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Holiday on Kos Island: Traditional Beachfront Tavernas

Holiday on Kos Island: Traditional Beachfront Tavernas

The traditional beachfront tavernas on Kos Island will give you the authentic Greek experience you expect. Fresh, organic ingredients are transformed into delicious dishes by native chefs with a deep respect for their heritage. Friendly Greek hospitality and seascapes that will embed into your memory forever are other things that will make dining in a traditional beachfront taverna unforgettable.

First Stop, Argo Waterfront Taverna at Astir Odysseus Resort & Spa

Start your dining experience in the Argo Waterfront Taverna at Astir Odysseus Resort & Spa, one of our three restaurants designed for your culinary pleasure. The menu is exclusively Greek, inspired by dishes from the island and other Greek regions. Of course, the spellbinding views of the Aegean Sea will add a plus of relaxation and romance to your dining experience too.

Kos has several other noteworthy beachfront tavernas you could try while vacationing on the island. Here are some of them:

Angelica’s Beach Taverna

Angelica’s Beach Taverna (Antimachou 2—reservations at 22420 24835) is a family-owned Greek eatery on a popular beach in the Lambi area of Kos. It has a beach, sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, showers, restrooms, and changing rooms. The dining area has traditional Greek taverna decor, featuring colorful wooden chairs and nautical accents. They serve mainly Greek classics (gyros, souvlaki, lamb chops), as well as Greek mezedes to enjoy with a glass of wine or ouzo. Of course, the focus is on fish, including salmon, grilled snapper, and fried calamari.

Ta Votsalakia Fish Tavern

Ta Votsalakia Fish Tavern (Geor. Averof 10) is right on the main beach of Kos Town in the area across the ferry terminal, where you will find several other beachfront tavernas, bars, and restaurants. What sets Ta Votsalakia apart is its traditional decor, friendly ambiance, simple taverna-style old-school food, and affordable prices. Go for Greek mezzedes, fresh fish and shrimp, grilled octopus, and ice-cold ouzo—reservations at 2242 026555.

Taverna Mavromatis

Set in the Psalidi area of Kos, overlooking the Turkish coastline, Taverna Mavromatis (Vasileos Georgiou V—reservations at 22420 22433) is a traditional beachfront eatery with simple decor.  White tables and wooden chairs create a straightforward atmosphere that allows you to focus on the food and the view rather than fancy, unneeded accents. The menu features dishes based on local organic vegetables, meat sourced from Koan farmers, and fresh fish. The restaurant is straight on the beach and offers sun loungers and umbrella rentals too.

Traditional Taverna Yalos

The Traditional Taverna Yalos in the Harbor of Kardamena is just what its name implies: a traditional Greek eatery with typical decor dominated by white and blue. They have outdoor seating, a rooftop garden, and indoor seating with a fireplace for colder winter days.  You can sit outside and take in the views of the harbor and enjoy the breeze while having fresh fish from the grill or Greek meze with wine or ouzo—reservations at 2242 092490.

Karnagio Boathouse Taverna

A hidden gem on Kos Island, the Karnagio Boathouse Taverna is in the Old Shipyard of Chorió Tigkáki (Tembelikia—reservations at 695 658 2685). It has a splendid beachfront location and a delightful natural setting. In addition, the owners took care to surround the taverna with flowers so that your view will be even more charming. The menu is authentic Greek: expect fresh salads, mousaka, seafood, and grilled fish, all served with humility and respect for the island’s heritage. Very affordable prices.

So, when you want authentic Greek dining in a perfect beachfront setting, Kos is a wonderful destination that will satisfy your craving for simple, honest traditional meals like the ones based on recipes prepared and passed through generations by Greek grandmothers.