A trip to Ikaria means volunteering to be completely, and utterly, immersed in the Ikarian way of life, savouring an authentic way of being and eating. It is a no-frills, home-grown, and homemade, type of Island, and the Ikaria restaurants I’ve uncovered for you, are no exception to this sentiment.

It was the summer of 2023 when I embarked on a memorable culinary journey to Ikaria Island that challenged my perception of food, and the way I think about life. There were so many secrets to the Blue Zones diet just waiting to be unravelled on my plate. Imagine this: The moment you step onto the soil of Ikaria, you are instantly met with a warm and salty breeze, that caresses your face, and carries the aroma of wild herbs that permeates through the island’s landscape.

The Ikarian diet is the perfect embodiment of the Mediterranean diet, it focuses on raw and natural ingredients (homegrown or native to the Island) and emphasises exactly why I am (as I’m sure you are) always coming back for more. This way of eating is deeply rooted in my blood, but ask anyone and they’ll tell you that there is nothing better than digging into a meal cooked with love and care, using the freshest ingredients (often from the backyard, true European style).

An undeniable allure. It is this simplicity and rawness, that is so vividly reflected in the Ikaria food culture.

Ikaria Restaurants: Pull Up A Chair

The social culture in Ikaria is next to none. There is an immense emphasis on connection and a sense of belonging. Ikarians will lend a helping hand, support those around them when in need, and always welcome people from near and far to dine with them, together.

Eating out in Ikaria, I noticed there were always large groups of people enjoying a meal with one another, gathering with their ‘Parea’ (a group in Greek) and embracing the season of warmth and laughter. Sure, there are times when this isn’t so, however, after spending valuable time where the local stomping grounds are, it is evident how interconnected the residents (and visitors) in Ikaria Island are.

It is an unmatched energy. You will find yourself utterly absorbed in the conversation, and vibrancy, that fills these Ikaria restaurants. Dining in Ikaria is not merely about eating; it’s a social event that brings people together, creating a sense of community and well-being.

Let’s Eat: Best Restaurants Ikaria

It’s time to nourish the body and the soul. When you come to Ikaria, you want to be dining at the most authentic, no-fuss, and mouthwatering tavernas to ensure you’re embracing the Ikarian way of life. It’s like having a Grandmother (Yiayia) cook for you every time, lathering your plate in zesty EVOO, and a generous pinch of salt.

Stumbling upon unknown hidden gems is always our favourite approach on the Islands however, I think these are without a doubt some of the best restaurants in Ikaria and I can’t wait for you to try them to see what all the fuss (or no fuss) is about.

The Ikaria Food Tour

01. Sto Kampi – Agios Dimitrios

Sto Kampi is the gateway to unmasking authentic Ikarian dining. It was known to me as the “Locals Spot”, and that is what vibrated from the venue. I dined here in August (and apparently so did everyone else). It was a full house, the sound reverberated down the street from the chatter and laughter of patrons. Even though Kampi is tucked away in the Mountains, you will have no trouble fitting in here. We even sat behind a ‘Parea’ of Greek Australians and I felt right at home (locals and strangers together as one).

The flavour profile in the food is authentic, and the acidity of the lemon is balanced perfectly with a generous lather of EVOO. It lingers on your palette for the foreseeable future. The dishes are slightly tweaked with the Kampi approach, focusing on using the freshest ingredients and keeping them local to the best possible degree (true to the Ikarian diet). I hope you brought your appetite because the serving sizes at Sto Kampi are not for the faint-hearted.

We ordered the Lemon Braised Goat (typical of the Blue Zones diet), the most generous slice of Moussaka (Greek Eggplant Lasagne), and a bunch of sides including Fava Dip, which was smooth, tangy, and delicious. Despite the size, I’d order it all to share because it’s pretty extraordinary—the local stomping ground.

02. Οινομαγειρειο Maria – Agios Kirykos

I was debating how to introduce Oinomageireio Maria because words can’t describe the authenticity of this establishment. It’s nestled in the heart of Agios Kirykos Ikaria and was a sweaty midday run-in. A family-run establishment, Maria encapsulates the essence of Ikarian cuisine, simple, no-frills, and a symphony of authentic flavours native to the Ikarian diet.

Oinomageireio Maria has a daily menu, you get what’s fresh and in season, and operates as more of a pick-up-and-go kind of venue, though there is a limited amount of seating inside and out. We dined with the true locals, a Pappou (Grandfather) here and there (while sipping on a glass of house wine), and the mums that popped in and out, racing back to feed their village of children.

Imagine my joy when I discovered that the menu of the day included my all-time favourite dish, Spanakorizo, as well as, succulent Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes. I spent the next hour engulfed in nostalgia, savouring each bite like it was my last.

Each dish at Oinomageireio Maria is a celebration of the island’s bountiful produce, a harmonious blend of tangy lemon, and earthy olive oil, accompanied by the delicate flesh of fish or meat cooked to perfection. It is a melting pot of authentic Ikaria food and a 5-star hidden gem (I almost didn’t want to share).

03. Mary Mary – Armenistis

There’s a reoccurring pattern of meat dishes in Ikaria (don’t worry, there are also many plant-based options), and Mary Mary serves up some sizzling plates with an international twist. We’re going a little more traditional for the stars of the dishes, think Rooster (Rooster is more common in Greece, especially with pasta or rice), Grilled Squid, Pork, and Veal.

Mary Mary was a highlight and one of the best restaurants in Ikaria, so I’d be pencilling this into your Ikaria travel guide. It is a social hub for the town, where community and food truly intertwine. Armenistis is a vibrant locale for locals and visitors, and it’s no wonder that Mary Mary is always bustling with people.

It’s an atmosphere that encourages you to speak fondly and loudly, enjoying the company of your Parea and those around you. There’s a sense of camaraderie that echoes in the dynamic chatter and the clinking of glasses, and complete infatuation with the cuisine, transforms the night into a joyous celebration of togetherness, underpinning what the Ikarian way of life is all about.

Our ‘Parea’ dug into a Traditional Greek Salad (Horiatiki), Bread and Dip, Rooster (Kokkoras) in Tomato Sauce and Traditional handmade Pasta, and Squid with Wild Rice and Parsley Sauce (HEAVEN). I like adding a little spice to the traditional way of doing things, however, it still felt pretty authentic to me!

04. Stou Paschalia – Plain

Stou Pascalia is one of the Ikaria restaurants you CANNOT skip out on. It’s been operating since 1910, it is a local in itself here in Ikaria Island. You’d want to come here for lunch, to cuddle up with some furry friends, but also to admire the valley of luscious green flora as you peer over the balcony. We drove by the restaurant a handful of times on our quest to the best beaches in Ikaria and if I hadn’t been so curious, it may have been missed. Though I am SO glad it wasn’t.

We came for lunch after our infamous Seychelles Beach Ikaria visit, so we had quite the appetite (as you can imagine). The menu was delectable, but I always love hearing what the dishes of the day are because you know they’re often special (and fresh). The dishes were packed with a punch. I emphasise this because I wanted seconds. It was the perfect Greek Oily (in a good way) type of meal I was after and boy… were the Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes heavenly.

Ikaria food (well Greek food really) is not always so complicated, it’s what I love about it. There are so many ways to play with the flavours of a dish incorporating zesty lemon, fresh wild herbs, and a sweetness that is derived from braised vegetables in tomato sauce. Stou Paschalia nailed this. And some crispy watermelon was the sweetest conclusion to a hearty meal.

05. Anna’s Fish Tavern – Nas

Anna’s is located in Nas, a beautiful seaside village and Idyllic spot in Ikaria. You can guess that what this restaurant specialises in is… yes FISH! If there’s anywhere that you want to catch a fresh bite, Anna’s is the place. I love savouring the flavours of the Aegean Sea, especially when paired with a simple squeeze of Greek lemons, there is nothing else that screams “Summer” quite like this.

I hope I’m speaking to the Seafood lovers here, but I would fly to Greece (or Ikaria) just to bite my teeth into a succulent, tender Octopus. It is my absolute favourite and a staple for the summer-long vacation. Anna’s serves up a delicious Grilled Octopus, that is flavourful and leaves an everlasting mark on your palette.

For an enchanting evening, reserve a table on the balcony with time to watch the Sunset. As you sit in awe watching the sun set below the ocean apron, listen to the waves crash onto the shore, and feel the warm salty embrace of the sea breeze. There is more to dining at Anna’s than to just savour the delectable Ikaria food and cuisine. It encompasses the Island’s culture, hospitality and a shared passion for wholesome food and socialising.

06. Karimalis Winery – Pigi

Masters of the Blue Zones Diet and Kitchen, the Karimalis Winery puts on quite the tasteful, home-cooked spread. They celebrate homegrown, organic produce, and everything from the Kitchen (with Eleni’s touch) is made with immense love, passion, and nutritional goodness. I could dine here in Pigi every night being one of the best restaurants Ikaria, without a doubt. The Winery has an enchanting mystique that is so comforting you could lose hours (if not days) here.

The Restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, where lunch is served A La Carte, while dinner is a set 3-course menu that is predominantly plant-based (except for 2 days of the week). It is honest-to-goodness cooking, where ‘slow food Ikaria‘ is the solo prescription here. You’ll be digging into some favoured Ikarian food such as the Soufiko (Ikarian Ratatouille), Pitarakia (Wild Greens, and herbs in Phyllo Pastry, baked), and even some Gemista (Rice stuffed peppers and tomatoes) with soft baked potatoes oozing in EVOO.

Dining at the Karimalis Winery for dinner comes with a front-row seat to witness the painting of the sky, as the sun sets and casts a golden hue over the Island. After gaining a newfound appreciation for the Ikarian Diet, so simply complex in flavour and ingredient pairings, you can almost certainly bet that when Eleni has finished up in the kitchen for the night, it’s time for socialising and some ‘Ικαριώτικος χορός’ (Ikarian dancing). The memory of this unforgettable meal (and night) will last a lifetime.

Food Detour

07. Wood Oven “Artopanigiris” – Agios Kirykos

The Wood Oven (Also known as, ξυλοφουρνος “Η Αρτοπανηγυρις” on Google Maps) is a traditional Wood oven bakery with basically no digital footprint. The last of its kind I say… (though maybe not so much after this blog post) *with that said you better try it before everyone else does*.

Modern-day bread lovers go crazy for sourdough (myself included), and at this bakery in Ikaria, sourdough and traditional Greek Pies, are what you will discover. I understand waking up late on holidays is a dream come true, but if you want to get your hands on the wood-fired goodies, GO EARLY. They’re always sold out (they’re probably feeding the whole Island) which speaks magnitudes for just how delicious their offering is.

Step back in time at ξυλοφουρνος “Η Αρτοπανηγυρις” and experience the authentic bread offerings of Ikaria Island.

08. Mia Zoi Pita – Armenistis

The name is so ironic to me. The literal translation is ‘A lifetime Pie’ but it ‘really’ means all you want is pie… in all the waking moments of the day. It embodies who I am because from the moment I’m back in Greece, the first thought that races through my mind at the airport is, ‘Where is the spanakopita’ (I haven’t even exited from baggage yet). You could even say that the last meal I’d want to eat before I die is a Kolokithopita ‘Greek Pumpkin Pie – a mouth-watering fusion of sweet and tangy flavours, featuring pumpkin and feta cheese’.

Mia Zoi Pita is the GO-TO bakery that will satisfy the pie fanatics or those yet to try this sweet and savoury Greek Diet household staple. All these authentic Ikarian pies are handmade, meaning you get the crispy oily phyllo crust, and the soft, often gooey, centre. My mouth is watering. They’re vegetarian and vegan-friendly (most prevalent in the Ikarian diet), and offer pizza and pasta in case you’ve had more than your fair share of pies, (which is not possible).

09. The Recipes Of Grandma (Grand Mam’s Recipes) – Armenistis

By now you must know that I ADORE Loukoumades, so on each Island I visit, you best believe I’m searching for these golden balls of sunshine. Ikaria keeps surprising me. I didn’t think I could eat, and have access to, the best delicacies (and of the highest quality). The Recipes Of Grandma is your guilty pleasure spot. It’s perched on a balcony, adjoining Mary Mary (dangerous I say), with the best possible view over the town of Armenistis, and offers all the sweet and traditional Greek desserts you could need during your stay.

Not only are they slinging out the crispiest Loukoumades, but they’ve also got shelves stacked with Ikaria honey and Local Ikarian Condiments. Some highlights are the Chocolate Cake (Sokolatopita), Ekmek, and Walnut Cake (Karithopita). I’m calling this one of the best places to eat in Ikaria for a taste of the sweeter side of the Ikarian diet.

Adopting The Ikarian Diet

All of these amazing Ikaria Restaurants have a few distinct things in common. They all pride themselves on cooking with the most fresh and seasonal produce in the land, they cook with love and immense passion for Ikarian Cuisine, and they prioritise togetherness and social dining.

Ikaria, with its encompassing beauty and passionate food culture, has indeed served up a slice of the secret to a long, healthy life. It is not to be mistaken as the antidote to all that is missing in Western Cultures (or in our lives), but acts as an example of how prioritising good Ikaria food, social connectivity, and an overall positive outlook on life, provides us with the foundations we need to exceed in our everyday.

The Blue Zones Diet is a powerful testament to the importance of a wholesome and balanced diet. A gastronomic journey through Ikaria Island exhibits just how delectable the Mediterranean Diet is and, offers an intimate glimpse into the island’s food culture and authentic dining experiences

Pull up a chair, join the Parea, and experience the simplicity, authenticity, and community at these Ikaria Restaurants.