Skopelos has a compact but quality restaurant scene — small enough that word of mouth still works, large enough to offer genuine variety between a harbour-front fish dinner in Chora, a simple grill at Panormos, and a village lunch in Glossa.
In Skopelos Town
The port promenade holds most of Chora’s restaurants. Molos is one of the longest-established tavernas, reliable for grilled fish and classic Greek mezedes at tables right on the harbour. Platanos, in the small square above the port named for the plane tree, serves a good mix of meat dishes and local vegetables. For the most local experience, seek out the smaller establishments in the alleyways of the old town — fewer tourists, more character, similar prices.
George Xintaris’ taverna on the harbour has become associated with the rebetika music tradition — traditional Greek songs played live on weekend evenings. The food is unremarkable, but the music makes it worth an evening.
At Agnontas and the beaches
Agnontas harbour-front tavernas offer the island’s most authentic seafood setting — you eat on plastic chairs at harbour’s edge, watching fishing boats, ordering whatever the owner suggests from that day’s catch. Prices are fair. Panormos beach tavernas are adequate — fine for lunch on the beach but not destination dining. Kastani beach bar does grilled food well, particularly the octopus.
In Glossa
Glossa has a small number of tavernas serving traditional food at slightly lower prices than Chora, and with an audience of local residents as well as visiting day-trippers. Taverna Platanos (not related to the Chora taverna) is the main option — reliably open in season, serving local dishes including lamb, grilled fish, and cheese pies. The village bakery supplies the bread.
Practical tips
- Reserve for dinner in high season (July–August) at the better Chora restaurants — not all accept phone bookings; visit in person earlier in the day
- Lunch at beach tavernas is generally more reliable (and affordable) than dinner
- The island’s fish arrives fresh daily at the harbour — ask what came in before ordering
- A typical three-course dinner with wine at a Chora taverna runs €25–40 per person
- Tipping: not obligatory, but 10% is standard for good service
- Most tavernas close from roughly October to May — confirm before travelling in the shoulder season
Also in This Section
- Local food — Cheese pies, Skopelos plums, olive oil, honey — a guide to what’s genuinely local.
- Bars — Harbour bars, beach sundowners at Kastani, and rebetika music on weekend evenings.