Odyssia Restaurant — Restaurant in Municipality of Symi

Excellent little restaurant!

We were greeted by an extremely polite and friendly waitress and started off with a bread basket and olive oil to keep us going before dinner. Drinks arrived promptly and they have beer on draught served in big steins!

Musicians began after about 10 minutes, Guitarist and Mandolinist, added such a charm to the meal. This continued throughout and has to be one of the most tasteful additions of live music I’ve ever sat through. Really begs the question why British restaurants make you sit through some bloke singing billie Jean 3 octaves lower than intended? Excellent though, well done gentlemen (and the lady who came to sing! She was phenomenal!)

For our starters, we opted for a Greek salad, halloumi and mussels.

Halloumi was a real game changer compared to what I’m used to back in the UK. It still had its signature squeak but was far softer and smoother to the bite. Halloumi was served with tomato’s, roasted walnuts and some sort of dressing which I can only compare to a more savoury maple syrup. No idea what it was, but will definitely order again.

Mussels came in a chilli and fennel based broth which we used the bread to soak up. Mussels were enormous. Never seen anything that size in the UK or Ireland !

For our mains we both had pasta dishes. Portions stayed consistently huge. Both pastas were cooked perfectly, a nice savoury tomato based sauce which was pretty heavy but packed with flavour.

To finish we had a selection of watermelon and honeydew melon which surprisingly after that huge meal, we finished.

I would highly recommend this to everyone in Symi. It’s a bit out of the way but well worth it for the food and you’ll most likely need the walk after the enormous portions !

5/5...

Our visit to Symi from July 5th to 8th was made exceptionally memorable by our dining experiences at Odyssia Restaurant. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the warmth and friendliness of the owner and his daughter. Their hospitality felt like a familial embrace, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that made each meal a homely experience.

The setting of Odyssia Restaurant is pure magic. The enchanting night lights of Symi cast a romantic aura over the cozy ambience, making every dining experience special. Whether you're looking for a place for an intimate dinner or a relaxed lunch, this restaurant is the perfect destination.

What truly sets Odyssia Restaurant apart is the sensational cuisine. The Grilled Shrimp, Octopus, Mussels, Feta with Honey, and French Fries were particular favourites, each dish resonating with exquisite flavors that speak to the passion and skill poured into their creation. Not only was the food of high quality, but the prices were remarkably affordable, making this restaurant an unbeatable dining spot in Symi.

Furthermore, the caring nature of the owners exceeded any expectations. Their readiness to assist with any issue transformed this restaurant from a dining spot to a home away from home. They made sure that we were well taken care of, turning any issue we might have into their concern.

In conclusion, Odyssia Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a culinary journey infused with genuine hospitality and a true sense of belonging. The charm of this place and the delightful gastronomic experiences it offers is a compelling reason to visit Symi. We miss them already and eagerly anticipate our return.

Truly, a dining experience to be savored...

Last in Symi 24 years ago in August. Our return in April much quieter and not many restaurants open so tried here. Still on the waterfront but away from the main harbour. The house wine was good. For starter we shared scrambled eggs with a local smoked ham, and basket of bread, delicious. Then pork and sausage with a fantastic aubergine puree for him and Tuna and brocoli for me. A side of lettuce and beetroot salad with blue cheese dressing was also good. Baklava was on the house, the perfect finish to the meal. So lovely to get away from the regular chips with everything. The owners daughter was delightful and knowledgeable about the menu. With the litre of wine the bill was a reasonable 43 euros. We returned last night, all excellent again with the prawns and rice and moussaka particular highlights. We intend to return as the other two restaurants we have tried are nowhere...