6 Best Restaurants in Ioannina, Epirus and Thessaly

One of the last in Ioannina's main and famous row of lakeside tavernas, family-run and welcoming Mirovolos serves great food. Graze while you gaze at the lovely view of the minaret of Aslan Mosque reflecting on the calm waters of Lake Pamvotis. Enjoy delightful local starters, such as melitzanabourekakia (eggplant-stuffed phyllo sheets), kolokithokeftedes (zucchini and feta fritters), and the zingy cheese dip tirokafteri (made with feta) from nearby Dodoni, washed down with their light house white. For a main course, savor the spiced kontosouvli (pork tenderloin) or the Greco-Roman chicken pie with a light Parmesan sauce.

This is the best place in Ioannina to enjoy Grandma's home-style cooking, such as pork and celery in a velvety egg-lemon sauce, chicken in yogurt sauce, and patsa (tripe) and beef in tomato sauce—simply head to the counter at the back of the charming little magirion, a canteen variety of taverna, and point to the dishes that strike your fancy. Beer is served cold and the wine by the kilo (or half, if you must).

For more than 30 years Mr. Vassilis has run this friendly place, where you can discover how Greek grandmothers cooked before the comforts of electricity were introduced to Epirus. The gastra is basically a large clay or iron container placed on a fire with hot coals scattered on the iron lid over the pot. Your meal (of lamb, chicken, or goat) roasts very slowly in its own juices, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a crispy outer skin. Even though the location is rather charmless, the great food has local diners coming in droves.