Restaurants & Bars
You are never far from an amazing meal or glass of wine in Ikaria. Below is a sampling of Theano & Damon’s favorite haunts.
Hidden (Armenistis)
Phone: +30 6972460699
From the amazing brunch in the morning to the innovative cocktails at night, you can feast on international comfort food at Hidden for breakfast, lunch, aperitivo and dinner. The staff is lovely and so is the view. Situated in the center of town, by the strip of bars and restaurants.
MaryMary (Armenistis)
Phone: +30 2275071595
On a terrace above Armenistis Beach with a view of the endless Aegean, MaryMary serves up traditional island cuisine with a twist, including a more diverse vegetarian and gluten-free selection than you would find at other places. A reservation is a must during the months of July & August as the die-hard regulars and the influx of visitors cause a small riot for the restaurant’s view, cooked dishes and Ikarian wine.
Mythos Bar (Armenistis)
A mainstay of Armenistis. Along the strip of bars and restaurants, Mythos can be found inder the shade tree growing out of the balcony and its distinctive green light at night. Dimitris Kochilas’ all-day bar serves up ice cold frappes and great conversation in the morning, leading in to mellow music and cozy cocktails well into the… next morning!
Rastoni Bar (Armenistis)
Phone: +30 2275071258
Located next to Mythos, these terrific cocktails have an special feature… you can take them TO GO!
Syntages Tis Giagias (Armenistis)
The name means “Grandma’s Recipes.” Occupying a terrace on the 2nd floor of the main shops in Armenistis (next to MaryMary), this small confectionary makes exemplary goat’s milk ice cream. Always pair it with an order of loukoumades (fried donut-like doughballs drizzled with honey and cinnamon. The shelves are filled with jars of homemade spoon sweets, jams, caramelized season fruits and vegetables.
Ikaros Bakery (Armenistis)
Phone: +30 2275071232
A third-generation bakery, Ikaros Bakery is a mainstay of the town. Make a stop at this family-run bakery with its large terrace overlooking Armenistis beach for your daily coffee and sweet pairing. Specialties include galatoboureko (custard slice) kataifi (an angel hair version of baklava) and a large variety of cookies, cakes and tarts.
Rembelo (Armenistis)
Phone: +30 6955354786
Located just steps below Selene, Rebelo is a good time and a good vibe. Featuring a variety of music nights. Guest DJs host themed parties and throughout the summer the owners will travel in exceptional rebetika and Greek folk music musicians to play on its veranda at night.
Carte Postale (Armenistis)
Located on the road above Selene, this hip café-bar has a mellow vibe, eclectic music and serves up all-day snacks. Manager Myrto hosts parties throughout the summer, featuring everything from comedians to world-beat DJs and jazz ensembles to movie nights.
Amaranthos (Gialiskari)
Phone: +30 2275071249
Gorgeous little café offering breakfast, coffess and juices, fresh bread, sandwiches and backed goods.
Ma’Mu (Christos)
Phone: +30 2275041459
Hands down the very best souvlaki on the island. Situated in the lively town square of Christos, this is an absolute gem for Greek comfort food and much more. Kebabs, Gyros, burgers, grilled meats, large variety of salads, spinach pies and an array of vegetarian and vegan options. And of course… the souvlaki you’ll dream about long after you leave. And deliveries are available.
Women’s Cooperative Bakery (Christos)
Located next to Ma’Mu in the main square, this café is run by the local women’s coop and serves terrific Greek desserts, coffee, company … and an impressive banoffee.
Dentrospito (Christos)
Phone: +30 6973085460
Translated as the treehouse, it can be reached by an unassuming, almost hidden, staircase across from Ma’Mu in the town square of Christos. Once you descend, it’s a magical garden bar, with fairy lights and picnic tables scattered throughout. Innovative cocktails served well into the morning hours. Don’t get here too early… the crowd generally descends after 10pm.
Anna (Nas)
Phone: +30 6932149155
This restaurant is a MUST for its fresh lobster spaghetti and sunset view. The lovely Anna and ger family serve up fresh fish, grilled octopus and calamari, prawn spaghetti, eggplant salad and so much more. Call ahead to have your lobster reserved! (Seriously, call ahead.)
Platanos (Agios Dimitrios)
Phone: +30 2275041151
Our favorite restaurant on the island is nestled under the shade of a centuries-old plane tree in the charming cobblestoned square of Agios Dimitrios. Owner Phillipos puts an emphasis on updated Ikarian recipes, the olive oil, vegetables, goat meat and cheese are all locally sourced. The menu is changes according to what is in season and available. Favorite dishes are the grilled steak, veal and pork dishes, Ikarian Soufiko (casserole recipe with mixed summer vegetables), wild greens and innovative salads.
Karimalis Farmhouse (Pigi)
Phone: +30 2275031945
A truly magical place. This 500-year old vineyard estate passed down through the generations. A family run agrotourism venture, featuring exceptional winemaking, now hosts a farm-to-table restaurant. Everyday features a set menu that Miss Eleni creates along with her son-in-law. Most days feature entirely vegetarian and vegan organic dishes from locally sourced ingredients, as well as homemade vegetable pies and baked bread. A few times a week, meat or fish is also served. You can also opt for a wine tasting or pairing with your meal. Call ahead to check the menu of the day and snag a sunset reservation on the veranda.
Slow Down Brewing (Evdillos)
Phone: +30 2275032463
Nano-brewery with a rotating selection of their own craft beers, as well as craft beers from around the country. The bar also has a small kitchen serving up a delicious menu of small bites to compliment your beer selection. Movie nights too!