Cafes, Tavernas, and Dining on Hydra

The food in Hydra is mostly excellent, even in the cafes on the waterfront which have a lot of choices but are a little expensive. Then again you know how it is when you are at a place where the main entertainment is people-watching. You pay for the good seats and except for Mykonos, these are the best seats in Greece. For a cheap night out your best bet is to go to one of the restaurants on the back streets and do your eating and drinking there. In the daytime people eat along the shore where the sea breeze keeps them cool and they can take a swim before or after lunch.

My friend Ana loves the Kryfo Limani or Secret Port of Captain Andreas which is suitably named because you will never find it if you are not looking very diligently. If you walk up the street from where the donkeys hang out and take the right fork and then after about two blocks begin asking directions then you may. Lonely Planet recommends The Terrace for their excellent dishes, retsina and low prices. Also the Garden Resturant, a psistaria (grilled meats) in a pretty enclosed garden received high marks in the budget-eating section. For ouzo and mezedes they suggest Strofilia for their spetsofai (spicy sausage in tomato sauce).


The most traditional restaurant by far is Leonidas Taverna in Kala Pigadia. Take Miaoulis, the road next to the monastery and keep walking and eventually you will see it your right...maybe.

But your best bet is to call and make reservations before you come because it is small and popular. (0298) 53097


Easier to find is the Sunset Restaurant which sits on the ramparts overlooking the rocks where everyone swims just beyond the harbor. The food is excellent and the view is too. Great place for dinner or lunch and an ouzo and meze while you watch the sunsets that Hydra is famous for. Say hello to George, an old friend and North Carolina resident who cooks and helps run the place during the summer. Lots of fish dishes and great kalamarakia. Try the Garides saganaki which is shrimp cooked with cheese in tomato sauce.

Used with permission from Matt Barrett's Guide to Greece