The Best Restaurants in Mykonos – Top Picks and Where to Eat

Start with Kiki’s sur Agios Sostis Beach for a petite, no-fuss Greek lunch that instantly tells you what this island does best: grilled seafood, lemony greens, and simple rituals. The line forms as the sun climbs, and the waiting becomes part of the atmosphere, a known rhythm of shore dining. Bring a light jacket for the cold sea breeze and plan to linger as the beaches glow. The serving style is straightforward, no reservation stress, just full-service from a courteous person at the counter and a quick return to your table with plates of octopus and feta that taste of charcoal and sun.

In the high-end tier, Matsuhisa Mykonos delivers a refined fusion menu that draws a known crowd from around the following party circle. Expect cocktails shaken by pros, a full-service dining room, and serving that feels personal in a space where every person matters. The system for reservations is clear: book a time window, arrive early for the best seats, and enjoy a super sunset as you sample Nobu-style sushi with Cycladic flair.

On the beaches themselves, Nammos et Scorpios set the pace for a loud, sunset-to-night vibe. People come for late dinners, signature cocktails, and the known beach glamour that draws both locals and visitors. A full-service table with a sea view gives you quick serving and a sense of connection with the crowd, while you savor grilled fish and citrusy salads as the music rises. The petite starter plates invite sharing and let you gauge the pace without losing track of the time and the setting. Dismissive service stands out like a cold gust; here, the staff greet you with a warm smile.

For a more intimate route, try Niko’s Taverna in Mykonos Town, known for warm, serving and straightforward, beach-town Greek dishes. The system here rewards those who swing by early and save room for dessert, a petite course that reveals how a friendly person creates a comfortable pace. If you plan a day with late lunches, pair with cocktails at a nearby bar, then stroll along the white-washed lanes to the next stop on your list.

How We Choose the Best Restaurants in Mykonos

Start with chic, iconic spots within a short walk of your nearby hotels, book ahead, and plan to enjoy a glass of champagne as you settle in.

Our choices are based on three pillars: location near the harbor and hotels; menu that honors traditions; service that keeps a relaxed pace and lighting that feels serene.

We assess the flow from the door to the table to ensure a serene dining rhythm, and the route should be easy for arrivals at peak times.

We time the experience in minutes, and when you dine, most visits run 60 to 90 minutes, leaving space for a second stop nearby.

We note if a venue offers a single tasting menu or a chef’s selection that can be adjusted for dietary needs, and whether plates are served promptly and in sync with kitchen rhythms.

Our list is updated monthly, incorporating received guest feedback, new openings, and menu shifts that preserve island traditions.

We prefer spaces that invite conversation; staff greet guests, and you can meet the chef at the counter in some iconic spots.

For a practical route, start from your hotel and walk to the Old Port, where nearby restaurants cluster along the waterfront and offer serene views at sunset.

Each recommendation is made to help you quickly choose a spot that fits the moment, not just a dream list.

We prioritize pace and atmosphere to deliver peace during your meal, with lighting that complements the scene without glare.

Signature Dishes to Order at Top Picks

Order the grilled octopus as a starter–it’s super popular and sets the tone for a night of memorable flavors. The tentacles arrive with a smoky crust, bright lemon, oregano, and olive oil that brighten every bite, and the texture stays chewy yet tender.

For a different kind of main, the sea bass on a stone bed with olives, fennel, and herbs delivers incredibly clean flavors that feel like a home kitchen in a Greek tavern. Dishes usually arrive in generous portions, so you can share with the person across the table and still keep room for a second course. The route between courses reveals an array of textures–from crisp edges to silky sauces–and a straightforward order that works at night, even when the crowd grows.

Caprice plates–a caprice of tomatoes, burrata, and basil–offer a bright counterpoint that many people consider essential. These caprice plates have received recommendations from guests who crave freshness and simplicity, and they pair beautifully with a chilled white or light rosé. Because menus vary by place, follow the auto-picked route that feels right for your party, and don’t hesitate to switch if a quiet corner beckons after a step or two through the stone doorway.

Must-Try Dishes Across Top Picks

Begin with grilled octopus, then move to lobster linguine or sea-bass on a stone bed to cover a spectrum of flavors. Caprice plates provide a refreshing balance that works well for different palates, and each plate usually arrives with generous portions that suit groups of people looking to share. The recommendations from staff help you map an array of textures in one night while keeping the room comfortable and welcoming.

Practical Tips for Ordering

Ask for a quiet corner to enjoy the meal; many places offer a room that feels intimate even when seats fill up, and a door or archway can frame great conversations. If you’re unsure, start with octopus, confirm the sauce, and then let the waiter suggest a second plate that complements your first choice, because a balanced route often yields the best overall experience.

Neighborhood Guide: Where to Eat in Mykonos Town, Ornos, and Platys Gialos

Start with a solid pick in Mykonos Town: book an early marina table where the freshest seafood is grilled to order and the unreal sunset over the water elevates every bite; a romantic corner is worth reserving, especially for night dining.

Mykonos Town

Within the marina cluster, you’ll find categories of dining from casual fish shacks to refined tavernas. Look for places that serves whole fish, grilled octopus, and shells, prepared with virgin olive oil and herbs. The info boards and staff guidance help you navigate menus quickly; this spot is highly sought after for its farmstead salads and the freshest produce. If you want a standout, rare pairing, ask for their loro (parrotfish) special and a citrusy white wine; the atmosphere is unreal and the service is attentive.

astra, a tiny wine bar tucked in a back lane near the windmills, keeps the vibe intimate and the plates simple but precise, making it perfect for a relaxing after-dinner stroll through the old town before you return to the marina.

Ornos and Platys Gialos

Ornos and Platys Gialos sit along the coast and deliver relaxing, beach-side dining with direct access to swimming spots. Choose farmstead-inspired tavernas that emphasize fresh catches, seafood salads, and whole grilled options; many spots offer virgin cocktails and olive oil tastings. If you want to stay near the water, look for places that rent sun loungers or deck space so you can combine a meal with a afternoon by the coast; Platys Gialos often has marina activity and a skyline that sparkles at night with Delos visible across the islands.

To avoid crowds, aim for early seating or late dinners after 9 pm; you should book in advance, as the best tables are sought-after and fill quickly. A mascot dish you’ll see at several spots is charcoal-grilled squid with lemon and oregano; it’s a reliable indicator you’re in the right area. The time and effort pay off–the whole experience feels fully authentic, with staff ready to tailor courses to your group in the islands’ friendly pace. Only a few places stay open late, but the coast breeze and casual rhythm make the evenings worthwhile, whether you’re visiting for a quick bite or a full-night outing.

Budget-Friendly Eateries: Best Value Meals Under €40

Grab a souvlaki wrap with fries at a busy stall in Mykonos Town for about €6–it’s a reliable, flavorful starter to a day of exploring.

Here are budget-friendly picks, each offering solid value under €40 per person, with clear dishes and price ranges.

• Mykonos Town staples
  • Souvlaki pita with tzatziki: €4–€6
  • Gyro plate with potatoes and salad: €9–€14
  • Greek salad with mezze to share: €7–€12
• Agrari and Kalua by the coast
  • Grilled octopus or calamari with lemon: €18–€25
  • Seafood mezze for two: €30–€38
  • Kalua house grill platter: €22–€38
• Fokos Beach and bohemian beach shacks
  • Moussaka or pastitsio: €12–€16
  • Lemon chicken or pork souvlaki: €14–€18
  • Vegetarian mains and salads: €9–€13
• Practical tips and local color
  • ioannis, a resident, runs a small villa tavern near agrari, with affordable shared plates under €30
  • Wanderlog notes small spots with quick service and consistent quality
  • Look for daily specials; early lunch menus can shave €3–€8 off typical prices
  • Take a stroll through Chora to discover hidden, bohemian options that feel stylish yet affordable
  • After-dinner options near a nightclub area may offer nice value meals later in the evening
  • Throughout the island, these picks stay highly reliable for quality and price
  • kalua and fokos are frequently named in wanderlog lists

This approach keeps meals under €40 while still delivering Greek flavors, friendly service, and a pleasant land-to-table flow that suits a relaxed Mykonos day.

Booking Tips: Timing, Reservations, and Seasonal Hours

For a smooth dining plan across Mykonos, book at least 14–21 days ahead for each local spot; 30 days for iconic venues like Belvedere or ioannis. This ensures you snag a private terrace or a secluded corner for your group.

In July and August, the first seating starts around 19:00, with a second seating near 21:30 and last calls around 23:00–23:30. jackie from ioannis notes that arriving early pays off for weekends.

Ask for the freshest options: request house bread and ftelia, and consider a gourmet tasting menu. Many kitchens prepare these within 15–20 minutes of seating, keeping the pace steady and peaceful.

Map your route from the port toward the Agia area, then climb toward the cliffs to catch views before or after your meal. A quiet path lets you imagine a relaxed pace and makes the most of the island’s natural beauty.

For privacy, choose private tables or secluded corners at ioannis, belvedere, or near the agia bays. These spaces reduce noise and preserve a sense of peace after a long day of exploring the walls and routes around Mykonos.

You can mark your plan with a simple note: they fill fast on weekends, so adjust gradually and avoid peak times if your group includes little ones or seniors. If a table drops, switch to the next available slot rather than cancel outright for them.

Events, seasonal menus, and special dinners occur at the port area and beach clubs. Plan around these so you still visit a restaurant visited by locals, but still have time for a sunset stroll along the Belvedere route or an after-dinner walk near the cliffs.

Seasonal Hours Snapshot