Those who visit Naxos rave about the island's exceptional local cuisine and delicious products. The food at these five traditional tavernas is an experience you shouldn't miss if you find yourself on the largest island of the Cyclades
Naxos has every reason to boast about its outstanding local cuisine. Its fertile land supplies the Naxian table with pure, quality ingredients, while the island's restaurants and tavernas continue a rich gastronomic tradition, making the most of select local products such as the island's famed cheeses (graviera, arseniko of Naxos, etc.) and the famous Naxian potato.
Naxos is a unique island, rich in every way - as is its food, which you're sure to love. If you want to eat well and traditionally on the largest island in the Cyclades, these are the tavernas you should definitely visit.
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Naxos: 5 top tavernas for traditional food
Axiotissa
The Axiotissa taverna, in Kastraki, 18 km south of Naxos Town, is one of the places you have to visit if you want to taste exceptional Naxian cuisine. On Axiotissa's lovely terrace you'll enjoy dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.The vegetables come from their own garden, the meats are local, and many products are organic. Try the ultra-fresh salads, the eggplant with sweet-and-sour sauce, and the kid goat baked in parchment. Naturally, don't miss the handmade desserts. Just make sure to book ahead before you go.
Matina and Stavros
It's worth heading to the village of Koronos (30 km from Naxos Town) for a meal at the Matina and Stavros taverna, a beloved spot with loyal friends for years - and for good reason. In an island-style courtyard on the village square, you'll savor home-style cooking, stuffed zucchini, lemony lamb with potatoes, goat in red sauce, omelets with local greens - all made with products from their own production (vegetables, meats, and of course dairy).
Stou Lefteri
If you visit Naxos you have to take a stroll to its most famous mountain village, Apeiranthos. There you'll find the famed Stou Lefteri taverna, which spreads its tables in a gorgeous courtyard with tall trees. A must-try dish is the juicy bifteki stuffed with Naxos graviera, but whatever you choose won't disappoint. Wild greens, cheese pie, and beef steak are among the best dishes.
Stou Vasilarakiou
An exceptional butcher's taverna - a destination for discerning food lovers, in the small mountain village of Kinidaros. At Stou Vasilarakiou you'll find a wide variety of meats from their own butcher shop, expertly grilled over a huge grill. Irresistible lamb and goat chops, incredibly juicy beef steaks (various cuts), homemade sausages, delicious kokoretsi and kontosouvli. A carnivore's paradise! Add to your order perfectly fried local potatoes, greens, and a horiatiki salad with xinomizithra.
Taverna O Haris
At the entrance to the village of Eggares, you'll find Haris's taverna serving traditional Naxian recipes. Its most famous dish is the huge, hearty omelet with (at least) ten eggs, local potatoes, and Naxos graviera. You'll also try excellent grilled meats from their own stock and stews. The lemony veal melts in your mouth! Pair your meal with their own wine.
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