Paradosiakó — Restaurant in Municipality of Hydra

το παραδοσιακόν or the paradosiako (meaning ‘the traditional’) is a lovely tavern established in the alleys of hydra, a small, car-free island in the aegean.

we walked the island in a few hours on foot, a few shops to browse in, and some lovely spots to escape the heat and have a drink. feeling peckish this tavern tempted us with its vibrant table settings and extensive seafood based menu, much cheaper in comparison to this restaurants located along the limani (main port).

salads tend to come out first in european countries (a mediterranean diet principle to be better for digestion and blood sugar levels!!). we loved the generous ‘salad of the house’ featuring greens, crushed walnuts, local sultanas and honey dressing. we never go past fava and theirs was slightly textured, bathed in olive oil and topped with onion and tomato, so authentic. we underestimated the size of the whitebait. typically toothpick size snacks in melb, these fishies were meaty, hefty and boney (suss in the last pic!). lightly fried, they were perfect. the ‘octopus of hydra’ was marinated beyond fathomable, so tender my fork was gliding through it, only a chew or two and it was melted.

we were brave enough to tackle the pork which was a chop indeed. bigger than both our heads and served with fried patates (as most meat dishes are served here), this was so well seasoned and tender. pork is different here - lean, clean, not smelly or chewy. it’s more commonly eaten than lamb, beef or chicken.

bursting, we were glad they didn’t bring us a kerasma (complimentary sweet as a thank you from the restaurant) and walked off our food coma instead as we watched the sunset waiting for our...

This place is a diamond in the rough. Randomly found it while walking back from the port. Looked cute so figured I’d try it. Ayo if you like seafood and drinking, this is your spot. And it wasn’t insanely overpriced like Sunset restaurant was. Our entire meal and drink was about the price of a single entree from Sunset.

We got the giant shrimp spaghetti for two, fried zucchini, olives and tomato balls. I’d show you a photo but we ate the f outta it. Grabbed a bottle of ouzo and they custom made an aperol spritz. The waiter Mario was clutch and insanely helpful. He was always there when I needed him, and we shared tattoo stories. The dessert was some cold but dish that really hit the spot. This place was fire and I’ll definitely be back.

The lack of start for atmosphere isn’t really their fault. It’s not at the port but it’s by other restaurants that are a little loud so for moments here and there the other places would overshadow, but otherwise it was perfect....

Absolutely five stars — no question!

Paradosiakó in Hydra is hands-down one of the best seafood experiences I’ve had in Greece — maybe anywhere. Tucked away like a true hidden gem, this family-run spot delivers the kind of honest, soul-satisfying food that stays with you long after the meal ends.

The mussels? To die for. Plump, juicy, bursting with flavor — they're a masterclass in simplicity done right. The shrimp were just as unforgettable, fresh and cooked to perfection. Every dish felt like it came straight from the sea and straight from the heart.

The ambience is pure island charm — cosy, warm, and real. And the staff? Genuinely lovely people who treat you like family from the moment you sit down.

If you're in Hydra and skip Paradosiakó, you're seriously missing out. It’s a 5-star experience all the way — a rare find that deserves every...