A spectacular cave restaurant literally built into a sea cave at Agrari beach, accessible only by boat, with tables positioned above the turquoise water. Spilia serves grilled fish and Cycladic meze in possibly the most dramatic dining setting in the Aegean.
Spilia is arguably the most dramatically positioned restaurant in the South Aegean: a seafood and meze taverna built directly into a natural sea cave at Agrari Beach on the southeast coast of Mykonos, where tables are cantilevered above turquoise water and the cave walls frame every view of the open Aegean. The restaurant is accessible only by boat from nearby beaches or by a short sea-taxi ride from Kalafatis, which means that the journey there is part of the experience. Inside the cave, the light shifts throughout the day as sun enters from the cave mouth and reflects off the sea below; at lunch the turquoise water is almost luminescent. The menu is a straightforward celebration of Cycladic seafood: sea urchin bruschetta with fresh roe, a whole grilled lobster sold at market weight, Cycladic-style fish soup thickened with egg and lemon, and various mezedes. The cooking is competent rather than complex — the setting provides the magic. Prices are high, matching the theatrical location and the access-by-boat inconvenience, and the whole grilled lobster can add significantly to the bill. The restaurant is seasonal and operates through the summer months only. It has become a well-known Mykonos experience that appears on many best-of-island lists, meaning that booking ahead is essential.
Signature dishes
- Sea Urchin Bruschetta — €24
- Grilled Whole Lobster — €85
- Cycladic Fish Soup — €22
Good to know
- Known for
- Unique cave restaurant accessible only by boat
- Hours
- 12 PM - 12 AM (seasonal)
Location
Agrari Beach, Mykonos, 846 00
37.4114, 25.3900 View on map
Highlights
- Built into a natural sea cave at Agrari Beach — the most dramatically positioned restaurant in Mykonos
- Accessible only by boat — the sea journey is part of the experience
- Tables suspended above turquoise Aegean water with cave walls framing the view
- Sea urchin bruschetta with fresh roe — the signature first course in one of the Cyclades' most vivid settings
- Whole grilled lobster at market weight — the centrepiece dish and a genuine spectacle
Tips for visiting
- Book a midday table for the best natural light — the turquoise water is luminescent when the sun enters the cave.
- Confirm the sea-taxi departure point and return schedule before visiting; access is boat-only.
- The sea urchin bruschetta is worth ordering even if this is the only dish — it captures the setting perfectly.
- Prices are high; a lobster lunch for two can exceed €200 — check the lobster market weight price before ordering.
- Book well in advance in July and August; the restaurant's profile means it fills quickly.
When to visit
A midday lunch in June or September offers the best combination of natural light inside the cave and manageable crowds. July and August are peak demand periods requiring advance reservations.
Accessibility
The restaurant is accessible only by boat, making it inaccessible for guests with significant mobility limitations. The cave interior has uneven stone surfaces and no formal accessibility provisions. This is an experience best suited to guests comfortable navigating a boat and uneven cave terrain.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach Spilia?
The restaurant is accessible only by sea. Sea taxis operate from Kalafatis Beach and other nearby beaches during opening hours. The team can provide guidance on access when a reservation is made.
Is the restaurant open year-round?
No — Spilia is a seasonal operation running through the summer months, typically from late May or early June through September or early October.
Is Spilia suitable for guests who are not comfortable on small boats?
The boat journey is short and the sea is generally calm in summer. However, guests with significant discomfort on water should note that the approach involves a small sea-taxi vessel.
Is the food quality as impressive as the setting?
The kitchen produces solid Cycladic seafood cooking — fresh, simply prepared, and well sourced. The setting rather than the culinary creativity is the primary draw; guests primarily focused on innovative cuisine may find it underwhelming on that dimension.