Kalymnos, the picturesque Greek island renowned for its rugged cliffs and world-class rock climbing, is also home to a delightful no nonsense Tsopanakos Restaurant.
During our exploration of Kalymnos, our journey led us to Tsopanakos thanks to a chance encounter. Traveling with a close friend who had previously visited the island and sung praises of its exquisite honey, we were determined to uncover more local treasures. With a curiosity for traditional cotton-threaded floor rugs, we followed a path of serendipity to the doorstep of a local artisan. It was during this encounter that we discovered the proprietor, who happened to be selling these beautiful rugs. A delightful detour led us straight to Tsopanakos Restaurant.
Stepping inside Tsopanakos, you may notice that the restaurant is not opulent or modern; in fact, it bears a charming, rustic charm. It's not the kind of place you'd choose for a fancy date night, but that's part of its appeal. The worn wooden tables and vintage decor exude an authentic, unpretentious ambiance that immediately makes you feel at home.
The young gentleman who ushered us in spoke excellent English, and he shared with us that he spent his winters alternating between fishing and tending to a herd of goats. His intimate connection to the island's lifestyle added a personal touch to our visit.
Although we didn't dine at Tsopanakos on this occasion, we couldn't help but be intrigued by the sights and sounds of the kitchen. Watching the chef meticulously prepare dolmas while seated at a nearby table, we could tell that the food was prepared with care and tradition. The way the tomatoes and onions were sliced, combined with the animated bargaining conversations, gave us a glimpse into the flavors of Kalymnos.
Tsopanakos may not boast a lavish menu or a glamorous setting, but it embodies the soul of Kalymnos. It's a place where authenticity, simplicity, and local charm take center stage.
In the end, Tsopanakos Restaurant is a testament to the island's spirit, offering more than just a meal. It provides a unique opportunity to savor the island's culture, connect with its people, and appreciate the simple joys of life on Kalymnos. So, whether you're a rock climber seeking sustenance or a traveler yearning for authenticity, Tsopanakos invites you to partake in a taste of...
Read moreActually it's a 10/5 stars! I was kind of hesitant in the beginning because of the sparse bad reviews. I decided to visit the restaurant in the end. I took the BEST decision! I don't understand the reason of the few, but still existent unsatisfied reviews... My opinion, as a high-standard greek customer with needs for good quality greek gastronomy and not foolish touristic experiences: If you are looking for a real, perfectly traditional place to eat delicious, home-made food, taste local food of high quality (the owners use own-grown vegetables/animals/bread/etc) in a beautiful traditional old & old-fashioned house/building, with the most polite, kind and helpful people as stuff (they are family members)...then this is your place to eat! If you need or waiting for anything different, then please go somewhere else. Thank you Tsopanakos family. Ευχαριστουμε πολυ. Συνεχιστε να προσφερετε απλοχερα την ομορφια της παραδοσης σας οπως...
Read moreWonderful Taverna experience in Masouri. Vivi, our waitress, was really engaging and helpful explaining about their homemade special herb infused bread.
Super fragrant and also delicious. We wanted to buy a leaf of bread to take away but it wasn't possible because they made it all fresh and there wasn't any there to buy.
We ordered Greek salad, goat in tomato sauce with Rice, goat in lemon sauce with homemade chips, and grilled pork with homemade chips.
The food was super. Tasty and very nice.
I took lots of photos. You can feel that there was love and care in the food.
Would highly recommend this Greek family business. The views are lovely also. Coke before sunset, and no doubt there is a gorgeous view then. We came a little later.
Many thanks Vivi for coming to speak with us and making us...
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