6 Best Restaurants in The Cyclades, Greece

The first of the Ammoudi fish houses that opened in the 1980s is still a standout among the several excellent tavernas that line the quay in this tiny fishing port just below Ia—you can walk down and take a cab back to town. Lapping waves, bobbing fishing boats, and tables so close to the water's edge that a clumsy move might add a swim to the evening's entertainment, testify to the freshness of the fish, which is simply grilled. Most diners arrive in time to witness the sunset, but the meal often steals the show.

Dining here is on an elevated veranda right above the calm blue waters of Agios Georgios Bay. The line of octopus and mackerel drying in the sun outside is evidence of the captain's pride in serving the freshest seafood on the island. Marcos Pipinos's family boats come in each day with fresh seafood.

A jetty juts out into the sea and is a memorable setting for lunch, while on calm nights the moon playing off the water makes this quiet outpost on the southern end of the island one of the most romantic spots around. By day it's not unusual to see fish being hauled into the kitchen fresh from the docks. Lobster spaghetti, a quick meal fishermen used to prepare in their boats, is the specialty, and the fresh catch kept on ice is nicely grilled and served with generous salads.

For more than 50 years this fresh-fish taverna is where those in the know (as well as many fishermen themselves) come for solid, no-frills food. The best choice is the catch of the day; you can pick your own fish or seafood and ask for it to be simply grilled. The menu depends on the weather, but there is always a grilled meat option if the weather is bad, and there are fine classic side dishes to choose from.  Attentive service, a more than adequate wine list, and a quiet setting add up to a recommended destination.

Good food is enhanced here by the pretty location, a few feet from the fishing boats on Naousa's harbor. The taverna specializes in fresh fish (from the fisherman a few feet away) and also fine cuisine. Such starters as tuna carpaccio with aromatic oil and smoked salt, and grilled octopus with bucovo and caper sauce segue to complex entrées like seafood pasta with diced asparagus and saffron, or fresh fresh fish baked in a salt crust (order this in advance). For dessert, try the traditional spoon sweets made by Mario's mother.

If the wind is up, the waves sing at this magical and lively spot, set on a far tip of land below the famous windmills of Mykonos. The preferred place for Greek shipowners, Sea Satin Market's fine seafood dishes are enjoyed on a beautiful seaside terrace, and even onto the sand of the beach bordering Little Venice. When it comes to fish, prices vary according to weight. Shellfish is a specialty, and everything is beautifully presented.