Maistrali — Restaurant in Skiathos Municipality

There was nothing particularly amazing about this restaurant to say how the reviews are glowing. To be honest, the way you are rushed through your meal at the speed of light is awful. It took ages for someone to take our drinks order and then once the bread came, it was straight into starters before we'd hardly touched it, then cleared away as soon as we downed our cutlery and I didn't even get chance to nip to the bathroom before mains were brought. Then we were ignored until we managed to get someone's attention to get the bill. Sure the free cake at the end was nice, but we'd eaten so quickly I just felt sick at that point. My food settled heavy in my stomach all evening although the amount of oily food was probably a big contributing factor. The food itself was mediocre. The fried anchovies are supposed to come with a garlic dip but it was more of a tasteless watered down houmous. The salad dressing was nice. The cheese pie tasted nice but imagine a giant portion of pastry with oily cheese inside and then deep fried, because that's what it was. The beef in the stifado was chewy, dry and not heated through and the fried potatoes on the side would have been nice had they not been so greasy. The moussaka was very good. The burger very salty and served with a dry plate of chips and dry rice. No sauces at all. It had been flame grilled which improved the flavour considerably. We've had much nicer meals and this place is just another generic "feeding the tourists as fast as possible so we can get...

This family tavern is a must go and offers some of the best food on the island. Where to begin from? The bread and breadsticks arrived, accompanied by olive oil, salsa and aubergine dip all so fresh and full of taste. Basically you can tell what is coming next by the high quality of extra virgin olive oil they use which makes the big difference. The maistrali salad was a perfect combination of fresh veg, Gruyère cheese and cranberries in a beautiful balsamic sauce, a proper meal by the way - huge portion. The stuffed paty beef one one the best I have ever had in life and the mousaka is the only one I would ever compare with my mother’s who is Greek and a rather good cook. It’s apparently a family tavern that really loves good quality food and wants to give travelers the opportunity of trying the magic of traditional Greek food. Lovely people, kind, smiling and so caring about having fully satisfied customers. They also offered us ouzo and home made chocolate cake for free. The prices were absolutely normal. The absolute sample of proper Greek hospitality. If you are in Skiathos...

Well, where do I start.. Recommended to us by the bar staff at the hotel we're staying at, so off we went to check it out.

We were met by the most lovely of staff, who promptly pulled out a beer glass from the fridge (the correct place to keep a beer glass), and poured me a delicious pint(ish) of Mythos.

We were served by the chef's daughter, who gave us some solid recommendations on food. I picked one of her favourites, the moussaka. I warned her I would be comparing it to my partners mums, but no panic, it was absolutely comparable, and delicious - fantastic!

The Maistrali salad was arguably one of the best salads I have ever consumed (ordered without rocket, because reasons).

Absolutely could not recommend this place enough. If you are in the area, go. Hell, get on a plane and go to Skiathos to go, and enjoy the wonderful vibe of this outstanding island.

A truly wonderful family run tavern. 10/10, will be returning. This holiday...