22 Best Restaurants in The Northern Aegean Islands, Greece

A standout among the affable places along the harbor front, Elia is a little more sophisticated than its neighbors in its surroundings and, with a Swedish chef, offers a refreshingly eclectic take on Greek cuisine, with a big nod to local flavors. Prawns are sautéed in ouzo and meats are cooked with Samos wine. As you would expect, the wine list is full of Samian vintages as well as a few of the best from the rest of Greece.

This centuries-old landmark on the main thoroughfare between the old and new harbors dates back to Ottoman times, and is perhaps the best place in town to sip ouzo—you'll be sat beneath a vine-shaded terrace at a wizened set of table and chairs with plenty of old-world relics to eye over while you wait. A long list of mouth-watering and excellent value mezedes are on the menu, such as soutzoukakia, octopus in wine sauce, long-cooked chickpeas, baked aubergines, and homemade sausages, plus traditional desserts including halva.

A favorite stop in Chios Town is this modern, trendy ice cream shop that has been making its best-selling praline ice cream since 1930. It's open from early morning well into the wee hours. The mastic-flavor ice cream is a must-try.

Family portraits and brass implements hang below a wood-beam ceiling at this spacious taverna that shows off its 19th-century origins. In addition to deep-fried dishes, there's reliably good seafood, and it's delicious with the homemade retsina or ouzo. For dessert order yogurt with homemade cherry or quince preserves.

Totem poles, colored coconut lamps, and other knickknacks make this beach bar endearing in its evocation of the South Pacific, as if the setting weren't transporting enough. The owner and his wife serve omelets, fruits, yogurt, and sweet Greek coffee for breakfast, and simple dishes like pizzas, veggie spring rolls, sandwiches, and cheese platters the rest of the day. The music might be characterized as sophisticated lounge; the owner calls it "intellectual."

This harborside favorite serves seafood that's grilled to perfection including the island's famous sardines, all caught locally. It's best to enjoy the fresh fish and seafood, garden-grown vegetables, and tantalizing homemade dips as small mezedes to be shared—six are recommended for two. Owners Melinda and Theo (wonderful resources for visitors) also rent upscale houses a short walk away. Grab a seat early, as the Table gets busy quickly.

What many locals consider to be the best traditional Greek food in Kokkari is served in an ideal location—smack on the beach. The owner's father is a fisherman, and he brings his haul to the restaurant daily. Octopus in a sweet Samos wine sauce and grilled lobster are two favorites.

This friendly spot in the hill village of Kagiani, next to Varia and just south of Mytilene, has wonderful views of Mytilene town, the Aegean, and Asia Minor beyond. Grilled octopus, fried crispy fish, and other meat favorites are served in traditional Lesvos style as small plates to accompany ouzo. It's best to reserve in the busy summer months, when locals and returning visitors crowd in to enjoy the evening breeze and twinkling lights.

Gaze over the island and harbor from the large, wide veranda of this yellow-and-green-dressed charmer, or sit inside and watch the cooks chop and grind in the open kitchen. The beef fillet is tender, the lamb chops nicely spiced, and the salads enormous and fresh.

This is also a lovely spot to enjoy a morning or afternoon coffee.

An ever-popular ouzeri and grill on shady Thassou Street in the Old Town is an almost mandatory stop while shopping along adjoining Ermou Street. Fresh grilled baby calamari and lightly fried courgette flowers stuffed with cheese are among many enticing bites that accompany the generous selection of ouzo. Some evenings local musicians come and play rembetiko (Greek folk music), which makes the ouzo taste even better.

The fishing boats bobbing in the water only a few feet away supply the kitchen with a rich daily fish selection. Meats served at the simple taverna include homemade sausage, and lamb or beef on the spit. You can sit outside among the ivy and blossoms, where Limenas, Mesta's working harbor, unfolds before you. On colder days, enjoy the fireplace with the locals. The owner rents studio apartments within walking distance.

A regular Pythagorio clientele frequents this simple fish taverna in a garden courtyard on a quiet, tree-lined side street. You might try the shrimp souvlaki or squid garnished with garlicky skordalia (a thick lemony sauce with pureed potatoes, vinegar, and parsley), though the kitchen also does justice to lamb on the spit.

The enormous anchor and octopi drying on a line outside are signs that you're in for some seriously good seafood. Tables set on a wooden deck are just a skipping-stone's throw from the break of the waves. Owner Sarandos Tzinieris serves, and his mother cooks. Fresh grilled squid is mellifluous, and the fish are carefully chosen every morning.

Chicken is the star on the menu of this affordable grill restaurant (whose name means "the chickens" in Greek) that serves simple yet delicious seasonal dishes throughout the day in a laid-back atmosphere.

Up the hill toward the top of the village you will find this popular gathering spot with tables straddling a bridge that crosses the main thoroughfare. The menu consists of local favorites and most of the delicious produce is homegrown. You can't go wrong with a simple Greek salad and a plate of locally made touloumotiri (a cheese left to mature in a goat's skin).

Sometimes it seems like everyone in town gathers at this friendly harborside spot, where the emphasis is on fresh seafood and traditional home cooking. Fresh, locally grown vegetables and Samos wines accompany the meals, which are served with care by the friendly staff.