Best Places to Eat in Kasos
The best places to eat in Kasos range from seafood tavernas beside the water to village cafés serving simple Greek food. Fry, also written Fri, is the most convenient starting point, with further options around Bouka harbour, nearby Emporios and the inland village of Arvanitochori.
Food is an important part of visiting the island. Leave room for local dishes such as makarounes with sitaka cheese, and ask about the day’s cooking before choosing from the standard menu.
Opening days and menus can vary with the season, so confirm arrangements before making a special journey.
Kasos Restaurants Quick Guide
| Place | Location | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Taverna Emporeios, also known as O Kikis | Emporios | Seafood and a meal beside the beach |
| Giaeli | Bouka harbour | Meze and harbour surroundings |
| Meltemi | Fry | Fish and traditional dishes |
| Kafeneio tis Marouklas | Arvanitochori | A meal while exploring the villages |
| Pizza di Kasos | Fry | Pizza and a casual dinner |
| Blue Mare | Fry | Coffee, breakfast and a lighter stop |
1. Taverna Emporeios — For Seafood Beside the Beach
Taverna Emporeios, also known as O Kikis, is a useful choice for combining swimming with a meal. It stands beside the beach at Emporios, close to Fry.
The restaurant focuses on Greek food and seafood. Its location makes it particularly appealing for lunch during a beach day, without needing to travel elsewhere to eat.
Ask which fish and daily dishes are available rather than arriving with a fixed order in mind. If you want a particular table or are visiting with a group, arrange ahead.
Best for: Seafood, beach days and lunch by the water.
2. Giaeli — For Meze at Bouka Harbour
Giaeli is a traditional ouzerie at Bouka, the small fishing harbour in Fry. It suits visitors who enjoy ordering dishes to share and spending time over a meal.
The harbour setting is a good reason to choose it. Combine a walk around Bouka with food and a drink, allowing time to enjoy the surroundings rather than treating lunch as a quick stop between attractions.
Ask about the available meze and build your order gradually.
Best for: Shared plates, harbour views and an unhurried meal.
3. Meltemi — For Fish and Local Cooking in Fry
Meltemi is tucked into a side street in Fry. It offers an alternative to the waterfront restaurants, particularly for visitors interested in fish, seafood appetisers and local cooking.
Its position makes it easy to include in an evening around the main settlement. Ask what has been prepared that day and what seafood is available.
For anyone staying several nights, Meltemi provides another dining option without requiring a journey into the island’s interior.
Best for: Seafood, traditional dishes and dinner in Fry.
4. Kafeneio tis Marouklas — For a Village Meal
Kafeneio tis Marouklas is in Arvanitochori, making it a natural place to consider when exploring beyond the port.
This is a traditional café and eating place, with Greek cooking and grilled dishes among its offerings. The village location gives a meal here a different setting from the restaurants around Fry and Emporios.
Check that the kitchen will be serving before travelling specifically for lunch or dinner. A café being open does not necessarily mean its full food offering is available throughout the day.
Best for: Village surroundings and a meal during an inland excursion.
5. Pizza di Kasos — For a Casual Dinner
Pizza di Kasos is in Fry and provides an Italian option alongside the island’s Greek tavernas. Pizza and pasta make it worth considering when your group wants a change of meal.
Its central location is convenient for visitors staying in the main settlement. It is also a practical option for families whose preferences do not always match the seafood choices elsewhere.
Check the current menu for toppings and pasta dishes rather than assuming that a speciality mentioned in an older review is still available.
Best for: Pizza, pasta and an informal evening meal.
6. Blue Mare — For Coffee and Breakfast
Blue Mare is a café option in Fry, useful for coffee, breakfast or a lighter pause during the day.
It is worth keeping in mind when planning a morning around the main settlement, particularly if breakfast is not included with your accommodation.
Confirm serving times before relying on an early meal ahead of a boat excursion or departure.
Best for: Coffee, breakfast and a convenient stop in Fry.
What Should You Eat in Kasos?
Makarounes with Sitaka
Makarounes with sitaka is one of the island’s characteristic dishes. Sitaka is a tangy, creamy cheese made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, often served with pasta and caramelised onions.
It is a good starting point for visitors wanting a meal with a clear connection to Kasos.
Kasiot Dolmadakia
Kasos is also known for its small stuffed vine leaves. These are associated with the island’s traditional cooking and communal celebrations.
Ask about the filling before ordering, particularly if you want a vegetarian meal. Recipes and preparations can differ.
Fish and Seafood
At the seafood tavernas, ask what is available and how it will be prepared. Check whether a fish is priced by portion or by weight before ordering.
Choosing from the day’s availability is more useful than expecting every restaurant to serve the same selection.
Where Should You Eat During a Short Visit?
For a short stay, choose meals around the areas you are already exploring:
- Fry and Bouka: Giaeli or Meltemi for a main meal, with Blue Mare for coffee or breakfast.
- Emporios: Taverna Emporeios when combining lunch with swimming.
- Arvanitochori: Kafeneio tis Marouklas during a village outing.
- An evening in Fry: Pizza di Kasos when you want pizza or pasta.
There is little need to schedule every meal. Keep a shortlist and leave room for daily specials and local suggestions.
Vegetarian Food in Kasos
Makarounes with sitaka may be an appealing option for visitors who eat dairy, but confirm the preparation if you have strict dietary requirements.
Ask what vegetable dishes, salads, pulses or meat-free pasta dishes are available. Check stocks and fillings rather than assuming that a dish described as traditional is vegetarian.
For vegan meals, explain that you also avoid cheese, butter and other animal ingredients.
Do You Need to Book?
Confirming ahead is sensible for a larger group, a particular seaside table or a restaurant you are travelling across the island to visit.
Outside the main visitor season, the first question should be whether the kitchen is operating on your chosen day. Accommodation owners can help with local arrangements.