The Best Places To Eat In Sifnos, According To A Local Chef

With its whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and crystal-clear waters, Sifnos is a picture of quintessential Greece. But what the island is perhaps best known for is its food scene – a reputation which dates back many years to the early 1900s, when local chef Nicholas Tselementes wrote the first significant Greek cookbook. Nowadays, chefs like Giorgos Samolis, chef-owner of Cantina and Pelicanos, are continuing this legacy with excellent seaside tavernas, bakeries and prestigious seafood restaurants.

‘What I love about Sifnos is its bright light that fills every cell in my body with all the positive energy in the world,’ says Giorgos. ‘And the locals who are extremely dynamic, passionate, and deeply connected to their traditions, from cultivating heirloom vegetables and raising animals to cheese making, pottery and the famous folkloric fiestas.’

Below, he shares his top recommendations for dining in Sifnos – plus a few extra tips for things to do and see.

Where To Eat In Sifnos, Greece: Giorgos Samolis’ Pick

When I’m not working I’m eating at… 

Aggeles butchery and grill in Artemonas. The family raises their own pork, beef, and goats, and you can either take cuts home or have them grilled on the spot – simple and incredible. 

Afterwards, I head to the nearby Kitrino Podilato for dessert. Definitely try the loukoumades with honey and ice cream (our version of bite-sized doughnuts). 

For coffee, I recommend…

The traditional Kafenio Lakis in Apollonia, right next to the taxis. Great people watching!

You should spend sunset at…

The oldest bar in Sifnos, Old Captain at the port of Kamares.

My favourite local dish is…

Oven-baked chickpeas – I could have it every day. I’m also obsessed with the local cheese, whether aged and pungent or fresh and creamy.

Don’t miss…

Starting from Faros, you can easily walk (about 15–20 minutes) to small, charming beaches like Fasolou and Glyfo. Quiet, beautiful, and perfect for a relaxed swim. 

I also highly recommend visiting Loumidis Family Farm to get insights into traditional island living and connect with the island. 

The top place to stay is…

I really love the vibe of the FOS Collection rental units, especially the ones in Faros. There’s something special about enjoying your morning coffee or a nightcap on the balcony, with uninterrupted views of the Chrisopigi Monastery, one of Sifnos’ most iconic landmarks. 

(c) Anastasia Perahiadede

At my restaurants we’re working on…

Lamarina

Lamarina has become an amazing hub for both locals and visitors, a place where people gather daily for bread from Betty’s Bakery, coffee, breakfast, and, since last year, oven-baked traditional Greek dishes. This season, we are going even deeper into offering honest and delicious Greek food, cooked with care and at prices that remain accessible to everyone.

Cantina

Cantina continues to build on its dedication to local and seasonal ingredients, with an even stronger focus on whole-animal use and lab-driven ideas. These are expressed as a daily performance through seven-stage tasting menus (€80 and €100) which change every day. Alongside this, we offer a unique wine program featuring both Greek and international special selections.

Pelicanos

Pelicanos is now officially the best and most fun place to enjoy fish and seafood on the island, with signature dishes like Greek blue crab cacio e pepe; oven-grilled octopus with potatoes; whole catch of the day cooked bianco; and Greek bluefin tuna otoro. We continue to create new dishes using only the finest Greek fish and seafood, staying rooted in traditional Greek flavours while also drawing inspiration from international cuisine. 

This summer, we will host guest chefs from London and Paris, to be announced, on our terrace, where a 12-seat bar overlooks the charming gulf of Faros. In the same setting, we will offer a more relaxed, creative small-plates menu by the Pelicanos team. DJ sets will also take place every couple of weekends, keeping in tune within the restaurant’s atmosphere and context.