Restaurants You Don’t Want To Miss When Visiting Symi, Greece

For those of you who don’t know, I travel to eat. So, finding fantastic restaurants on the Greek Island of Symi is sorta my thing!

In Symi, Greece, the culinary scene is all about homemade, authentic Greek cuisine that is truly to die for.

Keep in mind that Symi is a small island, so dining options are limited.

A little tip: the best restaurants in Symi fill up quickly, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Where You Need to Eat on Symi Island

Let’s explore the list of restaurants. The majority are conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from the ferry port.

Breakfast

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Elpida Cafeneio

If your accommodations don’t offer breakfast, I suggest going to Elpida Cafeneio.

This cafe is known for its delicious brunch options, including yogurt with honey and fruits and freshly baked bougatsa.

The atmosphere is cozy, and the excellent service makes it a great spot for a relaxing meal.

The Secret Garden

Located in Chorio, is the Secret Garden. This cafe offers a beautiful terrace and a variety of snacks and drinks.

It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the picturesque views of Symi while sipping on your favorite beverage.

Here, you can order a full brunch, including eggs, or you can visit later for lunch or dinner and get traditional Greek cuisine.

Carnagio Cafe

This charming cafe is situated near the water and offers a quiet and serene location, tasty dishes, and a welcoming host.

Carnagio Cafe is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the scenic harbor views.

Here I would recommend getting your breakfast of traditional Greek pastries like baklava or bougatsa, accompanied by a strong Greek coffee or fresh orange juice.

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Lunch / Dinner

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Tholos Restaurant

Located by the water, Tholos offers fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes with stunning views of the harbor.

The friendly service and relaxed atmosphere make it a popular choice.

MAKE RESERVATIONS! You will want to make reservations if you plan to eat here. This restaurant not only has the best food, but it also has the best ambiance.

I would recommend coming at sunset. Tholos Restaurant served the best fresh fish! The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful.

Try the Greek salad and fish soup!

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Taverna O Merakis

Taverna O Meraklis is a charming traditional taverna in the heart of Symi. It offers hearty Greek meals such as grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian options.

The cozy, authentic atmosphere is inviting to everyone.

I visited Taverna O Meraklis for lunch and found that reservations weren’t necessary, though I recommend making one during high season.

Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of choices here. Be sure to try the delicious zucchini fritters!

Petalo

Probably the most popular dining spot in Symi is called Petalo. Known for its modern twist on traditional Greek cuisine.

It offers a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to creative vegetarian options, all made with locally sourced ingredients.

I would recommend getting a reservation and sitting in the outdoor seating area.

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Odyssia Restaurant

If you want family-run restaurant vibes, head over to Odyssia Restaurant! I highly recommend the Odyssia salad with walnuts, which is unique to this place, and the famous pasta with shrimp, which lives up to its reputation.

Don’t miss their homemade orange pie, which was complimentary at the end of the meal.

Odyssia is not only a restaurant but also a hotel. So, if you are hunting for a place to stay in Symi, you might want to stay in one of their lovely rooms upstairs for a seaside experience.

Grab the Free Google Map

Take my free pre-pinned Google map of all the best places to eat in Symi!

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