Places to Eat in Karpathos Island

Karpathos’ cuisine, much like its landscape, has a character all its own. It was the first time on a Greek island that we found the most popular local dish to be something as humble as homemade onion pasta (makarounes). And we loved it. This simple yet hearty meal says a lot about the strength and authenticity of the island’s village cuisine. Especially when it’s served with goat cheese it feels less like something you’d order at a restaurant and more like a dish your grandmother might make in a quiet hillside home.

You won’t find the classic "Greek taverna" vibe on every corner here. Those blue-and-white checkered tablecloths, traditional music, and the smell of grilled octopus—sure, they exist, but they’re tucked away in a few select spots. So if you’re expecting the usual “four meze, grilled octopus, and a glass of ouzo” experience, you might be surprised. Here, dishes are big, flavors are bold, and every plate is practically a full meal on its own. Order octopus or calamari, and it’ll come with fries, a salad, some rice, maybe some wild greensall served together on one generous plate. It’s the island’s version of a “one-plate feast.”

For us, the places we enjoyed the most in terms of both taste and atmosphere were To Votsalo, Calypso, 4 Seasons, and Marina. Some are by the sea, others more inland, but what they all have in common is fresh ingredients and honest flavors. And then there’s Finiki a charming fishing village where the tavernas serve more than just seafood… they serve up sunsets, too.

But the true culinary soul of Karpathos is found in its villages. Especially around Pigadia, Othos, and Volada, where you’ll find small local taverns and even home-style restaurants that make you feel like a guest, not just a customer. The dishes here aren’t fancy, but they’re heartfelt. Slow-roasted goat cooked in wood-fired ovens, savory onion pies (yes, with actual onions and surprisingly delicious), and desserts like sousamomelo, made with sesame and honey, are all part of the island’s traditional table. These are flavors that are hard to find anywhere else.

If you love cheese, don’t miss manouli a local goat cheese that comes in three varieties: creamy, firm, and sun-dried then preserved in oil. And if you enjoy wine, try the semi-sweet red that's popular on the island. After seeing the vineyards around Othos and Volada, you'll understand that Karpathos isn’t just generous with its sea it gives plenty through its soil too.

For accommodation recommendations, check out our Karpathos Island Hotels page.