The cycladic islands are like stepping into a picture perfect post card. From the cobblestoned pedestrian streets, white washed buildings with sprawling hot pink bougainvillea stretching across them, to the blue domed churches with tranquil church bells chiming in the background, it feels like you are in a heavenly dream. Most come to the Greek islands for this image alone, but you will definitely want to visit for the FOOD! If you are a food lover like me, then you will absolutely want to make a stop in a little island called Sifnos. It is considered the foodie island in the greek isles so let me explain why and where to eat in Sifnos!
Fish that was most likely swimming this morning, locally grown produce, homemade hummus, traditional spices, and inventive styles. Known as the foodie island, Sifnos restaurants completely stole my heart in one bite. What I love most about Sifnos restaurants, besides the food, is the lack of indoor dining. You will have no choice but to sit outside as the sun sets and the ocean breeze carries you away.
Where to Eat in Sifnos
Leading up to a trip, I like to follow the destination’s hashtag on social media (for example, #sifnos on instagram). Doing this will flood your feed with anyone who is posting about it. That’s how I found the first three of these amazing Greek restaurants. If you are looking for where to eat in Sifnos, look no further than….
Omega-3 Sifnos
Omega-3 is frequented by A-listers, Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson, so I knew this place would be good. Located in Platis Gialos, overlooking the blue lagoon, you’ll sit at a high top table on their outdoor patio or choose a table down in the sand. It may look like a tiny beach shack, but do not be fooled – this is one of the best restaurants in Sifnos. They are serving up the finest dining experience: fresh seafood served on Sifnos Stoneware pottery, locally grown produce, and refreshing greek wine. What we ordered: fresh sea bass, greek tacos with aegean shrimp on chickpea tostado, the freshest ceviches, and marinated octopus. This is the kind of place you’ll want to share a few plates to savor everything!
Maiolica Sifnos
Located right next to Omega 3, with a similar beachside atmosphere, Maiolica was my favorite restaurant in Sifnos. We ate here for lunch and it’s safe to say I’ve not had a better lunch experience since. It tastes like fine dining, but you’re in a salty swimsuit along a white sandy beach. What we ate: grilled veggies (zucchini, carrots, squash, peppers, beets) atop a spread of homemade, melt-in-your-mouth hummus, sea bass covered in layers of mini zucchini slices piled above a beet puree, summer rolls, and of course crisp, refreshing Greek vino.
Canova
Canova is perched atop a hill in the main city of Apollonia overlooking a typical Greek landscape: whitewashed houses, green hills, and dark blue aegean sea. The only thing that makes this view better is golden hour when the sky turns a hazy pale blue with a pastel pink lining the horizon. What we ate: Black ink risotto, black olive gnocchi, and lamb filets. Although I am Greek, it was not until visiting Greece that I changed my perspective on olives – I love them now! UPDATE: Closed during COVID.
Bostani Bar & Restaurant at Verina Astra Sifnos
A hotel restaurant is not my typical “go-to”, but Verina Astra quickly became one of my favorites due to its simple and authentic flavors. Not only that, but you’ll be seated against the backdrop of the deep blue Aegean Sea. We ate here the first night and came back for dessert many, many times. What we ate: Mussels tossed in a refreshing lime-ginger sauce, lamb, olive oil with bread, chocolate trunk cake and cinnamon ice cream. It’s changed a lot since my time on the island, but it looks like it has only gotten better and expanded quite a bit!
If you are a hotel guest don’t miss breakfast for their true greek yogurt with fresh fruit. It sounds simple, but the yogurt is so much better in the Cyclades. This hotel is a place I want to shout from the mountain tops, but also hold tightly as a secret.
Kafeneio Drakakis
Kafeneio Drakakis. Recommended by a manager at Verina Astra, we made sure to stop at this restaurant tucked away in the pedestrian street of Apollonia. This restaurant absolutely had a local vibe that was completely unpretentious. It was not the typical fresh seafood we had experienced thus far, but what you would think of traditional mediterranean cuisine. What we ate: fried zucchini balls and mushroom saganaki which is local mushrooms layered in between melted cheese.
Cheronissos Fish Taverna
Next up is Cheronissos Fish Taverna. About a 45 minute ATV ride from Apollonia, Cheronissos is a quaint fishing village located on the far northern end of Sifnos. It is worth the drive because you’ll get to travel across the island seeing the uninhabited side of it (ie: not as many tourists). Park up top and make the walk down to the sandy beach where you’ll find this restaurant along the edge of the lagoon. Enjoy relaxing at the beach, take a swim, then head to the taverna. What we ate: Greek Salad, fish that was caught that day, and a couple Mythos beers.
Bola Vathi
If you are beach hopping around the island, be sure to spend time at Vathi. It is tucked away below a cliff and complete with a hotel, restaurants, and shops. It is what they consider an “organized beach” in Greece. Bola tapas restaurant is the best place to enjoy lunch while visiting Vathi. Grab one of the lounge chairs for beachside service or step into the outdoor patio. The menu is quite extensive with everything from marinated octopus to burgers.
Pelicano Sifnos
You all know I’m always keeping tabs on my favorite destinations and on the lookout for what’s new. I’m excited to tell you about Pelicano Sifnos, a restaurant I recently came across that is new on the island. One scroll through their instagram page will have you drooling! It’s located in the quiet coastal town over from Platis Gialos and near the Chrisopigi Monastery (take a tour while your in the area!). Expect fresh, creative takes on your favorite seafood dishes like mussels served with cripsy chips instead of fries. Additionally, the atmosphere looks amazing with a modern, coastal flare and tables right on the beach!
This restaurant alone has me ready to finally take a trip back to Sifnos.
Cantina
Last but not least, I wanted to include a new restaurant that opened in 2021 under chef Giorgos Samoilis. Cantina is the sister restaurant to Omega-3 and while I have not tried it, I HAVE to recommend you try it! Cantina is located in Seralia, Kastro and is completely sustainable with zero waste and almost all ingredients sourced locally. Think seasonal rotating menu with smoked whole fish, carpaccios, brisket, ceviches, and classic cocktails. Please let me know if you try it – I’m dying to go back!
You truly can not go wrong deciding where to eat in Sifnos – the most delicious island! Since it is a small island without an airport, that means there are naturally less tourists. The restaurants are not tourist traps, but are built by friendly locals providing authentic cuisine in an unforgettable atmosphere. Kalí óreksi! (or Bon Appetite!) Be sure to read my complete guide to Sifnos as well!
Where will you eat in Sifnos first? Let me know below in the comments!
Read More on Sifnos & Greece
Check out the guides to the Greek Isles to help you plan the perfect getaway!
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