What to eat and where are the best restaurants on the island of Serifos, Greece in 2025.
About Serifos
Serifos is one of the smaller, zen-vibe islands of Greece’s most iconic island group, the Cyclades. Little has to be jealous of its larger renowned neighbours regarding the number and quality of beaches, food and wine. Lesser known, off the beaten track, and boasting a staggering amount of sandy beaches mostly untouched, unorganised and of pristine beauty despite the island's relatively small size. The fresh seafood and the whitewashed sugar-cubed Hora town with the mesmerising view of the Aegean over its cliffs is what exactly your city-torn body and mind need to ease into the slow-paced, laid-back vibes of the Cycladic life.
With scarcely a sunbed for hire and just a mere number of taverns at some of the island’s 50 or so beaches, Serifos reminds me of my old-school Cycladic teen holidays of the 90s.
A few decades and multiple Greek islands later, I dare to say that apart from the digital transformation, more frequent ferry routes and some more elegant restaurants and boutique shops in the 2 main towns of the island (Hora and Livadi), the island has retained most of its charms.
Is Serifos any good for Holidays and Families with kids?
The answer to this question very much depends: If you are up for unwinding without the touristic crowd buzz and forgetting the luxuries of resorts and beach bars, Serifos will reward you. Serifos is a non-industrialised destination that keeps its authentic Greek character and is quite modern too.
Cons
There is no airport, so you'll need to catch a ferry from Piraeus (the fastest takes about 2 hours). Which for me is not a bad thing after all as catching a ferry is a quintessential part of my Greek holidays experience!
There are no beach bars with loungers and posh club sandwiches or ceviches. Yet, most of the well-known beaches have taverns that offer delicious food, ice cream and drinks and yes, there are restaurants offering gourmet delicacies on the island (read my recommendations further down this post). This practically means you'll need to cater for snacks before you hit some more remote beaches and certainly bring towels and a parasol with you at a minimum (or buy it from the island's shops).
There are no pools with water slides or themed parks and no large resorts or disco clubs. Yet, there is laid-back nightlife, mostly limited to a few pretty boho bars with attitude like Gaidaros📌 at Hora and Yacht Club📌 at Livadi - two of the most popular on the island. Sometimes it's common to see large parties of youth crashing on beaches with bonfires, music and homemade drinks. For some (myself included), the less mass tourism, the better—both for prices and authenticity.
Pros
That said, Serifos is very modern and popular among young couples and families and you will be rewarded for:
It’s an island of pure Greek relaxation and Cycladic chic, where you can rediscover simplicity and a slower pace of life and get romantic snaps of stunning Greek chapels without the crowds waiting impatiently.
The island’s rich geological formations allow kids to explore and find interesting rocks, fossils, and seashells. What's more, the 50+ beaches provide plenty of sand space and privacy for everyone, especially for kids to play.
The food is authentic, locally sourced and quite bib gourmand recently: no famous food chains, no ultra-processed food, fresh fish daily, and many local organically grown ingredients consumed by the island's restaurants - suitable for all tastes and budgets. There's even a local wine variety here, which is totally worth trying!
The "Hora" (main town/capital of the island) is gorgeous and incredibly picturesque, literally swinging around hanging on a cliff, with many restaurants, independent shops and bars. I would not recommend accommodation at Hora though -especially with kids- as there is no such thing as easy parking (unless you have a motorbike) and there is almost always a steep walk from the only car park. My suggestions for accommodation (which give you good proximity to the best beaches and restaurants) are mainly around Livadi, but also the south stretch towards Koutalas and the northeast stretch towards Agios Ioannis.
Convinvced and ready for Serifos? Now browse my Packing Lists at the end of this article to gear up light and compact before your Greek getaway.
What to Eat in Serifos
As I mentioned, the absence of airports and mass tourism rewards adventurous visitors with blessed local food from the island’s fresh, natural bounty. This alone is reason enough to choose Serifos for my holidays and as a stop on my Greek gastronomic pilgrimage.
Beyond being known for good quality classic Greek island staples like wild herbs, capers, rock samphire, and honey that thrive in Serifos’ dry, sunny climate, I've been seeing Serifos on the culinary map as of late. It’s not only home to some incredible cured meats (such as "louza"—premium pork aged with cumin, garlic, peppers, and wine) and a variety of local cheeses (like "Serifiotiko"—a medium-soft, yellow cheese with a unique flavour unlike anything I’ve tasted), but also to several excellent restaurants.
Serifos also produces its local wine and "souma" (a high-alcohol beverage made from twice-distilled grape pomace) which I tasted at Thalami restaurant right next to the marina and was incredible. There’s even a winery, Chrysoloras, set in a stunning remote location where we enjoyed an unforgettable wine tasting at sunset. The island’s signature dish is vegetarian: "Revithada", a rich chickpea soup cooked overnight in a clay pot, sweetened with raisins and flavoured with orange, sage, thyme, and bay leaves, a true soul food. Undoubtedly, one of the best I ate on the island was at Plakes. Other local delicacies include pork stew with orange, fava bean mash with caramelized onions, fennel pies or deep-fried fennel balls, and of course, plenty of fresh fish and seafood.
Take a look at my version of the Serifian Revithada recipe:
Now read my reviews below of what I think are the best places to visit on the island to taste a panorama of Serifian food with suggestions on signature dishes you shouldn't miss and tourist traps you should try to avoid. My reviews are not paid partnerships therefore are subjective and based on my taste in food.
Best Restaurants in Livadi
Thalami
Highlights:
Fresh fish/catch of the day
Friendly personnel and service
Atmospheric setting by the marina
Best fennel and tomato fritters ever
Kids: It's on the main port/marina, which can be a bit treacherous for toddlers but generally older kids will be fine and enjoy feeding the fish. There is pasta, fish and chips (the Greek way) and meatballs on the menu for our little fussy fellas. The good news is the restaurant has a more secluded area on the other side of the road (not on the marina) with plenty of space for younger toddlers to freely roam without parents worrying too much.
Livadi’s picturesque promenade boasts a variety of dining options, but when you're only in town for a few nights, local recommendations are a true blessing. Our Serifian friends recommended Thalami, and with good reason. While you can savour fresh, perfectly grilled fish and the catch of the day at many nearby tavernas, Thalami is where we found the perfect combination of fresh Aegean fish and the most exquisite deep-fried fennel fritters on the island - crispy on the outside, tender and herbaceous on the inside, bursting with aniseed flavour that perfectly encapsulates the essence of island cuisine.
Of course, no Serifian culinary experience is complete without pairing it with the island’s signature spirit, Souma: a robust, high-proof (60%) distillate of grape marc from local wineries. Its fiery kick is softened by an earthy, fruit-forward character, making it a perfect digestive. The locals affectionately call it "soul medicine," and they’re not wrong. Take their advice and pick up a small 100ml bottle—just enough to savour without overindulging.
Axinos
Highlights:
Attractive setting and decor - feet in the sand restaurant
Modern Greek fusion cuisine
Kid-safe, they can play on the sand next to tables
Best gourmet restaurant in town
Nestled right on the sandy shores of Livadi port town, Axinos (pronounced a-hee-nós) offers a gastronomically impressive dining experience while becoming the new hype of the island. With its chic, beachside boho ambience, I think it's the perfect setting for a leisurely, luxurious meal where you can feel the sand under your feet while immersing yourself in the mesmerising colours of the Aegean sunset.
Showcasing the island’s modern haute cuisine, Axinos artfully combine traditional Serifian flavours and innovative cooking techniques. For seafood lovers, the ceviches are a revelation and maybe the only place on the island serving them: bright, tangy, and impeccably fresh and creative, while the octopus, succulent and grilled to perfection, is a reason I would return to this restaurant. I particularly took my hat off for their earthy flavoured fava, mashed to a beautiful silky texture and combined with raisins and chorizo for contrast, and couldn't stop eating the thyme-scented steamed cockles straight from my beloved Aegean sea.
Oh and let's not neglect the salads. Here you can try a modern twist of the Cycladic salad with pickled rock samphire - a staple in the Greek islands- but also the more modern quinoa and watermelon salad, a refreshing and unexpected combination that perfectly balances the sweetness of the watermelon with the nutty, wholesome flavour of the quinoa. I washed it all down with a crisp cold Greek white from the island's winery (Chrysoloras) or Malagouzia-Assyrtiko one of the best Greek white variety combinations. I definitely recommend Axinos for the gourmand eaters seeking to visit Serifos.
Scoop Gelato
If you decide to dine around Livadi, do yourself a favour and leave a little room for dessert. Swing by Scoop and treat yourself to their divine "Zephyr" flavour: a mind-blowing caramel-chocolate blend that'll raise your eyebrow. Trust me, this gelato is worth every bite!
Best Restaurants in Hora Serifos
Plakes
Highlights:
Authentic traditional Greek dishes
Best "Revithada" (chickpea soup) - cooked overnight with local herbs
Great views of Hora
Good value
Locals built their "Hora" (capital) on a rocky mountainous area to be protected from the pirates of the Aegean back in the medieval ages. Quite a unique spectacle to visit Hora, walk her steep alleys up to the "Castle" with the breathtaking views of Livadi Bay and the east of the island, shop some artisan souvenirs from the independent small shops and generally work up an appetite for good traditional Greek food. That's it, you are now ready to crash at Plakes restaurant before it's too dark (to enjoy the views) and eat like a Greek god overlooking the pointy hill of Hora. Better make a reservation as Plakes is very popular:
I've chosen Plakes as the best in Hora not just for the stunning aerial views of the town and the sea, but also because this is where you get to savour perfectly cooked Greek classics like moussaka, gemista (stuffed vegetables), kleftiko and other "ladera" (olive oily stews) and the star of the menu, Revithada (chickpea stew): a traditional Cycladic island dish that is epic at Plakes. This iconic dish is made using an age-old method: chickpeas are slow-cooked overnight with onions and herbs (see my recipe here) in a special sealed ceramic pot. The result is a rich, comforting soup that’s subtly sweet and deeply aromatic, with a silky texture that melts in your mouth. And believe me, in this restaurant they make the best on this island! Plakes is also one of the few places on the island where you can taste local louza, a delicious cured pork meat, and Serifiotiko cheese—a local delicacy that’s perfect as part of a traditional meze.
Best Beach Taverns and Bars in Serifos
These are the best traditional beachside Greek taverns, scoring high in my preference and hitting two birds with one stone: amazing beaches to swim on and food to savour.
Stefanakos
Highlights:
Casual beachfront tavern with a great view
Bar with loungers (the only one on the island)
Huge sandy beach with trees for shade
Stefanakos at Psili Ammos might just be the only place on the island where you can sink into a comfy lounger or flop onto massive beach bean bags, all under plenty of shade, and—wait for it—no blasting beats in the background. Just the gentle sounds of the sea and your own contented sighs. Throw in a wide, sandy, crystal-water beach, and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a dreamy beach day.
Now, a word of advice: the beachside tavern fills up faster than you can say "tzatziki" at Greek lunchtime (which is around 2pm). But if you roll in fashionably late, say around 3-4pm, you might just snag a table at the edge of the terrace. It’s first-come, first-served, no fancy reservations here! The menu is your classic Greek seaside fare—think grilled prawns, fresh fish, tzatziki and cooling salads—but their courgette fritters are the star of the menu. They also serve the local Revithada (chickpea soup) here. Trust me, eating on that terrace with the chirps of cicadas the crashing waves and the beach as your backdrop? Pure joy, every single bite!
Porto Cadena
Highlights:
Beachfront tavern in a secluded off-wind beach
Family-friendly with snorkelling spots
Sand under feet beachwear dining
Best meatballs on the island!
Porto Cadena was the kind of hidden gem we didn’t expect to stumble upon, but I'm glad we did! This cosy, family-run beach tavern sits right on the sand, where you’ll be treated to grandma’s home-cooked legendary keftedakia (meatballs - who doesn't like meatballs)! No joke here: although the place doesn't score too high in reviews (I understand some people may be frustrated by the slow service) these tender little meat wonders might just be the best meatballs I've had in the whole country in my whole Greek life so far. Mark my words: you’ll find yourself coming back for more if only to relive the joy of ravaging these glorious spheres of perfection. Combine it with a glorious Greek salad with fresh rock samphire and other locally sourced ingredients and that's all you need for the perfect Greek summer beach lunch.
But Porto Cadena’s not just about the food. It’s perched on Koutalas, an off-the-beaten-path beach that’s blessed with a charming little chapel (perfect for your Instagram snaps) and, more importantly, protection from the notorious August meltemi winds. So, when the Aegean breeze is doing its best to blow you away, Koutalas is the perfect sanctuary. Plus, the beach is wide, the waters tropical crystal clear and the underwater world a snorkeler’s dream: picture marine life swimming around old mining trolleys that sunk during the island’s mining days. History, adventure, and divine meatballs—all in one stop.
Nikoulias
Highlights:
Surrounded by 3 lovely beaches suitable for swimming
30 min drive from Hora or Livadi
Play area for kids
Fresh fish (go early and book your fish before lunchtime)
The north sides of the Aegean islands can be brutal, especially when the Meltemi winds decide to throw everything they've got at you. Mention visiting a north-facing beach in the Cyclades to any Greek, and they’ll probably look at you like you've lost it. Yet Serifos keeps her secrets well-hidden in the north: three stunning north coast beaches, all within walking distance and each with its own personality, depending on the weather: Platis Gialos, the largest of the trio, and its tiny neighbour, Mesiano, are both perfectly sheltered from the wind, offering pristine waters and calm vibes. Then there’s Vorino, the rebel of the group—windy, wild, and typically less crowded. If you’re craving a bit of peace and quiet (and don’t mind a bit of sandblasting), Vorino’s your spot. With three beaches to pick from and the charming Nikoulias tavern perched on a rock with sweeping views of all of them, you’ve got yourself a day trip to remember.
But it’s not just about lounging; it’s about eating too. Nikoulias is a traditional Cycladic tavern, the only one in the area. This means fresh fish is a given, and the octopus and calamari are absolute musts but don’t sleep on the local specialities. Their take on Revithada chickpea stew is uniquely delicious, and the fennel fritters and moussaka are unmissable. Pair it all with a few glasses of tsipouro or souma, and let the sun, the sea, and a light buzz do their magic while the kids run off to play on the wooden swing nearby. This isn’t just a beach day—it’s a full-on feast for the soul.
Best Breakfast in Serifos
Stou Stratou
Highlights:
Vibrant pastel coloured island style café
Traditional coffee, savoury and sweets for breakfast
Located in the centre of Hora, this little square is the photographer's paradise. An instagrammably picturesque little kafeneio (village-style cafe) with pastel colours and a traditional seating setting, Stou Stratou ("at Stratos' place" in Greek) serves caffeine for all sorts of tastes (Turkish, Greek, frape, freddo etc) and some delicious homemade sweets. You will come here to relax at the central Hora square, sip your coffee and gobble spoon sweets, portokalopita or the Greek grandma classic kormos (a chocolate salami that’s so good you won’t even care it’s named after a tree trunk), all freshly made within. With blue and white houses and a cute chapel completing a serene scenery, you’ll be fully immersed in the laid-back Hora vibe and your camera roll will thank you for it.
Halida Bakery
Highlights
All-day bakery at Hora
Freshly baked bread everyday and super tasty tsoureki
Grandma made spanakopita (spinach pie) and kolokithopita (courgette pie) - arrive early for these, they fly away quickly.
Nestled in the charming maze of Hora, this little family-run bakery is the island’s one and only, and honestly, one of the best I have seen on Greek islands. The secret? A massive wood-fired oven that’s basically a magic portal to the carb heaven. Anything that comes out of it is nothing short of legendary. If you’re an early bird (or just really love breakfast), get yourself down here for the freshest goodies. Their tsoureki—a sweet, fluffy brioche bun with a hint of mahlab spice—is divine. Pro tip: stuff it with Nutella, like I did, and you'll have no regrets (other than maybe needing an extra hour of hike/swim).
This bakery doesn’t mess around. From breadsticks to traditional filo pies baked fresh every day, it's impossible to leave empty-handed. Seriously, bulk up on these beauties and hit the beach like a snack-prepped pro. My mind was officially blown by the traditional Greek courgette filo pie with feta. So whether you’re looking for sweet, savoury, or just the best excuse to eat pie all day, this bakery has your back. And your belly.
Fragkosyko
Highlights
Perfect location (for waiting for the ferry by the port)
Hippie atmosphere and panoramic views of Hora
Egg breakfasts and brunches
Although the food did not particularly excite me or was something I hadn't tried before, the quality was solid and the atmosphere more than made up for it: a spacious terraced bar-restaurant (sitting on the roof of a supermarket - you can combine with your shopping) serving eggy breakfasts with amazing view to Hora town and a vibrant, laid-back youthful vibe. A stone's throw away from the ferry port, it can be easily your first stop disembarking on the island or your last waiting for the return ferry ride to Piraeus.
Bougatsa Tou Mitsou
Who doesn't crave a dollop of fresh cream custard wrapped in a multi-layered buttery crunchy filo pastry sprinkled with sugar powder and cinnamon for breakfast?
One of the most unhealthy packed-in-calorie breakfasts you can have in Greece, yet one you should not leave the country without stuffing your face with. Mitsos' Bougatsa is the only place selling it in Serifos, and Mitsos makes it so damn good by my Thessalonikian standards (a city famous for its bougatsa).
Approved and recommended!
The Winery
There is only one winery on the island, and oh boy, what a location it is! Nestled on Serifos’s rugged northern slopes, Chrysoloras Winery was a treat for the senses: taste buds, eyes and soul too. They craft their wines using indigenous Cycladic grape varieties, with the standout being the Serifiotiko. This gem is transformed into a crisp, dry white wine (perfect with a seafood feast) and an amber-hued natural wine, macerated and aged in clay amphorae for that extra touch of Cycladic magic. Serifiotiko produces mainly white wines, however, due to its slightly reddish appearance and with the appropriate vinification, they also make rosé wines here which are distinguished by their fine aromas and their rich mouthfeel!
If you’re heading north, make it a point to call ahead and book a tour and tasting (call in advance). Between the heavenly sips and the stunning views, this visit is one for the memory books. And don’t forget to snag a couple of bottles to bring home; this wine is as rare as it is refreshing, making it the ultimate gift.
Serifos Foodie's Map
Here's a map with all restaurants, cafes, bakeries and other shops mentioned in this post which may come in handy for your Greek island holiday. To save the map, tap that little ⭐ at the top of the map frame and it will be saved in your Google account. The map will automatically appear on your Google Maps app under "You" and then scrolling down the bottom in "Maps".
Preparing for a Greek holiday
Travel Packing Lists
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