Hug Me Naxos — Restaurant in Municipality of Naxos and the Lesser Cyclades

We had a not so great dinner experience at Hug Me Naxos. The manager (?) out front was super friendly, explaining the menu, and not pushy at all. We decided to eat because he was so genuinely hospitable! We ordered 2 dishes at 7:44, and received one dish, the pizza, exactly 11 minutes later! We were impressed by the fast service and the picante pizza was nice…it had a sweet sauce and a little heat. The issue with our meal was that my wife’s dish did not arrive until 8:20, 25 minutes after my pizza arrived. I’m sure it was a mishap in the kitchen, where the dish was just forgotten. Due to the long wait, we ended up sharing a few slices of the pizza and the rest got cold while we waited. We then shared her pasta when it finally arrived and took the rest of the cold pizza home. There was not explanation for the late arrival of her dish, but we did explain at the end that we were disappointed. The waitress was apologetic for the mistake and did bring us a couple complimentary yogurts with walnuts and honey as a result. I would possibly suggest a 2nd person on the floor, cleaning dishes away AND taking card payments to help speed up departures. That would be more efficient and free up tables quicker for more business. As far as the pasta dish, the meatballs were very dry and lacked flavour (and were a little pink inside), but the pasta sauce was lovely! I would return here to try their brunch, which looks and sounds great, however our experience last night was definitely not a highlight of our time in...

The place stands out as a restaurant that not only lives up to its strong reputation but also creates a dining experience rooted in warmth, authenticity, and flavor. Ideally located near the seafront and within walking distance of key attractions, it combines convenience with genuine culinary charm. The menu is thoughtfully composed, offering a balanced variety of dishes that highlight traditional Greek cuisine while maintaining a sense of modern presentation.

The true strength of Hug Me Naxos lies in its ability to serve food that feels both elevated and homely. The moussaka is exceptional: layered with care, rich in depth, and carrying the comforting flavors that define Greek home cooking at its finest. Equally impressive is the gemista, where stuffed vegetables are prepared with simplicity and precision, delivering a taste that feels wholesome and heartfelt. These dishes capture the essence of the island’s culinary heritage in a way that feels memorable and authentic.

Service is welcoming and attentive, enhancing the overall sense of comfort. The atmosphere strikes a fine balance between relaxed and stylish, providing a setting that works for both casual meals and slower, more indulgent evenings. Presentation is elegant without being excessive, and every dish reflects freshness and careful preparation. With generous portions, fair pricing, and an atmosphere that invites you to linger, Hug Me Naxos offers excellent value for money and a dining experience that resonates well beyond the...

We walked by a day or so before dining and were reeled in by the hosts claims of 4.9 stars on google from over a thousand reviews. We thought it must be good so decided to give it a shot. Admittedly we came here for quite an early dinner and the restaurant was empty except for one other table. We ordered one starter, two mains, and a bottle of water. The water took 10 minutes to arrive, and our starter took almost 30 minutes. We then waited another 15-20 minutes for our mains. One main (a cheeseburger) arrived first, and the staff member assured us the second wouldn’t be far behind. The cheeseburger bun was burned and there was no cheese at all. The waiter apologised and returned it to the kitchen to be fixed. Second main arrived (ossobuco Milanese) which was awful. The risotto was undercooked, sloppy and tasteless, and the (3 pieces of) beef were dry and tough, and the entire dish was lukewarm. To add to this, two staff members were arguing loudly in the main dining room, and one was then slamming down glasses/cutlery. Staff must’ve been able to tell we weren’t impressed as we were offered two small free desserts before leaving. Overall a very disappointing experience. The venue is cool but we’re unsure how it receives 4.9 stars if this is the normal level of service. Perhaps we got them on...