Meze is at the heart of Greek food culture, and Paros is an excellent island to enjoy it properly. Meze houses focus on small shared plates, simple ingredients, and long, social meals accompanied by wine or ouzo. This guide highlights the best Paros meze houses where tradition, flavor, and atmosphere come together.
What Is a Traditional Meze House in Paros?
A traditional meze house usually offers:
- Small plates meant for sharing
- Simple, homemade recipes
- Seasonal ingredients
- Ouzo, tsipouro, or wine
- Relaxed, unhurried dining
- Social, friendly atmosphere
Meze dining is not about speed — it’s about conversation and enjoyment.
Paros Meze Houses in Naoussa
Statheros Meze Place – Naoussa Old Town
One of the most well-known meze spots on the island. Offers classic Greek meze such as fava, octopus, grilled vegetables, cheese dishes, and seafood plates in a cozy setting.
Soso – Naoussa
Although more refined, Soso follows the meze philosophy closely. Small plates, shared dishes, and balanced flavors make it ideal for a modern meze experience.
Backstreet Meze Taverns
Away from the port, Naoussa hides several small meze houses where locals gather for simple plates and relaxed evenings.
Paros Meze Houses in Parikia
Trata Taverna – Parikia Marina
Offers classic Greek meze alongside traditional dishes. Perfect for sharing plates and enjoying local wine by the sea.
Taverna Mira – Parikia
A family-run taverna serving homemade meze plates with seasonal ingredients and friendly service.
Old Town Meze Taverns
Parikia’s old town features small, authentic meze houses tucked into alleys, ideal for calm, traditional dining.
Traditional Meze Houses in Piso Livadi
Halaris Ouzeri – Piso Livadi
A classic ouzeri-style meze house. Expect seafood meze, legumes, salads, and plenty of ouzo or tsipouro.
Markakis Restaurant – Piso Livadi
While known for seafood, it also serves excellent meze plates perfect for sharing by the harbor.
Village Meze Houses in Paros
Lefkes Village Meze Tavernas
Mountain village meze houses focus on legumes, cheeses, vegetables, and slow-cooked dishes — ideal for long lunches.
Marpissa & Prodromos Local Taverns
Small, traditional meze spots where plates arrive gradually and meals stretch over hours.
Classic Meze Dishes to Try in Paros
At Paros meze houses, look for:
- Fava with capers
- Grilled octopus
- Fried zucchini or eggplant
- Chickpeas baked in clay pots
- Cheese saganaki
- Tomato fritters
- Olives and local cheeses
- Seafood meze (shrimp, mussels)
- Bread with olive oil
- Seasonal salads
Ordering several plates is part of the experience.
How to Enjoy Meze the Greek Way
- Order gradually, not all at once
- Share everything
- Pair with ouzo, tsipouro, or local wine
- Take your time
- Talk, relax, and enjoy
Meze is about connection as much as food.
Why Meze Houses Are So Popular in Paros
- Perfect for groups and couples
- Encourages slow, social dining
- Showcases many flavors in one meal
- Affordable and flexible
- Deeply rooted in Greek tradition
Meze houses reflect everyday Greek life.
Tips for Finding the Best Meze Houses in Paros
- Look for small menus
- Choose places filled with locals
- Avoid loud music and flashy signs
- Visit villages for the most authentic experience
- Lunch is often calmer than dinner
For travelers who want to experience Greek food culture at its most social and authentic, these Paros meze houses offer unforgettable dining moments. With shared plates, local ingredients, and relaxed atmospheres, meze dining captures the true spirit of Paros — slow, flavorful, and deeply communal.
Paros Pet-Friendly Restaurants
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