Perivoli

In the town just up from Platanos Sq, this is reknown for its lovely setting in a perivoli (orchard). It’s very popular with western tourists and serves classic dishes with a slightly western touch. Grilled lamb with oregano is usually good. Also difficult to get a table in the high season.

Limni

Just as you are at the crossroads going out of town is this specialist grill cafe. Not posh, not old, no view, but aimed at locals who know their meats. This is a favourite of all my builders and their families. There are many local charcoal cooked dishes such as kokoretsi (which is an anatomy lesson in itself, intestines stuffed with offal) and more easily consumed pieces of chicken, pork, lamb sausage, souvlaki, giros etc for the more faint hearted.

Apolafsi

On the main road out of town this great little place suffers for its location in the midst of rent a car heaven, it doesn’t have the wow factor of facing the sea but it creates its own little haven which is only spoiled by the hormonally challenged lads occasionally screaming by on the mopeds. The food is really good, straight forward Greek fare, perfectly cooked and makes up for the lack of gently bobbing fishing boats in front of your table. The usual dishes and mix, their grilled meats and fish are really good and probably the best prices to be had in town. Very nice family own and run the place and it is much used by the ex pat community. If they have fish soup on try it, it's excellent.

Akrotiri

This place opened 2 years' ago on the Stafylos rd and has now moved to the sea-front out towards the bar area. It is owned by a local family who have their own goat herds and their specialities include goat(!), goat soup, chicken gizzard soup and many things that unfortunately most tourists won't try. For the faint hearted though there are many normal dishes worth a try. For a taste of local life -go on order some goat!

Aiolli

Further along the seafront is a new addition in Skopelos Village Hotel, an up-market restaurant with a view back towards Skopelos old town. It's quite posh but not in a stiff way, they are relaxed and friendly and have a different take on traditional dishes with great flavours. Their fava for instance is pureed with sorrel to give a lovely lemony tang. A high standard of cooking, slightly more pricey but worth it. Try the horta keftedes- wild greens and herbs cooked as a patty or grandmothers meatballs!

Finikas

A new restaurant from the people who used to have Anna’s. I haven’t tried it yet so it's included on past reputation alone. If you managed to go at the end of last year when it first opened let us know what you thought! www.finikas.gr

Outside town

Terpsis

On the Stafylos Rd about 2 kilometres outside town, this is one of the oldest tavernas on the island starting in the 1960’s. Its speciality is stuffed chicken! The food can be quite heavy but a nice setting, one to try if you are in search of something a little different.

Agnondas

Beautiful little harbour with 3 tavernas, 2 where you can almost get your feet wet and one, Kiria Fotinis, which is on the other side of the road but has tables on the beach in the evening. The setting is great and food goes between good and very good, all worth a try. Obviously seafood is the speciality here and they all have tanks of live lobsters etc. Fish is sold by weight so ask to see them then get them to weigh what you want so you know the price, it saves a nasty shock as some fish can be quite pricey. Try the barbounia (red mullet) if you are feeling flush,(koutsoumoura look and-taste almost identical but are cheaper) or just have the wonderful gavros (whitebait) which are cheap and delicious.

Panormos

Similar to Agnondas but a wider, longer beach, a bigger village, and tavernas on the beach. Amazingly beautiful bay and the view across to Skiathos at sunset is so stunning that the food is secondary. Also at the north end of the beach is limniaraki a small taverna which has a great position with good traditional food. Bring sunglasses.

Glossa

Agnanti

Must be a contender for best on the island. Its position is amazing with spectacular views from its lofty perch in Glossa town and the food is great, another take on the Greek standards but lovely tastes and flavours.The place is also stylish in a modern rustic way and although prices are high for Skopelos (where food is cheap), its well worth it. Try the pork with plums and the aubergine rolled around soft cheese.
www.agnanti-rest.gr

To Stekki to Masteras

Next to the church as you drive into the outskirts of Glossa is this simple little cafe with no pretentions at all. Its name means “the place where the master builders hang out” so it isn’t aiming at haute cuisine. It does however have a great view and it does ok food and snacks. Sometimes in the summer the barbecue is in full swing and that's when it's at its best. Try the souvlaki.