Paxos Island, a hidden gem in the Ionian Sea, is not just known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters but also for its rich culinary heritage. For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, Paxos offers an array of delicious dishes that celebrate the island’s fresh produce and traditional recipes. From vibrant salads to hearty main courses and savory pites, the island’s restaurants and tavernas have something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer or a filling meal, Paxos provides a variety of options that are both flavorful and nutritious, making it easy to enjoy the local cuisine while sticking to your dietary preferences.
Appetizers and Dips
Start your meal with Paxos’ flavorful appetizers and dips, perfect for sharing or as a light meal.
Fried Feta with Honey
A delectable combination of crispy fried feta drizzled with honey, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Where to Find: Available at many tavernas, with a photo from Taverna Nassos.
Courgette Balls with Feta Cheese (Kolokithokeftedes)
These zucchini fritters are packed with flavor, featuring a blend of grated zucchini, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, lightly fried to golden perfection.
Where to Find: Commonly found in most restaurants, with a photo from Taverna Nassos.
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Deep Fried Zucchini Spirals (Kolokithakia Tiganita)
Thinly sliced zucchini, deep-fried until crispy, perfect for dipping in Tzatziki or enjoying on their own.
Where to Find: Available in most restaurants, with a photo from Taverna Nassos.
Aubergine Rolls with Feta and Mushrooms
Grilled aubergine slices rolled with a savory filling of feta cheese and mushrooms, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Where to Find: Taverna Nassos.
Cretan Dacos
A traditional Cretan dish made with barley rusks (Paximadi) topped with chopped tomatoes, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Where to Find: Many restaurants, with a photo from Taverna Nassos.
Mushrooms with Garlic
Sautéed mushrooms infused with the rich flavor of garlic, offering a simple yet satisfying dish.
Where to Find: Taverna Pounentes.
Stuffed Mushrooms with Pligouri and Feta Cream
Large mushrooms stuffed with pligouri (bulgur wheat) and topped with a creamy feta sauce.
Where to Find: Taverna Pounentes.
Complete List of Appetizers and Dips
Appetizers
| Dish | Vegan | Basic Ingredients | Restaurants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese Saganaki | No | Cheese, Flour, Oil | Most |
| Grilled Haloumi Cheese | No | Haloumi Cheese, Oil | Most |
| Fried Feta with Honey | No | Feta Cheese, Honey, Flour, Oil | Most |
| Courgette Balls with Feta Cheese (Kolokithokeftedes) | No | Zucchini, Feta Cheese, Herbs, Flour, Oil | Most |
| Deep Fried Zucchini Spirals (Kolokithakia Tiganita) | Yes | Zucchini, Flour, Oil | Most |
| Aubergine Rolls with Feta and Mushrooms | No | Aubergine, Feta Cheese, Mushrooms, Oil | Taverna Nassos |
| Bruschetta with Mozzarella and Basil Pesto | No | Bread, Mozzarella, Basil, Pesto | Taverna Nassos |
| Mixed Cheese in a Clay Bowl (Spicy) | No | Mixed Cheese, Spices | Taverna Nassos |
| Ntolmadakia | Yes | Vine Leaves, Rice, Herbs, Olive Oil | Some |
| Cretan Dacos | No | Barley Rusks, Tomatoes, Feta Cheese, Olive Oil | Taverna Nassos |
| Mushrooms with Garlic | Yes | Mushrooms, Garlic, Olive Oil | Taverna Nassos |
| Stuffed Mushrooms with Pligouri and Feta Cream | No | Mushrooms, Pligouri (Bulgur), Feta Cream | Taverna Nassos |
| Tzatziki | No | Yogurt, Cucumber, Garlic, Olive Oil | Most |
| Spicy Cheese Dip Salad (Tirokafteri) | No | Cheese, Peppers, Olive Oil | Most |
| Aubergine Salad (Melitzanosalata) | Yes | Aubergine, Garlic, Olive Oil | Most |
| Santorini's Yellow Split Pea Puree | Yes | Yellow Split Peas, Olive Oil, Lemon | Taverna Nassos, La Piazza Restaurant |
These small plates pack big flavor, setting the tone for a delicious dining experience on the island.
Main Courses
Satisfy your hunger with hearty, plant-based main courses that are both filling and flavorful.
Oven Baked Butter Beans (Gigantes Plaki)
A classic Greek dish featuring large butter beans baked in a rich tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs.
Where to Find: Available at most restaurants, with a photo from Taverna Nassos.
Orzo with Vegetables (Kritharoto Lahanikon)
A savory dish of orzo pasta cooked with an assortment of fresh vegetables. Make sure to ask for the vegan version.
Where to Find: Available at many restaurants, with a photo from Taverna Nassos.
Ratatouille with Couscous and Rice (Briam with Kous Kous)
A hearty vegetable stew served with couscous and rice, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Where to Find: Taverna Pounentes.
Artichokes (Agginares)
Artichokes cooked with herbs and olive oil, a simple yet flavorful dish.
Where to Find: Pounentes.
Complete List of Main Courses
| Dish | Vegan | Basic Ingredients | Restaurants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven Baked Butter Beans (Gigantes Plaki) | Yes | Butter Beans, Tomato Sauce, Onions, Garlic, Olive Oil | La Piazza, Taverna Nassos |
| Green Beans in Tomato Sauce (Fasolakia sto Fourno) | Yes | Green Beans, Tomato Sauce, Olive Oil, Onions, Herbs | Taverna Nassos, Taverna Nionios |
| Napoli Pasta/Risotto | Yes | Pasta/Risotto, Tomato Sauce, Basil, Olive Oil | Taverna Nassos |
| Pesto Pasta | No | Pasta, Pesto, Olive Oil, Garlic | Many |
| Orzo with Vegetables (Kritharoto Lahanikon) | Yes (ask for it) | Orzo, Mixed Vegetables, Olive Oil, Herbs | Taverna Nassos |
| Mushroom Risotto (Risotto Manitarion) | Yes (ask for it) | Arborio Rice, Mushrooms, Vegetable Broth, Olive Oil, Garlic | Taverna Nassos |
| Grilled Vegetables (Psita Lahanika) | Yes | Mixed Vegetables, Olive Oil, Herbs | Most |
| Stuffed Peppers and Tomatoes (Gemsita*) | Yes* | Peppers, Tomatoes, Rice, Herbs | Not so common, Taverna Nionios might have it |
| Imam Bailnti | Yes* | Aubergine, Tomato, Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil | La Piazza, Maybe Taverna Nionios |
| Ratatouille with Couscous and Rice (Briam with Kous Kous) | Yes | Mixed Vegetables, Couscous, Rice, Olive Oil, Herbs | Taverna Pounentes |
| Artichokes (Agginares) | Yes | Artichokes, Olive Oil, Lemon, Herbs | Taverna Pounentes |
*May have ground meat or feta, please ask.
Paxos’ main courses prove that vegetarian and vegan meals can be both hearty and delicious.
Salads
Enjoy fresh, vibrant salads that showcase the island’s best seasonal produce.
Beetroot Salad with Feta and Orange
A sweet and tangy salad featuring beetroots, feta cheese, and orange slices, combining earthy and citrus flavors.
Where to Find: Taverna Pounentes, with a photo available.
Boiled Greens (Horta)
A simple and healthy dish made with seasonal wild greens, lightly boiled and dressed with olive oil and lemon.
Where to Find: Available at most restaurants, with a photo from Taverna Nassos.
Caprese Salad
A refreshing salad featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil.
Where to Find: Some restaurants, with a photo from Taverna Pounentes.
Nassos Salad
A vibrant mix of fresh vegetables with a house dressing, offering a unique taste of the island.
Where to Find: Taverna Nassos, with a photo available.
Courgette Salad (Kolokithosalata)
A salad made from thinly sliced courgettes, seasoned with herbs and olive oil.
Where to Find: Taverna Nassos and La Piazza Restaurant, with a photo from Taverna Nassos.
Summer Salad
A seasonal salad with a mix of fresh vegetables, perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
Where to Find: Taverna Nassos, with a photo available.
Beetroot Salad with Fig and Katiki Domokou Cheese
A unique salad with beetroots, figs, and the soft, tangy Katiki Domokou cheese.
Where to Find: Pounentes, with a photo available.
Complete List of Salads
| Dish | Vegan | Basic Ingredients | Restaurants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiled Greens (Horta) | Yes | Wild Greens, Olive Oil, Lemon | Most, Taverna Nassos |
| Greek Salad (Horiatiki) | Yes (ask for feta-less) | Tomatoes, Cucumber, Olives, Onion, Feta, Olive Oil | All |
| Caprice Salad | No | Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Basil, Olive Oil | Taverna Pounentes |
| Rocket Salad (Salata Roka) | No | Rocket (Arugula), Parmesan, Olive Oil | Some |
| Nassos Salad | Yes | Mixed Vegetables, House Dressing | Taverna Nassos |
| Courgette Salad (Kolokithosalata) | Yes | Courgettes, Herbs, Olive Oil | Taverna Nassos, La Piazza Restaurant |
| Summer Salad | Yes | Seasonal Vegetables, Olive Oil | Taverna Nassos |
| Cabbage and Carrot Salad (Lahanosalata) | Yes* | Cabbage, Carrots, Olive Oil, Vinegar | Some |
| Beetroot Salad with Feta and Orange | No | Beetroot, Feta Cheese, Orange | Taverna Pounentes |
| Beetroot Salad with Fig and Katiki Domokou Cheese | No | Beetroot, Figs, Katiki Domokou Cheese, Olive Oil | Taverna Pounentes |
These salads offer a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy Paxos’ natural bounty.
Pites (Savory Pies)
Indulge in traditional Greek pites, packed with savory fillings and wrapped in flaky phyllo doug
Kolokithopita
A traditional pie made with a savory zucchini filling, wrapped in flaky phyllo dough. A light yet satisfying dish, perfect for a snack or a meal.
Where to Find: Loukas Bakery, with a photo available.
Complete List of Salads
| Dish | Vegan | Basic Ingredients | Restaurants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolokithopita | Yes* | Zucchini, Phyllo Dough, Olive Oil | Loukas Bakery |
| Spanakopita | Yes* | Spinach, Phyllo Dough, Olive Oil | Loukas Bakery |
| Hortopita | Yes* | Wild Greens, Phyllo Dough, Olive Oil | Loukas Bakery |
| Kremidopita | Yes* | Onions, Phyllo Dough, Olive Oil | Loukas Bakery |
| Manitaropita | Yes* | Mushrooms, Phyllo Dough, Olive Oil | Loukas Bakery |
These salads offer a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy Paxos’ natural bounty.
Conclusion
Exploring the vegetarian and vegan dishes on Paxos Island is a delightful journey through the island’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re savoring a fresh salad, indulging in a hearty main course, or enjoying a classic Greek pita, you’ll find that the island’s offerings are as diverse as they are delicious. So, whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian, a committed vegan, or just someone looking to try something new, Paxos promises a dining experience that will leave you both satisfied and inspired. Enjoy your culinary adventure on this beautiful island, knowing that there’s a wealth of plant-based goodness waiting for you.
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