Have you ever heard of Paros? This Greek island may not be as popular as Santorini, Corfu, or Zakynthos, but it’s a great option for those wanting to experience authentic Greek culture.
So, what is Paros known for? Stunning beaches with ideal swimming conditions, enchanted villages right out of a fairy tale, and delicious food! If you are particularly interested in the latter, we created a guide so you can learn everything about dining in Paros.
While you were busy browsing through the luxurious Paros villas for rent, we’ve put together a guide about everything you need to know about Paros’ culinary scene and the best restaurants it has to offer.
Paros Food Specialties: What to Eat on the Island
Like every Greek island, Paros food is made from a variety of delicious, locally produced ingredients. Knowing this can help you choose the perfect dish.
Best Products in Paros
If you love cheese, you cannot miss some of the most popular on the island, including xynomyzithra, kopanisti, gruyere, kefalotyri, and ladotiri. Ideally, you want to accompany these with a good glass of wine and some olives for the perfect aperitif.
Barley buns and Parian nuts are also very popular, along with suma, a local beverage made by distilling grape leftovers. Locals produce this drink in November and celebrate it with festivities.
Other typical products from Paros include honey and herbs such as oregano, thyme, and sage. These can also be ideal souvenirs to bring home! But let’s talk about the best dishes this island can offer.
Best Dishes In Paros
Whether you’re looking for local fish or are following a strict vegetarian diet, Paros will surely have something for you.
Fish Dishes in Paros
Gouna is one of the most popular fish dishes on the island. It consists of salted and sun-dried mackerel. This fish is abundant in the Mediterranean and is extremely healthy thanks to its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Alternatively, you can try Salatouri, a great option in the Cyclades. This can be the ideal dish if you’re looking for a light meal. It consists of a salad containing onions, parsley, dill, pepper, and lemon juice, to which chefs add raw slices of salachi, a large fish known for its flat body. This salad is usually left in the fridge for a few hours before being served to give you the most refreshing meal, ideal during a hot summer day.
Lastly, Kolitsanokeftedes are small anemones made into delicious meatballs with a variety of fresh, delicious ingredients, such as cheese, onion, and mint.
Vegetarian Dishes in Paros
Kremmydokeftedes are the perfect snack after a day spent hiking or swimming. These are the local versions of the U.S.’s fried onion. In Paros, they are prepared by adding parsley and mint to the mixture for a pinch of freshness.
Kalfa is another must-try for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. This thick asparagus can be served in several ways. Sometimes, it is dipped in a garlicky sauce, others, it’s served boiled in a salad with olive oil and garlic. The only negative? If you want fresh kalfa, you need to head to Paros in the early spring.
Fava Padremeni is another common vegetarian dish in the Cyclades. It consists of fava beans cooked with onions and olive oil. Simple but delicious, healthy, and nutritious.
Now you know what to eat but where should you go? Here is a list of great restaurants so you can choose where to eat in Paros.
Best Restaurants in Paros, Greece
Paros has various restaurants and tavernas, offering fresh food and stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. Here is a list of the best restaurants on the island.
Best Restaurants With A View
Siparos Seaside Restaurant
Siparos Seaside Restaurant is the place to go if you want to enjoy your food while marveling at the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. This restaurant serves traditional dishes with a modern twist. Depending on your preferences, you can get your fish cooked in four different ways: steamed with cherry tomatoes and leek, charcoal grilled, baked in the oven in coarse salt, or served in a local soup known as Kakkavia.
- Location: Xifara Town
- Price: $$$
- Website: https://www.siparos.gr/
Sigi Ikthios
Sigi Ikthios is one of Naoussa’s best restaurants. This place offers an extensive menu with fish as the main protagonist. Master chef Yiannis prepares his dishes using organic products and locally produced ingredients. While prices are relatively expensive for the island, the fantastic view of Naoussa’s harbor and generous portions make this location worth every penny.
- Location: Naoussa Town, Harbor
- Price: $$$
- Website: https://www.paros-restaurants.gr/
Blue Oyster
Don’t let its English name trick you. Blue Oyster is a gem everyone interested in delicious Greek food should try. Run by Giannis Tsachpini and his wife, Margarita Evangelopoulou, this restaurant has a vast menu offering salads, fish, and meat dishes, as well as a few delicious desserts.
- Location: Ampelas
- Price: $$$
- Website: https://www.blueoysterparos.com/
Best Tavernas and Traditional Restaurants
Tsitsanis Taverna
Located in Prodromos, this local taverna (Ο ΤΣΙΤΣΑΝΗΣ, in Greek) serves traditional Paros food for a very affordable price. This is one of the oldest taverns on the island and has been serving its clients for over 50 years. In the 60s, it was one of the only restaurants open in winter on the island’s east side. Here, you won’t find the latest trending recipes or luxurious decors. However, its simple traditional dishes and down-to-earth atmosphere will surely make you fall in love with this restaurant. With some luck, you may even find live performances and locals dancing!
- Location: Prodromos
- Price: $
Shosho Paros Restaurant
This is the perfect place to get an authentic Greek experience. Hidden in one of Naoussa’s ancient streets, you’ll find a few white tables belonging to this ShoSho Paros Restaurant. The small menu offers some fish, meat, and cheese dishes. This may not be the most famous place on the island and is often ignored by social media influencers as it does not even have an official website. Yet, Shosho Paros remains one of Naoussa’s best restaurants thanks to its authentic dishes and friendly vibes.
- Location: Naoussa Town
- Price: $$
Yemeni taverna
Serving ‘rustic homemade food since 2007,’ this little restaurant gives you the impression of eating with a local family. The word ‘Yemenni’ has Turkish roots but is often found in traditional Greek songs. It can be translated as ‘see through the scarf,’ a reference to the old traditions for women to cover their hair. With its simple decor and rustic vibe, Yemeni Taverna has a vast food and wine menu and prioritizes local products to bring more taste and authenticity to its dishes.
- Location: Naoussa Town
- Price: $$
- Website: https://www.yemeni.gr/
Final Tips for Dining in Paros
Now that you know where to eat and what, let’s discuss a few final tips to ensure you have the best experience possible.
First of all, remember that people in Greece tend to eat late at night, around 8:00 pm for dinner. While most restaurants, especially those targeting tourists, will be open before this time, if you want to eat with the locals, you should try to postpone your usual dinner time.
If you plan to enjoy a meal in one of the most popular restaurants with a sea view, you should reserve your table in advance. This is especially necessary during the high season in July and August.
While cards are accepted in most restaurants, if you’re heading to local taverns in tiny towns, you should bring cash as they may not accept other forms of payment.
Tipping is not expected in Greece, and you should not feel obliged to do so. If paying with cash, you can consider rounding up the bill. For instance, if you’re supposed to pay €18.50, you can leave €20.00, but it’s entirely up to you, and no one will complain if you don’t.
While eating in a restaurant is an experience you cannot miss, we also suggest you join a cooking class, visit a market, and try to cook traditional recipes in your own luxury villa if it’s equipped with a kitchen. This will help you learn how to cook with fresh products and ingredients and give you a unique experience you will remember for life.
If cooking is truly not your thing, but you still don’t want to go out every night for dinner, we have a great option for you- opt for Paros villas with chef included. It’s a great way to have a relaxing night in enjoying the villa, but without the fuss of cooking a meal and cleaning after yourself.