When I first visited Kalymnos, I expected a pretty rugged climbing paradise with decent food and minimal options. Well, I was wrong about that latter part. Kalymnos has excellent food and loads of options. I’ve visited Kalymnos many times over the last few years, here are my favorite places to eat in Kalymnos if you are on the climbing side of the island, by Massouri and Myrties.
Restaurants in Kalymnos, Massouri and Myrties
Aegean Tavern
Aegean Tavern is probably my favorite place to eat in Kalymnos. They have both indoor and outdoor seating with excellent views overlooking Telendos. The last time we visited we got the best table in the house.
They are known for fresh fish and Greek dishes. I always order fish here, and it’s never disappointing. For starters they also have excellent homemade bread, salads and warm appetizers. If you prefer meat or Moussaka, those are great options too.
To finish off – warm loukoumades are drenched in honey, sprinkled with cinnamon and served with vanilla ice cream in the center. The best sweet treat to finish off a delicious meal. Depending on the time of year, the loukoumades are included with your meal on certain days of the week. Check the sign! Ps, they beat those at Panos (further down the list).
Matheos Restaurant
My girlfriends and I first visited Matheos Restaurant one October after getting turned away from multiple other places to eat in Kalymnos because we didn’t have a reservation. Matheos, despite being busy, had a seat for us. We had low expectations. Matheos is a simple, no frills family run taverna. I was more than pleasantly surprised by our meal. In fact, this is the best place to eat fish in Kalymnos, if you ask me.
The way they grill the fish makes it so flavorful, with a salty and crispy skin and topped with sweet Greek white onion. Served with a side salad and Greek style potatoes. Their mizelli salad (a local Kalymnian specialty) is also one of the best in town. I’ve gone back year after year and can’t say a bad word about Matheos Restaurant. Definitely a must visit.
Note: Service is a bit slow, but the family is so kind and it’s worth the wait.
Tsopanakos
During our climbing course, we ate at Tsopanakos twice in one week. Our guide, Simon Montmorey, said Tsopanakos is the only place he eats on the island – always trust a local. Another family owned business, Tsopanakos did not disappoint. We had two family style meals here. The grape leaves, moussaka, grilled meats and stuffed vegetables were all so tasty. Best of all, super affordable prices.
Panos Family Restaurant
As in the name, you guessed it – family run yet again. Panos Family Restaurant is hard to miss. It’s the most colorful restaurant on this side of Kalymnos. Almost every climber passing through has eaten here at one time or another. Why? Well because they’re so friendly!
To start, they serve fresh bread, olive oil and a garlicky mashed potato dip and to finish off loukoumades in honey and cinnamon and a sweet juice on the house. The menu is extensive – salads, grilled meat and fish, classic dishes like moussaka and stuffed vegetables as well as pizzas and pastas. My favorite dish they have is the giant beans in tomato sauce. Go here for the traditional Greek dishes.
Note: The portions are large and they’ve got the best service in town! Some of the other places should take a lesson out of their book.
Kokkinidis
Kokkinidis is one of the most popular places to eat in Kalymnos for climbers. If you are looking for fresh grilled meat and fish, it’s an excellent choice. The atmosphere is a bit more upscale than some of the other restaurants, but still you’ll catch all the climbers in their standard garb. The service is friendly and the food is consistent. During the high season, make a reservation.
Prego
If you want a bit of a change from the traditional Greek cuisine, Prego is the place to eat in Kalymnos – though not my favorite choice. They are a Mediterranean restaurant with some Greek classics, but many more Italian inspired dishes.
Prego makes almost everything in house – from their breads and pastas to their limoncello. What they can’t make in house they source locally from fishmongers, farmers and other local sources.
We really enjoy the ceviche starter and homemade bread with olive oil. I’ve had the tuna – by far the prettiest and most colorful dish I’ve eaten in Kalymnos but the fish itself lacks flavor. The pizza is always a crowd pleaser, but we agree it could use more sauce, less cheese. On another visit I tried the pasta, and enjoyed that more. I’d recommend saying yes to dessert. The chocolate cake with Vouros ice cream is mouthwatering.
Note: Service is slow although extremely friendly.
Quick eats & takeaway in Kalymnos
ON THE ROAD
If you’re in Massouri or Myrties, Kalymnos you’ll likely end up eating at On the Road. Perhaps every night. Without a doubt, this is the restaurant I’ve visited most. It’s quick, satisfying and tasty Greek eats. A pork gyro is just €3.50! In addition to the best gyros on this side of the island, they also have hearty salads, burgers, plates and souvlakis too. Whether you’re on a budget or not, On the Road is the perfect place after a long day of climbing. In addition to great eats, they’ve got an incredible view overlooking Telendos and friendly service. In addition to the pork gyro, I love the On the Road salad and the falafel.
The Ice cream shop
Need to cool down after a long day at Grande Grotta, Panorama or Poets? The ice cream shop just at the base of the road is the place to go. Just at the base of the steep hill leading up to Poets, this unassuming homemade ice cream shop in Kalymnos is not only the closest, but the best spot. They have a shaded terrace where you can enjoy your ice cream or grab it for take away.
Vouros
Vouros also has great ice cream and pastries. They’re the most famous sweet treat spot in Kalymnos. Originally they only had a shop in Pothia, but recently they opened a smaller shop in the center of Massouri. Vouros is perfect for an after dinner cone. They also have a location in Kos, in case you miss it while on the island.
Granola bars at Super Market Ibiscus
This place isn’t exactly a restaurant – it’s a convenience store with homemade granola bars in the plastic case upfront. They have a huge variety of flavors and they are super affordable, less than €2 per bar. Some are sweet, some less so. The perfect snack for the crag. If you prefer something savory they also have all the normal Greek pastries like spanakopita and cheese pies.
Bars & cafes in Kalymnos
Sofrano coffee onsight
Sofrano is conveniently located between the paths leading up to Poets and Grande Grotta on the edge of town. This makes it the perfect meeting point pre or post-climb. The local guides often use it as a jumping off point to start the day. They have a full menu, cocktails, juices, coffee and more. There are a few reclining chairs where you can enjoy the view facing Emporios, as well as plenty of tables to enjoy a meal at. I’ve had snacks, spritzes, smoothies, coffees and pastries – and all were great.
Micki’s cocktail bar
Micki, born in Kalymnos and raised in Australia, returned a few years back and opened Micki’s Cocktail Bar. Micki’s is the most upscale of the bars in Kalymnos. It’s where to go if you want a proper cocktail, friendly service and top shelf liquor with a view overlooking Telendos.
Micki’s Cocktail bar is the spot for after dinner drinks. As the sign says, it opens around 6:30 ish… island time. Prices for cocktails range from €9-12 on average, so yes, it’s a splurge for Greece.
Wooden Roots
Just off the main drag, Wooden Roots is a wine bar, shop and deli. It’s a popular post-crag hangout for the local guides and expats living in Kalymnos. I often buy my honey or other souvenirs here. They have an excellent wine selection and some great afternoon sun. Definitely pop in to see what it’s all about.
Ambiance cafe & bar
Ambiance cafe & bar is open all day everyday. From breakfast through to after dinner drinks, they have something for everyone, including plenty of vegan options. They also have a pool table and a lively atmosphere in the evenings. They have a not so surprising excellent view overlooking Telendos, particularly if you walk around the back side. The food is decent, not the best.
There is no shortage of places to eat in Kalymnos with friendly hosts and tasty family recipes on the climbing side of the island. These are just some of my favorites between Myrties and Massouri. Don’t forget to also visit Pathos, where most of the locals are living, or wander off the beaten path and visit the small tavernas in the nearby villages. You won’t be disappointed.
