Best restaurants in Astypalea
Greek cuisine with some Italian influence of colonial memory, what more could you want. As with so many other Greek islands, Astypalea certainly did not disappoint us gastronomically. Baked cheeses, sea chicory, honey-filled pies, of course fresh fish, but surprisingly many inland meat dishes. Here are our favorite places to make your trip to Astypalea more tasty.
ΑΓΕΡΙ ΕΣΤΙΑΤΟΡΙΟ
Ageri is a restaurant located in the town square behind the mills. Despite its central location, its cuisine did not disappoint us. We ate excellent inland dishes, such as local grilled cheese, baked eggplant and lamb. It also has a beautiful view of the mills lit up at dusk.
AERINO AGIOS KOSTANTINOS
This tavern is absolutely spartan, plastic tablecloths on the tables, grandma peeling beans sitting outside the door, rowdy uncles visiting the owners from afar, and a kind lady who doesn't speak a word of English but still manages to explain her menu of the day, which is not written anywhere. The family atmosphere is very pleasant, and the food is also free-range and good. We had an excellent stewed rabbit.
TAVERNA STENO
Located on the beach of the same name, it has a menu that is always the same but made up of local dishes that you would not expect to find in a beach kiosk. The ntakos salad with sea chicory was delicious, and so were the ravioli with ricotta and saffron, typical of the island.
ANTIKASTRO
Its name means "in front of the castle," and that is the view that greets you at this very simple restaurant with a beautiful terrace on the side of the harbor opposite the castle. Astypalea's cuisine is mostly land-based, which is surprising being in a seaside place. Lamb dishes are always very good, as in this tavern, where we also tasted fried pies filled with thyme cheese and honey typical of the island.
ALMYRA
This tavern seems like a completely anonymous place, a beachfront bar with a few evening patrons sipping a glass of ouzo on the small tables in front of the entrance. It was actually an incredible surprise, as it serves gourmet seafood dishes that are well presented and above all taste exceptional.
The tables in the garden facing the small pier and the beach offer beautiful sunset views. The dishes are all delicious, but something truly unique were the cuttlefish cacio e pepe, and the squid ink risotto with cuttlefish rolls and cheese. An explosion of softness and taste not to be missed.
BONUS PLACE: ΚΑΦΕΝΕΊΟ ΚΑΡΑΙ
We did not eat at this café-tavern, since with a baby it was impossible to sit on the windy terrace in the evening, but we were really curious to try it. The cuisine seemed pleasant, but more importantly, without speculation we can tell you that this café enjoys an enviable location. It is located on the slopes of the castle, at a very high point on the island, with an unobstructed terrace overlooking the sea. I cannot tell you if the food is good, but it is certainly worth trying it to enjoy the magnificent view at sunset.
