The best restaurants in Naxos reflect the island’s remarkable food culture, from traditional tavernas serving slow-cooked meat and local cheese to creative kitchens and relaxed beachfront restaurants. Choosing where to eat is one of the pleasures of visiting an island that still produces much of its own food.
Naxos is particularly well known for its potatoes, Graviera Naxou cheese, mountain livestock, vegetables and Kitron liqueur. These products appear in restaurants across the island, although the most interesting menus often combine them with recipes specific to the villages and countryside.
Chora offers the widest and most convenient selection, but several worthwhile restaurants are located beyond the town, particularly around Kastraki and the mountain villages. Some are worth a dedicated journey; others make more sense when combined with a beach day or sightseeing route.
This guide focuses on restaurants with a distinctive reason to visit, rather than attempting to list every popular dining establishment. For the wider island itinerary, see our Naxos Travel Guide.
Best Restaurants in Naxos at a Glance
Where to eat according to your location and the kind of meal you want.
Best Restaurants in Naxos Chora
Chora has the island’s largest concentration of restaurants, ranging from traditional family kitchens to more contemporary Greek dining. The old market streets beneath the Kastro are particularly pleasant for an evening meal, while the waterfront offers views and easy access from the ferry port.
Interactive Map: Best Restaurants in Naxos
Use this map to see which restaurants are easy to include in a Chora evening, which work best with a beach day and which are worth an inland village or mountain excursion.
1. To Elliniko — Traditional Greek Food in a Garden Setting
Best for: Traditional Greek cooking, families and a relaxed dinner.
Location: Chora, near Agios Georgios.
To Elliniko is a strong choice for travellers who want familiar Greek dishes prepared with an emphasis on local ingredients. Operating since 2008, the restaurant is known for its garden setting and home-style cooking based on family recipes.
Rather than focusing on elaborate presentation, the appeal is straightforward food: cooked dishes, vegetables, local cheese and traditional Greek flavours. It suits couples and families equally well.
The restaurant is conveniently located for visitors staying in Chora or Agios Georgios, so no special journey is necessary.
Good to know: It is a popular choice in summer. Reserve ahead if you want a particular evening or are travelling with a larger group.
2. Doukato — Dinner in the Old Town
Best for: Couples, traditional dishes and an atmospheric evening.
Location: Old Town, Chora.
Doukato is one of the established dining addresses in Naxos Town, particularly appealing for its courtyard atmosphere within the historic centre.
The menu centres on Greek and Mediterranean cooking, with meat dishes, seafood and traditional preparations. It is a good option for travellers who want a proper sit-down dinner after exploring the Kastro and surrounding lanes.
The setting is part of the appeal, although that also makes it popular during the busiest months.
Good to know: Plan to visit in the evening and consider reserving during July and August. The surrounding old-town streets are not particularly convenient for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
3. Sarris Tavern — A More Traditional Seafood Option
Best for: Seafood, casual Greek dining and travellers avoiding elaborate restaurant settings.
Location: Chora.
Sarris Tavern is worth considering for visitors who prefer a traditional fish-taverna atmosphere to a more polished dining experience.
The appeal lies in straightforward Greek seafood cooking and a relaxed setting. Depending on the day’s selection, look for grilled fish, small seafood plates and classic Greek starters.
As with any fish taverna, ask about the price and weight of fresh fish before ordering, particularly when the menu lists it by the kilogram.
Good to know: This is a practical choice for a casual dinner in town rather than a restaurant that requires a special excursion.
Best Restaurants Near the Beaches of Naxos
The southwest coast has plenty of restaurants serving visitors staying in Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka and Kastraki. Quality and atmosphere vary, and beachfront location alone is not a reliable indication of the food.
4. Axiotissa — One of the Island’s Most Worthwhile Food Destinations
Best for: Food-focused travellers, local ingredients and a memorable countryside meal.
Location: Kastraki, southwest Naxos.
Axiotissa is one of the island’s best-established destination tavernas. Its approach combines Greek recipes with carefully selected ingredients, including produce associated with the restaurant’s own agricultural activities.
The setting is relaxed rather than formal, but the cooking is more considered than at a conventional beachside taverna. Meat dishes, vegetables and seasonal preparations are particularly worth exploring.
Unlike restaurants in central Chora, Axiotissa requires transport for most visitors. Combine it with a day at Kastraki, Alyko or the southwest beaches rather than making repeated journeys across the island.
Good to know: Reservations are strongly advisable during the main tourist season. The restaurant operates seasonally, so confirm its current opening period.
5. Yucca Beach Kitchen Bar — Contemporary Beachfront Dining at Plaka
Best for: Beach lunches, couples and contemporary Greek-inspired dishes.
Location: Plaka Beach.
Yucca is a beach restaurant combining a relaxed seaside setting with a more contemporary approach to Greek and Mediterranean food.
It is particularly convenient for travellers already spending the day at Plaka, where a long lunch can be combined with swimming and time on the sand.
Expect a different experience from a mountain village taverna: the location, atmosphere and beach-oriented menu are central to its appeal.
Good to know: Beach establishments can have seasonal operating periods and changing menus. Check current service hours, particularly outside summer.
Best Restaurants in the Mountain Villages of Naxos
Eating inland is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Naxos. Mountain tavernas often place greater emphasis on meat, slow-cooked recipes, local cheese and dishes associated with village traditions.
For travellers with a rental car, lunch in the mountains fits naturally into a route through Halki, Filoti and Apeiranthos. See our Best Villages in Naxos guide for route ideas.
6. Amorginos — Traditional Cooking in Apeiranthos
Best for: Traditional Naxian recipes, meat dishes and village atmosphere.
Location: Apeiranthos.
Amorginos is an excellent option for visitors interested in the cooking traditions of Apeiranthos, one of the island’s most distinctive mountain villages.
The restaurant serves regional preparations including rosto, grilled meats, homemade pies and dishes featuring local cheeses. It is a good place to try food that feels more closely connected to the interior of Naxos than to its beach resorts.
Combine lunch with a walk through Apeiranthos’s marble-paved streets and traditional village centre. Allow at least two hours for the village and meal together.
Good to know: The village has uneven stone lanes and steps. Parking is generally outside the historic centre, so allow time to walk to the restaurant.
7. Rotonda — Panoramic Views Above the Mountains
Best for: Scenic lunches, sunset drinks and couples.
Location: On the road between Filoti and Apeiranthos.
Rotonda is particularly well known for its elevated position and panoramic views over the Naxian landscape towards the Aegean.
Its menu includes Greek and Mediterranean dishes, while the setting also lends itself to coffee, dessert or an evening drink. It is a more contemporary restaurant experience than a traditional village taverna.
The restaurant makes sense as part of a mountain excursion, especially if you are travelling between Filoti and Apeiranthos.
Good to know: The view is a major reason to visit, but weather conditions can affect outdoor seating. If planning a sunset meal, reserve and confirm the current opening schedule.
Which Part of Naxos Has the Best Restaurants?
The answer depends on the type of dining experience you want.
Chora offers the greatest convenience and variety, particularly for travellers without a car. It is the best place to explore several restaurants over consecutive evenings.
Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka are better suited to relaxed beach dining, especially if you are staying nearby and prefer not to travel into town every night.
Kastraki is worth considering for a destination meal at Axiotissa, ideally combined with sightseeing or beach time in southwest Naxos.
The mountain villages are particularly rewarding for travellers interested in traditional recipes, local meat dishes and a quieter setting.
If food is a major part of your holiday, we recommend eating in at least two different areas rather than limiting yourself to the restaurants closest to your hotel.
What to Order at Restaurants in Naxos
Naxos has a distinctive culinary identity, and several ingredients are worth looking for on restaurant menus.
- Graviera Naxou: The island’s well-known cheese, served on cheese platters, in pies or in cooked dishes.
- Naxian potatoes: A local speciality often served roasted or fried alongside meat.
- Rosto: A slow-cooked meat preparation associated particularly with Apeiranthos.
- Goat and lamb: Traditional ingredients in the island’s mountain cuisine.
- Seasonal vegetables: Look for dishes using local greens, aubergines and other produce.
- Kitron: A citrus-based Naxian liqueur traditionally enjoyed after a meal.
For a deeper introduction to regional dishes and ingredients, see our guide to What to Eat in Naxos.
How Much Does Eating Out in Naxos Cost?
Restaurant prices vary considerably according to location, season, menu and the type of establishment.
A simple meal at a casual taverna or souvlaki shop will generally cost less than dinner at a destination restaurant or an organised beachfront venue.
Seafood deserves particular attention. Fresh fish may be priced by weight, so confirm the total cost before ordering. The same principle applies to specials without a clearly displayed price.
For better value, consider sharing starters, choosing seasonal dishes and comparing menus rather than assuming that every restaurant in a particular village has similar prices.
Our Naxos on a Budget guide includes further ways to control food and transport expenses.
Do You Need Restaurant Reservations in Naxos?
Reservations are particularly useful for well-known restaurants during July and August, especially if you want to eat at a specific time or are travelling as a group.
To Elliniko, Doukato and Axiotissa are the types of establishments where planning ahead is sensible during busy periods.
Outside peak summer, you may have more flexibility, although seasonal closures and reduced operating days can become more important.
For restaurants outside Chora, check opening hours before travelling. A long drive to an inland restaurant is rarely worthwhile without confirming that it is serving meals.
Best Restaurants in Naxos Without a Car
Visitors staying in Chora have plenty of dining options within walking distance, including To Elliniko, Doukato and Sarris Tavern.
For a car-free holiday, it is usually more practical to explore Chora’s restaurants over several evenings rather than arranging expensive taxi journeys to distant tavernas.
Travellers staying in Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna or Plaka can also dine locally, although transport back from Chora should be considered if you plan an evening in town.
If you want to explore inland food destinations, consider combining a restaurant visit with an organised island excursion or a one-day rental car.
See Naxos Without a Car for more transport advice.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Restaurants in Naxos
The best restaurants in Naxos offer more than a pleasant setting. They provide an opportunity to experience the island’s agricultural traditions, regional recipes and distinctive local ingredients.
For a first visit, To Elliniko and Doukato are convenient choices in Chora, while Axiotissa is worth considering for a dedicated food-focused excursion. Amorginos offers a more traditional mountain village experience, and Rotonda is particularly appealing for its panoramic setting.
Rather than trying to visit every restaurant on a recommended list, choose two or three that fit naturally into your itinerary. A traditional dinner in Chora, a countryside lunch and a relaxed beachside meal will give you a broader impression of Naxian dining.
Continue exploring with our guides to Best Things to Do in Naxos and Best Villages in Naxos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants in Naxos
Established choices include To Elliniko and Doukato in Chora, Axiotissa near Kastraki, Amorginos in Apeiranthos and Rotonda in the mountains. The best choice depends on your location and preferred cuisine.
Chora offers the widest choice and is convenient without a car. The mountain villages are particularly rewarding for traditional Naxian cooking, while the southwest coast is convenient for beachside meals.
Naxos is known for its potatoes, Graviera Naxou cheese, local meat dishes, seasonal vegetables, rosto and Kitron liqueur.
Prices vary widely. Casual tavernas and souvlaki shops are generally more economical than premium seafood restaurants and fashionable beachfront establishments.
Reservations are advisable for popular restaurants during July and August, particularly for dinner or larger groups. Check operating days and seasonal opening periods before travelling.
To Elliniko in Chora, Axiotissa near Kastraki and Amorginos in Apeiranthos are worthwhile choices for dishes featuring traditional Greek or Naxian ingredients and recipes.
Chora is the most convenient dining area without a car, with restaurants such as To Elliniko, Doukato and Sarris Tavern within the wider town centre.
Yes, particularly if you enjoy traditional meat dishes and regional cooking. Combine a meal in Apeiranthos or another village with an inland sightseeing excursion.
The Chora waterfront and the beach resorts of Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka offer seaside dining. Rotonda offers elevated panoramic views rather than a beachfront setting.
Not all of them. Many restaurants serving beach resorts operate seasonally, while Chora has more year-round options. Confirm opening times directly outside the main tourist season.
