After getting an overview of Greek food during my walking food tour of Athens, I was excited to try more of what the country had to offer. After nearly three weeks on the island, I’ve done the hard work for you determining where to eat on Syros.
Here, in no particular order, are the best Syros restaurants:
allou yialou
Kini Beach // +30 22810 71196
Ok, I know I literally just said this list is in no particular order, but if I did have to pick a favorite, it would be allou yialou. The restaurant focuses heavily on seafood, and every dish we tried was perfectly executed.
The setting of the restaurant is also amazing. The main dining room situated over the water, and you can hear waves breaking as you dine.
The wait staff are incredibly knowledgeable about not only the menu, but also preparation methods and wine pairings.
Kouzina
5 Androu, Ermoupolis // +30 2281 089150
Set in the center of Ermouplis, Kouzina offers an innovative twist on Greek food, and is the perfect setting for a long lunch of people watching. The restaurant has their own wine label developed by the owner himself- it’s definitely worth trying.
Also, make sure to try the moussaka. It was the best I had during my entire stay in Greece!
Jar
16 Roidi Emmanouil, Ermoupolis // +30 2281 079225
Set in a small alleyway ,you can tell by the wait that Jar is one of the most popular places to eat in Ermoupolis. Both times we went, the wait staff were friendly and helpful in explaining their menu.
Jar is also a great breakfast and brunch spot, as the menu features fresh juices, detox blends and, according to my friends, some of the best coffee on the island.
Iliovasilema
Set before the gorgeous Galissas beach, Iliovasilema serves classic dishes with several offerings made modern or somewhat updated.
As impressive as the menu was, the staff here was just as wonderful. We received some of the best service here of anywhere on the island.
Avant Garden
Square John Bardakas, Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece // +302281079416
Tucked away in the quaint surroundings of this island paradise is Avant Garden, a restaurant that is a testament to culinary artistry and ambiance.
The moment you step into Avant Garden, you are welcomed by what feels like an enchanted forest. The garden is a lush oasis that exudes a sense of serenity.
It’s a space that feels both whimsical and attainable; it’s easy to find yourself daydreaming of replicating this magnificent garden at your own home one day.
As you settle in, the thoughtfulness of the staff becomes apparent. Every member of the team at Avant Garden is attentive, ensuring that your experience is as delightful as the surroundings.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the food. The presentation is an art in itself, capturing your gaze and making your taste buds eagerly anticipate each bite.
The Chef, who boasts a Michelin-rated background, has returned to his roots in Greece, and it’s evident in the dishes that are crafted with both skill and passion.
For my fellow foodies, this place is a pilgrimage. The menu at Avant Garden is an ode to Greek flavors with an innovative twist.
Special recommendations include the shrimp starter, which is a symphony of freshness and taste.
For the main course, the lamb is sublime, while the beetroot risotto offers a delightful option for vegetarians. To wrap up the meal, the piña colada dessert is an escapade of tropical flavors.
The cherry on top is the Chef’s affinity for gin. The drinks menu boasts a wide selection of gins that is sure to impress any connoisseur.
Before I conclude, let’s talk about something that is often the elephant in the room – the pricing. The experience at Avant Garden is priceless, but the pricing is graciously just above average. It’s refreshingly affordable for an experience that is absolutely high-end.
To Kastri
Parou 13, in the Ermoupolis maketplace
I love the concept of To Kastri- it’s a small cafeteria style restaurant started as an initiative by the Agrarian Tourist Women’s Association on Syros.
Their mission is to provide high quality and nutritious meals that preserve authentic, local recipes passed down from generation to generation. The restaurant is also committed to using only local ingredients.
You get homestyle meals prepared by local mothers and grandmothers at some of the most reasonable prices on the island.
The menu changes often and focuses on what’s seasonal, so you’ll always find something you like.
Django’s Burger Lab
Parou 14 // +30 2281 076660
Only open in the evenings, Django’s serves up a small but delicious menu of burgers and homemade fries. They grill burgers until 2am, and this place served as the scene for a couple of post bar hopping drunken burgers more than once during my time on the island.
aVentoura
Galissas Beach, Galissas // +30 698 225 1207
For homemade recipes, this is one of the best restaurants of our stay. You can find the owners mother in the kitchen preparing her favorite recipes and sit at the beach front location enjoying a glass of wine. This is a can’t miss during your visit!
Stin Ithaki tou Ai
1 Kyparissou Stefanou // +30 2281 082060
Located on one of the brightest, most colorful streets in the town center, this is a restaurant where, after only one visit, the wait staff will remember your name and what you ordered last time. The food was delicious, the prices were reasonable, and the staff were some of the friendliest I met.
Which of these Syros restaurants looked best to you? Let me know in the comments section below!
Travel writer and owner of the blog. My work has been featured on Fodors, Eater.com, International Living, and Great Escape Publishing, among many others. My story? Nearly six years ago, I left my job at an Oklahoma City law firm and embarked on a journey around the world. At the time, I thought I would only be gone for 6 months, but the more I traveled, the longer my bucket list became. Flashpacker describes how I travel. Rather than traveling as the normal world wise backpacker and staying in hostel dorms, I prefer a more comfortable experience, and typically stay in private rooms, take Ubers instead of taxis, and now use a suitcase instead of a backpack. Foodie, on the other hand, describes one of the key reasons why I travel. I love to pick a central “base camp” and then explore the surrounding area, really immersing myself in the culture and interacting with the people, and enjoying and exploring the food of an area is an essential part of this experience.
Caroline Peeters
Friday 26th of May 2023
I believe one outstanding restaurant is missing from the list which is Avant Garden opposite the Theater Apollon. It is worth mentioning it as they offer a beautiful intimate setting. If you’re a foodie this can’t be missed.
Sean Snow
Monday 30th of March 2020
Allou Yialou also one of our family Favourites but then we like the restaurant Sta Vaporia just near St Nicholas church and overlooking the sea and back of the Apollonian Hotel. Also the ‘sunset’ retaurant at the top of the island - San Millais? Also Mazi retaurant off the Square and the Ono restaurant in Posedonia / Dellegrazia and the two restaurants near the little harbour in Finikas. Been many times and was lucky enough to begin growing up there in the ‘60’s.
Victoria @TheBritishBerliner
Tuesday 28th of November 2017
OMG! I'm just salivating at the sight of all those dishes.
Yum! Yum! Yum!
It's hard to make a decision...!
Teresa
Saturday 25th of November 2017
Those photos are making me so hungry! And making me miss Syros too! Deliciousness all round!
Nathan
Saturday 25th of November 2017
It was deliciousness for sure! Thanks for being my burger buddy!!
Kat Von B
Saturday 25th of November 2017
I missed the burgers but i'll be back in April do Django's here I come!! Great list!!
Nathan
Saturday 25th of November 2017
I hit Django's twice -- after the bars lol.
Did you mean to say WE'LL be back in April?