Paros is the kind of island where food becomes part of the travel experience. A warm pastry eaten near the ferry port, a long seafood lunch beside the water or a simple dinner in a mountain village can remain among your favourite memories long after the beaches and sunsets have blurred together.
What I love about eating in Paros is the variety. You can begin the morning with coffee and bougatsa in Parikia, enjoy a stylish dinner in Naoussa, order freshly caught fish in Piso Livadi or Aliki, and end another day with home-style cooking in a quiet inland village like Lefkes.
This Paros restaurants guide explores restaurants, tavernas, cafés, gelaterias and cocktail bars across the island. Rather than concentrating only on the most photographed waterfront tables, it also includes relaxed local-style addresses and smaller places worth seeking out. The best way to experience Paros through food is to explore several areas: Parikia for casual island meals, Naoussa for atmospheric evenings, the east coast for seafood and the inland villages for traditional Parian cooking.
While you explore Paros through its food, don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Paros, from charming villages and historic churches to beautiful beaches and some beautifull hikes.
As you read menus, look for local specialities such as gouna, sun-dried grilled mackerel, revithada, slow-baked chickpeas; cheeses such as ladotyri and xinomyzithra and wines made from native grapes including Monemvasia and Mandilaria.
Parikia: casual food and Paros classics
Parikia is where many visitors first arrive with the ferry, but it should not be treated merely as a ferry port. The town is one of the most convenient areas in Paros for breakfast, bakery snacks, affordable lunches and relaxed evening meals.
The best things to do in Parikia like the waterfront, old town and Livadia area are all easy to explore on foot, making Parikia a particularly practical place to eat if you are staying nearby, waiting for a ferry or looking for a straightforward meal after a day at the beach.
Read more: How to get to Paros
Bougatsa (bakery)
Near the Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani, Bougatsa is a popular stop for freshly prepared Greek pastries. Its sweet bougatsa, filled with custard and finished with cinnamon, is the obvious choice for breakfast, although the savoury cheese and spinach pies are equally appealing if you prefer something less sweet.
It is an ideal place to begin the day before exploring Parikia’s old town or catching a bus. Bougatsa feels more like an everyday island bakery than a polished tourist brunch restaurant, which is part of its charm.
By the way, if you’re looking for the best bougatsa in the Cyclades, you need to visit Syros and Thessalonikia Bougatsa & Pizza in Ermoupolis! Our favorite coffee bar in the Cyclades.
Read more: The best coffee bars in Syros
Bountaraki (taverna)
Bountaraki is a small, family-run taverna offering traditional Greek cooking in a relaxed and unfussy setting. The menu includes cheese saganaki (my favorite), seasonal salads, and grilled meat, making it a good choice when you want a satisfying dinner without the formality or prices of some harbour-front restaurants.
The taverna does not take reservations, so it is best to arrive early during the high season. Later in the evening, queues can form, particularly when visitors discover the popular saganaki.
Cosa All Day Café
Set near the waterfront by Livadia Beach, Cosa is a convenient all-day café for breakfast, brunch, coffee, snacks and casual drinks. Its Greek yoghurt bowls, waffles and lighter brunch dishes are well suited to a slow morning or an easy seaside lunch.
Cosa is especially practical if you are staying in Parikia or Livadia, or if you want somewhere relaxed to stop before or after a swim. The waterfront location also makes it a pleasant place to sit and watch the town begin its day.
To Souvlaki Tou Pepe
For a quick and uncomplicated Greek meal, To Souvlaki Tou Pepe is a dependable choice on the Livadia seafront. The menu includes pork and chicken gyros, souvlaki, grilled chicken, burgers and salads.
A pork gyros pita, chicken souvlaki or mixed grill platter makes an easy lunch or late-night dinner. This is the kind of place to choose when you want familiar Greek street food without committing to a long restaurant meal. This was our last meal before taking the ferry back to Syros.
Vanilla Gelateria
A walk through Parikia is not complete without something sweet, and Vanilla Gelateria is a popular stop for gelato, sorbets, waffles and milkshakes. Pistachio, yoghurt and seasonal fruit sorbets are particularly refreshing after sightseeing in the summer heat.
Alexandros Bar (Cocktail and sunset bar)
Alexandros Bar is located near Parikia’s famous windmill and is a popular place for a sunset drink. The setting is particularly attractive in the evening, when the light changes over the harbour and the waterfront begins to fill with people.
It’s best to arrive early for the best spots.
Naoussa: harbour views and memorable dinners
Naoussa has the most famous evening atmosphere in Paros. Its old fishing harbour, whitewashed lanes and waterfront tables are especially beautiful after dark, but the busiest location does not always guarantee the best meal. That’s something we learned during all our travels to the Cycladic islands.
Look beyond the most crowded terraces, compare menus and reserve ahead during July and August. Naoussa offers everything from historic family tavernas and seafood restaurants to contemporary small-plates venues and lively cocktail bars. Naoussa also has a lot beautiful hotels and is a good base to explore Paros.
Read more: The best hotels in Paros
Minoa (traditional restaurant)
Minoa is a long-established, family-owned restaurant that has welcomed visitors and locals since 1977. Its signature dish is a clay-pot moussaka, slow-cooked in a limited daily batch.
The moussaka is worth asking about as soon as you arrive because it can sell out later in the evening. Minoa is a good choice for a traditional Greek dinner with genuine family-run character and offers a more classic experience than some of Naoussa’s trendier restaurants.
Barbarossa (Seafood restaurant)
Barbarossa is one of the best-known dining addresses in Naoussa. Tables sit beside the old Venetian harbour, with fishing boats bobbing on the water and the whitewashed buildings providing a memorable backdrop.
The restaurant is associated with oysters, grilled octopus and fresh seafood, while the atmosphere becomes increasingly lively later at night. It is a good choice for a special harbour-side dinner, but reservations are strongly recommended in July and August.
Barbarossa receives mixed reviews, with some diners finding it underwhelming while others consider it one of their most memorable dining experiences in Paros. The best way to decide is to try it for yourself.
To Paradosiako (Loukoumades)
A visit to Naoussa is not complete without trying its freshly made loukoumades. Loukoumades are Greek honey doughnuts fried to order and served warm. For an indulgent treat, add warm chocolate sauce and a scoop of ice cream. Make sure to arrive before 9 p.m. to avoid the longest queues.
Matina (tavern)
Matina focuses on small plates and contemporary Greek cooking in an intimate setting. It’s a lovely choice for couples or anyone who enjoys sharing a few smaller dishes instead of ordering a large main course each.
The Greek salad is a simple but popular choice, while a selection of smaller plates allows you to try several flavours. If you book ahead, ask whether the small balcony table is available for an especially atmospheric dinner.
Sigi Ikthios (seafood restaurant)
Sigi Ikthios is a long-established seafood restaurant beside Naoussa’s old harbour. It is known for fresh fish, sea urchin, grilled octopus and seafood dishes such as orzo with crab or prawns.
The restaurant is a strong choice for a classic seafood dinner with harbour views. If you order whole fish, remember that it is normally priced by weight. Just ask the staff to recommend an appropriate size and confirm the approximate price before ordering, or the bill could be an unpleasant surprise.
Statheros (seafood restaurant)
Statheros presents traditional Parian flavours in a more contemporary and polished setting. It sits somewhere between a rustic taverna and a modern restaurant, making it suitable for a special dinner or a relaxed date night.
Seasonal seafood, regional dishes and local wine are natural choices here. It is a good option when you want the flavours of Paros in a setting that feels more refined than a traditional village taverna.
The views over the water are breathtaking, although the restaurant can feel more touristy during busy periods, when waiting times may also be longer.
Rema Floga (restaurant)
Rema Floga is a newer restaurant and a true gem that has attracted attention for its open kitchen, wood-fired bread oven and menu based on Cycladic ingredients. The dishes may change frequently, with cooking centred on ingredients such as fresh fish, kid goat and smoked meat.
It is worth asking about the day’s menu and leaving room for dessert. The restaurant is well suited to visitors looking for a creative Greek dinner in a charming old-town setting.
Recent reviews highlight the welcoming staff, creative food and a daily menu! You can just walk by (meaby not to late) to get a table.
If you enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and traditional Greek dishes at Rema Floga in Paros, To Petrino in Syros is a similar choice, offering a welcoming taverna setting and classic local specialities.
Read more: Best restaurants in Syros
Almond (brunch)
Almond Living Well offers a modern, wellness-focused alternative to the traditional cafés and tavernas of Naoussa. Its menu includes bowls, brunch dishes, coffee and lighter daytime options.
The relaxed atmosphere makes it a good place for a slower morning before exploring the village or heading towards Santa Maria Beach. It is a welcome change of pace after several meals based around grilled meat, seafood and meze.
Santé Cocktail Bar (coffee and cocktails)
Santé Cocktail Bar is tucked into a beautiful bougainvillea-covered lane framed by white Cycladic walls. It is a pleasant place for an aperitif before dinner, with creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere later in the evening.
The bar attracts a younger crowd as the night progresses, making it suitable for both a quiet pre-dinner drink and a more energetic evening.
Agosta Bar (cocktailbar)
Agosta is a lively waterfront bar that opens in the evening and becomes increasingly energetic as the night continues. It offers cocktails, harbour-side seating and music that can continue into the early hours.
I would choose Agosta for drinks and a lively night out after dinner rather than a quiet sunset aperitif.
Santa Maria and the North Coast
The northern coast around Santa Maria is ideal for combining a beach day with a long lunch or sunset dinner. It is generally quieter than central Naoussa while still offering several polished dining options.
Outside the summer season, opening hours can be limited, so it is best to check online or call ahead to confirm that everything is open before visiting.
Siparos (restaurant)
Near Santa Maria Beach, Siparos is one of the island’s best-known destination restaurants. Its seaside position makes it particularly popular around sunset, when reservations can be difficult to secure during the peak season.
The menu focuses on seafood and modern Mediterranean cooking, with dishes such as prawn ceviche, fried squid, steamed mussels and grilled octopus.
Siparos works particularly well for a celebration, special occasion or memorable sunset meal. Book several days ahead in July and August, especially if you want a sea-facing table.
Golden Beach, Drios and Piso Livadi
The east coast has a slower rhythm than Naoussa. Days here revolve around swimming, windsurfing and long beach lunches, while evenings tend to feel quieter and more local.
This is an excellent part of Paros for fresh fish, simple seafood and drinks beside a small harbour.
Markakis, Piso Livadi (restaurant)
Directly beside the water in Piso Livadi, Markakis is a relaxed seafood restaurant that works particularly well after a day at Logaras, Golden Beach or Kalogeros Beach.
Depending on the day’s catch, you might choose fresh fish, mussels cooked in white wine, grilled calamari, octopus, gouna or a Parian tomato salad. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, with the sea providing most of the decoration.
Don’t be afraid to ask what has arrived fresh that morning and order a few dishes to share. Be sure to include the fried cheese.
Taverna Julia, Drios
Taverna Julia is a simple seaside restaurant with tables close to the beach and views across the Aegean.
The menu includes taramasalata, freshly grilled fish, sardines and gouna. It is an ideal place for an unhurried lunch or early dinner when you are in no hurry to leave the coast.
Kima, Drios (Restaurant)
Kima offers a more contemporary approach to seafood in a minimalist waterfront setting. The menu combines modern cooking with Greek flavours and includes options such as sea bass ceviche, seafood risotto and slow-roasted lamb shank.
The restaurant is a good choice for a romantic dinner or a more polished evening meal beside the water.
This is one of the best restaurants you can find in Paros!
Remezzo, Piso Livadi (cafe)
Remezzo is better suited to drinks and snacks than to a long taverna meal. It is a pleasant place next to the waterfront for an aperitif after the beach or before choosing one of Piso Livadi’s nearby restaurants.
Cocktails, wine and bar snacks make it a relaxed alternative to travelling to Naoussa for an evening drink.
Resalto, Drios (cocktail bar)
Resalto is a relaxed waterfront bar known for its music and laid-back atmosphere. Its playlist may include classic rock, blues, jazz and Pink Floyd, creating a very different mood from the busier nightlife areas of Naoussa.
The drinks are uncomplicated and the setting is atmospheric, making Resalto a memorable place for an after-dinner drink beside the moonlit sea.
If you enjoy the laid-back seaside atmosphere and relaxed rock, jazz and blues of Resalto in Drios, you may also like Laoutari in Syros, where a warm, bohemian setting, Greek meze and live music on Sunday.
Read more: Best bars in Syros
Aliki and South Paros
Aliki has a quieter, more traditional character than Naoussa. It is a good base for travellers who prefer a small fishing-village atmosphere, easy beach days and uncomplicated seafood.
The best approach here is often simple: choose a waterfront table, ask what arrived that morning and order several dishes to share.
Melinos (Mezze Café)
We stopped at Melinos Mezze Café in Aliki for a selection of mezze and had a lovely experience. Sitting in the shade while looking out over the sea made it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy some small dishes in a relaxed setting.
The mezze were delicious and ideal for sharing, with plenty of flavour in every bite. The owner was also very friendly and welcoming, which made our visit feel even more enjoyable. If you are looking for a pleasant spot in Aliki for mezze, small dishes and a beautiful sea view, Melinos Mezze Café is well worth a visit.
Thalassamou (restaurant)
Thalassamou offers a more creative seafood experience in Aliki. It is worth considering when you want a thoughtful, food-focused dinner without travelling to Naoussa.
The menu focuses on seafood starters, seasonal fish dishes and creative plates based on local ingredients.
Thalassamou is a little more upscale, with prices to match.
To Balconi tou Aki
We spotted To Balconi tou Aki during our visit to Aliki and loved its beautiful seaside setting. The restaurant was completely full when we arrived, so unfortunately we did not get the chance to eat there, but the lively atmosphere and tables overlooking the water certainly made us curious to return another time.
Lefkes, Prodromos and inland Paros
The inland villages reveal a different side of Parian food. Away from the harbours, the emphasis shifts from seafood to vegetables, meat, herbs, cheese and home-style cooking.
Lefkes, Prodromos, Marpissa and nearby villages are also cooler in the evening, making them ideal for a long dinner after a hot day on the coast. After a long day of exploring Lefkes, it’s time to relax over dinner or enjoy a cocktail at one of the village’s welcoming bars.
If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to stop at Meli Ice Cream Shop for some of the best ice cream around. And if you need fresh bread or pastries, Strateris Bakery is the place to go. For everything else, from a relaxing coffee and a light lunch to a memorable dinner we have gathered our favourite places below.
Aranto, Lefkes (Restaurant)
Aranto is one of the more contemporary dining options in Lefkes, combining creative Greek cooking with panoramic island views. The restaurant places emphasis on local ingredients while presenting them in a polished way.
Ordering several starters to share allows you to sample the seasonal dishes, while a Parian wine made from Monemvasia grapes pairs well with the restaurant’s Greek and island-inspired flavours. Aranto is well suited to a destination lunch or sunset dinner.
You will notice the price difference with places as Naoussa and Parikia. Aranto is one of the best places to eat in Paros.
Chryssoula – Geuseis tis Sintrofias (Restaurant)
Chryssoula is a warm, traditional restaurant in Lefkes where home-style cooking and local hospitality are central to the experience. Vegetable dishes, potato salad, local meze and homemade desserts are among the types of food that suit this relaxed village setting.
This place is next to Aranto so you might have to choose between them.
Ramnos Café (Coffee shop)
At the entrance to Lefkes, Ramnos Café offers a scenic terrace and an all-day menu. It works equally well for morning coffee, breakfast, lunch or an evening drink.
You might stop for coffee and breakfast before exploring the village, order a salmon bowl for lunch or return later for an Aegean Breeze cocktail.
If you’re looking for a good breakfast, before starting the Byzantine Road in Lefkes, this is the place to be.
Café Marigo
Café Marigo is a true gem in the charming village of Lefkes. Sit down, relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the church while taking in the peaceful atmosphere of this traditional mountain village.
One of the best things to do in Lefkes is to stop here for a coffee and a slice of carrot cake. Find a shady table, slow down and enjoy the moment, just like a local Greek coffee break.
Klarinos (tavern)
Klarinos is a good choice for meat lovers and is particularly associated with grilled lamb chops and local sausages. It offers a more substantial alternative to the seafood-focused restaurants along the coast.
Ask about the day’s dishes and any local products available.
It is one of the few truly authentic traditional Greek tavernas on Paros. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to try the snails.
Maroussa Café, Prodromos (Coffee shop)
Maroussa Café is a small, personal coffeehouse in Prodromos. It is a worthwhile stop if you are driving or hiking between Lefkes, Marpissa and the east coast.
Fresh juices, iced frappés, homemade snacks and baked goods make it particularly appealing for a morning road-trip break.
Charoula’s Taverna, Marpissa (Restaurant)
Charoula’s Taverna is known for its flower-filled courtyard and old-fashioned Greek hospitality.
The food is honest, fresh and traditional, making the taverna a good choice for visitors who want to combine a village walk with a relaxed meal. You should try the goat with the lemon sauce!
Anna & Giorgos, Kostos
In the small village of Kostos, Anna & Giorgos are associated with slow-cooked lamb and traditional home-style food. The restaurant is the kind of place worth seeking out when you want to travel beyond the island’s best-known coastal areas.
What to Eat in Paros
Food is always one of my favourite parts of visiting a Greek island, and Paros is no exception. During your time on Paros, make room for a few local specialities, from smoky grilled fish and fresh octopus to slow-cooked chickpeas, regional cheeses and Parian wine. Here are the dishes and drinks I would look out for when eating your way around the island.
Gouna is one of the island’s signature seafood dishes and a must-try for fish lovers. Traditionally made with mackerel, the fish is sun-dried before being grilled, which gives it a distinctive salty, smoky flavour and a satisfyingly firm texture. It is usually served as a meze, making it ideal to share with a carafe of local wine, an ouzo, or a cold beer on a warm evening.
For a comforting vegetarian option, look for revithada. This traditional chickpea stew is cooked slowly for hours, until the chickpeas become soft, creamy and full of flavour. Simple ingredients, usually chickpeas, olive oil, onions and herbs create a hearty dish that feels especially welcome after a day at the beach or exploring Paros’ hill villages.
Cheese also deserves a place on your Paros food list. Ladotyri is a firm, rich cheese traditionally matured in olive oil. Its bold, savoury taste works beautifully with crusty bread, tomatoes, salads or grilled vegetables. Another excellent choice is xinomyzithra, a soft, creamy cheese with a pleasantly tangy edge. You may find it crumbled over salads, served with vegetables, or included in a selection of small plates.
No meal by the sea feels quite complete without grilled octopus. In many tavernas, octopus is first hung out to dry before it reaches the grill, concentrating its flavour and creating its characteristically tender-yet-chewy texture. It is typically dressed simply with lemon, olive oil or vinegar, allowing the quality of the seafood to shine.
To drink, try a glass of local Parian wine. The island produces wines from native Greek grape varieties, including Monemvasia and Mandilaria. Fresh, aromatic Monemvasia is a natural partner for seafood, salads and lighter dishes, while the deeper, more structured Mandilaria is a good match for grilled meats, slow-cooked dishes and fuller-flavoured cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which restaurant in Paros has the best sunset view?
Siparos near Santa Maria is a strong choice for a sunset dinner because of its seaside setting and open Aegean views. For something more casual, consider a drink near the windmill in Parikia or a harbour-side table in Naoussa.
Do I need to book restaurants in Paros?
Booking is advisable for popular restaurants in Naoussa and well-known sunset locations, especially in July and August. For smaller tavernas and casual cafés, arriving early is often enough.
If you want a specific table by the water, book as far ahead as possible rather than waiting until the evening itself.
What traditional dishes should I try in Paros?
Start with gouna, revithada, grilled octopus, local cheeses and seasonal vegetable dishes. Seafood is a natural choice along the coast, while inland villages are particularly good for slow-cooked meat, vegetables and home-style cooking.
Is Paros suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. Greek cooking offers many naturally vegetarian dishes, including fava, grilled vegetables, wild greens, tomato fritters, beans, chickpeas, salads and local cheeses.
Most tavernas can create a satisfying meal from small plates, even when there is no dedicated vegetarian menu.
Which restaurants in Naoussa are good for a romantic dinner?
Matina and Statheros are suitable for a quieter, more refined evening, while Sigi Ikthios and Barbarossa offer a more atmospheric harbour setting. Siparos is another good choice if you prefer dinner beside the open sea.
Book ahead if you want a particular table or are visiting during the busiest summer months.
How much does dinner cost in Paros?
Prices vary considerably depending on the location, ingredients and restaurant style. Traditional inland village tavernas (Lefkes) are generally more affordable than fashionable harbour restaurants or high-end seafood establishments.
Before ordering fish by weight, ask about the price. The final bill can vary significantly depending on the size and type of fish selected.
Should I tip in Greece?
Tipping is not as rigidly expected as in some countries, but leaving around 5% to 10% for good service is a considerate gesture. You can also round up the bill at a casual café or taverna.