In Greece, Tinos is known as an island where you eat well. Small farms, cheese makers and fishermen supply tavernas in almost every village. These are the tables we go back to ourselves, sorted by what you are in the mood for.
In July and August, book ahead, especially for a table by the sea at sunset.
What to order on Tinos
- Artichokes, the island’s pride: in pies, in omelettes, or slow-cooked with vegetables. Komi celebrates them with a festival every June.
- Froutalia, the Tinian omelette with local sausage.
- Kopanisti, a soft, peppery cheese with protected status, and other local cheeses like volaki.
- Louza, cured pork marinated in red wine and spices.
- Capers and sun-dried tomatoes, the tomatoes often fried in a light batter.
- Galaktoboureko in Pyrgos, the custard pastry the village is famous for.
Village tavernas
Kyra Leni’s, Krokos
In our own village, a few minutes from AESIS. Traditional Tinian cooking, the kind we grew up with.
Teresa, Myrsini
A family-run grocery and taverna, loved by locals for decades. Stuffed vegetables, meatballs, artichokes, local cheeses and froutalia.
To Perivoli, Kardiani
Greek cooking in one of the island’s prettiest villages, looking over Kardiani bay towards Syros.
Drosia, Ktikados
A family taverna in a small village above Kionia, with a green terrace facing the Aegean. Artichokes in every form, local goat and minty meatballs.
To Katoi, Smardakito
Tucked away in a tiny village on the walking paths of the dovecote valley.
Makeleio, Chatzirados
Traditional cooking in the hill village of Chatzirados.
Fou-Fou, Isternia
A village spot in Isternia, one of the island’s marble villages.
Dio Choria tavern
In the village of Dio Choria, perfect after a walk through its lanes.
Kounaria, Aetofolia
In the quiet village of Aetofolia.
Svoura, Komi
In Komi, in the green valley famous for its artichokes.
Seafood by the water
To Thalassaki, Isternia bay
Tables almost in the waves and one of the best-known restaurants on the island. Book ahead.
O Ntinos, Kardiani bay
Fresh fish by the sea, right next to Kalyvia beach.
Tarsanas, Tinos town
A classic in town. Order the grilled sardines.
Marathia, Agios Fokas
On the sand of Agios Fokas since 2002, named after the island’s wild fennel. Local ingredients with a creative touch.
San to Alati, Agios Fokas
Next to the beach, with views to Delos and Mykonos. The menu has meat, seafood and vegan paths, all with Tinian flavours.
For meat lovers
Ntouar, Steni
Also known as O Platanos. The island’s favourite for grilled meat.
Italian and pizza
Pranzo, Tinos town
A romantic Italian by the sea at the old port, with a good wine list.
Napule, Triantaros
Italian cooking in the village of Triantaros.
Dough & Shaker, Pyrgos
Pizza and cocktails in the marble village of Pyrgos.
Pizza Tales, Tinos town
Take-away pizza for an easy night in.
For a special night
Choreftra, Kampos
Tables spread across the square of Kampos, among arches and bougainvillea. Tinian cuisine with modern touches.
Mikro Karavi, Tinos town
In the lanes of town, a modern take on Tinian and Greek cooking.
Quick guide
| Place | Village | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kyra Leni’s | Krokos | Traditional |
| Teresa | Myrsini | Traditional |
| To Perivoli | Kardiani | Traditional |
| Drosia | Ktikados | Traditional |
| To Katoi | Smardakito | Traditional |
| Makeleio | Chatzirados | Traditional |
| Fou-Fou | Isternia | Traditional |
| Dio Choria tavern | Dio Choria | Traditional |
| Kounaria | Aetofolia | Traditional |
| Svoura | Komi | Traditional |
| O Ntinos | Kardiani bay | Seafood |
| To Thalassaki | Isternia bay | Seafood |
| Tarsanas | Tinos town | Seafood |
| Marathia | Agios Fokas | Seafood, creative |
| San to Alati | Agios Fokas | Seafood, meat, vegan |
| Ntouar | Steni | Grilled meat |
| Napule | Triantaros | Italian |
| Pranzo | Tinos town | Italian |
| Dough & Shaker | Pyrgos | Pizza, cocktails |
| Pizza Tales | Tinos town | Take-away pizza |
| Choreftra | Kampos | Special dinner |
| Mikro Karavi | Tinos town | Special dinner |
Questions we often hear
What food is Tinos famous for? Artichokes, kopanisti cheese, louza, capers and the galaktoboureko of Pyrgos.
Do I need to book? In July and August, yes, especially for seafood by the sea and for dinner in the popular villages.
Where can I eat by the sea? To Thalassaki in Isternia bay, O Ntinos in Kardiani bay, and Marathia or San to Alati on Agios Fokas beach.
Where is the best grilled meat? Ntouar in Steni.
Where should we go for breakfast or brunch? That has its own post, with our favourite morning spots and cocktail bars.
From our door
AESIS sits in Krokos, in the middle of the island, so most of these tables are less than half an hour away. Pair a swim with dinner using our beach guide, then check your dates.
