Best Restaurants in Kos – Handpicked by Locals

From family-run tavernas in Kos Town to seaside grills in Mastichari, this is our concise shortlist of the best restaurants in Kos. Expect proper meze, charcoal-grilled meats and fresh Aegean seafood—no tourist-trap gimmicks. Every place is tried and trusted by people who live here, with consistent cooking, fair prices and warm service.

Start in Kos Town for classic tavernas and fish; head to Zia for sunset dinners; try Tigaki and Kardamena for beachside grills and easy nights out; explore Mastichari and Kefalos for village cooking and quiet terraces. Filter by area to plan quickly, or browse the full list of restaurants in Kos to build your own map. Each listing includes highlights, location tips and what locals actually order.