Restaurants
You can try all kinds of amazing food on the islands.
Okay, it’s mostly Greek.
These are your neighborhood joints. Because the town is small and relatively isolated, the info on TripAdvisor, Google maps, etc., isn’t necessarily up-to-date. Is Akrogiali the same restaraunt as Captain Pipinos? Is Despotiko Cafe actually the Pipinos breakfast bar? You’ll need to explore and report back.
Zombos
They say this is the best restaurant in town. According to Google Maps, Zombos has a farm on the islands too, so you can expect fresh herbs and locally-sourced meat dishes. Best of all, you’re staying in their guesthouse.
Captain Pipinos (Akrogiali)
On most sites, the name is “Captain Pipinos” but on TripAdvisor “Akroggiali” has the same photos. Are they the same? Even if they’re not, Pipinos, Mpakas and Zumbos are all classic Greek seafood restaurants
Mpakas Taverna
Mpakas is literally next-door to Captain Pipinos, and the menu is almost the same. Give both a try with your fellow diggers and let us know which is best.
Fistiki Mexican Cafe
Restaurant, bar, bodega & wineshop right by the sea. “Our cuisine is inspired by our Mexican travels and based on local products.”
Despotikos Cafe
Good reviews, but is it Captain Pipino’s coffee bar? From the map, it looks like Captain Pipinos, Despotiko Cafe and Mpaka Tavern may be all in one building.
Antiparos Town (Chora)
Catch a ride or take the bus to town for many more choices. In the off-season the island has only 1400 residents, yet there are articles like “The Fifty Best Restaurants in Antiparos.” Since a large proportion of restaurants are situated on unnamed roads, steel yourself for heavy reliance on Google Maps even when eating in town.
Argos
Prices: €15 to €25 for most mains.
Argos is the only TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice restaurant in Antiparos.
Kalokeri
Prices: €15 to €25 for most mains.
Kalokeri has become so popular that reservations are usually required. “A victim of its own success.”
Yam
Prices: €10 to €30
Yam is just a stone’s throw from the main street of Antiparos Town but sits in the middle of a landscaped field.
Cafe Babel
This is a lovely family run restaurant in the heart of Antiparos. The super-friendly owners are Elani and Pavlos.
Taverna Yorgi
€12 to €20 for most main dishes.
Traditional home cooked fare, with fair pricing and friendly smiling service. The least pretentious looking on the block, but with excellent food.
Perigali
Near Panagia beach, but not as expensive as most beach restaurants. If you are making a day of it, this might be a good choice.
Vassilenas Blue
Prices: €20 to €40
A “fine dining” restaurant with a great harbor view. If someone else is paying, this is the place to go.
Lolo’s Pizza
When you just can’t look at another plate of grilled fish. Go down to the dock and get pizza. Not Ernie’s, but still good.
Swell Coffee
Swell is located at the beginning of the main pedestrian street. Fruit salads, freshly squeezed juices, yoghurts, sandwiches, tortillas, salads, coffee, tea.
Paros (Parikia)
For your final week, you’ll have a bunch of solid restaurant choices. As you leave the ferry in Paros, go to the left along the waterfront you’ll find several good restaurants particularly Hellas, which is on most “Best Restaurant or Cheap Eats” lists. These are the restaurants in Parikia that are on both TripAdvisor’s top “Cheap Eats” and Google’s top restaurants lists: Hellas, Lemon…e, To Souvlaki tou Pepe (also a TripAdvisor Best), To Mortari, Exesion, Steak House – Brizoladiko, Yiannoulis, Chaniotis, Secret Cafe Bar and Little Green Rocket.
Hellas
€10–15 per person
On the waterfront just as you come off the ferry. Hellas is well-known for the best gyros in Paros.
Bountaraki
€20–30 per person
Considered one of the best waterfront restaurants, its a little more expensive and a bit further south on the main drag. A TripAdvisor’s “Traveler’s Choice 2024.”
To Souvlaki tou Pepe
€10–15 per person
Also, a TripAdvisor’s “Traveler’s Choice 2024.” Is north of the ferry (a bit further from your hotel).
Secret Cafe
€10–15 per person
Great for breakfast or lunch. And opens again at dinner for cocktails.
Symposium Cafe
€10–15 per person
A small but very lively coffee place great for breakfast, coffee or lunch.
Mana Mana
€10–15 per person
Also try “Menta Old Town,” a TripAdvisor’s “Traveler’s Choice 2024” restaurant just next door.
Athens
There are roughly 1000 restaurants within walking distance of your hotel, not counting ice cream stands, coffee houses, bars and what-have-you. If you are sick of Greek food, there are Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Lebanese restaurants and more within a half-mile radius. And, less than 2 minutes from your hotel, there are three TripAdvisor’s “Best of Athens 2024,” including “Thes” a TripAdvisor “Best of the Best.”
Thes
Taki Avenue, 16
€15 to €30 for most main dishes.
“Thes” is a TripAdvisor “Best of the Best” and “Traveler’s Choice 2024” Thes is the top restaurant in the neighborhood.
Kalimeres Cafe
Taki Avenue, 14
€10 to €20 for most main dishes.
TripAdvisor’s “Traveler’s Choice 2024.” Tiny, cozy, simply beautiful.” Kalimeres is a cafe specializing in small plates, coffee, sweets breakfast & brunch
Bandiera
Taki Avenue, 19
€15 to €30 for most main dishes.
TripAdvisor’s “Traveler’s Choice 2024.” Traditional greek meze taverna with “low prices, cool atmosphere and good music.”
Nolan
If you want a blowout last-night experience, you could try “Nolan” (31-33 Voulis Street), a relatively inexpensive Michelin-approved Greek fusion place. It’s about 1/2 mile from the hotel. I went nuts and made a 8pm reservation for you, just in case.
Don’t forget to call your parents!
They are probably worried about you. Are you getting enough sleep? How’s the food?
Check in every two or three days