Cyclades, Greece
Greek food on healthy ingredients, olive oil, and herbs. It is a cuisine that has evolved over centuries, influenced by various civilizations, but always maintaining its Mediterranean core. The island’s agricultural past also makes a contribution with local cheeses and cured meats. Dining in Greece is often a social event, meant for sharing and conversation.
Mykonian dishes highlight the freshness of island produce and the bounty of the sea. Ingredients olive oil, fresh vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant), fresh fish and seafood, meats (lamb, pork, chicken), Feta cheese, local Mykonian cheeses (Kopanisti, Tyrovolia), herbs (oregano, thyme), lemon, and garlic. Flavors are often savory, aromatic, and balanced.
Lunch typically starts from 1 PM to 3 PM. Dinner begins from 8 PM onwards, often extending late into the evening (10 PM or later) in the summer months, especially at popular restaurants and beach clubs.
Meze, small plates or appetizers, are common and meant for sharing among the table. Bread is often served automatically, sometimes with a small charge (typically €1-€2 per person). If you do not want it, you can decline.
Bottled water is usually preferred and served in restaurants, though tap water is drinkable. Sometimes, after a meal, a restaurant may hold a small complimentary dessert or a digestif. This is a gesture of hospitality.
Grilled meat skewers (pork or chicken) served in warm pita bread with tzatziki, tomato, onion, and fries. Gyros meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, shaved and served in pita with similar toppings. These are widely available at street food stalls and casual eateries, a staple Greek fast food.
Moussaka: Layers of minced meat, tender eggplant, and potato, topped with a rich béchamel sauce, then baked. Find this at traditional Greek tavernas. Greek Salad (Horiatiki): Ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, and a large slab of creamy feta cheese, dressed generously with local olive oil and oregano. Found at every taverna and restaurant.
Given Mykonos's island location, fresh grilled fish, octopus, calamari, and shrimp are highlights. Search for daily catches at seaside tavernas, especially in areas like Ornos, Platis Gialos, or remote bays like Fokos. Also try local Louza & Kopanisti as meze at traditional tavernas or local delis.
Popular street foods: Spanakopita (spinach and feta pastry), Tyropita (cheese pie), Koulouri (sesame bread roll).
Baklava (phyllo pastry with nuts and syrup), Loukoumades (fried doughnuts with honey), Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts. Mykonian almond cookies (Amygdalota). Specific dishes might be for religious holidays (e.g., lamb for Easter).
Mykonos numerous high-end restaurants, many within luxury hotels or exclusive beach clubs. They hold modern Greek cuisine, international fusion dishes, and often spectacular views and sophisticated atmospheres.
Abundant tavernas and restaurants hold a mix of traditional Greek and international dishes at more accessible prices. Find these in Mykonos Town, Ornos, and Platis Gialos.
International cuisine is widely available, especially in Mykonos Town and popular beach areas (Italian, Asian, Mexican). Mykonos has small grocery stores and bakeries for self-catering, but not large traditional food markets.
Greece has a rich tradition of vegetable-based dishes (ladera). Many Greek dishes are naturally vegetarian or can be easily adapted. Look for Briam (roasted mixed vegetables), Gigantes Plaki (baked giant beans), Fava (split pea dip), and various salads. Veganism is growing in popularity.
Halal and Kosher dedicated restaurants are limited. Verify with establishments or select suitable dishes.
Awareness of gluten-free options and other allergens is increasing. Many traditional Greek dishes are naturally gluten-free (e.g., grilled meats/fish, salads, rice dishes). Clearly inform staff about allergies. Learning a few Greek phrases for common allergens can be of use.
Some larger restaurants may hold allergen menus.
Learn traditional Greek or Mykonian cuisine.
Sample local specialties and discover hidden food spots.
Religious festivals (panigyria) may feature traditional foods.
Signature Mykonos dining with lively music and luxurious settings.
Many Greek dishes are naturally vegetarian (e.g., Briam, Gigantes Plaki, Fava). Veganism is growing; many restaurants handle requests.
Limited Halal/Kosher options. Inform staff about allergies.
Awareness of gluten-free options increases. Many Greek dishes are naturally gluten-free. Clearly state your needs to staff.
Some modern restaurants hold allergen menus.
Mykonos has small grocery stores and bakeries for self-catering, but not large, traditional food markets. International cuisine is widely available, with Italian, Asian, and Mexican options.
Specific dishes might be for religious holidays (e.g., lamb for Easter). Mykonos has fewer large-scale food festivals compared to other Greek regions, but local religious festivals (panigyria) may feature traditional foods and drinks unique to those celebrations.
Some hotels or private chefs hold classes on traditional Greek or Mykonian cuisine. These hold a hands-on opportunity to learn about local ingredients and cooking techniques.
Food tours of Mykonos Town or specific areas are available to sample local specialties and discover hidden food spots.
A few small galleries or artists' studios may hold workshops or demonstrations, especially around Mykonos Town. Inquire locally if interested in pottery, painting, or other crafts.
The "beach club restaurant" concept is a signature of Mykonos. These establishments combine upscale dining with lively music, day-to-night parties, and luxurious settings right on the beach.
They hold a distinct social and culinary experience unique to the island.
Many Mykonos restaurants, especially those in Little Venice or with a sea view, capitalize on the island's legendary sunsets, providing a memorable backdrop to your meal.
Book early for prime sunset tables.
Due to the island's small size and arid nature, formal farm visits are limited.
Some local cheese producers might hold informal tours or tastings of products like Kopanisti. Inquire locally for details.
Enhance your Mykonos dining experience with these practical considerations:
