Greek Cuisine is undoubtedly the most divine – and we’re not being biased.
People always jump to Italian or Spanish and forget about the mouthwatering flavors of a freshly prepared Greek salad or the succulent meat on a gyro. And if you’re a big foodie, Mykonos is the place to be. It blends traditional Greek cuisine with the up-market, boujee flare of luxury gourmet dining. Catering for the rich and famous, Mykonos knows how to turn an experience luxurious.
Below, we’ll give you the ultimate foodie’s guide to Mykonos.
What Makes Mykonos a Foodie’s Dream?
Greek food is fresh, using locally sourced produce that seems to be more bursting with flavor than anywhere else in the world.
You can find wonderful extra virgin olive oils, seafood, vegetables, and artisanal treats of the island’s Kopanisti cheese. These products go into traditional dishes and allow chefs with a more modern, fusional approach to thrive. But for us, it’s the freshly sourced ingredients exploding with flavor that make the difference to the meal.
The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Mykonos: Best Local Dishes and Restaurants
To get the real tastes of Mykonos, you will have to explore some of the most popular local dishes. Here are our favorite local dishes home to Mykonos.
1. Kopanisti—The Island’s Spicy Cheese
What to Try: Kopanisti is the island’s signature cheese. It’s soft, tangy, and has a sharp, peppery flavor. You could eat a block of it with cracks and still dream of more. It is made from cow, goat, or sheep’s milk, which is fermented to give it its strong taste. Kopanisti is best served on warm toasted bread, with local tomatoes and olive oil drizzled on top.
Where to Eat It: Avli Tou Thodori is a must for an authentic Greek experience. Located in Platis Gialos, it’s one of the best restaurants on the island. They specialize in traditional Greek food prepared with contemporary techniques, and their Kopanisti is the best. With a glass of local wine, enjoying Kopanisti while looking at the sea is simply divine.
2. Louza—Mykonian Cured Pork
What to Try: Louza is the island’s cousin of prosciutto. It is a pork meat fillet that gets its moisture sucked from its body baking in the Aegean sun. Dried pork fillet is seasoned with local spices like oregano and thyme, making it taste heavenly.
Where to Eat It: If you want to try authentic Louza, go to Kounelas Fish Tavern, located in Mykonos Town. This family-owned tavern is well known for its traditional atmosphere and local dishes. Order Louza as part of your meze platter – you won’t regret it.
A Culinary Tour of Mykonos’ Best Restaurants
You’ve sampled the local delicacies. Now it’s time for their extravagant interpretations in some of the best restaurants on the island. A casual beachside tavern? A fine dining establishment? Mykonos caters to all tastes.
3. Kiki’s Tavern—A Hidden Gem
Rugged and no-frills Kiki’s Tavern sits discreetly on Agios Sostis beach. No bookings, no energy, no luxury—that’s what makes it unique. Upbeat baring feels like an authentic break from the frantic pace of Mykonos Town. Food is prepared over a smoky grill, and the ambiance here is 10/10.
Must-Try Dish: Grilled octopus with their homemade fresh Greek salads is a delight. If you don’t like fish, octopus tastes more like meat. We’re sure you’ll love it!
4. Nammos—Beachside Luxury
If you’re looking for an extravagant meal, Nammos is the spot for you. The restaurant is situated on the famously beautiful Psarou Beach. You can enjoy luxurious Mediterranean food at the beach club while sipping some of their delightful (but strong) cocktails. The restaurant has become famous for its sunbathing cocktails, exquisite high-end Mediterranean cuisine, and elegant setting.
Must-Try Dish: Fresh lobster spaghetti. Nammos is also famous for fresh seafood, and while lobster spaghetti is incredible however you have it, it never hurts to pair it with white wine and the view.
Traditional Mykonos Street Food You Can’t Miss
Mykonos has some of the most incredible street food. Here are some of our favorites:
5. Souvlaki and Gyros
What to Try: It is impossible to visit Greece and not taste souvlaki and gyros. The Greek wraps include grilled, marinated pork or chicken packed in pita bread, with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki, and even French fries. Simple yet outrageously tasty.
Where to Eat It: To fully immerse in the local culture, we suggest trying Jimmy’s Gyros in Mykonos Town. This casual restaurant is one of the highest-rated places to eat in Mykonos.
Fine Dining in Mykonos: Where Luxury Meets Tradition
The island has numerous higher-class venues with an artistic gourmet touch on the older Greek recipes.
6. M-eating—Modern Greek Cuisine
For one of the best fine dining experiences, you must try M-eating in Mykonos Town. M-eating’s skilled chefs carefully blend traditional Greek cuisine with new modern techniques and creative flare that are always different – and the flavors will redefine what you think about food.
Must-Try Dish: Their lamb confit is one of the standout dishes. It’s superbly cooked, melt-in-you-mouth lamb, served with fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs.
7. Nobu at Matsuhisa Mykonos
How can we mention fine dining in Mykonos and not mention Nobu at the Belvedere Hotel?
Serving world-class (and incredibly expensive) Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, it’s one of the best restaurants on the island. Anyone who is anyone is going to Nobu in Mykonos. While Nobu restaurants can be found around the world, there is something special about the vibe and beauty that the Mykonos branch offers.
Must-Try Dish: Nobu’s signature Black Cod Miso. This dish is iconic for a reason. Tasty, flaky fish with a balanced miso glaze that’s always cooked to perfection.
Experience Mykonos Like a Local
To truly experience Mykonos’ culinary culture, it goes beyond just dining out at restaurants. Plan a visit to the island’s markets where you can buy fresh fruits, herbs, and cheeses to enjoy at your villa. Or simply take in the vibes of the market.
Top tip: Anyone holding a menu standing outside a restaurant serving the same looking food as the restaurants before it is probably a tourist trap. Research before you go to find the restaurants and tavernas offering the most authentic Greek cuisine experiences.
Ready to Taste the Best of Mykonos?
Mykonos cuisine is incredible – your taste buds don’t know what’s coming for them. Greek cuisine, in general, is always so flavorsome and mouth-wateringly good. Even if you’re a fussy eater, Mykonos knows how to do food.
Once you’re ready to tear yourself away from the delicious food, have a read of our Exploring Mykonos Town: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems post for inspiration on things to do. Or if you’re curious about the most traditional Greek food to try in Mykonos, we’ve covered it in our Foods to Try in Mykonos post. If you’re so full your eyes could pop, you could finish your day by reading our A Historical Tour of Mykonos: Museums, Monuments, and More post to find things when you’re not eating!
At Kinglike Concierge, we’ve also got a stunning range of luxury Mykonos villas for rent so you’re staying in the best villas the island has to offer.