Best Restaurants in Mykonos: A Practical Guide to the Island’s Top Tables
Mykonos is the most expensive food destination in Greece. You can spend €500 on a lobster pasta or €5 on a world-class pita wrap. The island’s gastronomic scene is divided between high-concept beach clubs and traditional Cycladic tavernas. Finding the best restaurants in Mykonos requires navigating through tourist traps focused on aesthetics over ingredients. This guide prioritizes flavor, sourcing, and value across all price points. Whether you want a celebrity-chef tasting menu or a hidden courtyard meal, Mykonos provides.
Must-try dishes in Mykonos
Before booking your table, look for these local specialties that define the island’s profile.
- Kopanisti: A spicy, fermented cheese with a creamy texture and protected designation of origin. Its sharp kick is unique to Mykonos.
- Louza: The Mykonian version of prosciutto. It is sun-dried pork loin cured with salt, pepper, and local spices.
- Mostra: A simple appetizer featuring a large barley rusk topped with kopanisti, chopped tomatoes, and olive oil.
- Amigdalota: Traditional almond cookies scented with rosewater and dusted with powdered sugar.
- Marathokeftedes: Fennel fritters that are crunchy on the outside and fragrant with herbs on the inside.
- Fresh Sea Urchin: Often served raw with a squeeze of lemon and quality olive oil right by the water.
Best restaurants in Mykonos for a splurge
When budget is secondary to experience, these three spots offer professional service and ambitious menus.
Interni – Mykonos Town (Chora)
Located in a stunning white-washed garden, Interni is a staple for the high-end crowd. The menu focuses on Mediterranean fusion, blending local ingredients with international techniques. It is loud, fashionable, and serves some of the best cocktails on the island. Go here if you want a high-energy dinner that transitions into a party.
Spilia – Agia Anna
Built directly into a natural seaside cave, Spilia is one of the most iconic locations for where to eat in Mykonos. You can watch the staff catch sea urchins directly from the natural pool in front of your table. The signature lobster pasta is famous, and the setting remains unmatched for a long, expensive lunch.
Matsuhisa – Mykonos Town (Belvedere Hotel)
Nobu Matsuhisa’s Mykonos outpost is the gold standard for sushi in the Cyclades. While you can find Nobu anywhere, the open-air setting at the Belvedere Hotel adds a specific Greek luxury to the experience. The black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeño are consistent, providing a reliable break from Greek tavern food.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
These spots balance quality and price while maintaining an authentic feel.
Kiki’s Tavern – Agios Sostis
Kiki’s is legendary because it has no electricity and does not take reservations. You wait in line under a grape arbor for grilled octopus and pork chops. The food is cooked over charcoal, and the views over the bay are incredible. It is the definition of "slow food" in a fast-paced island.
Bakalo – Mykonos Town
Bakalo focuses on traditional Greek recipes often ignored by more modern establishments. Housed in a traditional house with a beautiful courtyard, it feels intimate and personal. Try the marathokeftedes (fennel fritters) and the moussaka. It is a reliable choice for a quiet dinner away from the main harbor crowds.
Avli Tou Thodori – Platis Gialos
Situated right on the beach, this restaurant manages to be both upscale and casual. It specializes in seafood and classic Greek dishes. The service is professional, and the prices are fair for the prime beachfront real estate. It is an excellent choice for a family dinner where everyone can find something they like.
Nikos Gallop – Psarou
Located on the road down to Psarou beach, this Cretan-inspired taverna is a local secret. The focus is on fresh fish and Cretan specialties like dakos and lamb. It is significantly more affordable than the beach clubs nearby and offers a much higher standard of cooking.
Best cheap eats and street food
Mykonos doesn’t have to break your bank. Use these spots to fuel your day for under €15.
Sakis Grill House – Mykonos Town
Sakis is a local institution for gyros and souvlaki. It is fast, greasy, and perfect. Whether it’s a mid-day snack or a 3:00 AM post-bar meal, the quality is consistent. The pita is always fresh, and the tzatziki is heavy on the garlic, exactly as it should be.
Jimmy’s Pinky – Mykonos Town
Another legendary souvlaki spot located in the heart of the narrow streets. Jimmy has been serving icons and tourists alike for decades. It is one of the best restaurants in Mykonos for a quick, cheap meal that allows you to keep exploring without a two-hour sit-down commitment.
Leonidas – Mykonos Town (and various locations)
For a massive, budget-friendly sandwich or a quick crepe, Leonidas is the local go-to. It is more of a snack bar than a restaurant, but the portions are large and the prices are flat, making it a favorite for seasonal workers and budget travelers.
Gioras Wood Medieval Mykonian Bakery – Mykonos Town
This is the oldest bakery on the island, operating with a wood-fired oven. It serves incredible spanakopita (spinach pie) and baklava. It is underground and hidden, providing a cool escape from the sun. Grab a pastry here for a few euros and find a bench by the harbor.
Best breakfast and brunch
Start your day at these spots if you want more than just a hotel buffet.
Liberty Breakfast Suites – Mykonos Town
Located slightly uphill from the main town, Liberty offers panoramic views and a dedicated breakfast menu. They serve everything from traditional Greek eggs (strapatsada) to pancakes and avocado toast. The coffee is excellent, and the breeze makes it a comfortable morning spot.
The Liberty Diner – Mykonos Town
A more central option that feels like a modern American diner with a Greek twist. It is one of the best restaurants in Mykonos for those who want a heavy brunch. The portions are North American sized, and the menu covers every breakfast craving imaginable.
Lalala – Mykonos Town
A charming, small café in the town’s center. They focus on healthy options, fresh juices, and specialty coffee. It is a great place to sit with a laptop or people-watch in the morning. Their yogurt bowls with Greek honey and local fruits are highly recommended.
Best rooftop or view dining
If you are looking for where to eat in Mykonos during sunset, these locations are essential.
180° Sunset Bar – Mykonos Town
While primarily known as a bar, their food menu offers high-quality Mediterranean bites. The view here is the best on the island, overlooking the entire town, the windmills, and the harbor. You pay a premium for the location, so book a table in advance for the sunset window.
Nice n Easy – Little Venice
Located right on the water’s edge in Little Venice, this restaurant focuses on organic, farm-to-table ingredients. You can watch the waves crash against the buildings while eating fresh seafood. It is one of the most romantic spots on the island, particularly as the sun dips below the horizon.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
Chora (Mykonos Town): This is the dense heart of the island. You will find everything from high-end fusion to cheap souvlaki. The best strategy is to get lost in the backstreets, away from the harbor front, where the small courtyard tavernas are hidden.
Ano Mera: This is the island’s second-largest village and sits in the center of Mykonos. It is significantly more traditional than the coast. The main square is lined with tavernas serving grilled meats and local cheeses at prices much lower than the beach areas.
Platis Gialos: If you want to eat with your feet in the sand, this is the best neighborhood. It features a long string of restaurants ranging from high-end Italian to traditional Greek. It is easy to walk between spots to check menus before committing.
Restaurant hours and reservation requirements change seasonally; verify current status before visiting.