Authentic Tavernas on Naxos – 12 Hidden Gems Off the Tourist Trail
Authentic tavernas on Naxos – the places where locals eat, the old man drinks his coffee at the next table, and grandma cooks in the kitchen. We’ve tested 12 tavernas for you that no guidebook recommends – from hidden courtyard spots in Chora to remote mountain tavernas. All within 30 minutes of Villa La Natura.
1. To Elliniko – Agia Anna (Best Location)
From the villa: 9 min | Specialty: Gyros, souvlaki, Greek salad | Price: € (cheap)
Right on Agia Anna beach, “To Elliniko” serves the best gyros on Naxos. Simple place, long queues in high season – but perfectly seasoned meat, fresh bread, and unbeatable prices.
2. O Nikos – Chora (Local Cuisine)
From the villa: 15 min | Specialty: Moussaka, stifado, lamb dishes | Price: €€ (moderate)
Hidden in a side alley of the old town, “O Nikos” is barely known to tourists – but extremely popular with locals. The moussaka is the best on the island.
3. O Kosmas – Plaka (Secret Tip)
From the villa: 7 min | Specialty: Saganaki, calamari, fish platter | Price: €€ (moderate)
O Kosmas lies a kilometer inland – and that’s exactly what makes it a hidden gem. Authentic, affordable, and no tourist crowds.
4. Platsa – Apiranthos (Mountain Village Scene)
From the villa: 30 min | Specialty: Stuffed cabbage rolls, local sausage | Price: €€ (moderate)
In the marble village of Apiranthos, Platsa taverna sits right on the village square under the plane trees. Ingredients from their own garden.
5. I Zygos – Koronos (Rustic Mountain Taverna)
From the villa: 35 min | Specialty: Oven-baked goat, local cheese | Price: €€ (moderate)
Hard to find and exactly why it’s so special: “I Zygos” has been run by the same family for three generations. The goat in the oven is the signature dish.
6. Takis Taverna – Agios Prokopios (Beach Classic)
From the villa: 10 min | Specialty: Seafood, fish, Greek village salad | Price: €€ (moderate)
A beach classic, not a tourist trap. Location on Agios Prokopios beach is touristy, but the quality is excellent. Grilled octopus is tender perfection.
7. Gefsi – Agia Paraskevi (Just Around the Corner)
From the villa: 4 min | Specialty: Homemade pasta, local appetizers | Price: €€ (moderate)
Right in Agia Paraskevi village – just 4 minutes from Villa La Natura. Homemade pasta, grilled meat, and an incredible selection of mezedes. Village atmosphere, fair prices, and the owners welcome you like family.
8. O Lios – Abram (North Coast)
From the villa: 40 min | Specialty: Fish specialties, house wine, giant beans | Price: €€€ (upscale)
In the small cove of Abram, north of Apollonas. The fish comes straight from the sea, the vegetables from the owner’s garden.
9. O Apostolis – Eggares (Olive Oil Taverna)
From the villa: 15 min | Specialty: Lamb with artichokes, olive oil tasting | Price: €€ (moderate)
Next to the Olive Oil Museum in Eggares, O Apostolis serves traditional dishes with a focus on local olive oil.
10. Ta Nissia – Plaka (Modern Greek)
From the villa: 7 min | Specialty: Fusion cuisine with Greek ingredients | Price: €€€ (upscale)
The insider tip among food bloggers: Ta Nissia offers modern Greek cuisine. The menu changes daily, ingredients from local producers.
11. O Vasilis – Galini (Quiet Cove)
From the villa: 12 min | Specialty: Grilled fish, homemade tzatziki | Price: €€ (moderate)
In the cove of Galini, between Agios Prokopios and Plaka. The terrace is right on the water, fish comes fresh daily.
12. O Kyros – Chora (Rooftop Terrace)
From the villa: 15 min | Specialty: Lamb kleftiko, baklava | Price: €€ (moderate)
The hidden courtyard gem in upper Chora, with a small rooftop terrace overlooking the rooftops. Only 7 tables – reservation essential!
Top Recommendations
| Category | Taverna | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Best Location | To Elliniko | Right on Agia Anna beach, best gyros |
| Secret Tip | O Kosmas | Local, authentic, almost no tourists |
| Mountain Experience | Platsa | Under plane trees in the prettiest mountain village |
| Around the Corner | Gefsi | 4 min from the villa, family atmosphere |
| Best Fish | O Lios | Fresh from the sea |
| Romantic | O Kyros | Rooftop terrace overlooking Chora |
Our personal favorite: Gefsi in Agia Paraskevi – not even 5 minutes from Villa La Natura, family-run, authentic, and excellent. Perfect for your first or last evening on Naxos.
