The rugged yet generous Cycladic island of Serifos has plenty of culinary gems to uncover. From quaint fish taverns to rustic dishes at Marathoriza, indulge in the simple authenticity of this unique island.
Explore the bars that make Serifos night life a lively one, drifting through its white paved alleys or relaxing on a lounge chair overlooking Porto Liberta beach. Finish the evening with a glass of local wine at Metalleio Restaurant.
Kato Hora
Atop a hill overlooking the village, this restaurant is worth a visit for its lovely setting and a few savoury dishes. A short menu includes casserole dishes (wild boar stew, stuffed cabbage rolls), kontosouvli and handmade pies. They also have excellent coffee and deserts.
Yao’s kitchen riffed on the flavors of song shu yu (chinese fish fragrant sauce) in his old Sawtelle spot. It made sense when he introduced this dish at Kato 2.0, which opened in February. A scallop and octopus in that aromatic base, with the island’s thyme honey and grilled rusks, is a must-try.
A grilled lamb chop with roasted red onions is another winner, as are the fried zucchini and eggplant with sassy tzatziki. Make sure you leave room for dessert – a cumulous take on bingsoo and jujube sorbet hidden inside castella cake. On our visit, the waiters were warm and attentive. A welcome change from the icy cold service that has become the norm for fine dining in Los Angeles.
Metalleio
The best restaurants in Serifos are often located on the waterfront of the island. They offer spectacular dining views and serve traditional Greek cuisine.
Guests can also try the local wines and homemade’souma,’ which is made from grape stems. The edgy industrial vibe of this Livadi eatery, which opened in 2013, mirrors the mining history of Serifos. The limited menu features creative ideas based on traditional recipes with a modern twist.
Unlike the island’s famous Cycladic’sisters’ in the Aegean Sea like Santorini and Mykonos, Serifos is still very authentic. Whether you visit the charming time-less tavernas or indulge in fine Mediterranean cuisine, your trip to this rugged island will leave you with a sense of true Greek spirit.
Cyclops Taverna
Located just off the main square in the lower part of the hilltop town (Livadi), Cyclops Taverna is my favorite place to sample traditional Serifian food. The taverna is named after the cyclops that was the two-eyed monster of folklore and was killed by a Cremonian woman who could see past his beastly exterior. The restaurant is named in his honor and remains a family run establishment.
The menu is simple and delicious. Mrs Margarita, whose name is on the sign out front, will come out to greet you and then she or someone in her family will tell you what home cooked meals they have prepared that day. This is truly local eating at its best.
The menu has recently undergone a makeover with new appetizers like a roasted chicken quesadilla and the generous hummus plate, and entrees such as the grilled rooster in tomato sauce or the seafood pasta dish. A new Sunday brunch menu is also in the works with items like Chicken Fried Shrimp & Grits and seasonal berry pancakes.