Allou Yiallou: A Great Restaurant in Syros
Allou Yialou was a memorable Greek gastronomy experience. It was by far one of the best restaurants on Syros, where there is a lot of competition. Here’s why I loved it so much.
Allou Yialou – A Great Restaurant in Syros
Allou yialou translates to a Greek expression that means out of this world. I know why they named it such. It was hands down one of my favorite restaurants I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating at – ever. I reviewed it this summer as I was researching and writing for the travel book Fodor’s Greek Islands. It was a great restaurant in Syros to discover.
The Menu at Allou Yialou
The eclectic menu featured Greek and Mediterranean dishes known to every Greek and Greek food lover, but they were created with delightful gourmet twists.
The spin on the classic beetroot salad was that it was prepared layered with creamy Greek yogurt and greens. A boiled green salad dish, a typical everyday part of a Greek table was recreated and divine. I loved the layered crab salad, and the fresh potato salad with Greek wild greens called armyrikia.
The colors were bold and the presentation great. Then we moved onto some main dishes.
The Main Dishes at Allou Yialou
The fish was simple and fresh, grilled to order with quality olive oil and seasonings.
I had the pleasure of trying a simple Greek egg dish called strapatsada — brought to a new level. A tangy and tasty tomato sauce topped the fresh fried village eggs and a layer of fine, crispy fried potatoes.
I also had a taste of their specialty is sea urchin pasta. The sauce, pasta and seafood combination was fantastic.
Desserts at Allou Yialou
Dessert was a Greek delight. They served a lemon creme inside of some gorgeously peeled lemons. Those glass cups contained a fresh scoop of vanilia or vanilla which was sweet and swimming in peppermint flavored water.
The Dining Experience
The outdoor dining balcony is set right on Kini beach. Come here at sunset and you can’t go wrong. Enjoy one their dishes, a glass of wine and a view of the sea flanked by white linen curtains.
Behind the Scenes at Allou Yialou
Chef Lina Fournistaki and her husband Yannis ran Allou Yialou. I was thrilled to meet Lina after the tasting. She was very warm and after observing her for a short time, it was obvious she has a love and an eye for Greek cuisine – her roots. When I told her how much I also loved the lemon dessert and she simply nodded to say, “Nostima kai apla einai.” The statement translates to delicious and simple. It really was.
How to Get to Syros
Flights:Olympic Airways has one daily flight from Athens to Syros Airport
Ferry: Several ferry companies schedule regular runs including Blue Star Ferries, Nel Lines, and Hellenic Seaways. As the administrative center of the Cycladics there are an abundance of ferry routes connecting to and from all over Greece. www.opeanseas.gr
Getting Around
Rent a car or motorcycle. Also, there’s a bus that leaves regularly from Ermoupoli up to Ano Syros and the beaches. www.ktel-syrou.gr
For more on Syros check out my photo tour of the island here. For more on what to do in the capital of the island check out my post on Ermoupoli here.
Where to Stay
The Syrou Melathron was an excellent boutique hotel in an great location near the harbor. Check out my review on this beautiful property here.
Allou Yialou
Open for lunch and dinner/Closed Nov-April
Dishes range from 10 – 25+ Euro
Kini Beach, Syros
+30 22810 71196
Have you ever been to a Greek restaurant like Allou Yialou — a great Greek gastronomy experience?
