I am not really sure why, but I have the impression as if I enjoyed lunch on the beach more than dinner in the village. That also holds true for Naxos. Maybe it was the sound of the waves and the slight breeze that wetted my apetite. In any case, both beaches of Koufonisia offered restaurants with amazing food. Yours, Pollybert
Fanos seaside bar: They have a few studios in the back to rent, but my interest was solely on the beach bar. This was the only place I saw on the island with loungers and from the restaurant you have a direct view of them and the sea beyond. Fanos Seaside Bar also serves a delicious coffee.
coffee @Fanos seaside bar
The Greek salad here comes with soft cheese and was very tasty. It was a generous portion with lots of local island cheese on top.
Greek salad with soft cheese @Fanos seaside bar
The octopus in vinegar did not impress me at first bite, but fortunately that changed with the second. The meat was tender and delicious. The marinade was not too acidic, so I could happily dip my bread into it.
octopus in vinegar @Fanos seaside bar
During my second visit the seasonal Meltemi winds were blowing, but Fanos Seaside Bar rolled down covers on the sides to protect its customers from the strong wind. This time I ordered moussaka, which I loved, especially since it was made not only with eggplant but also with zucchini. There was a slight hint of cinnamon in the meat sauce and the creamy béchamel topping was to die for.
moussaka @Fanos seaside bar
The food at Fanos Seaside Bar was really good. It is certainly not the cheapest restaurant on the island, but it is stylish and offers delicious options.
Finikas bar & restaurant: There is also a hotel attached to this restaurant. Apparently in Koufonisia everyone dabbles in the two main tourist businesses. No matter though, this family clearly knows what they are doing. If you stay at the beach, you can time your visit so you do not have to wait. This place is busy and was always full when I came for lunch. It is a bit more rustic than Fanos Seaside Bar, but it has its own charm.
Finikas bar & restaurant @Koufonisia
The waiters do their utmost to keep the waiting time to a minimum, but be patient and more importantly be ready when someone comes to take your order. On my first visit I had a Greek salad with feta cheese and meatballs with fries. The Greek salad was delicious, a nice portion, and the vegetables were bursting with flavor. Extra olive oil and vinegar were served on the side.
Greek salad with feta @Finikas bar & restaurant
The meatballs were tasty as well, but I did miss the tomato sauce. Unfortunately this version of meatballs was no longer available later on. You definitely need to come early to Finikas Bar & Restaurant. The chips were homemade and I probably should have ordered tzatziki with them, but that would have been too much for this visit.
meatballs with homemade chips @Finikas bar & restaurant
On my last day on Koufonisia I went back to Finikas Bar & Restaurant as I really wanted to eat here one more time. Every time I passed this place on my way to Fanos Beach it was bustling with people. For lunch that day I ordered some octopus salad and a plate of grilled vegetables with tzatziki on the side. I definitely learned from my mistakes, there is always room for tzatziki.
octopus salad and tzatziki @Finikas bar & restaurant
The vegetable plate consisted of oyster mushrooms and long red peppers, what an interesting combination! It was a fantastic last meal on the island and I was glad to have returned. Finikas bar & restaurant was a really good place to eat!
grilled vegetables @Finikas bar & restaurant
