Where to Eat in Sifnos - The Foodie Island of Greece
From sea-side lunches to home-style tavernas
Sifnos is a small Cycladic island in Greece that we had been desperate to visit, not only for the relaxed island life we love but also for the food scene… and it did not disappoint.
Think slow-cooked chickpeas, just-caught fish, and tables so close to the sea you could dip into the water in between dishes.
Here's our pick of the best restaurants across the island; from beachside spots, fine dining options and feel-like-you’re-at-home tavernas.
Tsikali
📍 Vathi 840 03
Right on the beach at Vathi, Tsikali is exactly what you want from a Greek seaside taverna. Laidback, set under trees that act as shade, and a kitchen full of traditional family recipes. The Greek salad and anchovies in oil were delightful, but the Mastello (goat in this case, soaked in red wine and slow-roasted over vine branches) was the star, served with a bed of rice that soaked up all the flavour.
At Vroulidia beach, Katerina’s has a proper Greek home-cooking feel. Katerina herself runs the kitchen and you can tell; it’s honest, generous food. We were taken into the kitchen to choose our fish of the day, which came grilled in a classic ladolemono (oil, lemon, oregano) sauce; simple but incredibly delicious.
The aubergine (imam bayaldi) was cooked in spiced oil and was perfect mopped up with local bread and sprinkled with the cheese we ordered on the side.
Good to know: Beach beds are available out front (€20 for two with an umbrella).
Top tip: if you’ve got a 4x4 or ATV you can drive all the way down to the beach; otherwise park at the top car park. The dirt path is steep (taking about 10–12 minutes) that takes you down to the beach where the restaurant is located.
Η Αμμουδιά (I Ammoudia)
📍 Cherronisos 840 03
A beach taverna in Cherronisos that feels like a real local gem. The restaurant is set on the beach; so if you wish, choose a table with the sand at your feet. There’s no menu online, no fuss, just simple, good food. We had the chickpea croquettes (basically Greek falafel) and creamy fava (yellow split peas) that was spot on.
Paired with a crisp glass of local white wine and the sound of the water a few steps away, it was one of those slow, peaceful lunches we’ll remember.
🕐 10am – 10.30pm
Pelicanos
📍 Paralia, Faros
On Faros beach, Pelicanos is the kind of relaxed all-day restaurant where you can have a fancy cocktail and not feel out of place in flip-flops. It’s the sister spot to Cantina (more on that below) and shares the same love of flavour. We had the amberjack aguachile (so fresh), crab cacio e pepe, and a smoky aubergine salad (which we want to recreate ASAP!).
The setting is lovely; sand underfoot if you want it, or a gorgeous terrace — all with a sea view.
In our opinion it is not cheap (more in line with London pricing), but portions are generous. Great choice if you can’t get a booking at Cantina.
Mother restaurant to La Marina; serving oven baked goods and located just next door.
📞 +30 6976 875083 (WhatsApp to book)
🕐 1pm – midnight
Omega3
📍 Platis Gialos 840 03
Right on Platis Gialos beach, Omega 3 is all about fresh seafood with a twist. It’s more of a wine bar vibe; think stool seating on the terrace (or long shared tables in the sand out front) and fun music.
The shrimp tacos, crayfish orzo and aguachile were all top notch. We weren’t blown away by the scallops, but the dessert with ice cream and tsoureki made up for it.
You’re right by the water, and the setting is gorgeous as the sun dips.
📞 +30 2284 072014
🕐 1pm – midnight
Cantina
📍 Seralia – Kastro
Minimal waste, seasonal cooking, and probably the most stunning dinner setting on the island. Cantina is built into a little cove with outdoor-only seating. You’ll hear the waves, feel the breeze and maybe even spot a mountain goat on the cliff above.
It’s a tasting menu served sharing-style between two, with a few choices for each course. We went for the 7pm seating to catch the sunset (we’d recommend bringing a layer for later).
Sitting on a lovely street in Apollonia (the capital of Sífnos), Drakakis is a proper local favourite. The kind of place where you’ll hear Greek music playing and plates of meze landing non-stop on the tables.
We came in the evening when the narrow streets were buzzing, and grabbed a table outside. It’s all about sharing here. We went for a spread of meze and were not disappointed. The zucchini balls were crispy on the outside, soft inside and went perfectly with a dollop of their taramasalata (so smooth and possibly the best we’ve ever had).
The saganaki didn’t wow us, but we realised this was because it had manoura cheese (a tangy aged cheese) which isn’t our favourite.
A no fuss, good energy and tasty bites place.
🕐 6pm – 2am daily
Н Мєротп (Meropi)
📍 Kamares 840 03
This is the kind of taverna you want after a day at the beach; easy, satisfying, and full of locals. Right by the water in Kamares (the port town), Meropi is where we had the traditional dish Revithada (chickpea stew, traditionally served on Sundays - It reminded us of Pakistani dishes like choley or bhindi, but with that mellow, simple Greek touch).
Also, try the mastelo lamb and okra. The portions are hearty and full of flavour. .
🕐 Midday – Midnight daily
Best Restaurants in Sífnos Map
How to use our maps
Click on the menu icon on the top left to show a list of all places on the map. You’ll find our notes by clicking on each place. Click on the fullscreen icon on the top right to open the map in Google Maps.
Final Thoughts
Sífnos has a way of drawing you in with its food; it’s honest, flavour-packed, and always best enjoyed slowly, preferably with your feet in the sand. From seaside restaurants to traditional tavernas and modern twists on Greek favourites, there's something here for every kind of eater. We left full, sun-kissed, and already thinking about when we can come back. Be prepared for a great time but even better food!