What Makes Naxian Restaurants Special?
🍽️ Farm-to-table freshness – Many restaurants source their produce, meat, and dairy directly from local farms.
🏡 Family-run tavernas – Some of the best spots have been owned by the same families for generations.
🍷 Homemade wine & Kitron liqueur – Many tavernas serve their own house wine and Naxos’ famous Kitron liqueur.
🔥 Traditional slow-cooking methods – Expect clay-pot stews, oven-roasted meats, and wood-fired dishes.
💰 Great value for money – Unlike other Greek islands, Naxos offers high-quality food at reasonable prices.
Where Locals Eat
1. To Elliniko – Classic Greek Comfort Food
A favorite among both locals and visitors, To Elliniko serves up traditional Greek dishes with a homemade touch. Expect fresh seafood, slow-cooked lamb, and generous portions of Naxian cheese. The outdoor garden seating makes for a perfect dining atmosphere.
📍 Location: Naxos Town
🍽️ Must-Try: Lamb kleftiko, grilled octopus, stuffed vine leaves
2. Axiotissa – Farm-to-Table Excellence
Located outside Naxos Town, Axiotissa is famous for using organic, locally sourced ingredients in creative ways. Their menu blends traditional Cycladic flavors with modern twists, making it a must-visit for foodies.
📍 Location: Kastraki
🍽️ Must-Try: Fresh seafood dishes, handmade pasta, local cheeses
3. O Vasilis – Hidden Gem in the Mountains
For a true taste of Naxian tradition, head to O Vasilis in the mountain village of Melanes. This small, family-run taverna specializes in slow-cooked meats and homemade cheeses.
📍 Location: Melanes Village
🍽️ Must-Try: Goat stew, Naxian Graviera cheese, homemade sausages
4. Metaxi Mas – Seafood by the Sea
This waterfront taverna is the go-to spot for fresh seafood. Locals love it for its simple, well-executed dishes that let the quality of the ingredients shine. Grab a table by the sea and enjoy some of the best fish dishes on the island.
📍 Location: Agia Anna Beach
🍽️ Must-Try: Grilled calamari, shrimp saganaki, catch of the day
5. Taverna Platanos – Traditional Village Experience
Located under the shade of a massive plane tree, this rustic taverna offers a true taste of Naxian hospitality. The menu is filled with home-cooked specialties, all made with love.
📍 Location: Apeiranthos Village
🍽️ Must-Try: Rosto (pork stew), fava, locally sourced wine
6. Doukato – A Romantic Courtyard Setting
For a charming dinner experience, Doukato is the perfect spot. Located in a picturesque courtyard in the Old Town, this restaurant serves traditional Naxian dishes with an elegant touch.
📍 Location: Naxos Old Town
🍽️ Must-Try: Stuffed squid, beef stifado, Xinomizithra cheese salad
7. Kontos Taverna – Beachside Greek Classics
If you’re looking for a casual, beachfront spot with excellent food, Kontos Taverna is the place to go. Their portions are generous, and the flavors are authentic.
📍 Location: Mikri Vigla Beach
🍽️ Must-Try: Grilled lamb chops, tzatziki, fried zucchini balls
Useful Tips for Dining in Naxos
🕒 Timing matters – Dinner service usually starts around 7-8 PM, and the best places fill up fast.
💳 Bring cash – Some smaller tavernas don’t accept credit cards.
🍷 Try the house wine – Many restaurants serve homemade wine, which pairs beautifully with traditional dishes.
🌿 Vegetarians welcome – Greek cuisine has plenty of delicious vegetarian options like stuffed tomatoes, fava, and grilled halloumi.
📅 Make a reservation – Popular local spots can get busy, so booking ahead is a good idea.
