8 Best Restaurants in The Northern Aegean Islands, Greece

A standout among the affable places along the harbor front, Elia is a little more sophisticated than its neighbors in its surroundings and, with a Swedish chef, offers a refreshingly eclectic take on Greek cuisine, with a big nod to local flavors. Prawns are sautéed in ouzo and meats are cooked with Samos wine. As you would expect, the wine list is full of Samian vintages as well as a few of the best from the rest of Greece.

This centuries-old landmark on the main thoroughfare between the old and new harbors dates back to Ottoman times, and is perhaps the best place in town to sip ouzo—you'll be sat beneath a vine-shaded terrace at a wizened set of table and chairs with plenty of old-world relics to eye over while you wait. A long list of mouth-watering and excellent value mezedes are on the menu, such as soutzoukakia, octopus in wine sauce, long-cooked chickpeas, baked aubergines, and homemade sausages, plus traditional desserts including halva.

A favorite stop in Chios Town is this modern, trendy ice cream shop that has been making its best-selling praline ice cream since 1930. It's open from early morning well into the wee hours. The mastic-flavor ice cream is a must-try.

Family portraits and brass implements hang below a wood-beam ceiling at this spacious taverna that shows off its 19th-century origins. In addition to deep-fried dishes, there's reliably good seafood, and it's delicious with the homemade retsina or ouzo. For dessert order yogurt with homemade cherry or quince preserves.

Totem poles, colored coconut lamps, and other knickknacks make this beach bar endearing in its evocation of the South Pacific, as if the setting weren't transporting enough. The owner and his wife serve omelets, fruits, yogurt, and sweet Greek coffee for breakfast, and simple dishes like pizzas, veggie spring rolls, sandwiches, and cheese platters the rest of the day. The music might be characterized as sophisticated lounge; the owner calls it "intellectual."

This harborside favorite serves seafood that's grilled to perfection including the island's famous sardines, all caught locally. It's best to enjoy the fresh fish and seafood, garden-grown vegetables, and tantalizing homemade dips as small mezedes to be shared—six are recommended for two. Owners Melinda and Theo (wonderful resources for visitors) also rent upscale houses a short walk away. Grab a seat early, as the Table gets busy quickly.