Don’t be fooled by its sugar-cube buildings – the architecture in Paros may look like it has a sweet tooth, but in reality, seafood is the name of the game. The Cycladic island sits in the Aegean Sea next to major tourism contenders like Mykonos and Santorini. It operates on a slightly quieter schedule — with cuisine covering the Grecian golden trio (cheese, wine, and seafood) and plenty of waterfront dining and traditional tavernas. Planning a trip? You’d be remiss not to track down a Paros seafood restaurant or two.
Weigh up the important considerations, like the prettiest Paros villas to rent and where to stay in Paros. But, after that, where you’ll notice the best results is scoping out an itinerary that really leans into the island’s strengths and true culture. This guide will introduce the best places for seafood in Paros, with additional insights into seasonal variations and culinary history. In short? Here’s how to taste your way through the streets of Paros.
Why Paros is a Seafood Lover’s Paradise
Paros wholeheartedly embraces Grecian island culture. It has sleepy shores that wake up for summer, more than 40 beaches to sunbathe, and — most importantly — delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Its two largest towns are Parikia and Naoussa, both of which are fishing ports. Further around the island’s sandy circumference are smaller fishing villages like Ambela and Aliki. The easiest way to understand Paros’ geography and culture is to learn about its underlying fishing industry. The Aegean Sea is famous for its seafood varieties; octopus, shrimp, sardines, mackerel, and marides are all popular.
Seafood has an interesting backstory on Paros. Historically, the island didn’t just serve its inhabitants; Paros catches filled the dinner plates of those on the mainland. In fact, many Paros residents (unable to afford the rates of premium seafood) relied on cheap and salted-to-preserve fish. You’ll notice lingering elements of these salting traditions in the modern-day cuisine on Paros. It’s also clear that fishing has played a notable role in the island’s economy.
In summary, Paros isn’t just a beautiful place to indulge in fresh seafood. The cultural depth of the fishing industry strays far below the surface-level allure of a traditional taverna with waterfront views. It truly is a seafood lover’s paradise.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Paros by Location
Ask anyone “What to do in Paros,” and seafood will be one of the first recommendations out of the gates. Luxurious Paros holidays center around days on the beach and evenings indulging in delicious cuisine. It’s simply a question of where to dine. And with that in mind, here are the best seafood restaurants Paros has to offer.
1. Mario Restaurant
Location: Parikia
Price: €20 – €40 per main dish
Where better to sample seafood specials than overlooking bobbing fishing boats at sunset? Taste reasonably-priced mains like fresh fish fillet and sea urchin sauce, or splurge closer to €200 on a high-brow lobster dish.
Originally a Naoussa-based culinary treasure, you’ve caught Mario Restaurant mid-transformation. Beautiful Mario Restaurant is now situated just north of the sought-after shorelines of Livadia Beach, on the outskirts of Parikia.
2. Ouzeri Halaris
Location: Piso Livadi
Price: €10 – €25 per main dish
Humble with prices but definitely not with looks, Ouzeri Halaris is a stunning waterfront restaurant with a lengthy menu. Try stuffed sardines, grilled tuna, steamed mussels, or crayfish with salsa dip — Halaris steps into its own with sheer seafood variety.
Bag an al fresco table; you’ll be close enough to the moored boats to almost touch them. It’s not just a sea-to-table aesthetic, either. Another benefit of the Piso Livadi location is slightly lower prices than in Naoussa or Parikia. An added bonus? It even relies on its own daily catch.
3. Aliki Restaurant Paros
Location: Aliki
Price: €7 – €12 per main dish
Remember that aesthetic fishing village? Aliki Restaurant Paros is an authentic seafood restaurant away from the summer-time mayhem of Parikia and Naoussa. Its dishes are reasonably priced, with many under €10 (and extra-luxurious options around €70). Expect peaceful harbor views, and if you’re feeling particularly savvy, request the freshest catch of the day.
4. Arodo
Location: Krotiri
Price: €19 – €30
Arodo is in a different league of its own. Dine on a terrace platform, surrounded by ocean, on the headland of Krotiri — just north of busy Parikia. The dishes are bursting with color and flavor alike, with a lengthy seafood menu and friendly staff to talk you through your options.
Sample grilled fish, raw fish, sushi, and linguine. Most dishes sit between the €19 to €30 mark, but there are some high-end options should you be tempted to splurge. Spaghetti with fresh lobster, anyone?
5. Ouzeri Ton Naftikon
Location: Naoussa Harbor
Price: €20+ for basic main meals (seafood specific prices are undisclosed)
Freshly grilled grouper? Squid? Crab salad? Or delicately laid sardines? Ouzeri Ton Naftikon serves classic seafood fare from a scenic spot on Naoussa’s grey-flagged harborfront. Enjoy tasty, fresh dishes in a lively and aesthetic atmosphere.
Ouzeri Ton Naftikon has admittedly got celebrity status, so service can feel a little squeezed. It’s to be expected, though; there’s got to be a trade-off for that gorgeous harbor location.
Iconic Seafood Dishes You Must Try in Paros
Picking a Paros seafood restaurant? There is evidently no shortage of options. In the Cyclades, food comes part and parcel with the lifestyle. Paros has some particularly iconic versions of classic Cycladic dishes, too. Keep your eyes out for these specials.
1. Sun-Dried Fish
Sun-dried fish is an integral part of Parian cultural heritage, but equally still leaned on in modern fishing. Walk quieter sections of the island’s many harbors, and you’ll spot strung-out fish blistering in the heat. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might even see a dangling octopus. Salted, stretched out, and left to dry in the sunshine, the result is tasty. Anything sun-dried (especially gouna) is an iconic dish in Paros.
2. Fried Octopus
Fried octopus is nothing short of decadent. A crisp exterior coasting and a chewy interior are the best balance of both worlds. Octopus is a sought-after catch for fishermen on Paros, and it’s easily matched with sides of seasonal produce (more on that in a second). Is fried not quite your preferred cooking style? Vinegar octopus is another tasty Parian adaptation; branch out if necessary.
3. Seasonal Sides
It might not be a singular dish type, but lean into Parian seasonality. Green beans, artichokes, pumpkins, and pulses like chickpeas are all popular pairings. Embrace a locally sourced variety of sides. These seasonal finds can make, break, or embellish a tasty seafood dish.
4. Garlic Snails
Lastly, while not officially seafood, garlic snails are a must-try in Paros. No, you’ve not misspelled anything and accidentally stumbled across a guide to cuisine in Paris; snails are an iconic part of Grecian cuisine, too. Paros has a great selection of snail dishes, with garlic versions being the tastiest.
Hidden Seafood Gems Loved by Locals
Holidays to Paros feel less touristy than following crowds to the likes of Mykonos and Santorini. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to scope out locally-loved spots. These are the best seafood restaurants Paros locals love. They say that people vote with their feet, so here’s where the resident crowds are rushing.
1. Taverna Glafkos
Location: Naoussa
Price: €10 – €20 per main
Given its location on Naoussa Harbor, the phrase ‘hidden’ is a slight exaggeration. However, Taverna Glafkos is tiny and family-run — definitely at risk of being overlooked and overshadowed, thanks to its lively neighbors. With walk-ins only, it’s the sort of place you stroll down to try your luck at. Sample delicious dishes like grilled octopus and gouna for excellent rates between €10 and €20.
2. Shosho
Location: Naoussa
Price: €20+ per main
Shosho is secretly tucked away down a quiet street in Naoussa; call it hidden in plain sight. Away from the lapping waters and loud crowds of the harborfront, it offers a locally loved dining experience with hearty Parian fare. A grey-flagged al fresco setting with pink flowers in bloom each spring onwards — it truly is gorgeous. Try beautifully prepared dishes like seabass ceviche and octopus salad (with seasonally rotating ingredients like zucchini, fava beans, and potato).
3. Katsouna Tavern
Location: Santa Maria
Price: €25 – €60 per kilo of fish
On Paros’ northeastern coastline, family-run Katsouna Tavern is an airy and authentic spot. It takes the phrase ‘home cooking’ to new levels; the restaurant itself is a converted former abode. The produce is also extremely locally sourced. Meat comes from the family’s farm, while fish is caught on their boats. It’s a local secret, but we don’t mind sharing.
Stick to seafood appetizers to sample different varieties, such as mussels, sardines, octopus, and calamari. Fish is then selected on a per-kilo basis; mackerel is the cheapest, and sea bream is the most expensive.
Fine Dining & Gourmet Seafood in Paros
Dialing the luxury up a notch? The best food in Paros is found across venues of all statuses; it’s not a question of casual dining versus fine dining. With that said, sometimes a more formal experience just ticks an experiential box — especially for honeymooners or luxury seekers.
If you fall into the gourmet-craving category, here are the venues to consider in Paros.
1. Ohja Oyster and Cocktail Bar
Location: Naoussa
Price: €130+ for set dining experiences
A slice of France on Naoussa’s Harbor? The temptation is just too great to shake. Ohja Oyster and Cocktail Bar operates seasonally, providing high-brow experiences and notoriously tasty oysters.
2. Galazia Hytra
Location: Punda Beach
Price: €40 – €150 for main dishes
Galazia Hytra is a fine dining venue overlooking the beautiful shores of Punda Beach. Choose from a la carte dishes like scorpion fish and grilled grouper, or go luxurious with an eight-course degustation menu for €110.
3. Muzzein Cliffside Experience
Location: Santa Maria
Price: €16 – €35 for main (a la carte) dishes
Craving fine dining, seafood, and a sunset view? Muzzein Cliffside Experience is best approached with its nine-course degustation menu for €135. Alternatively, keep it a la carte — selecting seafood specials like cured mackerel, octopus carpaccio, and seabass with passionfruit.
Seasonal Seafood Guide
As previously brushed on, the best seafood in Paros is nothing without perfect pairings and presentation. Part of the Parian success with seafood is how the cuisine utilizes seasonal pairings. These accompaniments often vary more drastically than the fish itself. Whether it’s a monthly transformation of an octopus salad or a new adaptation of salted fish soup, seasons matter on Paros.
Typically, herbs are collected from winter through spring: rosemary, oregano, sage, and fennel are all carefully plucked. Other produce (think artichoke, green beans, potatoes, and pumpkin) is staggered across the year at individual harvest times. Generally speaking, May onwards is a strong time to try fresh veggies alongside your seafood.
Envisioning more liquid pairings than five-a-day-style sides? Wine whirs into action each August, creating a fascinating harvesting season for enthusiasts to observe the process behind its PDO production. Another important consideration when enjoying seafood on Paros is its olive oil. Olives are picked slightly later than the wine window; October is prime time to experience this harvest.