Best Restaurants and Bars in Hydra, Greece
Discover the best restaurants in Hydra, Greece—where bold flavors, local traditions, and standout settings come together in one seriously satisfying island dining scene.
Hydra might be small—car-free, cliff-framed, and with just one proper town to its name—but don’t let its size fool you. This island punches way above its weight when it comes to dining.
From sea-view terraces plating elevated Greek fare to tucked-away tavernas serving up classics with just the right touch of flair, Hydra’s culinary game is strong. For such a tiny outpost in the Saronic Gulf, the sheer variety and quality of restaurants is impressive—proof that food here isn’t just a side note to the scenery.
Over the three days I spent on the island, I made good headway sampling its best tables, and what follows is a curated list of the best restaurants in Hydra, Greece, worth knowing. I’ve also included some of my favorite cafes and bars to also seek out, whether that’s for breakfast or aperitivo.
Quick note: In the height of summer, you’ll want to book ahead for dinner—lunch tends to be more casual, but evening slots fill up fast.
12 Best Restaurants in Hydra, Greece
1. Téchnē Restaurant & Social
At Téchnē Restaurant & Social, set just above Avlaki beach in a converted 19th-century boatyard, the setting is elevated yet unfussy, like the food. The focus is Mediterranean cuisine in general, but it does lean Greek.
I started with a bright, unfussy Greek salad that let the produce do the talking, followed by two mains: a perfectly cooked lamb rump served over a chickpea and lentil tabbouleh, and a grilled Aegean red snapper fillet that was crisp-skinned and expertly seasoned. Both were spot-on in execution.
Téchnē is upscale but not absurd—think fine dining without the pretension, and prices that feel fair for the quality and setting. Make sure to make reservations here, particularly for dinner, and come just as the sun sinks over the horizon after pre-dinner drinks at Windmill.
2. Douskos
Douskos’ Taverna is a Hydra institution—one of those places that’s been around so long, it feels baked into the stone of the island itself. Set beneath a leafy canopy in a shaded courtyard just a few minutes up from the port, it’s best known for its laid-back charm and long-standing connection to Leonard Cohen, who dined here in the ’60s during his early Hydra years.
The vibe hasn’t changed much since then, and that’s part of the appeal. You come here for simple, satisfying Greek staples—grilled meats, baked feta, salads, house wine—and a sense of history that lingers without being performative. It’s the ideal spot for a lazy lunch when exploring Hydra town.
3. Mikra Anglia
Mikra Anglia is Hydra Town’s modern‑Greek lifestyle restaurant and bar, located on the charming Tompazi street just off the harbor. It’s an upscale yet approachable spot, blending quality food and drink with a laid‑back comfort vibe.
The menu features creative modern‑Greek dishes—think octopus with pasta, decomposed pastitsio, sea bream on seasonal greens—and caters to all tastes with vegetarian and gluten‑free options. Presentation is clean and stylish, service is attentive and fluent in English, and the interior strikes just the right balance between minimalist and warm.
Mikra Anglia delivers consistently strong flavours without going overboard on pretension. Open for dinner only, and make sure to book ahead.
4. Omilos
Omilos is another of Hydra’s more upscale modern‑Mediterranean tablescape perched just above the water’s edge, housed in a former fuel depot that once echoed with the footsteps of celebrities like the Beatles and the Kennedys.
Since its 2006 rebirth under Kostas Acheilas and Lisa Bartsioka, and guided by Swiss‑trained chef Dimitris Kantarakis, the kitchen has consistently turned out seafood‑centric dishes—tempura shrimp, lobster pasta, grilled grouper—executed with clean flavors, elegant presentation, and a dash of creativity.
The minimalist white‑washed décor and soundtrack of gentle waves give it a polished yet relaxed ambiance, while service remains professional and attentive. Much like Techne, it’s upscale—but—not—crazy so—and ideal for an afternoon seafood lunch or a sunset dinner with Aegean views that rival the food.
5. Oraia Restaurant
Oraia Restaurant sits right on Hydra’s harbor front, delivering casual-elegant charm you can taste as well as see. With shaded tables practically kissed by sea breeze and sunset views, it’s a relaxed yet polished taverna.
The menu leans into modernized Greek classics—from saganaki with Metsovone cheese and grouper kebabs to crisp grilled fish and inventive pastas—highlighting fresh local seafood in every bite.
Portion-wise and price-wise, it hits that sweet spot—more refinement than the average taverna, without tipping into pretension. Service is friendly and attentive, with a few complimentary treats now and then (birthday champers or a surprise slice of cake), which leaves you feeling both well-fed and genuinely welcomed.
6. Pirofani Taverna
For anyone really wanting a hidden gem, Pirofani is one of the best restaurants in Hydra, Greece. This classic taverna offers the kind of unvarnished, deeply local experience that feels like a well-kept secret in Kamini.
Founded in 1994, this white-washed, intimate spot serves up a confident mix of Greek homestyle dishes and fresh seafood in a shaded courtyard framed by blue wooden chairs. You’ll find standout plates—from the almond-encrusted sea bass to hearty fava beans—paired with crisp house wine, all priced sensibly for the quality.
The friendly owner, Theo, often hosts the evening, adding a personal touch that elevates the atmosphere beyond casual taverna fare. For anyone after genuine local flavor, Pirofani nails the balance: comforting fare, charming presentation, and a sense that you’re dining among locals, not ticking off yet another tourist stop.
7. Lefteraki’s Taverna
Lefteraki’s Taverna, tucked into the quiet cove of Mandraki Bay, is Hydra at its most low-key and authentic. You can reach it on foot or by water taxi, and then be rewarded with a front-row seat to the sea and honest, well-executed food.
Staying at Mandraki Beach Resort, we popped over for dinner one night. We went straight for the fried calamari—melt-in-your-mouth tender with a whisper-thin batter that didn’t overpower the seafood. A perfectly grilled whole fish followed, served with nothing more than lemon and olive oil, as it should be, alongside a supremely large and fresh salad.
This isn’t fine dining, but it’s the kind of meal you talk about days later—the simplicity and quality speak volumes. For me, this was one of the best meals on the island and easily one of the top restaurants in Hydra.
8. Castello Hydra
Castello Hydra in Kamini is exactly the spot for a more upscale dinner after a beach day. Housed in a fully restored 18th‑century fortress right by the water, it balances historic charm and polished design while staying approachable.
The menu—overseen by twin chefs Spyros and Giannis Gavathas—leans Mediterranean with Greek flair, turning out dishes like saffron‑scented catches, lamb with pasta, metsovone‑cheese sauces, and even sushi, all delivered with elegant plating and thoughtful sourcing.
The vibe lands somewhere between lounge and fine dining: professional service, sunset views across Kamini Bay, and a setting that feels special without being over the top. Ideal if you’ve spent the afternoon lounging on the adjacent beach—just sink into a comfortable seat and let the light fade as you sip and savor.
9. Tassia’s Tavern
Tassia’s Tavern is the in-house beach restaurant at the Four Seasons Hydra, but don’t let that fool you into expecting something overly polished or hotel-generic.
It’s refreshingly grounded—literally right on the beach in Plakes—with rattan chairs by the water, a shaded pergola, and uninterrupted sea views that stretch out forever.
The menu sticks to Greek classics, done well: fresh-caught fish, grilled meats, stuffed vegetables, and big fresh salads. You’re here more for the atmosphere than culinary innovation, but that’s the point. It’s casual, breezy, and ideal for a long lunch that turns into an afternoon of lingering—beachwear absolutely welcome.
Read more: 7 Best Boutique & Luxury Hotels in Hydra, Greece
10. Manna
Manna isn’t your typical Hydra taverna—it’s more polished, more design-forward, and quietly confident in its delivery. Set on a calm pedestrian street in Hydra Town, it has a modern bistro vibe with a tight, seasonal menu that doesn’t try too hard.
Dishes are plated with intention—think grilled fish with purées and reductions, or slow-cooked meats paired with local greens—elevated but still rooted in Greek flavors. The wine list is solid, service smooth, and while it’s not flashy, it’s clearly dialed-in.
If you’re after a quieter, more refined dinner that still feels distinctly Greek, Manna is a fantastic move.
11. Veranda Restaurant
Veranda Restaurant easily earns its spot on any list of the best restaurants in Hydra with a view. Set on a rooftop just above the port, it delivers panoramic sunset vistas that are as much of a draw as the food itself.
The vibe strikes a balance between laid-back and refined—white tablecloths, classic island décor, and just the right amount of buzz. The menu is rooted in modern Greek flavors, with well-executed seafood dishes, fresh salads, and a solid wine list that leans local.
If you’re after a dinner that feels like a full Hydra moment—view, atmosphere, and quality food—Veranda delivers.
12. Marina Vlychos
For anyone looking for one of the top restaurants in Hydra, Greece, beyond Hydra Town, Marina Vlychos is a hidden-gem taverna located along the Vlychos waterfront—one of the island’s most relaxed beachside escapes.
A local staple since 1963 under Marina Lembesi, it’s the kind of place where tables sit right at the water’s edge, shaded by olive trees, serving classic Greek dishes with fresh seafood, crisp salads, and light meze—think stuffed vine leaves, fried barbounia, tender octopus, and homemade dips.
Longtime visitors rave about it: “excellent homemade food” in a postcard-perfect setting without any tourist fuss. If you’re craving a true local experience after a swim at Vlychos beach, make sure not to miss Marina, which delivers authenticity, flavor, and that easygoing shoreline vibe.
Best Cafes & Bars in Hydra, Greece
For beyond just where to eat in Hydra, here’s a list of my favorite spots for aperitivo, post-dinner drinks, or daytime coffee.
Windmill Bar
The Windmill Bar was hands down my favorite spot on the island for sundowners. Perched high above the coast, it sits at a much loftier vantage point than nearby Hydronetta Bar, giving it an unbeatable view over the Saronic Gulf—sunsets here are next-level.
The cocktails are well-crafted and creative, and the vibe strikes that perfect balance between relaxed and special-occasion worthy. It’s also got a fun bit of film history: the bar is set around the old windmill used as a backdrop in the 1957 Sophia Loren movie Boy on a Dolphin. A cinematic sunset with a drink in hand? Yes, please.
Hydronetta Bar
Hydronetta Bar is the quintessential Hydra hideaway for those chasing chilled vibes and sunset moments.
Carefully carved into the cliff just beyond the main harbor, it offers a series of terraced tables under straw umbrellas—perfect for sipping creative cocktails, Greek wines, or a classic freddo cappuccino, all while dangling your feet above crystalline waters- well, almost.
It’s uniquely inviting: take a cooling dip directly from the bar’s swim ladder, then return to your seat as the golden hour sets in. The scene shifts effortlessly from daytime lounge to lively sunset bar, occasionally hosting full-moon parties—a relaxed spot that pulses with island energy without ever feeling over the top.
For anyone building a list of the best bars in Hydra with a view, this is where the drinks, sea access, and low-key aesthetic all come together seamlessly.
Spilia Beach Bar
Spilia Beach Bar is a standout among the best bars in Hydra —perched on a rocky platform just steps from town, where you can sunbathe, swim directly from the rocks, and then settle in with coffee, fresh salads, burgers, or delightfully crafted cocktails.
Its staff is welcoming and service is invitingly relaxed—you’re encouraged to linger all day, moving from breakfast to an afternoon dip, to evening drinks and snacks as the sky softens. Think laid‑back beach club vibes with genuine local flavor, dramatic waterfront views, and quality bar food—Spilia nails the formula without any touristy fluff.
L’Americano
L’Americano is a fairly new addition to Hydra’s bar scene, and it brings something refreshingly different to the table. Hidden just behind the port, it trades the typical island aesthetic for a more polished, design-forward atmosphere—think clean lines, moody lighting, and a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe.
It’s a place where the cocktail list is short but deliberate, the playlist is curated, and the staff know exactly what they’re doing without making a show of it. A stylish, low-key hangout for those who prefer their negronis stirred and their scene understated.
Amalour
Another standout bar in Hydra is Amalour, a longtime favorite tucked into a lively corner just a few steps from the harbor. It leans bohemian without being try-hard—colorful cushions, leafy plants, and a warm buzz that builds as the night goes on.
The crowd is a mix of locals, regulars, and travelers who’ve heard the name passed along like a tip. Cocktails are solid, the energy is upbeat, and the music shifts from chilled to dancey depending on the hour.
This is the spot to come if you’re looking to carry on into the wee hours—Hydra style—where nights stretch long and easy under the stars.
Papagalos
Papagalos is Hydra’s go‑to café for a laid‑back, all‑day vibe right on the harbor. What strikes you first is its cozy, welcoming atmosphere—think mismatched chairs, hanging lights, and friendly banter—that sets it apart from more touristy waterfront options.
It’s the perfect place to start your day with excellent coffee (it is hands down the best iced coffee on the island), or swing by mid‑morning for a smoothie, brunch snack, or cocktail in the afternoon. The staff are upbeat and professional, bringing an easy energy that makes it simple to linger as the day rolls by. Papagalos nails that easygoing, under-the-radar charm—an essential Hydra coffee stop.
The Pirate Bar
The Pirate Bar is one of Hydra’s true local institutions—a spot you haven’t experienced the island without visiting. Established in 1976 in a two-story stone house right on the harbor, it transitions seamlessly from a relaxed daytime café into one of Hydra’s liveliest night spots.
During the day, it’s all about strong coffee, backgammon games, and the occasional cat weaving between tables. Come evening, the vibe shifts: cocktails flow, the music picks up, and the crowd gets decidedly more animated.
Still run by the same family after nearly five decades, it holds onto its slightly scruffy charm and loyal following. For a mix of history, hospitality, and late-night energy, this is where you go.
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