Must-try Dishes
Saganaki - Fried Cheese - A crispy, golden crust envelops a gooey cheese interior, typically made from graviera or kefalotyri. You'll often find locals enjoying this as a starter in a lively taverna while sharing stories over ouzo.
Gyro - Gyros - Thinly sliced, seasoned pork or chicken, cooked on a vertical rotisserie, wrapped in fluffy pita with fresh tomatoes, onions, and a tangy tzatziki sauce. It's commonly devoured as a quick lunch from a street vendor, especially after a long night.
Moussaka - Moussaka - Layers of savory ground meat, eggplant, and creamy béchamel sauce baked to perfection create a hearty dish. It's a staple at family gatherings, often enjoyed during Sunday dinners, with each family adding their own twist.
Fava - Fava Bean Purée - Smooth, vibrant puree made from yellow split peas, garnished with olive oil and onions, often served with warm pita. This traditional dish is a favorite during summer and is typically eaten as a light lunch or appetizer.
Pites - Pita Pies - Stuffed pastries filled with various ingredients like spinach or cheese, baked until golden and flaky. You’ll see locals grabbing these for a filling breakfast on-the-go, especially during the busy summer season.
Louza - Cured Pork - A deliciously spiced and air-dried pork delicacy, often enjoyed with slices of local bread and olives. Commonly served during special occasions, it's a labor of love typically made by families, passed down through generations.
Choriatiki - Greek Salad - A refreshing mix of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, drizzled in olive oil and seasoned with oregano. Perfect for a light summer dinner, this salad embraces the bounties of Mikonos’ local produce.
Seafood Souvlaki - Σουβλάκι θαλασσινών - Grilled skewers of lightly marinated shrimp or octopus, typically served with a side of lemon and herbs. Locals enjoy this dish especially during summer evenings by the seaside, taking in both the smells and sights of the ocean.
Desserts & Drinks
Frappe - Φραπές (iced coffee) - A refreshing blend of instant coffee, sugar, and water shaken to create a frothy delight, served over ice. Locals savor it throughout the hot summer afternoons, often paired with a sweet pastry (trust me, they love to linger over it!).
Ouzo - Ούζο (anise-flavored aperitif) - This classic Greek drink is made from grapes and flavored with anise, served chilled with a side of salty snacks like olives. It’s a popular choice during pre-dinner gatherings around sunset, with many enjoying a glass as they watch the beautiful Mykonos sunset from their terraces.
Loukoum - Λουκούμι (Turkish delight) - A chewy square confection made of sugar, starch, and flavored with rosewater or mastic, usually dusted in powdered sugar. It’s often enjoyed during special occasions or as a sweet treat with coffee, and be aware, locals sometimes expect you to have it with a bit of coffee on the side—don’t skip that!
Bougatsa - Μπουγάτσα (pastry with custard) - This flaky pastry is stuffed with creamy custard, often topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon. It's best enjoyed warm in the morning with coffee, and there’s nothing quite like the experience of biting into that delicate crust—pure bliss!
Baklava - Μπακλαβάς (sweet pastry) - Layered pastry made with nuts and honey syrup, it's a dessert often reserved for special occasions and celebrations. Typically served cold, it's not uncommon to encounter it during local festivals, and if you’re not careful, you might end up with a plateful (they’re generous with portions!).