An institution in Mykonos Town for over 60 years, Nikos Taverna serves traditional Greek home cooking at prices well below the island's usual restaurant rates. The grilled chicken, fresh fish stew, and moussaka have been feeding hungry travelers since the 1960s.
Nikos Taverna has been feeding people in Mykonos Town since the 1960s, making it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants on an island whose dining landscape is otherwise in perpetual, expensive flux. The appeal is uncomplicated: genuine Greek home cooking — moussaka baked fresh daily, grilled chicken with lemon and oregano, fish stew with root vegetables, stuffed peppers — at prices that are genuinely modest by Mykonos standards. The dining room is a simple, unpretentious taverna interior; there are no Instagram-ready design elements, no DJ sets, no cocktail menus. What there is instead is a consistent, affordable, honest meal in a town where the alternative is typically a €70 pasta. The taverna has built a devoted following among backpackers, budget-conscious travellers, and long-term visitors to the island who have learned that the simplest option in Mykonos is often the best one. The moussaka is the signature order — a thick, bechamel-topped version that has been refined over decades. Service is straightforward and fast. The taverna is open from mid-morning through late evening throughout the season and rarely requires a booking for parties of two.
Signature dishes
- Grilled Chicken — €12
- Moussaka — €10
- Fish Stew — €14
Good to know
- Known for
- Honest traditional Greek cooking since the 1960s
- Hours
- 11 AM - 11 PM
Location
Nikos, Mykonos Town, 846 00
37.4453, 25.3285 View on map
Highlights
- Open since the 1960s — one of Mykonos Town's oldest and most consistent restaurants
- Moussaka made fresh daily — a thick, bechamel-topped benchmark of the Greek comfort food canon
- Grilled chicken with lemon and oregano at genuinely modest prices in an expensive island town
- No pretension, no design concept — just dependable Greek home cooking in a simple taverna room
- Walk-in friendly, fast service, and open from mid-morning through late evening
Tips for visiting
- The moussaka is the signature order — it is made fresh each morning and sells out by evening.
- Arrive before 7:30 PM to avoid the longest lines; the taverna fills early despite its size.
- The fish stew is an underrated option — ask if it is on the daily menu as it changes.
- No reservations needed for couples or pairs — larger groups should check ahead.
- A meal here costs roughly a third of a comparable taverna in the Chora's main streets.
When to visit
Any time from May through October, particularly at lunch when daily specials are freshest and the dining room is at its calmest. Weeknight dinners are noticeably quieter than weekends.
Accessibility
The taverna is located in central Mykonos Town on relatively accessible ground-level premises. The narrow lanes of the Chora involve some cobblestone paving on approach. The dining room interior is level with no significant steps.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a meal at Nikos Taverna typically cost?
A full meal of starter, main, and a carafe of house wine per person runs approximately €20–30 — significantly below the island average of €60–100 per head at most Mykonos restaurants.
Does Nikos Taverna take credit cards?
Card payment is generally accepted, though carrying some cash is always advisable at older family-run tavernas.
Is it suitable for vegetarians?
The moussaka, stuffed peppers, various salads, and dips provide good options for vegetarian diners.
Is the taverna open year-round?
The taverna operates throughout the main tourist season from approximately April through October. Winter availability is limited.