Greek food never disappoints, and Naxos has a great food scene. This is due, in part, to the fact that it is an agricultural island. It is known for its potatoes and cheese. There are many great places to eat on this large island, and here are a few of my favorites from my years of visiting.

Oasis

Oasis is a family-run restaurant in Naxos. The restaurant is located in Naxos Town near Saint George’s Beach. All of the food is homemade. Specials are offered daily and vary depending on the day of the week. I recommend the pasticcio, the stuffed peppers, and the pork stew.

Meltemi

Meltemi is located just up the road from Oasis near Saint George’s beach. It has been around for many years, and people continue to return year after year. Meltemi’s moussaka is one of my favorites on the island. The dip they serve with bread is excellent. Most of the food they serve is traditional Greek cuisine.

Metaxi Mas

Metaxi Mas is located in Naxos’ Old Town. Here, you can choose to eat in the streets of the old town. Alternatively, you can sit inside in one of the cozy interiors. Everything I have eaten here has been excellent. My favorites are the zucchini balls, pasticcio, and the spicy meatballs.

Faros

Not all of the best restaurants in Naxos are located in Naxos Town. Faros is located at Agia Anna beach and features organic dishes. It also offers a great view of the beach. Faros also has some of the best zucchini balls on the island. To get to Faros, take the bus from Naxos Old Town to Agia Anna and walk down past the pier and it will be on your left.

Kitron

Kitron is one of my favorite places for breakfast, lunch and coffee. It is located right in the main port area of town and is a good spot to ferry watch while you enjoy your meal. Kitron is also a great place to get some work done, as the wifi even works outside there. Kitron is open year round!

For breakfast, I order the Strapatsada. This scrambled egg dish is a Greek classic. The eggs are cooked with finely chopped tomatoes and feta cheese.

If you go for lunch, they have a variety of sandwiches to choose from or light snacks. Don’t forget that afternoon Greek coffee either. In the evening, you can explore the Kitron liquor offerings. Kitron is made from the citron fruit, and it is distilled on the island in the village of Halki.

La Paloma

La Paloma is a new restaurant that opened in the summer of 2024. It is located in Chora near the waterfront. The main food offering is Tex-Mex. On my recent visit, my hotel owners had just visited La Paloma for the first time and recommended it. I was intrigued.

Despite just opening, the service and the food were excellent. I am very picky about Margaritas, but theirs was really close to what I am used to in Texas. In addition, I ordered the shrimp tacos, which were perfect. I love a good shrimp taco. Everyone else’s food also looked great.

Another great thing about La Paloma is that it faces the sunset. You get a perfect view of the sunset over Paros here. I recommend a reservation at La Paloma, as it fills up fast, and you can get a better view of the sunset if you ask for the right tables in front.

Picasso on the Beach

Picasso is also on the beach as you may have guessed. Picasso is a Mexican restaurant, and as a Texan, I am always critical of Mexican food. However, Picasso does a good job given their limited access to Mexican ingredients. The fajitas were good, and they serve a frozen strawberry after dinner drink. Picasso on the Beach is located at Plaka beach and is reachable by bus. Tell the bus driver you want to get off at Picasso.

Paradiso

Most people stop to eat at Paradiso because of the stunning view its beachside tables offer at Agia Anna. However, you should also stop because the food is outstanding! The beetroot salad and the papoutsakia (eggplant with minced meat) were terrific. So was the semolina cake we were offered on the house. If you really like the location, they also have rooms for rent.

Scirocco

If you need a break from Greek food, then I recommend Scirocco for Italian food. My favorite there is the carbonara. They also serve Greek food if you and your friends are undecided! It is a nice place to people watch as it is located in the main square of Naxos Town and many Greek families gather there in the evening to socialize.

Barabbas

Barabbas is a traditional taverna located near the port of Naxos. You will see many locals eating here. It is only open for dinner though. However, once you eat here you will definitely be back. Their speciality is fish and slow cooked meats. I recommend any pork dish on the menu! When I ordered, the brought out a complimentary appetizer. Don’t forget to have some local wine here too.

Hurmas

Hurmas is also a new addition in Naxos, opening in 2024. Not only is it open all day, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, but it is also open year-round! I only ate there once, but the food was excellent, as was the wine selection. The inside of the building is beautiful as well.

Sun Kyma

Sun Kyma opened in 2024 and replaced the Flisvos restaurant at Flisvos apartments. I loved the food at Flisvos, so I wasn’t sure how the new place would be. However, I loved the food, and the staff was very friendly. It is a bit more upscale now, and the prices reflect that. However, the food was great quality, and I loved the zucchini balls—one of my Greek favorites.

Apostolis

Apostolis is a modern Greek restaurant serving classic Greek dishes with a twist. The restaurant is located in the Naxos Chora and has a wonderful setting under paper lanterns.

Etere

Not Greek food, but just as good as it is Italian. Etere is also new as of 2025. I found this place on TikTok and knew I had to give it a try. The service was top-notch. The location is along a busy road, but it makes up for it with a stunning view of the sunset.

I had the mushroom risotto and I loved it, well, except for the kale garnish. The real star is the tiramisu, which is make in large quantities and served directly from the dish at your table.

O Giorgis

For the more adventurous type, head to the village of Melanes and eat at O Giorgis. I had some of the best food in Naxos here. The baked eggplant was so well seasoned and melted in my mouth. I was so full but still managed to finish the whole thing. Sit on the enclosed patio so you can have a wonderful view of the valley.

Coffee and Desserts

Greece is known for good coffee, and Naxos is no exception. I have spent lots of time having coffee in Naxos to see which places serve the best coffee and desserts.

Artοποιώ

This coffee shop and bakery was one of the first places I tried when I arrived in Naxos. I was up very early due to my jet lag and they were already open by 6:30 AM. The coffee is probably the best on the island. The baked goods are freshly made in the shop and it smells heavenly.

σιτάρι

Not only does this place have wonderful coffee but they also have some organic products available as well. If I am correct, the bakery is called Wheat in English. It is also open early for those of you who are morning people.

Waffle House

This is not the American Waffle House; this is a wonderful ice cream parlor serving ice cream on waffles. You can get the ice cream to go or you can sit and have it brought to you by a waiter.

Aktaion

Aktaion is an upscale pastry shop located on the promenade of Naxos Town. They serve a selection of gelato, amazing macaroons and other mouth-watering desserts.

The food scene in Naxos is always evolving, but continues to maintain its Greek roots with traditional flavors. Whether you are looking for a taverna, gourmet food, or a beach snack, Naxos has it all.

Are you ready to eat at the best restaurants in Naxos now?

PS. Some of these Naxos restaurants are only open during the tourist season from April to October, 
so please check beforehand.

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