Barbarossa Restaurant Naoussa (Review & Dining Guide)

Barbarossa Restaurant Naoussa is the most famous fine-dining restaurant in Paros – a long-standing seafood institution set right on the old fishing port, with candle-lit tables by the water, refined Mediterranean dishes, and a reputation that makes it one of the most in-demand dinner reservations on the island. For many visitors, a night at Barbarossa is a “must-do Paros experience,” especially for couples, honeymooners, and travelers who want a romantic dinner in the most photographed part of Naoussa.

But like any iconic restaurant, Barbarossa divides opinion: some diners call it unforgettable, others say it’s pricey for the portions, and a few think its fame means you’re paying for the setting as much as the food. This guide covers what Barbarossa does best, what to expect, how much you’ll spend, and whether it’s worth booking for your Paros trip in 2025.


What Makes Barbarossa Restaurant Naoussa Famous

✅ One of the oldest and most historic restaurants in Naoussa
✅ Direct harbor-front tables with the boats literally meters away
✅ Premium seafood, crudo, lobster pasta, and creative Greek-Mediterranean dishes
✅ Elegant presentation and high-end ingredients
✅ Celebrity-friendly, photo-ready location (often booked out in peak season)
✅ A “see-and-be-seen” dining atmosphere – smart but not pretentious

Barbarossa is not a casual taverna – it’s a fine-dining seafood restaurant in one of the most exclusive spots on Paros. If you want paper tablecloths and €12 souvlaki, this is not the place.


Where It Is & What the Setting Feels Like

Barbarossa sits directly on the old Venetian port of Naoussa, the most scenic part of the village, surrounded by whitewashed houses, lantern-lit alleys, and fishing boats. Tables line the harbor edge, with low lighting, soft music, and the sea just below eye level. It’s one of the most atmospheric dinner settings in the Cyclades.

Even when the village is busy, the restaurant keeps an elevated feel: polished service, linen, wine glasses, and a pace that makes dinner feel like an event, not a quick stop.


What to Order at Barbarossa

Signature dishes change seasonally, but the standouts include:

🍽️ Fresh catch of the day (priced by kilo)
🍽️ Lobster spaghetti for two – their most famous dish
🍽️ Crudo selection – yellowtail, sea bass, tuna sashimi Greek-style
🍽️ Sea urchin with citrus & olive oil (when available)
🍽️ Octopus with fava and aged vinegar
🍽️ Shrimp kataifi – crunchy, modern twist on Greek shrimp
🍽️ Local Parian cheese & herb salads

Desserts lean refined, not oversized – think mastic panna cotta, chocolate mousse with Aegean salt, lemon cream tart.

Wine list: strong focus on Greek labels (Santorini Assyrtiko, Paros Moraitis Winery, Peloponnese whites), plus French champagne and rosé.


Price Guide (€€€€)

ItemApprox. Price
Starters€18–€28
Crudo / tartare plates€24–€40
Mains€32–€55
Lobster pasta (for 2)€120–€150 depending on weight
Desserts€12–€16
Wine bottle€38–€140

Estimated spend per person:
€60–€90 without lobster, €100–€130+ with lobster & wine.


Is Barbarossa Worth the Price?

Yes, if:
✅ You want a special night in Naoussa
✅ You value presentation, ingredients, and service
✅ You want the most scenic harbor-front table in town
✅ You’re celebrating (honeymoon, anniversary, birthday)

Maybe not, if:
❌ You want big portions or taverna-style value
❌ You’d rather pay €15 for grilled fish at a casual beach spot
❌ You dislike trendy, high-profile restaurants
❌ You want a quiet, hidden local gem instead of a famous one

Barbarossa is expensive because of the location + the seafood quality + the brand. You’re paying for the full experience, not just calories.


How to Book Barbarossa (Important)

✅ Reserve at least 5–10 days ahead in July–August
✅ Ask specifically for harbor-front seating (first two rows)
✅ Best dining time: 20:30–21:15 (golden hour → night lights)
✅ If it’s windy, they offer indoor/covered seating, but most people want outdoor

Last-minute walk-ins sometimes get a late table after 23:00.


Dress Code

Not strict, but smart-casual is the norm.

✔ Summer dresses, linen shirts, sandals
✖ Beachwear, tank tops, sports shorts, wet swimsuits

Think “Greek island elegant,” not tuxedo.


Who Barbarossa Restaurant Suits

Best ForNot Great For
Couples & honeymoonersBackpackers on €20/day budget
Foodies & seafood loversPeople who dislike fish/raw plates
Special occasionsFamilies with small kids (no kids menu)
Travelers who want the iconic Naoussa dinnerThose who want a quiet taverna away from crowds

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros❌ Cons
Most iconic dining spot on ParosExpensive, especially seafood by weight
Stunning harbor locationTables feel close together in peak season
Perfect for romantic nightsNot for walk-in casual meals
Professional serviceNot the biggest portions
High-end seafood & raw barBooking required weeks ahead in August

FAQ – Barbarossa Restaurant Naoussa

Do you need a reservation?
Yes, absolutely in July–September.

Is it kid-friendly?
It’s not aimed at children; no playground, no kids’ menu.

Can you just have drinks?
No, it’s not a bar – dining only.

Is there a cheaper lunch menu?
No – Barbarossa is a dinner restaurant.

Is it overrated?
Not if you know you’re going for premium seafood + atmosphere, not cheap eats.


Final Verdict

If you want the most famous, most photographed dining experience in Naoussa, Barbarossa is still the benchmark. It’s romantic, refined, and unforgettable when you choose the right table and go with the right expectations: elegant seafood, exceptional views, and prices that match the setting.

Barbarossa isn’t a “local secret” or a budget taverna — it’s a premium harbor-front restaurant built for special nights. If that’s what you want, it delivers exactly what it promises.

Barbarossa Restaurant Naoussa

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