Written by Santorini Dave
See Also
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- Highest rated hotels in Paros
- Top-rated accommodations in Paros for families
The Best Places to Eat in Paros
- Greek Cooking Classes: There are several cooking courses on the island, but the best cooking class in Paros is at Margarita Restaurant at the family-operated boutique lodge Margarita Studios in Ambelas, a charming fishing village located around 3.5 km southeast of Naoussa.
- The villages Parikia and Naoussa have the most eateries and nearly all of Paros’ bars. In Parikia restaurants along the western seaside have amazing sunset views, but the food is usually better inside the village. In Naoussa, waterside restaurants and interior restaurants both great, but the best restaurants are generally not near the Old Port.
- Best Greek Restaurant: Yemeni Wine Restaurant in Naoussa.
- Top Greek Seafood:Ouzeri Halaris in Piso Livadi fishing village.
- Hong Kong Hotels with Pools
- Establishment with Exceptional Sunset Views: Ephessus in Parikia.
- Best Pizza: Cuore Rosso in Parikia.
- Best Hotel Restaurant in Paros:Margarita Restaurant at Margarita Studios on Ambelas Beach. Not a fancy eatery by any means, just down-home, traditional Greek fare from Paros in a family-friendly setting (as is true for the hotel itself).
Boutique Hotel: The Mandala
.” hotel is recommended
Dining in Paros
- Meal occasions in Paros: Greeks generally dine later. Lunch is between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. and supper is often around 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. Obviously, some eateries in the more tourist-heavy elements of Parikia and Naoussa will offer lunch as ahead of schedule as 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. and supper starting at 7:00 p.m., but the restaurants will be mostly empty with less locals. Breakfast is not a major meal in Greece.
- Reservations in Paros: Advance booking is necessary for most of the high-rated restaurants in Paros, which generally have a small capacity and offer a slow-paced dining experience. For eating at the smaller eateries in popular sunset or seaside spots, plan on reserving a week in advance for a party of 2 and 4 weeks ahead for a larger group.
- Eating by Hand: There is a mistaken belief that Greeks consume almost everything using their hands. While certainly true for snacks and meals on the go, like gyros and cheese pies, or for pork and lamb chops at casual eateries, nicer restaurants employ utensils for most items. Even dipping bread, it is typical to cut a small piece and employ a fork to dip and eat.
- Water is not drinkable straight from the tap on Paros. Eateries only serve bottled water, and it’s never complimentary.
- Parian Food is reputed to be extremely fresh, globally inspired, and highlighting seafood. Local specialties to try include gouna (sun-dried, roasted mackerel), mizithra (goat cheese), karavalas (Greek escargot), and kakavia (fish soup). Though octopus is absolutely ubiquitous and delicious when prepared correctly, much of the octopus served in Paros is caught outside peak season and frozen or imported to meet the island’s high demand. Check with the restaurant to be certain that the octopus on the menu is local and fresh).
- Wine: Greek wines are frequently underestimated. The nation has cultivated grapes for thousands of years, yielding truly exceptional varieties, especially whites. Top viticultural regions in Greece are the Cyclades, the Peloponnese, and Macedonia. Varietals worth tasting include Assyrtiko and Moschofilero (both whites), Agiorgitiko (rosé and red), Xinomavro (red), and Vinsanto (white dessert wine). A handful of wineries operate on Paros, the largest and most accessible being Moraitis Winery in Naoussa.
- Tip etiquette in Paros: Tipping is a custom in Greece. A general principle for an informal meal at a taverna is to tip roughly €2 to €5 or to round the bill up to the closest number ending in a “0” or “5.” For example, if your bill is €27, leave a total of €30. For higher-end eateries, tipping 5 to 10% is traditional; 15% is considered generous. For bars and cafés if ordering at the counter, round up to the nearest euro; for table assistance, tip about 5 to 10%.
The 13 Best Restaurants in Paros
1. Yemeni – Naoussa • $$$
Map – +30 22840 51445
Effortlessly elegant yet understated restaurant serving seasonal, local dishes alongside traditional, Greek favorites. The thoughtfully curated wine list is handwritten in a notebook and features excellent Parian, Cycladic, and Greek regional labels. Their signature cocktails are drinkable works of craft. Tables are set up outside the restaurant tucked away in the cobblestone lanes of Naoussa village. This is a tiny, popular restaurant, so be sure to make reservations in advance. Dinner only, open from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
2. Stou Fred – Parikia • $$$$
Location • +30 69704 48763
Romantic, garden restaurant located in the heart of Parikia operated by the renowned French backpacker-turned-chef, Fred Chesneau. The 5-course set menu varies weekly to highlight the finest seasonal, local ingredients, which are all prepared using global fusion spices and techniques. The wine menu mostly offers French varieties. Wonderful for a date night or special occasion. Reservations required. Dinner only, single seating, service begins between 8:30 to 8:45 p.m. daily, closed Sundays.
3. Statheros – Naoussa • $$$
Map – +30 22840 51888
An organic, farm-to-table, Parian-Greek meze restaurant based on three generations of one family’s recipes. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and eggs are gathered daily from the Statheros family’s farm, while seafood, meat, cheeses, and wines are sourced from local producers in Paros and Antiparos. The restaurant offers two open-air dining areas: one seaside and one alongside the alleyway entrance. Reservations strongly recommended. Open for dinner daily from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
4. Ouzeri Halaris – Piso Livadi • $$
Map – +30 22840 43257
The busy fishing village Piso Livadi contains outstanding seafood eateries, and Ouzeri Halaris stands out among them all. This casual, seaside restaurant is owned by a fishing family: the father and son go out each morning to capture all the fish that will be served in the restaurant that day, while the mother prepares each dish according to family recipes. This seafood offers the peak of freshness, local flavor, and authenticity on Pari. Open for lunch and dinner daily from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.
5. Markakis – Piso Livadi • $$
Location • +30 22840 42177
On the same pier as Ouzeri Halaris is a family-operated restaurant called Markakis Restaurant, which offers a slightly more refined dining experience with extremely fresh seafood appetizers, local wine selections, and a bright seaside dining area. This is an excellent spot to sample some of Paros’ traditional dishes, like sun-dried mackerel and fish stew, though the catch of the day will never disappoint. Open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. for lunch and dinner.
6. Taverna Glafkos – Naoussa • $$
In place of ” Map • +30 22840 5210
A waterside eating place on a pebbly shoreline, providing modern, Greek seafood in a casual, romantic setting. While freshly caught ocean creatures take center stage on the menu, the restaurant offers plenty of meat and vegetarian alternatives as well, always highlighting seasonal elements and best paired with their local house wine. Reservations strongly suggested for evening meals as space is limited. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and drinks from noon to 11:00 p.m.
7. Cuore Rosso – Parikia • $$
Map – +30 22840 22920
Cuore Rosso provides arguably the finest pizza in Paros, on par with the top Italian pizzerias. The dough is expertly handcrafted freshly each day (including a gluten-free selection) and topped with high-quality, fresh ingredients like veggies, cheeses and meats sourced from Italian providers. While pizza reigns supreme, flawless pasta, gnocchi, carpaccio and both Greek and Italian wines complement the menu. All nestled within a cozy garden setting traversing the maze of walkways in Parikia`s core. Dinner is served nightly from 6:00 p.m. until midnight.
8. Soso – Naoussa • $$$
Map – +30 69748 78281
Stylish Greek-Mediterranean restaurant set in one of Naoussa’s charming, narrow alleys. Soso offers more dishes focusing on meat than most Parian restaurants, which often concentrate on seafood. The constantly changing menu typically includes roasted lamb or pork shank, spicy lamb meatballs, cheese pie, and octopus over fava beans. Reservations strongly recommended. Open only for evening meals from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
9. Kargas – Naoussa • $
Map – +30 22840 53503
For high-quality gyro or souvlaki at reasonable prices, this local eatery in Paros stands out. Pork or chicken skewers and fries or Greek salad are the specialty, prepared with care. Limited outdoor seating is near the entrance, but many patrons choose takeaway to then enjoy their meal with seaside views nearby at the marina or Old Port, only steps from the restaurant.
10. Les Amis – Pounta • $$
Map – +30 22840 51100
A sophisticated Mediterranean eatery skillfully blending regional tastes with innovative techniques, accompanied by exceptional Greek wines and craftily-made cocktails. Expect customary, well-made meat, seafood and pasta dishes bearing imaginative accents like lavender-infused balsamic vinegar. Diners have three seating zones: the balcony, the alleyway or the dining room; booking in advance reserves balcony seating permitting panoramas of the streetlife below plus more privacy than alley tables. Open nightly for happy hour and dinner.
11. Café Symposium – Parikia • $$
Map – +30 22840 24147
The best location in Paros for breakfast and brunch, known for their sweet and savory crepes and providing delicious coffee, pastries, and omelets. Café Symposium sits under a leafy bougainvillea on a terrace above the pedestrian tunnel and steps in Parikia, an ideal vantage point for people observing. The assistance is friendly and unhurried. Open daily for breakfast until 12:30 p.m., then for wine, cocktails, and small plates in the evenings.
12. Ephessus – Parikia • $$
Map – +30 22840 22520
Wonderful sunset view restaurant on Livadia Beach in Parikia serves a Greek menu with Turkish influences. The restaurant cooks a variety of dishes, including their pizza, in a wood-burning oven. Try the manti (Turkish dumplings). Upgrade to a bottle of wine as the house wine is subpar. Friendly service. Open daily for lunch, dinner and cocktails until 12:30 a.m.
