With the sheer variety of magical islands, incredible beaches, and adventurous activities on offer, the Cyclades don’t hold back when it comes to unmissable destinations. Still, we can confidently say that the underrated island of Paros just might be the most versatile.
It has become a watersports hub, although tourists are consistently entranced by its peaceful coves, colorful villages, charming Greek tavernas, and glamorous nightlife too. Paros is steeped in history with a slew of ancient quarries, caves, and other landmarks just waiting to be explored, but the island has also given rise to a thriving culinary scene, with a host of restaurants and cafés serving world-class cuisine dotted around.
That being said, it can be hard to choose where to eat with so many options to pick from. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best breakfasts in Paros to fuel your days of exploring – breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all. Let’s go.
Symposium Café, Parikia
First up on our list, is the chic and arty Symposium Cafe in the vibrant capital of Parikia. Boasting traditional Greek cafe decor, complete with quaint, round tables, flowers, and colorful chairs, it’s an excellent place to visit for any meal at any time of the day.
What’s more, the setting is to die for. Located on the outskirts of town, under a massive bougainvillea tree, and backed by a soundtrack of tasteful jazz and classical music, you can ensure an elegant atmosphere for your breakfast. The food is delicious and the breakfast salads are particularly revered. Although, their mouthwatering omelets and pancakes are well worth a try as well.
Another highlight is the ‘Symposium Breakfast’, which includes freshly baked bread, and croissants served with jam or honey, fried eggs, ham or bacon, and Emmental cheese. All in all, it’s a charming little cafe that’s sure to be a hit with romantics, and a great place to soak up the local island vibe while escaping Parikia’s hustle and bustle.
Price: $$-$$$
Rating: 4.8/5
Address: Mantws Mayrogenoys 28, Γεφυράκι 844 00, Greece
Contact: P. +30 2284 024147
Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm – 12 am, Wednesdays, 12 am – 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm – 12 am.
Mana Mana, Parikia
Next up is Mana Mana, also located in Parikia in the old town. From the exceptional dishes to the shaded courtyard, and relaxing atmosphere, it’s undoubtedly one of the best breakfast spots to visit in Paros.
The dishes on their menu offer more than enough variety to satisfy even the fussiest eaters, and while It’s gained a bit of a reputation for its delectable breakfasts, it’s a great place for brunch too. You’ll have the choice between everything from pasta and salads to fresh fish and calamari, but the sweets and pastries are perfect for an indulgent start to the day. There are also strawberry pancakes and fresh smoothies on the menu.
Everything considered Mana Mana just might be the perfect place to escape the scorching Mediterranean sun with good company and a delicious meal. We’re confident that you’ll become a repeat visitor.
Price: $$
Rating: 4.4/5
Address: Lochagoi Georgioi Gravari 23a, Paros 844 00, Greece
Contact: P. +30 2284 022572
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 am – 12 am
Sousouro, Naoussa
Located in a pretty corner in the endearing old town of Naoussa in the northeast of the island, the infamous Sousouro is hard to miss. It’s gained quite a reputation for being a bustling cocktail bar at night, but it operates as a thriving cafe by day as well.
Sousoura is a stylish establishment offering gorgeous outdoor seating and is big on flavor. The breakfast menu is adorned with organic ingredients and is one of the islands’ best. There’s no shortage of creative and healthy options, with a typical Sousouro breakfast including superfood smoothies and shakes in addition to a range of imaginative pairings. Highlights include homemade granola with sheep’s-milk yogurt and thyme honey and toast topped with smashed avocado or almond paste, fresh fig, pumpkin seeds, organic vanilla, and fir honey.
Needless to say, Sousouro is a charming place to have breakfast if you’re based in this corner of the island. Naoussa is strategically located close to one of Paros’s most beautiful beaches, the golden Kolympethres Beach. Head for a snorkel and sunbathe after you’re food has settled and you could even head back to Sousouro in the evening for a few cocktails and a memorable night out.
Price: $$
Rating: 4.5/5
Address: Naousa 844 01, Greece
Contact: P. +30 2284 053113
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 am – 3:30 am
Ramnos Café, Lefkes
Nestled in the main street of picturesque Lefkes, Ramnos Cafe is a serene haven with magnificent terrace views. Interestingly enough, its name is derived from the homonymous plant, a thorny bush with small red fruits that used to grow on both sides of the streets where the cafe is located.
It’s become a tourist favorite, thanks to its world-class selection of bagels, waffles, omelets, and crepes, in addition to its strong coffee, fresh smoothies, and homemade lemonades. Some of our favorite breakfast dishes include the feta, tomato, and mushroom crepe, Spanokopita pie, as well as hazelnut-topped waffles.
Better yet, all of their dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, and presented to a high standard, while the staff have a reputation for their charm. As such, it’s a great place to enjoy a moment of tranquility with a gorgeous view and experience the essence of central Paros.
Price: $$-$$$
Rating: 4.5/5
Address: Naousa 844 01, Greece
Contact: P. +30 2284 053113
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 am – 3:30 am
Distrato Café, Parikia
Hidden down an alley in Parikia, Distrato is a homely courtyard café known for its quality coffee and generous portions. It’s open all day and serves a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, pasta, crepes, yogurts, and local liquor, with its own sister shop next door selling local produce.
Distrato’s tables are set under a leafy canopy, which creates a lovely shaded area to dine, and a relaxed ambiance, while the staff are known to be exceedingly friendly. The café has a long history and locals have favored it as a hangout for years.
Our menu highlights include the waffles and unforgettable savory omelets. However, the pasta dishes, burgers, and milkshakes definitely shouldn’t be underestimated. There’s even a vegan menu for plant-based diners. Distrato means “distract” in Greek, and this haven of a café is designed to do just that. Forget about the stresses of the day ahead and enjoy great food with friends in an idyllic setting.
Price: $$-$$$
Rating: 4.4/5
Address: Lochagoi Georgioi Gravari 23, Paros 844 00, Greece
Contact: P. +30 2284 025175
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 am – 11:30 pm
Kafe Karino, Naoussa
With an excellent selection of food at reasonable prices, in addition to sweeping marina views, Kafe Karino is another hotspot in the port of Naoussa. It’s the ideal place to watch the yachts bob in the harbor while fueling up for the day within a cosmopolitan setting.
You can’t go wrong with the greek omelets, nor the poached eggs with avo, although the pancakes and breakfast bowls are delicious as well. Add fast wi-fi, a winter fireplace, and gluten-free options, and you’re left with one of the top spots to unwind with a sumptuous breakfast in Paros.
Price: $$-$$$
Rating: 4.4/5
Address: Naousa 844 01, Greece
Contact: P. +30 2284 051667
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 am – 12 pm
Meltemi, Parikia
Last, but not least we have the harbor facing Meltemi Cafe in Parikia. It might not offer the elegant presentation of some of the other cafes on our list, but the beautiful location and flavors of their dishes more than compensate for it.
All of the food in this bustling café, served day and night, is prepared using local, fresh ingredients, on top of which the service is faultlessly friendly, and the portions generous. You won’t be able to get enough of the sautéed mushrooms with garlic, eggs benedict, and waffles, but there are plenty more options to choose from and a vegetarian menu too.
Be sure to come back to savor the cocktails in the evening or kickstart the day with a Bloody Mary if you had one too many the night before. Better yet, Meltemi is one of the cheapest breakfast spots in Paros’ capital.
Price: $
Rating: 4.5/5
Address: Seafront, Parikia, Paros 84400, Greece
Contact: P. +30 2284 021092
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 am–2 am
What is a typical breakfast in Greece?
A typical breakfast in Greece usually consists of bread, pastries, buns, and jams, with Greek yogurts, fruit, cheese, cold cuts, and eggs. Greek breakfasts are traditionally nutritious and high in healthy fats. The Greeks will even have olives and tahini at breakfast to fuel them for the day, and Greek breakfast pie, comprising flaky pastry with cheese and vegetables.
Most restaurants and hotels will offer a cold Greek spread as well as cooked options, such as omelets with cheese, vegetables, and ham. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day in Greece, and in many villages, it’s supposed to be the most filling.
What is a typical Greek lunch?
Lunch in Greece is usually a light affair to make up for a filling breakfast and save space for a nutritious dinner. Common lunch dishes include gyros, stuffed flatbreads, moussaka, and salad, all served in small portions.
What is Greece’s national dish?
The most prevalent national dish in Greece is Moussaka, a layered tray bake comprised of thinly sliced potato, eggplant, zucchini, and ground meat, usually lamb. The dish is topped with a thick layer of creamy béchamel sauce and grated cheese. Moussaka is not dissimilar to lasagna, but potato takes the place of pasta sheets in the Greek variation. Gyros, souvlaki, and kokoretsi are other national dishes that tourists and locals love.
When is the best time to go to Paros?
Paros’ Mediterranean climate means the weather is always pleasant, with plenty of sunshine, long dry summers, and short mild winters. Things start to heat up towards the end of spring and the island is most popular between June and August when average highs reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit and swimming is most favorable. However, Paros is busiest at this time of year and can be unbearably hot for some. Consider visiting from April to June, or in September and October for fewer crowds, hotel discounts, and a refreshing breeze.
