Paros is an island where food still follows local traditions, and nowhere is this more obvious than in its cheeses and dairy-based dishes. Parian cheese has a long history rooted in small family farms, free-grazing goats and sheep, and techniques passed down over generations. From fresh myzíthra and xynomyzíthra to aged graviera, salty kefalotyri, and soft white cheeses drizzled with honey, Paros offers an impressive range of flavors that every food lover should experience. This guide showcases the best Paros restaurants for local cheese and dairy dishes, focusing on tavernas and eateries that work with island producers, use traditional methods, and serve dishes where cheese is the star of the meal.
Whether you enjoy creamy spreads, grilled cheeses, baked pies, or rustic dairy-based specialties, these restaurants deliver the true taste of Paros.
1. Yemeni (Naoussa) – Traditional Dishes With Authentic Parian Cheeses
Yemeni is famous for its island comfort food, and cheese plays a central role in many of its recipes.
Why it’s perfect for cheese lovers
- Uses local Parian and Cycladic cheeses
- Daily dishes featuring fresh myzíthra and graviera
- Homemade pies made with traditional dairy
Must-try
- Cheese-filled baked barley rusks
- Grilled graviera with local thyme honey
- Traditional kalitsounia (small cheese pastries)
A warm, rustic meal in the heart of Naoussa.
2. Taverna Glafkos (Naoussa Waterfront) – Sea Views & Local Cheeses
Glafkos is known for using fresh island ingredients while offering a stunning seaside setting.
Cheese highlights
- Fresh soft cheese drizzled with honey
- Grilled kefalotyri
- Creamy local dips using dairy from family farms
Great for travelers who want classic tastes with a view.
3. Trata Taverna (Naoussa) – A Hidden Gem for Cheese-Based Appetizers
Trata specializes in honest, homemade Greek dishes with a strong emphasis on starters.
Recommended
- “Saganaki” fried cheese
- Stuffed peppers with soft Parian cheese
- Cheese pie spirals
A cozy, budget-friendly spot that surprises many with its quality.
4. Tsitsanis (Aliki) – Family Recipes With Fresh Dairy
Aliki is known for its traditional tavernas, and Tsitsanis stands out for authentic island flavors.
Why cheese lovers enjoy it
- House-made xynomyzíthra
- Cheese pies baked fresh
- Creamy dips using goat’s milk products
A peaceful village taverna with genuinely local ingredients.
5. Charoula’s Taverna (Aliki) – Home-Cooked Cheese Specialties
Charoula’s offers some of the best homemade dishes in Paros, including dairy specialties prepared daily.
Top choices
- Homemade mizíthra cheese balls
- Feta baked in parchment
- Cheese-stuffed zucchini blossoms
Perfect for travelers wanting authentic village cooking.
6. Lefkes Café (Lefkes Village) – Cheese Dishes in the Mountain Air
Lefkes is known for traditional food, and its cafés offer exceptional dairy-based plates.
Highlights
- Fresh cheese served with local herbs
- Traditional pies using soft goat cheese
- Cheese spreads made in-house
Great for a lunch stop after exploring the beautiful village of Lefkes.
7. Kostos Taverna (Kostos) – Village Cheese Plates & Rustic Dishes
Kostos is a quiet village with a strong culinary heritage.
Cheese specialties
- Local graviera slices
- Cheese pies with crispy pastry
- Creamy dips using freshly produced dairy
A fantastic spot for travelers who appreciate rural Greek cuisine.
8. Magaya (Parasporos) – Fusion Greek With Strong Cheese Options
Magaya blends Greek traditions with creative touches.
Why it’s good for cheese lovers
- Vegetarian dishes with Parian cheese
- Baked feta with herbs
- Cheese platters with Cycladic varieties
A fun, bohemian setting combining flavor and atmosphere.
9. To Kyma by the Sea (Piso Livadi) – Simple, Honest Cheese Plates
To Kyma offers clean, tasty dishes using fresh ingredients from local suppliers.
Recommended
- Kefalotyri saganaki
- Tirokafteri (spicy cheese spread)
- Cheese pie triangles
A great spot with views of the small harbor.
10. Halaris Ouzeri (Piso Livadi) – Meze With Local Cheeses
This ouzeri specializes in meze-style dishes, perfect for cheese tasting.
Popular choices
- Xynomyzíthra spread with olive oil
- Local graviera
- Feta with fresh tomatoes
Ideal for travelers who enjoy sharing plates.
11. Fisis Taverna (Ambelas) – Local Ingredients & Dairy Specials
Fisis works closely with Parian farms and producers.
Cheese dishes to try
- Soft cheese baked in clay
- Cheese-filled zucchini rolls
- Honey-drizzled mizíthra
Ambelas is quiet, making this a peaceful dining experience.
12. Markakis Grill (Parikia) – Meat House With Excellent Cheese Starters
Even though it’s a grill house, Markakis serves some of Paros’s tastiest cheese appetizers.
What to order
- Saganaki with lemon
- Cheese croquettes
- Stuffed peppers with soft cheese
A great combination of hearty meat and rich dairy.
13. Levantis (Parikia Old Town) – Creative Cuisine With Local Cheese Elements
Levantis adds a refined touch to Parian ingredients.
Cheese-driven dishes
- Graviera with seasonal fruit
- Pastas enriched with Cycladic cheeses
- Modern saganaki interpretations
A perfect choice for a romantic dinner.
14. Mouragio (Parikia Waterfront) – Traditional Flavors With Local Dairy
Family recipes and local dairy define the menu here.
Best dairy dishes
- Grilled cheese platter
- Cheese pies with handmade dough
- Baked feta with oregano
Ideal for travelers wanting traditional Greek flavors.
15. The Little Green Rocket (Parikia) – Modern Dishes With Local Cheese Touches
Although modern, the restaurant uses Cycladic cheeses in salads and light dishes.
Try
- Halloumi salad
- Local cheese platter
- Sweet cheese pastries
A casual dining spot with creative twists.
Most Popular Parian Cheeses You Should Try
1. Myzíthra
Soft, mild, used in pies and salads.
2. Xynomyzíthra
Tangy and creamy, perfect for spreads.
3. Graviera
Semi-hard, nutty, great grilled or sliced.
4. Kefalotyri
Salted, strong, perfect for saganaki.
5. Tyromalama (local specialty)
Soft, slightly elastic, great fresh or grilled.
6. Anthotyro
Mild and creamy, often used in sweets.
Best Cheese-Based Dishes to Order in Paros
Cheese Pie (Tiropita)
Often handmade in traditional villages.
Saganaki
Fried kefalotyri or graviera — crispy outside, soft inside.
Kalitsounia
Small cheese pastries with herbs or honey.
Baked Feta
Cooked with peppers, tomatoes, or sesame.
Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
Often filled with fresh Parian cheeses.
Cheese spreads
Xynomyzíthra mixed with herbs or olive oil.
Best Areas in Paros for Cheese & Dairy Lovers
Naoussa
Modern & traditional restaurants specializing in cheeses.
Parikia
Wide range of tavernas with generous cheese appetizers.
Aliki & Piso Livadi
Village-style cooking with homemade dairy dishes.
Mountain Villages (Lefkes, Kostos, Marmara)
Most traditional, authentic cheese flavors.
From mountain-village tavernas to stylish waterfront restaurants, Paros offers unforgettable dairy-based dishes rooted in local tradition. Whether you prefer grilled graviera, creamy xynomyzíthra, handmade cheese pies, or honey-drizzled soft cheeses, this guide to the best Paros restaurants for local cheese and dairy dishes ensures you’ll experience the island’s most authentic flavors. Paros is truly a paradise for cheese lovers — and these restaurants prove it with every bite.
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