Hydra has a vibrant culinary scene with a focus on fresh seafood, traditional Greek dishes and Mediterranean flavours with a twist.
One thing we learned is that Greeks eat late, so aim for a 9 PM reservation to blend in with the locals. We made the mistake of booking our tables for 7:30 PM and ended up being the first ones seated every time.
We list 7 of the best restaurants in Hydra, Greece, each with its own unique charm - from tucked-away gems to spots with superb sunset views.
Overview: 7 Unique Restaurants in Hydra, Greece |
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7 Best Hydra, Greece Restaurants
1. Best for lunch along Hydra Port: Isalos Cafe
Isalos Cafe quickly became our favourite spot at the harbour, thanks to its delicious smoothies and prime people-watching. It turned into our go-to place to visit each morning. We’d settle into our favourite table, sip coffee, enjoy refreshing smoothies and soak in the lively atmosphere as ferry passengers strolled by.
We don’t usually expect much from the food at tourist-oriented harbourfront restaurants, but everything we had here was tasty and comforting.
I couldn’t get enough of their spicy summer spaghetti, made with fresh tomato sauce, garlic, rocket, basil, hot pepper and a generous amount of buffalo mozzarella.
Their smoothies were also the best we had on the island - our favourite was the Isalos Low Fat Smoothie with banana, spinach, kiwis, strawberries, vanilla and almond milk.
✔️ Top Tip: If you’re catching a ferry back to Athens, Isalos Cafe is a great place to grab a bite before you go. There is plenty of space to keep your suitcases by your table outside, and you can watch your ferry come in.
2. Best for the setting: Techne
Prime people watching at Techne Restaurant
Techne is a hidden gem nestled along the coastal walking path between Hydronetta Bar and Kamini village. With its delicious Mediterranean dishes, creative cocktails, excellent service and lively "see and be seen" crowd, it’s the perfect spot for an elegant evening out.
✔️ Top Tip: Reserve one of their elevated courtyard tables for stunning sea views, and have fun watching as dressed-up diners arrive and people casually stroll by on the coastal path.
Techne is one of the few places you can make a reservation online.
3. Best for value: ... and onion!
Enjoy a satisfying gyro at ... and Onion! It's one of the most affordable and delicious meals on Hydra Island. It was always packed whenever we walked by.
I had the spit-roasted chicken pita, packed with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and French fries. It might just be the best gyro I’ve ever had.
It's fast, made to order, and you can either take it to go or enjoy it at their outdoor tables.
✔️ Top Tip: don't go without adding the french fries to your gyro! It's a tasty, authentic twist.
4. Best for a change from Greek fare: Il Casta
Although Il Casta may not have the panoramic views of some other restaurants, its charming leafy courtyard and sophisticated ambience make it stand out.
The South Italian menu, featuring handmade pasta, provides a delightful change from Greek fare. We loved the quirky, stylish decor with mismatched hand-painted plates.
Il Casta is one of Hydra's top dining spots, so be sure to call ahead for a reservation.
✔️ Top Tip: order a glass of their perfectly chilled house wine to pair with your meal.
5. Best for sunset views: Omilos
With its outdoor tables overlooking the sea, Omilos offers one of the best sunset dining experiences on Hydra. It's definitely the place to go for a romantic date.
As a fine-dining restaurant, the dishes are on the pricier side, but they were delightful and beautifully presented. You're paying for that stellar view!
The restaurant attracts a "yacht crowd," which can feel a bit touristy, but dining by the sea and feeling the glow of the setting sun makes it all worth it.
✔️ Top Tip: when making a reservation, request a table outside along the ledge.
6. Best for an authentic, local feel: Pirofani
If you’re looking for a charming, off-the-beaten-path dining experience, Pirofani in the quiet village of Kamini is the place to go. This taverna offers a range of eclectic Greek dishes, and the charismatic owner adds a special touch to the meal. Check out their menu.
After dining, take a lovely stroll back to Hydra Port along the scenic path - it’s a beautiful walk.
✔️ Top Tip: Be sure to call ahead and make a reservation - we overheard they were fully booked when we went.
7. Best for fresh seafood: Ostria
Enjoy a relaxed meal in the courtyard square at Ostria. This family-run spot, managed by a husband-and-wife due, features seafood straight from the husband’s daily catch.
Check their blackboard for features like local fresh fish, octopus, calamari, shrimps and sardines on the grill.
✔️ Top Tip: don't limit yourself to just the seafood - everything we tried was a hit, especially the fried saganaki.... yum!
Enjoy dining at these unique restaurants in Hydra, Greece!
Only have time for a few restaurants? Out of the seven restaurants, our favourites were Techne, Il Casta, ... and onion!, and Isalos.
Searching for a place to stay on Hydra Island? We enjoyed our stay in the Sunset Studio at Hydra Dream Houses. It was peaceful, conveniently located near the central strip, and we enjoyed unwinding on the private terrace with a view. 🛌 Browse more stays on Hydra Island
Don't miss our other Hydra Island travel guides:
- 3 Day Hydra Itinerary to see the highlights
- 18 Best things to do on Hydra Island
- Day trip guide to St. Nicholas Beach
- How to get to Hydra from Athens
- Greece 5 Day Itinerary - Athens & Hydra
Get started on planning your trip to Hydra
- 🛌 Accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- ⛴️ Compare ferry rates: with Direct Ferries
- ✈️ Compare flights: with Skyscanner
Don't forget about travel insurance
👩⚕️ For affordable travel insurance: go with SafetyWing - it's budget-friendly and you can even buy it while abroad, but note the max medical coverage is $250,000 USD. 🏥 For comprehensive travel insurance: go with World Nomads - it's more expensive, but the max emergency medical coverage is $5-10 million, depending on the plan.Save and pin these 7 restaurants on Hydra Island for later:
