The 7 Restaurants You Need to Try in Mykonos

There are many reasons to go to Mykonos—the color of the water alone, the music, and the stunning villas—but undoubtedly, the food scene will convince you. If you intend to eat light and vegetarian, you’ll find no better place, and then again, if you’re more into feta cheese and baklava, you’ll be just fine too.

I recently spent five days in Mykonos in early July, and these were my favorites.

Scorpios

Scorpios is one of the only places to succeed in being both a terrific restaurant, and a really fun party. On a charming stretch of Sunset Beach, Scorpios is a sprawling compound. There’s an indoor area that’s light and spacious, with comfortable couches and a well-designed bar. If you come early in the day (read: before noon), you might see people working on their laptops sipping a green juice. Outside there is one large bar, a deck, a beach with over 40 lounge “beds”, and finally, a restaurant.

Despite its massive size, Scorpios boasts impeccable, friendly service and an intimate vibe. Graze on tzatziki, hummus, and spicy pita chips while waiting for a table. They’ll be the best pita chips of your life. You’ll find a vegetable driven menu once seated, with Mykonian salads (tomatoes, capers, cucumbers and feta cheese), whole roasted fish with your choice of sauce, and so many others. (I loved the quinoa with raisins and the zucchini with fresh mint). Their cocktail list is particularly impressive and long, with innovative and not-overly-sweet takes on your spirit of choice.

Go for a late lunch or sunset dinner.

Interni

Interni brings a Miami or even Havana-like feel to the Med. Tables are outdoors, white, and exude a certain sexiness. It’s the type of spot where you’ll run into friends, or meet new ones. As with most restaurants in Mykonos, the menu has its classic ceviches, tartares and Greek delights, while integratating a number Italian influenced dishes. (Hello, gnocchi).

Go for dinner.

Spilia

Built into a cove of Agia Anna, next to Kalafati beach, Spilia is one of the more elegant restaurants on island. The restaurant is multi-level, giving each seating area an intimacy occasionally lacking in Mykonos, and the soft blue water is truly at your feet (half our table took a dip between courses). Their lobster pasta is one of the signature dishes, and a waiter caught and opened sea urchins in plain site, ensuring total freshness. Can’t miss item? The fudge-like chocolate cake. Trust me, you want it.

Must do for lunch.

Katrin

A friend and I headed to Katrin’s one night just the two of us while others recovered from a big lunch. Most days are spent on the beaches, so it’s nice to explore town in the evening. Shops stay open well past 1am, giving the blue and white drenched town a complete vibrancy you won’t find elsewhere in Europe.

We did not have a reservation, but the owners of this family-run restaurant took care of us. Completely traditional in fare, Katrin’s serves fantastic spanakopita (spinach pie), meat pies, and others dishes you just have to say yes to. Waiters bring dishes out when they’re ready, family style, and simply slice you a piece of something and serve it as if you were in their home. It is totally authentic and was one of my favorites.

Couple’s: play by ear for dinner. Groups: Go after a long beach day for some comfort food.

Kiki’s Tavern

Kiki’s is one of the more charming places in Mykonos, but comes with a caveat—they do not accept reservations, and the wait will surely be over an hour and a half. With that said, it’s a must do if you’re in Mykonos for more than a few days.

The tavern sits atop of a hill on Agios Sosis beach, a small cove on the northern side of the island. The restaurant probably has 12 tables, a wood fired oven and an indoor refrigerated section with salads. Do your best to arrive at noon, and be sure to bring a towel and a book—the wait is inevitable. But once inside you’ll have fresh beet salads, cracked corn, and the most delicious grilled sausages! There’s plenty for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. One of the perks? It’s one of the wallet-friendly restaurants on island, even with vino.

Like the jewel it is, Kiki’s doesn’t have a website. Ask around…and arrive early for lunch!

Avra

Looking for a romantic spot in town? Avra wins the prize. Tucked away in town, Avra occupies a bougainvillea-drenched courtyard. White linens and candles cover the tables, creating a sanctuary you can’t help but feel at home at. We were a large group for dinner, and though we trickled in at various times, the staff graciously let us sit. The service was some of the best in Mykonos, and the ambiance allowed all of us to hear each other easily. A good spot for both groups of friends and families alike (and especially couples).

The appetizer section immediately caught our eyes, and we all agreed were we to go back, we’d double down on first courses. Our favorites were the moussaka (minced beef and aubergine), the spinach crepe, and the fried feta cheese. Oh, and the Haloumi bacon. Needless to say, we didn’t exactly eat light, but we left totally satisfied!

 

The Belvedere

One of the most well-known hotel’s in Mykonos, The Belvedere sits at the entrance to “town”, making it a convenient meeting point. Our group had sunset drinks at the pool after a long beach day, sharing crispy squash blossoms and a salmon crudo. With both a Matsuhisa on site and a traditional Greek restaurant, you can have the best of both cuisines. My insider tip? Check if your departing flight is running on time (many are delayed in the summer). If it is – check your bags at the airport, then head to the Belvdere for a pre-flight snack and glass of wine! Just make sure you’ve got the EasyJet app…

 If the restaurant scene alone has you craving Mykonos, chat with our Greece villa specialist Suzanne at SGoulart@wimco.com, or see villa listings on Mykonos here.

 

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