My favorite restaurants on Kos – personally and honestly recommended
I am often asked: Where can you go in Kos for good food?
The island offers a wide selection of taverns and restaurants – from classic Greek to modern interpretations. In this article, I share my personal favorites with you. I have visited all of them myself, many of them more than once. The list is organized by location, with no ratings or rankings.
I am a vegetarian, so you will also find good vegetarian dishes in all the restaurants mentioned – but of course meat and fish are also offered everywhere.
How do you recognize a good tavern in Kos?
If you want to eat authentic Greek food, it’s worth taking a look at the decor: paper tablecloths, simple wooden chairs, maybe a TV on the wall and a few locals at the tables – all of these are good signs.
What you won’t find very often: the classic gyros plate, as you know it from Germany. In Greece, you’d rather order several small dishes – so-called mezedes – that are placed in the middle and eaten together. That’s sociable, varied, and just part of the experience.
Kos Town
Ta Votsalakia
A very good fish restaurant right near the beach. Fresh, authentic and delicious.
Elia
Located right in the old town, one of my personal favorite places. The owner Sotiris is a friend of mine, speaks English and serves classic Greek cuisine. You can sit very nicely in the backyard or directly in a small alley. ➡️ More about it Elia
Never on Sunday
A small, authentic tavern with few tables and a small, fine menu. Very original.
GiaMeze
Modern restaurant with delicious appetizers and very friendly service. Ideal for an uncomplicated evening of mezedes.
Vinylio
Although not classically Greek, it is creative and excellently cooked. Flavio and his sister run the restaurant with a lot of heart. A successful change of pace. ➡️ more Vinylio
Patriko
Traditional Greek cuisine with a touch of Turkish influence. Very nice atmosphere and good food.
Platani
Arap and Serif
Two restaurants directly opposite that offer Greek-Turkish cuisine. Both taverns are run by friendly families.
Between Kos Town and Tigaki
Ampeli
Located a little outside the city, idyllically set in a vineyard. Here they serve many small appetizers.
Tigaki
Plori
In Tigaki, opinions about the restaurants are very varied. We personally prefer Plori – good food, beautiful location and friendly service.
Mastichari
Tam Tam
A classic on Kos. I have been friends with the team for many years. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or sunset – Tam Tam is a beautiful place at any time of day. Those who like it can also browse the shop attached to it. ➡️ Tam Tam Shop
Kalymnos Fish Restaurant
Located right by the port of Mastichari, with a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood. Simply delicious and typical Greek.
Dolphin Bay
Located a little outside of Mastichari, run by two brothers. The menu is small, much of it comes from their own garden. The place is simple and quiet, perfect for relaxing. There is also a separate article about Dolphin Bay on my blog.
Kefalos
Agios Theologos
Located almost at the westernmost point of the island. A wild and romantic tavern with sea views and traditional dishes. For me, this is the best mussels in white wine sauce on the entire island.
Zia
Taverna No Stress
Small family-run restaurant, a bit away from the hustle and bustle of Zia. They serve delicious meat dishes, but there’s no view of the sunset. Instead, it’s authentic and quiet.
Olympics
Two neighboring restaurants, very popular with the locals. I celebrated the baptisms of my two daughters there – over 20 years ago – and still enjoy going there.
Oromedon
A large and very well-known restaurant with fantastic views. It is almost always full, but the location makes up for it. Ideal for sunsets with a view of the valley.
Methoxy
Even higher up than Oromedon. If you're looking for a great view, this is the place for you. A place with a very special charm, ideal for sunset viewing.
Cardamena
Palatea
New restaurant with delicious appetizers, very popular with the locals.
A few more tips
Booking is recommended during the high season, especially in Zia – tables overlooking the sunset are often booked weeks in advance. This year, most restaurants have a day off during the week; it’s best to call ahead to make a reservation.
Anyone who would like to learn more about the culinary culture in Greece can also find an article about it on my blog: How the Greeks order, share, and enjoy food.
And if you’re planning a trip to Kos or want to get some inspiration – you’ll find many more tips in my current travel guide.
Google Maps Map with all the restaurants mentioned:
Open the Google Maps Restaurant Map
You can find out how the Greeks order and how they like to eat their food here. here.
More about the island in my Current travel guide
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