Tortuga Beach Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Municipality of Naxos and the Lesser Cyclades

I will start from the good points. It is a beautiful spot with one of the best stretches of sea in front of it and an admirable aesthetic concept. The food, though pricey and very small portions, is overall delicious. Yet, two days of our holiday were ruined as a result of visiting Tortuga and I think the failings are so serious that it deserves 1 star despite the above. On our first visit, our umbrella was not reserved despite arriving on time. Then, we were given another one after much negotiation. Then, we waited for more than 40 minutes for the drinks and more than an hour for the food and when it arrived, things were missing, so we had to wait for another half an hour. When I finally complained, the waiter said if I didn't like it, I should have left! He also wondered why I called him rude while he repeatedly shouted in my face that I should have left! I had to go for a very long walk on the beach in tears to calm down from the experience. We then visited the restaurant despite the first experience as the food was good. Luckily, this time the owner of Tortuga was sitting at the table next to us and started chatting to us. We told him our first experience was bad and he apologised and even offered us delicious deserts in the end. We are very grateful for his hospitality and the delicious dinner, which shows what the place could achieve if the attitude of the staff was not so toxic. In summary on subsequent visits, we paid €100 for an umbrella we had for less than 2 hours which provided no shade. The music was loud and intrusive and it was not turned down despite my request. On another visit yesterday, we were told all umbrellas and seats in the restaurant were reserved despite the place looking less than half full. The staff are snobbish and rude and in my mind they are a good example of the darkest face of the Greek tourist industry in August. A rip off, toxic attitude, bad service. Tortuga comes with a warning. If you are.lucky, you may have some nice food and an aesthetic experience at a high price., if less lucky, it can ruin your day and put you off visiting the Greek Islands in August for good. After repeated visits, we are firmly on the latter category....

Extremely Disappointing Service – Unacceptable Behavior by Staff

We were genuinely looking forward to spending a day at this beach bar, as we had heard great things and wanted to include it in our carefully planned holiday schedule. We first contacted them over a week in advance to make a reservation, as we were trying to organize each day of our trip in advance due to limited time. Their team told us to call back exactly one week before, which we did.

However, when we called again, the story changed: “We don’t take reservations one week before—only two days before.” When we asked about prices, they couldn’t give us a straight answer. We were quoted multiple numbers (80, 100, 150 euros), with no clarity whatsoever. It was as if no one knew what was actually going on. We explained that we were not concerned about the cost—we simply wanted to plan our day and secure our spot.

That’s when things really went downhill.

The lady in charge ( we where told she is the manager) was shockingly rude and aggressive. Instead of trying to help or even politely decline, she attacked us verbally, saying, “This is not the place for you.” She repeatedly emphasized that she couldn’t promise us anything, and made it very clear that our presence—or business—was not wanted. I’ve honestly never experienced such unprofessional, arrogant, and hostile behavior from someone working in hospitality.

The venue itself may be stunning—a true 10 out of 10 physically—but a business is only as good as the people who represent it. With that kind of attitude from management, the experience is ruined before it even begins.

Sadly, this beach bar won’t be getting a second chance from us. There are plenty of other places that offer beauty and proper service—without treating customers like a nuisance.

I hope management ownership picks up this un acceptable behavior and deals with it before...

Some places feed more than your appetite. At Tortuga, tucked along the coast of Naxos, we didn’t just eat, we were welcomed, nourished, remembered.

We arrived by chance. We left with a memory.

The space is open, wooden, softly lit, designed with ease and intention. The sea murmurs in the background, the breeze wraps around you, and everything about the atmosphere whispers: breathe, slow down, you’re home.

The food is something else. Not just delicious but devine.

Every ingredient is carefully chosen. Most are grown by the owners themselves, right here on the island. Even the vegetables in the Greek salad, come straight from their land. You taste the difference.

The beef tartare was silky and balanced, topped with a light foam and crisped shell, refined without ever being pretentious. The orzo, slow-cooked with tender Lamb meat and served in a rich, earthy jus, was deeply comforting.

And then, the kind of moment you don’t forget! Maria, the luminous soul of Tortuga, brought us dessert as a gift. Chocolate mousse, strawberries, ice cream, delicate edible flowers. Not just a desert but a celebration that is Shared with joy.

Even the cats that wander quietly between tables seem part of the experience. Gentle, present, peaceful. As if they know they’re somewhere safe, like we did.

Tortuga doesn’t shout. It doesn’t try to impress. It simply opens its doors and says: you’re welcome here.

We came unannounced. We’ll return with intention. And we’ll tell everyone we love to...