The best food option at the island’s port. Prices are reasonable and the food is tasty. But… the space is makeshift and the service is slow. I ate there twice—once I got takeaway, and the second time I dined in. I definitely prefer the takeaway option. The portion I got (same dish) was larger and the service was much faster. I really like that they offer traditional home-cooked Greek meals. It’s a great spot for tourists to experience authentic Greek cuisine, and also for those who don’t want to eat something greasy or go to a typical tavern. There are quite a few vegan options, mostly legume-based dishes.
Overview
Meltemi Taverna, located on Additional Unnamed Road, 840 10, Alopronia, Greece, is a charming, coastal gem that blends traditional Greek flavors with a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're strolling through the town or enjoying the serene beauty of the Greek coastline, this taverna is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
The location itself is a standout feature, offering a tranquil setting perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warm, rustic decor that echoes the natural beauty of the surroundings. The interior is cozy and inviting, with wooden tables, stone walls, and windows that let in the soft breeze, making it an ideal spot to unwind while savoring some of the best food in the area.
One of the things that sets Meltemi Taverna apart from other restaurants is its commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. The menu is a delightful mix of traditional Greek dishes, with a focus on seafood that highlights the freshest catches from the surrounding waters. You can always find a great selection of grilled fish, squid, and octopus, prepared simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs to let the natural flavors shine. For those who prefer meat, there are mouthwatering options like lamb chops, souvlaki, and moussaka, all cooked to perfection.
For starters, you can't go wrong with the classic Greek salad. Bursting with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, it's a refreshing way to begin your meal. Another favorite is the tzatziki, a creamy yogurt and cucumber dip that pairs beautifully with the warm pita bread served alongside. If you're in the mood for something heartier, the fried calamari is a crowd-pleaser, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just as it should be.
As for the main course, Meltemi Taverna offers a variety of dishes to suit different tastes. The grilled fish is always a hit, especially the local specialties like lavraki (Mediterranean bass) and dorada (sea bream), which are tender and full of flavor. For those seeking something more indulgent, the moussaka is a rich, comforting choice with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. The souvlaki, skewers of tender, marinated meat grilled to perfection, is another staple of the menu, served with sides like crispy fries or fluffy rice.
What truly elevates the experience at Meltemi Taverna is the sense of community and the attention to detail. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to make recommendations, ensuring that every guest feels at home. They take pride in their offerings and are more than willing to share the story behind the dishes, whether it's the sourcing of the ingredients or the history of a particular recipe.
While dining, it's worth mentioning the stunning views that complement your meal. Whether you're seated indoors or on the outdoor terrace, you can enjoy the sight of the glistening sea, especially as the sun sets. The peaceful surroundings make the dining experience feel like a mini escape, allowing you to truly savor every bite without the hustle and bustle of the world.
The dessert options at Meltemi Taverna are just as delightful as the main courses. A sweet treat like the traditional baklava, filled with layers of flaky pastry, honey, and nuts, is the perfect end to a Mediterranean meal. For those looking for something lighter, the Greek yogurt with honey and fresh fruit is a refreshing choice that ties in beautifully with the local flavors.
If you're in the area, Meltemi Taverna is more than just a place to eat; it's a part of the local culture. Guests often return for the authentic experience, consistently raving about the quality of the food, the beautiful setting, and the friendly service. The blend of traditional flavors with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients makes it a standout choice for both locals and tourists alike.
The next time you're visiting Alopronia, don't miss out on Meltemi Taverna. Whether it's for a quick lunch, a romantic dinner, or a gathering with friends and family, the restaurant offers an experience that’s both satisfying and memorable.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Coffee ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ RomanticCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Located on the harbour this is a real throwback to the Greece of old. Just a few tables and a spoken menu. What they have cooked today is what they have. No choice. Not a place for fussy eaters but great if you're a fan of greek goat stews or plates of unidentified fish. No music, no frills. At the end of September there was no other choice of venue on this tiny unspoiled island. Passable house red wine but the white was a bit hard going apparently. If you like bright lights.music and ambience it's not for you. If you loved Greece 50 years ago you'll think it's wonderful.
Even though it is the only restaurant in the port and despite all the bad reviews we have decided to try it. The food is great and what we missed being in Folegandros! Do not trust the bad reviews as they seem to be made by people who just confuse the island! This island is where you need to take everything easy! If the service is slow that is how people live here! Definitely a good spot that could be easily bad given it has no competition, but it is very honest and just the way they live!
Great food, very friendly service. We had Pork in the oven with mustard and Chicken in the oven with lemon sauce. Both was delicious.
Great dinner in traditional Greek tavern. By this I mean delicious home cooked food, prepared fresh so they don’t have everything on the menu at all times and when it’s gone it’s gone. Nothing out of a freezer or bought in. We had tzatziki, aubergine dip, cheese pies and rabbit. All great. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone unless they don’t like Greek food!! Lovely service and a reasonable bill as well as a nice setting overlooking the harbour! Thank you!
We decided to be safe and went for vegetarian food and we were not disappointed, very good fries, good fava and salads!
Delicious food in an idyllic setting! Wonderful salad, brilliant rabbit with potatoes and delicious braised okra. No idea why such bad ratings. We are restaurant owners and know good food - this place stands out