Taverna Areti - Stamoulis — Restaurant in South Pilio Municipality

When I first started writing reviews here on Google, my only reason was to help someone out. I told myself that if I didn’t feel a place deserved a rating of “excellent” or at least “very good” (a 5 or a 4), I simply wouldn’t leave a review at all.

Why? Because I know how hard it is to run a business — especially a restaurant. To make it work, you need to juggle so many things: sourcing ingredients, dealing with suppliers, managing waiters, chefs, and everything in between.

Unfortunately, this time, I feel I have to leave a rating of 3.

We came to this restaurant based on a recommendation. We drove 40 minutes to get to the beach where the taverna is located. It’s right by the sea, with some tables set directly on the sand. Relaxed atmosphere, nothing fancy — a proper Greek taverna. A promising start.

And then…

The waiter came over. We asked for a menu — he ignored us. We ordered some tsipouro and red wine and asked for a menu again — still ignored. The mezze that came with the tsipouro (two small plates) was below average for the Pilion area (especially compared to places in Milina or Lafkos). The red wine? Literally warm. Mezze rating: 3.

Then the owner showed up. We asked for the menu again — he ignored us too. We ended up ordering a Greek salad, fish soup, and a fresh fish — whatever the owner recommended.

The salad came first — with tomatoes that tasted like they’d been sitting cut up for two days. A disaster. Rating: 1. The soup was average — 3.5. The fish, however, was fresh, well-grilled, and delicious. Rating: 5.

When I later asked the owner for a glass of red wine and politely requested it to be a bit cooler, he replied that red wine is served at room temperature. “Sure,” I said, “but not warm — not 25°C.” He nodded in agreement.

After lunch, we waited for someone to bring the bill. No one came for 15 minutes, so I got up and found the waiter to ask for it. The owner showed up 20 minutes later. He jotted down numbers on a scrap of paper, rounded up the total, and said it was €50. “The wine’s on me,” he added, “and if you want ice cream too.” No thanks. No proper bill, no breakdown — nothing. That’s not the problem. The problem is — that’s just not how things should be done.

A piece of advice for the owner: someone took the time, effort, and money to visit your place and gave you their trust upfront. The least you can do is show them respect in return.

Whether they’re a local or a tourist. Whether they’re alone or with a group of 20. You’re in Greece, on the beautiful Pilion peninsula. That’s not how things should be done here.

With...

A great taverna overlooking a beautiful harbor. Eat delicious fresh fish out on the stone terrace or choose a table right on the sand. Stamoulis, the proprietor, always takes your order himself. We have eaten here many times and never had anything that wasn't tasty. They have a great staff, ready to bring your food and drinks, or an extra bottle of water or beer or wine. You can make reservations, but no one is ever turned away. If all the tables are full, Stamoulis will just bring out another one and put it on the beach for you. Large groups and families are accommodated in the same friendly and also efficient way that couples are. Greeks from Volos and beyond flock to this place as do vacationers from other countries. Great views across the sea to Evvia and Skiathos. A classic Greek...

If I could give more stars, I would.

First of all, no matter how busy or empty, the service is top notch. It doesn't get better. Stamouli is a top class gent, and can't do enough for anyone. Now, the food: it is possibly the best tsipouro-mezedes in Pelion. Good is amazing, and comes out quick and constant! The shrimp, or crayfish pasta is perfect, and more than enough for two people.

And the prices are unbeatable. Myself and my wife eat here regularly, have far too much to eat and drink, and never pay more than €60!

It is always my first recommendation for food in the area. It's a bit out of the way, but definitely worth the visit. In a nice area, with a...