trip. The long stretch of golden sand is lined with sunbeds, beach bars, and boutique resorts, but it’s still spacious enough to find a quiet spot. If you’re deciding where to base yourself, our guide to the best places to stay in Naxos covers the full picture.

The restaurant options here are solid, and these are our top picks.

O Fotis ($$)

Opening Hours: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Menu | Google Maps

O Fotis isn’t right on the sand, but it’s perched just above the beach on a small cliffside terrace, and it offers one of the best-value meals in the area.

The feel is quiet and traditional. The seafood menu is extensive and well-prepared, and you can also get Greek staples like moussaka and a solid Greek salad. The service is unpretentious, and there’s a consistent breeze off the water while you eat.

Leto’s Souvlaki Kebab House ($)

Opening Hours: 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Menu | Google Maps

The go-to for a quick, satisfying gyro in Agios Prokopios.

All the classics are here, including gyros, kebabs, souvlaki. It’s fast, inexpensive, and there’s plenty of shaded outdoor seating. Walking distance to the beach, which makes it a practical option between swim sessions.

Molos Taverna ($$)

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM (April to October)
Menu | Google Maps

Molos is connected to the guesthouse with the same name, which has a mixed reputation for accommodation. But if you’re just there for the food, it’s worth a stop.

It sits at the quieter end of Agios Prokopios Beach, which makes it a good lunch option when you want to step away from the crowds. The menu covers the standard taverna staples like grilled meats, fresh salads, and solid Greek staples. Prices are reasonable for the location. We stopped by around lunchtime and appreciated the relaxed beachfront atmosphere.

Agia Anna Restaurants

Agia Anna is a small port town just down the coast from Agios Prokopios, and it’s one of our favorite areas to stay on the island. It has more of a local feel than the resort strip to the north, with a mix of guesthouses, seaside tavernas, and one of the only beach clubs on this side of Naxos.

The food here is genuinely good across the board, but unfortunately many of the restaurants here do close down in the winter.

For more on the area, see our guide to Agia Anna.

Gorgona Greek Taverna ($$)

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (until 3:00 AM Fri–Sat)
Menu | Google Maps

Dining at Gorgona was one of the most memorable meals of our trip.

We were welcomed immediately by the owner, who invited us to sample his family’s homemade wine straight from a barrel before seating us at a beachfront table. The service stayed warm and attentive throughout. The food was honest and flavorful. The mixed Souvlaki Platter, Zucchini Croquettes, and Spicy Cheese were all excellent. The pastitsio wasn’t our favorite, but everything else was.

The sunset view from our table was hard to beat, and they finished the meal with a complimentary dessert tray.

Santana Beach Club & Restaurant ($$)

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Menu | Google Maps

Santana is the only real beach club on this stretch of coast, and it works well as an all-day spot.

We started our first morning here with their buffet breakfast, which came complimentary with our stay at Agia Anna Living. . The spread has quite a few options, from eggs to fresh fruit, pastries, and savory meats.

Later that afternoon, we rented front row sunbeds for €25 ($27) and stayed through sunset. Even while lounging, ordering drinks or a snack was easy. It’s a polished setup, but not stiff about it.

Ostria Café & Restaurant ($$)

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Menu | Google Maps

Ostria sits right on the sand, with shaded tables and a menu that covers both cafe-style drinks and proper sit-down meals.

We stopped in for a late morning coffee and ended up staying for a light lunch. The food was fresh, the setting was convenient, and the staff mentioned we were welcome to use their sunbeds at no charge since we were eating there. That’s not common in Agia Anna, where most spots charge regardless.

Goat in a Boat ($)

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Menu | Google Maps

A small, specialty coffee cafe tucked just behind the beach, and one of the better coffee spots on this part of the island.

You can get espresso, pour-over, and plant-based milk options. The staff were friendly and the vibe is low-key creative. We grabbed flat whites and a pastry before heading out for the day. After 4:00 PM it shifts to a mezze cocktail bar, serving pizzas, sandwiches, and light bites.

Oregano Souvlaki & Meze ($)

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Google Maps

Oregano looks like a casual gyro joint, and it is, but it also turned out to be one of the most convenient breakfast options in Agia Anna.

We stopped by in the morning expecting souvlaki and found a full breakfast menu! It was really affordable too, with greek yogurt bowls, eggs on toast, and omelets for €5–7 ($5.50–7.60). For the location, that’s excellent value. The souvlaki platters are solid too if you’re back for lunch.

Maragkas Beach Restaurants

Maragkas is a quieter stretch of coastline south of Agia Anna, and it has a noticeably different feel. Each property along the beach has its own garden and space around it, so it never feels crowded. It’s a good base if you want the best beaches in Naxos without the resort-town density. The restaurant options here range from relaxed family tavernas to one of the sleeker dining experiences on the island.

Paradiso Taverna ($$)

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Menu | Google Maps

Paradiso isn’t directly on the beach, but it’s very close, with sea views from nearly every outdoor table.

The courtyard is charming and it has the classic Greek taverna vibe, warm service, and generous portions. The grilled meats, fresh salads, and local wine make this a easy choice after a long beach day.

Peppermint Beach Restaurant & Bar ($$)

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Menu | Google Maps

Peppermint works well for a relaxed midday meal or evening drinks with a sea view.

It’s a lighter menu, with dishes like ceviche, crisp salads, sandwiches, and house cocktails. The seating is comfortable and shaded, just steps from the beach loungers. Service was efficient without feeling rushed.

YUCCA Beach Bar ($$–$$$)

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Menu | Google Maps

YUCCA is probably the most polished dining experience in the Maragkas area.

It’s a modern restaurant and bar with clean design, comfortable loungers, live music in the evenings, and unobstructed sea views. The menu is Greek-Mediterranean with some creative cocktails, elevated seafood, pasta, and grilled dishes. It’s pricier than anything else on this stretch, but it’s the kind of place where the setting is part of the meal.

3 Brothers Tavern ($$)

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM– 1:00 AM
Google Maps

This family tavern sits right on the border of Maragkas and Plaka Beach, and it has a loyal following among both locals and returning visitors.

We didn’t eat here ourselves, but the reputation is strong for fresh homemade Greek dishes, local meats and seafood, and a cozy softly lit courtyard that feels welcoming. If you’re staying in this area and want a straightforward, authentic taverna experience, this is the one to try.

Plaka Beach Restaurants

Plaka is one of the most beautiful and least developed stretches of coastline on Naxos, a long sandy beach backed by dunes and cedars with very little commercial development. It’s well worth the drive down. For more on the beach itself, see our Plaka Beach guide.

Tortuga Restaurant ($$$)

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Menu | Google Maps

Tortuga is Plaka’s upscale dining option, nestled into the edge of Naxian On The Beach, one of the top places to stay in the area.

We didn’t dine here ourselves, but it came up in nearly every conversation we had with travelers staying near Plaka, particularly for seafood. The setting is open and airy, tables practically in the sand, and the atmosphere is relaxed despite the price point. Worth booking in advance for a sunset dinner.

Nikos & Maria Restaurant ($$)

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Menu | Google Maps

Our favorite traditional taverna in Plaka.

It’s casual, spacious, and family-run, toward the northern end of the beach. We loved the relaxed pace and generous portions. Simply order a few meze with a main dish, and take your time.

It’s not the greatest place in all of Naxos, but for solid Greek food on Plaka Beach, we can’t complain.

Savaya Naxos Beach Bar ($$)

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Menu | Google Maps

Savaya is one of the more design-conscious spots in Plaka, with a menu that leans international. You’ll find dishes like poke bowls, bao buns, colorful salads.

Portions are lighter than a typical taverna, which makes it a better fit for a beach brunch or a fresh lunch than a full dinner. Worth a stop if you’re looking for something outside the usual Greek menu options near Plaka Beach.

More Places to Eat in Naxos

Some of our favorite meals on Naxos happened outside the main tourist corridors. These spots require a bit more of a drive, but if you’re already exploring the island, they’re worth building into your route. Renting a car makes all of these easy to reach; our Naxos car rental guide covers everything you need to know.

Rotonda (Apeiranthos) ($$–$$$)

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Menu | Google Maps

Rotonda is perched on a cliffside just above the village of Apeiranthos, and it’s the most famous place on Naxos for a sunset view. The panorama across the island’s hills and out to the Aegean is spectacular.

We stopped here for the view rather than a full meal, but it was recommended by nearly everyone we met in the mountain villages. The menu covers modern takes on Greek staples and homemade desserts, served with polished hospitality. It’s a step above taverna pricing, but the setting justifies it. If you’re exploring the things to do in Naxos beyond the beaches, Apeiranthos is worth a half-day trip on its own.

To Spitiko Galaktoboureko (Chalki) ($)

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM (seasonal)
Google Maps

This tiny family-run pastry shop in Chalki does one thing, but they do that exceptionally well, serving the best Galaktoboureko (Greek custard pie) on the island.

The portions are generous, served slightly warm, with the right ratio of custard to syrup. They serve other dishes too, but galaktoboureko is what most people come for. Bring cash and arrive early; they sell out. A natural stop if you’re heading through the Naxos mountain villages on a day out.

Ambrosia (Filoti) ($$)

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Menu | Google Maps

Ambrosia sits just off the main square of Filoti with stone terraces and views of Mount Zas in the distance.

We didn’t dine here personally, but the setting is elegant and the menu focuses on regional Naxian dishes, like lamb in wine sauce, eggplant-based appetizers, and handmade pastas. A strong option for a scenic lunch stop while driving through the interior.

Avgi Restaurant (Alyko) ($$)

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Menu | Google Maps

Avgi is tucked away near Alyko Beach, with shaded garden seating and a menu built around local ingredients.

It’s a natural stop after exploring the cedar forest or the abandoned hotel ruins nearby. The atmosphere is relaxed and slightly off the beaten path, and the food is honest and well-prepared. If you’re making the trip down to Alyko Beach, it’s worth timing your visit around a meal here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the local food of Naxos?

Naxos is known for its locally produced cheeses, particularly graviera and arseniko, both of which are protected designation of origin products. The island also produces mountain-raised lamb and goat, fresh seafood, and Kitron, a citrus liqueur distilled exclusively on Naxos from citron leaves. Most tavernas on the island incorporate these local ingredients, and Kitron is commonly served as a complimentary digestif at the end of a meal.

Is food expensive in Naxos?

Naxos is one of the more affordable islands in the Cyclades for dining. A gyro or pastry from a street-side shop typically costs €3–5 ($3.25–5.40). A full sit-down meal at a mid-range taverna runs €15–25 ($16–27) per person including a drink. Upscale spots like Nissaki or Tortuga will run €35–50+ ($38–54+) per person. By comparison, the same meal in Mykonos or Santorini would cost considerably more.

Do restaurants in Naxos take reservations?

Most casual tavernas and gyro spots don’t require reservations and operate on a walk-in basis. For popular sit-down restaurants in Naxos Chora, particularly during July and August, it’s worth calling ahead or booking online a day or two in advance. Apostolis and To Elliniko are two spots where this makes a real difference in peak season.

When do restaurants open in Naxos?

Greek dining runs later than most visitors expect. Lunch service typically starts around 12:00 PM and runs until 4:00 or 5:00 PM. Dinner rarely gets going before 8:00 PM, and most tavernas stay open until midnight or later. A few spots, like Naxos Bakery and Nevermind Cafe, open early for breakfast from around 6:30–8:00 AM.

Are there vegetarian options in Naxos?

Yes, more than you might expect. Most tavernas serve stuffed tomatoes and peppers, spanakopita, gigantes (baked giant beans), fried zucchini, and Greek salads are common. Piperi Remastered in Chora stood out specifically for its vegetarian and vegan gyro options. Santana Beach Club and several of the beach bars along the coast also have plant-forward menu items.

Naxos has a really strong food scene for an island its size, and a lot of that comes down to the quality of what’s grown and raised here. The tavernas in Chora and along the beach towns are a good starting point, but some of the best meals we’ve had were at quieter spots further down the coast or up in the villages.

If you’re still working out the rest of your trip, our Naxos itinerary is a good next step, and our things to do in Naxos guide covers everything worth building your days around.