Best Restaurants on Serifos

I look forward to dining at the best restaurants on Serifos every time I go. Here’s a handy rundown of where to eat on this beautiful Cycladic island.

Best Restaurants in Serifos

You can dine within the whitewashed alleys of the hilltop main town or enjoy a meal by the sea with boats bobbing in the distance.  For that true island feeling, you can just enjoy a great home cooked meal with the sand at your feet after a full day of swimming at the island’s award-winning beaches.

Here are the best restaurants on Serifos and a few more options to consider.

Marathoriza

This is my favorite for traditional Serifian cuisine.  The restaurant is located right off of the main square in the lower part of the hilltop main town.

The dining space is narrow, small and simple.  You’ll find hearty dishes like slow-cooked lamb, fava beans baked in a traditional ceramic pot and some seafood dishes like shrimp saganaki. Be sure to include Serifian recipes like marathotiganites  (fennel fritters) or a caper dish during your dining experience.

Kalis

If you love seafood, then head to Kalis.  This stylish psarotaverna (fish taverna) is located right on the harbor which is the area known as Livadi. It is the go to place for grilled and fried calamari, octopus and fresh fish options.

Although a bit on the pricey side, you can’t go wrong with the seafood pasta dishes like shrimp risotto.

Aloni

Aloni has one of the best dining views making it one of the best restaurants on Serifos.  It is built into the side of the hilltop main town, midway on your ascent up in your car, bike or by foot. There’s a large outdoor patio dining area that rightfully gets full in August.  So, while you enjoy the sparkling harbor lights and moon glow over the sea and landscape you can decide on some traditional Greek specialties that are either slow-cooked or fresh off-the-grill.

Bakaki

This eatery has a great view of the harbor and a friendly family behind it.  The family hails from a village in central Greece so Bakaki specializes in meat, meat and meat — grilled the Greek way.

You’ll find delicious homemade sausages, grilled pork chops, grilled chicken, Greek style meatballs and the Greek fixins like green salads and traditional dips.

Metalleio

This restaurant is open year round and has delicious plates.  It isn’t a Greek tavern so it would be a good change if you want some choices beyond Greek cuisine. There are Greek dishes and some very nice pastas and salads in a more upscale setting.  Metalleio is located in the street behind the main harbor’s main street.  I love their orzo with tomato sauce.

Kyklopas

Named after the mythological Cyclops cave that Serifos is associated with, this simple family tavern is famous for its fresh dishes. The rooster in tomato sauce with a side of spaghetti is excellent.  The Greek salad with ksinomizithra cheese is excellent, too. You can’t beat the view or location.

The tables are set out on Mega Livadi beach where trees offer cool shade and your feet touch the pebbled sand. Within view, over the sea, is what is left of the old mining bridge.

Margarita

If you want to eat the way locals do – without frills or fuss – and have a taste of totally hearty Greek cooking head to end of the road in Livadi.

There in the corner by the sea you’ll find house with a lawn and a few tables set out under some simple light bulbs. No fancy logo or sign. No menus here. Sit down and Mrs. Margarita or one of her family members will come out and tell you what the family has cooked for the day.  She serves slow-cooked dishes like gemista (rice-stuffed tomatoes and bell peppers), Greek meatballs called keftedes, Greek salads and cooked vegetables. Try the local wine.  Only open for dinner.

Check out my story for Culinary Backstreets about Margarita here: Homecooking at Serifos’s Timeless Taverna.

Stratos

This isn’t a restaurant, but I must include it because it is one of the most famous eateries on the island. Located in the Pano Chora main square, you can head here to eat light. Enjoy his famous mezes (greek appetizers) and rakomelo (Greek honey-infused spirit).  Great place to sit on hot summer nights!

Taxidromeio

This new addition to the Serifian restaurant scene specializes in pasta dishes.  I’m always up for pasta! Nice selection, good service. If you can, grab a table in the tiny veranda that overlooks the mountain and the lower main town on the hilltop. The quaint street tables are lovely, too.

Where to Eat in Serifos: Dessert!

For dessert go and try pastaki Serifou (Serifian pie). Yum. Perfect at Indigo Cafe in Livadi or Pano Piatsa in Chora.

How to Get to Serifos

To get to the Greek islands, many international travelers arrive by air, usually with a change in Athens or another major city.  There are some direct seasonal flights to certain island destinations too.  You can find the best flight deals with Vayama.

The only way to travel to Serifos is by ferry or private boat/yacht from the port of Piraeus in Athens. The island does not have an airport.

The frequency of ferries depends on the season. Ferries leave from the port of Piraeus in Athens.  The trip lasts anywhere from 2.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on if you book a seat on a fast or slow ferry. For updated ferry schedules check www.openseas.gr.  The SpeedRunner is about a 2.5 hour journey (45-50 Euro each way).

There are regular connections to the other west Cyclades, including Milos, Kythnos and Sifnos.

Where to Stay in Serifos

Boutique: Rizes Hotel is a four-star hotel with a beautiful pool, individual plunge pools, a great view, excellent buffet breakfast and a beautiful view to the Chora and the Aegean Sea. From €100 a night, depending on the season.  Coco-Mat, the luxury Greek brand, also has a small boutique hotel right on Vagia beach.

Mid-Range: The Livadi is ideal for a convenient stay, especially for those without a car. You’d be within walking distance to everything: beaches, eateries, nightlife and the ferries. For an atmospheric apartment stay with lovely amenities, I recommend Indigo. From €80 a night, depending on the season.

Basic: For a basic clean rooms, no frills, I recommend Ms. Lambrini’s Cavo d’Oro (+30 2281 051160). From €50 a night, depending on the season.

Serifos is a nature lovers dream.  There are many beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a fantastic Chora (main town) to explore. I have tons of posts about everything Serifos on this blog!

Do you have any places to add to the best restaurants on Serifos list?