Kasos has managed to stay out of the tourist path and retains its simple non-tourist cuisine. Try dolma (miniscule stuffed vine leaves), local fish, and cheeses such as almyrotyri, mizithra and sitaka. Also enjoy the traditional dishes served during panigiria such as 15 August at Panagia and 14 September at Agia Marina.
Pizza di Kassos
Despite its barren nature and lack of tourist infrastructure, Kasos has an abundance of food and wine. It has a unique blend of Greek cuisine with Egyptian flavours due to the diaspora that left their mark on the locals’ culinary tastes. Its small villages have traditional kafeneia serving delicious mezedes and seafood. A visit to Kasos is not complete without tasting its fresh fish and the renowned Kassian cheeses including almyrotyri, mizithra and sitaka.
What the small island of Kasos lacks in size it makes up for with its inhabitants, its culture and tradition. Their character is defined by a sense of sincerity, purity and pride for their brave history. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, a lively tavern with live music or an authentic experience of the island’s history and traditions you will find it on the streets of Kasos.
The capital of Kasos is Fry where the main port and most restaurants are located. It is also home to a few monasteries and a church of Holy Mary. The beaches are not as nice as the ones of other larger islands but they are a great choice for those who want to avoid big crowds and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful little island.
While in Kasos be sure to try the pizza at the famous restaurant of George Kantelis. They make fantastic thin crust pizza with pretty much all local ingredients. The best part is that they serve it with a smile and democratic prices so you can enjoy your meal while admiring the gorgeous view.
Another good choice is the taverna Kiki’s in Emborios. It is run by two brothers who love their job and are passionate about it. They play lyre and sing for their customers. The food is excellent, especially the grilled octopus and the sorpato. Don’t miss their take on dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) which are smaller than those you would find elsewhere in Greece and are stuffed with feta, spinach and onions.
There are plenty of other tavernas and cafes that are worth trying. Try the roikio which is wild grass that looks like spiny chicory, boiled and flavored with salt, or skordalia (tomatoes, onion and garlic paste). You could also taste their souzo and arakaki a drink made from grape juice and arakos with a splash of lemon. It is very refreshing. They also have an extensive list of wines and aperitifs from the island and the rest of Greece. They also offer cooking classes. They have a wide selection of Greek and foreign cheeses. They also sell some local produce including a variety of honey. The place is very clean and the service is friendly and fast. They also have a large outdoor seating area.
Kiki’s (Taverna Emborios)
Kasos is a quaint island with a charming ambiance. It has an extensive culinary tradition with influences from Crete and Egypt due to its proximity to these two nations. The island is home to a number of traditional tavernas and restaurants that offer a gastronomic experience of a lifetime.
One of the best places to eat in Kasos is Kiki’s (Taverna Emborios). It is a family-run taverna that serves fresh, locally-caught fish including lion fish and tuna. You can also try stuffed vine leaves called kasiotic dolmadakia and cuttlefish with rice. In addition, you can enjoy local cheeses such as almyrotyri, mizithra, and sitaka.
The restaurant is located in the main village of Maroukla. The food is authentic and home-style, which is perfect for any traveler who wants to savor local Greek flavors. In addition to its delicious dishes, this taverna offers a variety of beverages including wine and raki.
This taverna is known for its fresh seafood and homemade pasta. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. It is a good place to try some of the most famous dishes of the island, such as grilled octopus and filet americain. You can also enjoy grilled chicken and a selection of salads. The restaurant is also a great place to sample some local cheeses and wines.
Another popular taverna is Emporio, which is situated on the beach. The restaurant is owned by a lovely family, and the food is delicious. It is recommended that you try their stuffed grape leaves, kasiotic dolmadakia, and makarounes pasta with sitaka. You can also order their freshly caught fish such as red sea bream, grouper, and red snapper.
The taverna is open daily from 12:30 pm until late evening. It is recommended that you reserve your table in advance to avoid disappointment. The food is well-cooked and flavorful, and the service is excellent.
Whether you are looking for a place to dine with your family, friends, or romantic partner, this is the place for you. The food is great and the prices are affordable. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the restaurant is very clean. This taverna is a must-visit for anyone who wants to enjoy the best of Greek cuisine in an enchanting ambiance.
Meltemi
Located in the northern part of Kasos and on a very quiet beach, Meltemi is a great place to enjoy some of the best fresh seafood dishes. The restaurant combines traditional and modern styles to create unique dishes like stuffed calamari, skate with skordalia (garlic sauce) or grilled squid. In the main dining area, there is a large bar and the rest of the space is surrounded by palm trees and bougainvilleas.
The local cuisine of Kasos has strong influences from Crete island and Egypt due to its location and the fact that many people have left the islands, traveled and returned home. The island is a small one so the inhabitants cook whatever they can get and there is no lack of fresh fish, cuttlefish with rice, kasiotic dolmadakia (miniscule stuffed vine leaves), makarounes (pasta topped with melted buttery sitaka cheese) among others.
For meat lovers, there are plenty of good options as well. You can try lamb kebabs, kalogiros (stuffed aubergine with veal and cheese) or a plate of exohiko (lamb marinated in lemon sauce). The local wine is also very tasty.
A lot of the restaurants on the island are family-run and this is reflected in the quality of the food they serve as well as the service. In the case of Meltemi, the staff is very friendly and chatty and if you are there for a while they will probably start regaling you with stories about the history of the tavern and interesting facts about the island in general.
Despite being a small island, Kasos has managed to maintain a very rich culture and many traditions. Its people are known for their extroverted and hospitable nature and they love their island very much. This is reflected in the numerous feasts and festivals that take place all summer on the island. They usually involve traditional music, dances and lots of food and drinks!
For those that want to experience this unique side of Greece, Kasos is definitely worth the visit. You will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The best way to reach the island is by ferry and the ride itself is quite an experience in itself as it is a beautiful trip across the southern Aegean. The most popular routes are with the Blue Star Ferries and Aegean Airlines. Make sure to book in advance!