Sirines Restaurant, Ithaca

Sirines Restaurant overlooks the magnificent natural harbour of Vathy, the main town and capital of Ithaca, the smallest and least visited of the main Ionian Islands but one with a mythological resonance — this is the island of Odysseus. The restaurant's position on the harbourfront gives it views of the near-perfectly enclosed bay, ringed by green hills and dotted with small fishing boats and yachts, that is consistently cited as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Sirines draws on this setting without relying on it as a substitute for food quality: the kitchen sources fish locally from Ithaca's own small fleet, lamb and vegetables from island farms, and wild greens from the surrounding hillsides. Freshly grilled octopus cooked over charcoal with capers and olive oil is the signature and the dish most frequently recommended by visitors who return. Lamb dishes — slow-cooked and seasoned with island herbs — represent the land-based side of a balanced menu. Local Ithaca wine, produced in small quantities from vineyards on the island's ridges, appears on the wine list alongside broader Greek selections and is worth ordering for its rarity and genuine island character. Service is warm and unhurried, reflecting the tempo of island life on one of Greece's quieter destinations. The restaurant operates seasonally from April through October; visiting in May or September offers the harbour views and quality without the July–August crowd.