Some people travel to Greece for the amazing restaurants and food. And not surprising, because their kitchen is heavenly. In this article, we share our favorite food spots and the best places to eat in Ios island. All of them offer plant-based or vegan options on their menu. From delicious tzatziki dips, mezze platters and legendary veggie moussakas to tasty Greek salads. Dip your bread in some olive oil, order your favorite wine and ENJOY! It would be a pity to take an all-inclusive vacation in Greece. All over the island, you will find typical family-run restaurants, where the staff welcomes you with open arms and serve your dishes with so much love and attention. Yummy!
Read also: Best things to do in Ios, Greece
How to get in Ios?
Ios doesn’t have an airport, so the only option is getting on the ferry from the other islands in the Cyclades or Athens. From Athens, you will reach Ios in 4 hours or 30 minutes from Santorini.
Book your flights to Athens, Mykonos, or Santorini here
Where to stay in Ios?
Definitely Avanti Hotel! This family-run cute hotel has a superb location, only 150 meters from the center of beautiful Chora but still on a quiet street up on a hill. Each room has a balcony with unique views over the ocean and the village of Ios.
Read also: Best hotels in Greece
The best places to eat in Ios, Greece
#1 The Mills – Chora
The Mills is a typical family-run restaurant located near the Mills Square, in a very picturesque spot of Ios Town. There’s a wonderful atmosphere and it’s just perfect for a quiet dinner. We have eaten here twice during our stay and enjoyed it a lot. Before you leave you will get a shot of rakimelo (raki with honey) and a free cake to end your evening perfectly.
#2 Seven Eleven – Chora
Nope, it’s not a famous Asian supermarket… It’s a lovely lunch spot! Dimitris the kind and sympathetic owner welcomes you with open arms. Seven-Eleven offers a very wide menu and the food is super affordable. Try their tzatziki with pita bread and the salad with avocado! Yum yum!
#3 Cantina del Mar – Mylopetas Beach
Located at the famous Mylopetas Beach overlooking the bay, you can’t miss this hotspot. In Cantina del Mar you enjoy fresh juices, delicious smoothies, and healthy food. Around lunchtime a favorite place for many people, but the wait for a table is more than worth it!
#4 Thai Me Up – Ios Port
Where you arrive by ferry, there you will find Thai me Up. It goes without saying, that you will find many Thai dishes on the menu such as a delicious Pad Thai, but it offers also many other healthy options. Lunch here is great! The avocado toast is so delicious and the smoothies are mouthwatering. The ideal food spot when you leave and still have to wait for your ferry. From the terrace, you see the ferries entering. Easy right!?
#5 Steps Bar – Chora
Only the colored cushions and the candles on the stairs invite you to stop here. Steps bar is tucked away in the center away from the crowds. A wonderful spot to end your evening. A glass of wine or a nice cocktail, some music in the background… what else do you need?
#6 Ciao Bella – Chora
Ciao Bella, as the name sounds, is an Italian-tinted restaurant. You will find delicious Antipasti on the menu such as bruschetta, calamari fritti, Caprese salads… and of course delicious kinds of pasta and pizzas. The red house wine is also a super good one. Located on the right as soon as you walk into the car-free town, the friendly staff will make you feel welcome. You can choose to sit on the terrace in front of the restaurant and watch the tourists passing by or choose to sit in the garden area overlooking the citrus orchard.