A charming restaurant in the main village of Gaios on Paxos, Anthos serves traditional Greek food with a focus on local produce including excellent Paxiot olive oil. The garden setting with views toward the harbor is lovely.
Anthos Restaurant is situated in Gaios, the main village and harbour of Paxos, one of the smallest and most exclusive islands in the Ionian group. Paxos is known in Greece primarily for two things: its extraordinary olive oil and its discreet, affluent visitor base of sailing enthusiasts and Corfu-based weekenders who cross the twenty-kilometre channel by private boat or hydrofoil. Anthos positions itself well in this context — a garden restaurant with views toward the Gaios harbour mouth, serving food that honours the exceptional quality of locally grown ingredients without the price premium that some Gaios restaurants leverage against their captive sailing clientele. The menu relies heavily on olive oil: the extraordinary Paxiot extra-virgin, cold-pressed from Lianolia olives unique to the island, appears in salad dressings, marinades, and as a dipping medium for fresh bread with a depth and fruitiness that mainland oils rarely match. Fresh fish from local boats, cheese boards featuring Greek sheep's milk varieties, and grilled vegetables dressed simply with the island's oil make up the core of the menu. The garden setting, enclosed by fragrant climbing plants and lit warmly in the evenings, gives the restaurant one of the most pleasant atmospheres on an island not short of pleasant atmospheres. Anthos operates from May through September in line with the island's tourism season.
Good to know
- Hours
- 12PM-10PM (May-September)
- Reservations
- Recommended
Location
Gaios Village, Paxos, 49082
39.1946, 20.1642 View on map
Highlights
- Extraordinary Paxiot extra-virgin olive oil from Lianolia olives — the centrepiece ingredient of the menu
- Garden restaurant in Gaios village with views toward the harbour mouth and islets
- Fresh fish from local Paxos fishing boats, prepared simply to showcase their quality
- One of the most pleasant dining atmospheres on a very small island with limited restaurant options
- Greek cheese boards with quality sheep's milk varieties paired with the local olive oil
Tips for visiting
- Order the salad specifically to taste the Paxiot olive oil — it is genuinely among the finest in Greece.
- Ask whether locally produced olive oil can be purchased to take home; some restaurants and shops on Paxos sell bottled versions.
- Gaios harbour fills with yachts in July and August; evening tables at Anthos are best booked in advance during peak weeks.
- Paxos is accessible by hydrofoil from Corfu (45 minutes) or by ferry from Igoumenitsa — day visits are popular.
- The island has very few restaurants; Anthos is a reliable choice, but arriving without a booking on a busy summer evening carries risk.
Accessibility
Anthos Restaurant is in Gaios village at ground level. The garden dining area is generally flat though some garden paths may be uneven. Access from the Gaios harbour quayside involves a short flat walk through the village. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the restaurant to confirm table placement.
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Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach Paxos and Gaios village?
Paxos is reached by regular hydrofoil from Corfu (approximately 45 minutes) and by ferry from Igoumenitsa on the mainland. Gaios is the main village and ferry port, where Anthos Restaurant is located.
What makes Paxiot olive oil special?
Paxos produces olive oil from the Lianolia olive, a variety native to the Ionian Islands and found in concentrated form on Paxos. The island's terrain and microclimate produce an oil of distinctive fruitiness and low acidity highly regarded by Greek food experts.
Is Anthos Restaurant open year-round?
No — the restaurant operates seasonally from May through September, in line with Paxos's tourism season. The island is very quiet and most services close outside these months.
Is Anthos suitable for those arriving by yacht?
Yes — the Gaios harbour can accommodate yachts and dinghies, and the restaurant is a short walk from the quayside. It is a well-known stop among the sailing community that visits the Ionian Islands.