Eating in Greece is always a treat! Whether you are eating meat, fish, vegetables or desserts, everything here is fresh and cooked with tasty local ingredients. And Kos is famed for the quality of its food. Wherever you find yourself on this Dodecanese island, you’ll find plenty of tavernas and restaurants serving local delicacies. So here is my guide to where to find the best Greek food in Kos!
Traditional Greek Food To Eat In Kos
Apart from the Greek classics like souvlaki, gyros, moussaka and Greek salads, which you can of course enjoy in Kos too, you should take the opportunity to try some local dishes:
- Pitardia (similar to lasagna and is boiled in meat broth, and traditionally served at weddings and festivities)
- Lambropites (little pies made with myzithra cheese)
- Posa cheese (that takes its colour and flavour from the red wine in which it is matured)
- Marmarites (pancakes cooked on marble, served with sugar or honey)
- Thyme honey, a local delicacy
- Kanelada a liquor made with cinnamon and Alefaskia, a herb that grows on the island.
Tip: Kos market is a great option to buy some gourmet souvenirs for your foodie friends, like sachets of Mediterranean spices, extra virgin olive oil and jars of delicious thyme honey, a local product of Kos.
What To Drink In Kos
Greek frappé: if you have ever been to Greece, you have certainly come across this super refreshing summer drink. Greeks love their frappé and they drink it multiple times during the day. I loved it too and I recommend you try it too when visiting Greece. A Frappé is basically coffee blended with milk, water and sugar. It gets really foamy and it is a great option for hot summer days! Read my article How To Make A Greek frappé if you love it too and want to try making it at home. It’s super easy!
Where To Find The Best Greek Food In Kos
I recommend eating at tavernas rather than at restaurants in Greece. Tavernas are more casual, they offer good value for money (the portions in Greece tend to be huge) and they are often family-run businesses, hence providing a more authentic Greek experience.
I have worked in Kos for 6 months, so I had the chance to try quite a few places all over the island. Here is my personal selection of the places where you can find the best Greek food in Kos.
Family Zorbas
Family Zorbas (€) One of the oldest tavernas in town, Family Zorba is a traditional family-run Greek tavern, serving authentic and tasty Greek food. The portions are huge. Great value for money! The restaurant is located in the Old Town centre of Kos, on Diagora Square 11.
The Fish House Taverna
The Fish House Taverna (€€) probably one of the most photographed restaurants on the island, this cute colourful restaurant is only a few steps away from the Kos town main Harbour, on Martiou Street 25. A large selection of traditional Greek dishes is available. A traditional Greek Taverna with excellent service and a great atmosphere!
Elia Traditional Restaurant
Elia (€€) hidden away in the small narrow streets of the Old Town of Kos, on Apellou street you will find Elia Traditional Restaurant. The restaurant is located in a renovated building, that dates back to 1890 and is decorated in a traditional Greek style. The food is excellent! The restaurant is famous for its huge selection of mezze (Greek small dishes, the Greek version of tapas). Try the Elia Saganaki, it’s delicious!
Oromedon
Oromedon (€€) If you find yourself in Zia, this is the place to go for a romantic dinner while watching the sunset. Located on the main square of the village, this restaurant offers a variety of Greek traditional dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and local products from Kos island. All traditional dishes at this restaurant are cooked in the woodfire oven. The quality of the food is amazing and the prices are fair. Book in advance and ask for a table on the terrace for an unforgettable experience!
Avli Restaurant
Avli Restaurant (€€) If you are staying in Kardamena, you absolutely have to visit Avli. Set in the inner courtyard of one of the oldest houses in Kardamena, this restaurant offers a cosy and elegant atmosphere and mouthwatering food! Try their spicy meatballs with yoghurt and the homemade stuffed vine lives, so delicious!
Chrisopoulos Taverna
Chrisopoulos Taverna (€) on 25 Martiou in Kardamena. Only open at lunchtime, Chrisopoulos Tavern has been one of my favourite spots on the island when I was living there. I came back here many times because of the amazing food, cheap prices, but most of all because the owners are adorable! A lovely couple runs the taverna, which has sea views, a Greek authentic atmosphere, and serves fresh fish every day. Ask Fonda (the owner) for recommendations, you will not be disappointed!
Where To Drink In Kos
Kos is well known for its nightlife. Among the narrow streets of Kos Town, you will find lots of places where you can drink delicious cocktails, as well as popular nightclubs that host famous DJs over summer.
Tip: avoid Bar Street! It’s full of young and mostly drunk tourists and the bars play super loud music. In the alleys of the old city, you will find a more peaceful setting and often live music.
And here are a few suggestions for some great cocktails and a chilled atmosphere:
- Mylos Beach Bar in Kos
- Casa Rossa in Kardamena
- Garden Bar in Kardamena
Average Meal Price per person: € (€10 to €25) – €€ (€25 to €40) – €€€ (over €40)
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