The island of Mykonos was probably the first place in Greece to offer a more refined version of Greek cuisine to suit the cosmopolitan tastes of its visitors. That arrived only much later and to a lesser extent in Santorini, and even today you continue to find much more interesting places to eat in Mykonos than in Santorini. In Santorini you'll mostly find touristy restaurants offering mediocre and overpriced food, but there are a few exceptions which we tell you about below. In Mykonos you have some beautiful restaurants with high prices not always corresponding to high-quality service or food, but there are several places that stand out. When in doubt, a taverna where the locals go is a great spot to try the more authentic local cuisine, and remember that they eat much later than you probably do. That means lunch at around 2PM and dinner at 9 or 10PM. Our selections below are the places offering the best service and food, and that have a more pleasant atmosphere, often helped by an attractive décor.


MYKONOS

Raya
This lounge-bar-restaurant opens in the morning to serve a good breakfast and stays open until late at night for an evening overlooking the harbor. Also a good choice for a light meal during the day.

Nammos
This fashionable beachfront restaurant is actually a casual place where you'll get some of the finest dining experiences in Mykonos. It specializes in Mediterranean dishes which you can savor as you overlook the sea.

Sol Y Mar
This beach bar and restaurant is one the best places for a meal by the sea and under the sun. The name and the colors of the décor may remind you of the Mexican Riviera, but everything else is a Cycladic experience such as the menu listing fresh Greek-Mediterranean cuisine.

Gola
A beautifully designed space is the setting for this gourmet restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine. Everywhere you look you find good taste, from the décor to the food. Outside it's just as attractive, with a view of the island of Delos.

Interni
This is not a cheap choice, but well worth a splurge. It's an award-winning restaurant (one of the best in Greece according to some) with a beautiful mostly all-white design, serving fusion cuisine (Italian, Asian, etc.). The terrace bar is one of the island's most fashionable hotspots, so pass by even if you're not having dinner and enjoy a drink around all the beautifu people.

Matsuhisa
Known for his Nobu restaurants around the world, famous chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa also does his art of fine Asian cuisine from mid-June to the end of September in Mykonos. Book a table and enjoy the sushi as you sit around some lush surroundings.

ANTONINI'S - Plateia Manto, Hora
It's a little touristy during the summer, but locals have also enjoyed satisfying meals here for quite a long time. It's one of the oldest restaurants in Mykonos and it serves traditional Greek and international cuisine.

CHEZ MARIA'S - Kalogera 30
If you're looking for a romantic dinner, this is the candlelit place for you. You'll sit at a garden and enjoy traditional Greek cuisine for an authentic Mykonos experience.

LA MAISON DE CATHERINE - Ayios Gerasimos
Although slightly overpriced, this is an elegant French restaurant worth looking for. Its candlelit dining room and classical background music makes it an elegant place for a dinner for two, and the food doesn't disappoint (especially the desserts).

NIKO'S - Harbor, Mykonos Town
This traditional taverna is quite famous and has earned its reputation thanks to the satisfying Greek dishes it serves. There is always fresh fish on the menu and some good wines. It's a good choice when you're looking for a more casual place.

Camares
Serving creative Mediterranean cuisine, this restaurant was renovated in 2008 to be the fashionable luxury restaurant in Mykonos. It does its best to attract a sophisticated crowd with a tasteful décor and delicious dishes, as well as the host of parties for the beautiful people.


SANTORINI

Mylos Cafe
A beautifully restored flour mill is now a great place for breakfast or a drink at any time of the day. There are spectacular views and it mixes some great cocktails to be enjoyed in the evening.

Archipelagos
Located above the caldera, this restaurant offers stunning views of the sea. It is worth looking for it in Fira, as in addition to the views you also get some fine Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

1800
Although it's located in a traditional sea captain's house, this is one of the most modern and refined restaurants in the island. Located in Oia, it's also one of the most expensive, but you won't mind the high prices in a place that really stands out for the food. The wine list matches the quality of the dishes.

Ambrosia
It would be worth coming here just to observe the sunset, but thankfully it's also an attractive place itself serving fine contemporary Greek cuisine. You can sit at the terrace as the sun goes down, or get a table indoors with its pretty décor made up of antiques and candle lights.

Saltsa
If you're simply looking for an outstanding gastronomic experience where you won't be distracted by the views, visit this restaurant offering innovative presentations of traditional Greek cuisine. The chef has worked at some of Athens' finest restaurants and it shows.

Vanilia
A 19th century windmill is now a charming restaurant with a terrace offering wonderful views of the sea. While it feels like a traditional place, the food is much more refined and the staff very professional.