Philosophia, Milos

Philosophia is a family-run taverna in the hilltop village of Plaka on the island of Milos, perched above the colourful fishing settlement of Klima with views extending across the bay and the Aegean beyond. Plaka is Milos' most attractive village — a whitewashed Cycladic settlement with narrow lanes, a Venetian castle, and exceptional elevated views — and Philosophia is its best-known dining address. The menu draws on the traditions of the Greek island kitchen with ingredients sourced from Milos and the surrounding Aegean: the island's volcanic geology produces unique local cheeses and cured meats that make their way onto the kitchen's mezedes plates, and the homemade loukoumades drizzled with local thyme honey have become a signature preparation that regulars return for. The lentil soup, a daily preparation made with quality pulses and a generous pour of olive oil, is a humble but deeply satisfying option. Pork stifado — braised in red wine with pearl onions and bay — represents the taverna's main meat preparation at a very fair price. The terrace view from Plaka at sunset across the Milos archipelago is widely considered one of the finest in the Cyclades, though less marketed than Santorini's caldera and thus available without a reservation battle.