Taverna Koufadakis — Restaurant in Municipality of Sithonia

Disappointing experience despite the promising location

We were drawn to Taverna Koufadakis by the glowing reviews and the beautiful seaside view. We were also aware that the prices were slightly above average, but expected that to be compensated by great food and a pleasant atmosphere.

Unfortunately, the experience was a major letdown — mostly due to the poor service.

The food itself was just okay — certainly not bad, but nowhere near exceptional. The real issue was the service, which was by far the worst we've experienced during over 40 years I visited restaurants.

While a large group was being served, we were more or less ignored. I asked for a second beer — it never came. I asked for an empty wine glass — again, nothing. Eventually, I got up and fetched it myself.

It got worse when we asked for the bill. We were told they’d bring it over, but they simply never returned to our table. We tried waving and calling for attention several times over a period of nearly 45 minutes, but were completely disregarded.

When I finally stood up and walked to the entrance, we were suddenly noticed. Instead of an apology, I was accused of trying to leave without paying, which was both offensive and uncalled for. Some of the language used was frankly inappropriate for speaking to a guest. I paid the full amount, as was always my intention.

To top it off, the manager offered that next time we’d get the best table, free drinks, and dessert. That gesture might have meant something in the moment, but offering it only after such a poor experience — and implying we’d ever return — felt tone-deaf.

There are many lovely places in the area with good food and good service. Unfortunately, this wasn’t one of them. I would not recommend Taverna Koufadakis and won’t...

The worst customer service we’ve experienced in years.

We had a reservation for 8 people, but from the moment we arrived, we were completely ignored. It took quite some time before anyone even acknowledged us, and once seated, we waited over 30 minutes before a waiter came to take our order. The atmosphere made us feel judged for our age and the fact that we are students (we’re 21–29 years old), as if that somehow made us less worthy of decent service.

When our waiter, Mario, finally approached, the interaction began with an inappropriate, racist remark and joke toward one of our friends, which is completely unacceptable in any setting. For the prices on their menu, we expected at least a normal standard of hospitality. Instead, we were left sitting with dirty, empty plates for over an hour, while several waiters stood idly nearby. Other nearby tables were promptly cleared and served, but not ours, despite the fact that we spent over €350 on our meal.

We eventually had to go search for someone just to get a dessert menu, again after an hour of being ignored. Portions were small, overpriced, and the taste was nothing more than average.

When Mario finally brought the bill, he asked for a tip for “service.” We explained there had been no service, only to be met with a passive-aggressive smile and comment.

The only positive thing about this restaurant is the view, and sadly, you can find that elsewhere without being...

Food is great and the sunset view is unbeatable. So by all means go there and enjoy an evening—but here’s what you can expect when it comes to service:

The service lacks friendliness—and even if that’s the “style,” it also lacks attentiveness.

A water bottle with condensation on the cap was simply placed on the table without being opened or (dare I expect?) poured. When we asked for it to be opened (as we didn't manage easily), it was opened and put back on the table. For the second water bottle, I didn’t bother asking—we just opened it ourselves with the help of the napkin. We did notice lobster-ordering guests having their wine and water glasses refilled, so I guess if your bill is “only” €50 per head, you don’t get that privilege.

We were clumsy and dropped a piece of cutlery (a knife) on the floor. A waiter noticed, but we weren’t offered a replacement.

Smiles are hardly to be seen. But I guess that's just a preference of mine.

There’s a lot of waving involved if you need something during or after your meal.

All of this would be fine in a random tavern. But this Taverna wants to present itself as more upmarket—which is also reflected in the pricing. For that, the service really needs to be better.

The view and the food made it 4 stars as I was hesitating...