Why Paros Is a Great Food Island
Paros is one of the tastiest islands in the Cyclades — not because it is full of luxury restaurants, but because it offers a perfect mix of authentic Greek tavernas, fresh seafood, boutique dining and local products like cheeses, wine and honey.
Unlike “tourist menu” islands, Paros still has family-run kitchens, fishermen supplying tavernas daily, and real Greek recipes passed down generations.
If you care about food when you travel, Paros won’t disappoint.
Must-Try Local Foods in Paros
| Dish / Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Xinomyzithra | Soft local goat cheese, slightly sour, used on salads & pies |
| Gouna | Sun-dried mackerel, grilled and served with lemon |
| Octopus stifado | Slow-cooked octopus in wine & spices |
| Revithada | Chickpea stew baked overnight in clay pot |
| Mizithra pies | Handmade cheese pastries, often served warm |
| Paros PDO Wine | Local varieties: Monemvasia & Mandilaria |
| Loukoumades | Fried dough balls with honey and cinnamon |
✅ Order fresh fish by weight
✅ Greek house wine is locally made and affordable
✅ Seafood is best eaten in fishing villages (Aliki, Piso Livadi)
Best Restaurants in Naoussa, Paros (Top Food Town in Paros)
1. Barbarossa (€€€) – Seafood by the harbor
Elegant, iconic, expensive — but worth it for a special night. Fresh fish, octopus, oysters, and perfect sunset tables.
2. Yemeni Wine Restaurant (€€) – Modern Greek with local ingredients
Famous for slow-cooked lamb, seafood pasta, and Parian wine list. Always busy — reserve ahead.
3. Sigi Ikthios (€€€) – Seafood & fine plates on the marina
Great for grilled fish, lobster pasta, and meze platters.

4. Statheros Meze Place (€€) – Creative meze in a stylish alley
A modern take on Greek sharing plates, vegan options included.
Best Restaurants in Parikia, Paros (Port + Old Town)
1. To Spitiko (€€) – Homemade Greek food, authentic & affordable
Feels like eating in a Greek home. Try the stuffed tomatoes, moussaka and house wine.
2. Taverna Mira (€€) – Sea-view dining with local specials
Family-run, great grilled fish, chickpea stew and lemon potatoes.
3. Levantis (€€€) – Romantic courtyard, fine Greek cuisine
Hidden gem in the old town. Creative dishes with herbs from their garden.
Best Seafood Tavernas by the Water
| Taverna | Location | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apostolis | Naoussa | €€€ | Classic fish taverna on the harbor |
| Aliki Restaurant | Aliki | €€ | Tables literally on the sand |
| Halaris | Piso Livadi | €€ | Family-owned, fresh catch daily |
| Ragoussis Fish Taverna | Parikia | €€€ | Known for lobster pasta & octopus |
✅ Ask what was caught today
✅ “Frozen fish” will be written on menu if not fresh (Greek law)
Best Traditional Greek Tavernas (Local, Non-Touristy)
| Taverna | Village | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Thalami | Lefkes | Slow-cooked lamb, baked chickpeas |
| Fisilanis | Drios | Sea breeze, Greek stews, simple & perfect |
| Anna’s | Kostos | Locals eat here — big portions, low prices |
Expect €15–€22 per person with wine.
Best Modern / Fine Dining in Paros
| Restaurant | Style | €€€ |
|---|---|---|
| BeBop Paros (Parikia) | Cocktails + fusion plates with a view | |
| Barbarossa (Naoussa) | Premium seafood, harbor location | |
| Koukos (Naoussa) | Greek-Mediterranean with creative twist | |
| Avli Restaurant (Parikia) | Garden setting, elegant Greek cuisine |
Average cost: €30–€60 per person.
Best Cheap Eats, Gyros & Bakeries
| Place | Location | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| Kargas | Naoussa | Best gyros + souvlaki |
| Brizoladiko Steak House | Parikia | Huge plates, low prices |
| Ragoussis Bakery | Naoussa & Parikia | Breakfast, pies, sweets |
| The Little Green Rocket | Parikia | Budget healthy food & vegan bowls |
Gyros price: €3.50–€4.50
Bakery pie: €2–€3
Best Beach Restaurants & Sunset Dining in Paros
| Restaurant | Beach | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monastiri Beach Bar | Monastiri | Great food, calm water |
| Santa Maria Beach Bar | Santa Maria | Young crowd, cocktails & sushi |
| Faragas Beach House | Faragas | Chill luxury + fresh seafood |
| Aliki Tavern | Aliki | Sunset tables on the sand |
Local Products to Bring Home
✅ Paros PDO wine
✅ Thyme honey
✅ Xinomyzithra cheese (vacuum packed)
✅ Cycladic capers
✅ Herbal teas & mountain oregano
✅ “Gouna” dried fish (for food lovers only)
Food Tips for Paros
- 🥂 Reservation recommended in Naoussa (July–Aug)
- 💸 Card accepted everywhere, but small tavernas may prefer cash
- 🐟 Fresh fish is sold by kilo (ask the price before ordering)
- 🍽 Greek dinner is late (20:00–22:00)
- 💁♂️ Tipping: 5–10% normal, leave cash on table
- ✅ Tap water is drinkable, but restaurants serve bottled
- 🥗 Vegetarians: Many options (salads, fava, gemista, pies)
- 🥘 Vegan options: Easier in Parikia, harder in villages
Best Restaurants in Paros, FAQ
What is the best place for seafood in Paros?
Naoussa harbor and Piso Livadi have the freshest daily catch.
Do I need to book restaurants?
In July–August, yes for Naoussa & fine dining. Taverns in villages — usually not.
Is Paros expensive for food?
Cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini. Expect €20–€30 per person in tavernas, €40–€60 in high-end restaurants.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, especially in Parikia & Naoussa, but traditional tavernas are meat-heavy.
- [Ultimate Paros Travel Guide]
- [Best Beaches in Paros]
- [Where to Stay in Paros]
- [Top Things to Do in Paros]
Best Restaurants in Paros, Final Thoughts
Paros is an island where you can eat incredibly well at every budget — from fresh fish in a family taverna on the beach, to modern Greek tasting menus in Naoussa, to €4 gyros eaten by the port.
If you love simple food made with real ingredients, Paros will feel like home.
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