Astakas Cafe Restaurant — Restaurant in Municipality of Milos

Nestled in the vibrant and colorful fishing village of Klima, on the serene island of Milos, Astakas Café is a culinary oasis that far exceeds its more popular but over-hyped counterpart, Medusa at Mandrakia Beach. As a frequent traveler and food critic, my standards for quality and experience are high, and I can confidently say that Astakas delivers in every possible way—from its flawless dishes to the warm hospitality, picturesque views, and even its abundance of friendly stray cats that I couldn’t help but adore.

While many tourists flock to Medusa for its reputation, Astakas quietly surpasses it in ways that truly matter. The food at Astakas is not only fresher but also far more flavorful. Unlike Medusa, where the dishes feel almost mechanical in their preparation, Astakas breathes life into every bite. The ingredients are clearly handpicked with care, and the flavors are crafted with love. There's a vibrancy in the menu that Medusa simply lacks.

Take, for example, the Marinated Sea Bass Carpaccio, my absolute favorite dish. The presentation alone was breathtaking—a spiral of glistening sea bass, adorned with bright trout roe that provided a burst of freshness. The spicy peppercorns added just the right amount of heat, accentuating the sweetness of the fish without overpowering it. The balance of textures and flavors danced across my palate in a way that Medusa’s over-seasoned and unimaginative dishes simply never could.

Another highlight was the Grilled Squid. A dish that can easily be mishandled, but not here. At Astakas, the squid was cooked to perfection—slightly charred on the outside for that smokey crisp, yet tender and juicy within. It was bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce, with delicate dollops of squid ink adding both color and a briny richness. Each bite made my taste buds flutter with delight. At Medusa, squid tends to arrive rubbery, lacking the finesse and care that Astakas delivers effortlessly.

The dining experience at Astakas doesn’t stop at the food. The service is a breath of fresh air—genuine, friendly, and attentive without being overbearing. The wait times are refreshingly short compared to Medusa, where I once waited over an hour to be seated. At Astakas, I was welcomed in under 30 minutes, and the outdoor seating offered stunning views of the sea, with the cool breeze making it the perfect spot for an extended meal. Medusa's crowded beachfront feels stifling in comparison.

Astakas’s modern Mediterranean décor is minimalist yet chic, and the outdoor seating is shaded perfectly by thoughtfully placed sunshades, ensuring you can dine in comfort no matter the time of day. The seats here are far more comfortable than the hard, uninviting chairs at Medusa, and the overall ambiance feels far more refined. As I sat there, sipping on a chilled glass of local wine, I watched the gentle waves lap at the doorstep of the brightly colored fishing houses that line the village. It’s a setting that’s both charming and immersive, unlike the more sterile atmosphere of Medusa.

And, of course, I have to mention the cats. The stray cats of Klima are, without a doubt, friendlier and cuter than the ones you’ll find near Medusa. As a lifelong cat lover, I couldn’t resist sharing my meal with a few furry companions who gratefully accepted bites of seafood from my plate. They added a sense of homey comfort to the already perfect dining experience.

In short, Astakas Café is the true culinary star of this region, offering fresher food, better service, and a more welcoming atmosphere than Medusa ever could. I wouldn’t bother wasting time at the over-crowded Mandrakia Beach when such a hidden gem exists just a short drive away. Whether you're a food lover, a stray cat enthusiast, or simply someone looking for an unforgettable meal with a view, Astakas is the place to be. Trust me, you...

Our dinner at Astakas Restaurant in Klima was a truly magical experience and the perfect setting for a sunset meal. Making a reservation ahead of time is a must, as this spectacular spot fills up quickly. We were fortunate to have a front-row table, just ten feet from the beach, offering a breathtaking view of the colorful fishing houses, the tranquil water, and, of course, the stunning Milos sunset.

We arrived for our 7:00 PM reservation, with sunset scheduled for 8:15 PM, and never once felt rushed by the staff. We were able to enjoy a leisurely, romantic dinner and soak in the incredible atmosphere.

My husband, a seafood lover, was thrilled to be able to select his own fresh fish for his meal. The gentleman who helped us was an absolute delight, skillfully deboning the fish at our table with a wonderful sense of humor and precision. As someone who doesn't eat seafood, I was equally impressed with my delicious vegetable linguine. We finished our meal with a super yummy chocolate dessert, which was the perfect ending to a perfect evening.

We cannot recommend Astakas enough for a romantic and unforgettable dinner.

Tips:

Arrive early: Parking can be challenging, but arriving ahead of time allows you to find a spot and take a short hike.

Explore the ancient theatre: Just a short walk from the restaurant, the ancient theatre is a fascinating place to explore while you wait for your table. We even found the "B's" carved into the seats that are mentioned in local lore! The walk is manageable even in a dress...

The view in unbeatable, the best in the island. The food was good, but nothing super exciting. The service is nice but we did have a few problems . We booked a table 2 days prior by phone. We arrived at 19:00 and the girl didn’t found our reservation, I showed her that I did called them and she took us for a table on the 2nd line. I asked is there was no availability for the 1st line since there was 6 tables of 2pax available at the moment. She said that it was already booked for that night but if someone would cancel, she would move us. It appears to me that they sit you from font line to back accordingly to the time of your booking but since she couldn’t even find our reservation she just sent us to the 2nd line. Needless to say that in the meantime some tables in the front line finished their meals and left, other asked to go to the “inside” area because it was windy and she never moved us. Also, there were 2 tables in the 1st line that were free the entire time we were there. Around 20:00 she started to sit people without reservation in the frontline. Despite that, we waiting for half and hour for the bill, and them 15 minutes to pay by card because no employee had told us that we should go inside ourselves.

Still, i would like to believe that this is not the standard and I do believe that it is still 100% worth your visit for the view...