Restaurants
There are a large number of restaurants and tavernas on Skiathos but the culinary scene can still feel a bit limited. The majority of places are aimed squarely at tourists and only open in season. Unfortunately, this results in a very large number of similar and rather unimaginative menus (see ‘the bad and the ugly’ for more details).
Greek dishes such as Moussaka and Kleftiko (lamb cooked in a paper parcel, sometimes with vegetables) are common, as are grilled meats and fish. Pizza and pasta also feature prominently on many menus.
Fish can be excellent, although you may want to inquire whether it is genuinely local or not (the Aegean cannot meet the high demand for fish and some is shipped in from Africa). Additionally, check whether it is frozen (by law, this must be indicated on the menu by an asterisk or the abbreviation ‘Kat’ – but is sometimes only done on the Greek side). Fresh local fish is normally sold by the kilogram and the standard rate is 60 Euros. Sea bass, bream, and red mullet are common, while mackerel can be a cheaper option. Many places display their catches on ice outside the entrance.
Amfiliki restaurant
Amfiliki restaurant, situated a little out of the way by the Health Centre, is in a different class to most other places in Skiathos, and is only slightly more expensive (see section below, ‘the good’). Look out for the house specialities, which include monkfish fillets and octopus stifado (stewed with onions and tomatoes).
Fresh fish at Anemos
A little further down the hill, Anemos, established in 1952, also serves very good fresh fish. Other good tavernas for fish in Skiathos Town include O Batis just above the old port (which serves home-cooked food throughout the year) and Psaradika, by the fish market.
Ouzo and meze
Another place that remains open when the tourists go home is Kabourellia (old port). Although it serves main dishes, its real raison d’etre is as an ouzeri (serving ouzo and another popular spirit, tsipouro). Complimentary mezhedes such as anchovies and grilled octopus are brought out with each round.
A few Good value Greek tavernas
For good value, authentic and hearty traditional Greek recipes head to tavernas such as Alexandros, Varthalmis and Mesogia, all situated in the maze of side streets between Papadiamantis and the old port. My pick of the restaurants located on the club strip is Bakaliko, which offers Turkish-influenced grills among its specialities.
Another place favoured by both tourists and residents in Skiathos is the Swedish restaurant Bonaparte. Outside of Skiathos Town, restaurants recommended by residents include Green Park at Agia Paraskevi, and Olive Land (go up the road turning inland between bus stops 8 and 9).
Fast food options?
Despite the number of tourists, none of the major American fast food chains has yet succeeded in colonising Skiathos (a McDonalds was opened five years ago but shut down). Nonetheless, a large number of grills serving souvlaki (grilled meat cubes) and gyros (packed layers of meat grilled on a doner-style spit) provide plenty of fast food options.
Many of these are located on Papadiamantis street or in the side streets just off it. These include Timeout, Giradiko, and No Name Fast Food. As well as souvlaki and gyros, many places serve other meats such as chicken or the traditional kokoretsi (made from lamb intestines wrapped around offal meat, unusual but worth trying – available at George’s Grill House above the old port and Koziakas just in from the old port). A lot of grill houses offer both take away and eat in options.
Crepes and waffles are also very popular, with a number of outlets on Papadiamantis and along the waterfront.
One Comment so far...
Janelle Freysen Says:
24 February 2011 at 11:00 am.
For us, Koziakas is one of the best and all of our friends visiting the island for the first time are taken there often. The family are so friendly and accommdoating at all times and the lamb is just delicious!