The Greek island of Lesbos is known for its beautiful beaches, heartwarming Greek hospitality and the excellent local cuisine. Even though breakfast is not a big meal in Greek tradition, an increasing amount of local restaurants and bars add creative choices to their menus to accommodate the requests of the summer visitors. Here are ten excellent choices where you can enjoy a delectable breakfast and brunch in Lesbos.
In the traditional village of Molyvos, Geia Mas cafe and restaurant is a popular all rounder serving generous portions of delicious Greek dishes. Open from early til late, its breakfasts include pancakes, omelets, fresh fruits, yogurts and a choice of coffees, whereas its lunches and dinners are a proper feast with a variety of grilled meat and fish, fresh salads, casseroles and traditional pies, as well as mouth watering desserts. Make sure you go there with an empty stomach.
A cute little cafe on the waterfront in Skala Eresou, Margaritari is the perfect chill out place to start your day. Famous for its rich homemade cakes, it offers a good variety of sweet treats such as apple strudel, chocolate, ginger and yogurt cake and brownies. Even the famous Greek “freddo cappuccino”can be served with a scoop of ice-cream in it! The omelets and coffees are also worth trying, and if you’re looking for something stronger, order a fresh cocktail from the menu.
On the serene seafront in Evriaki , Aeolis Brunch Cafe specializes in scrumptious breakfasts and brunches. From the all important morning eggs and bacon, fresh croissants and fruit salads, to Sunday Ouzo with mouth watering homemade pies and fish mezze, everything is made with fresh, organic, local products. Its excellent coffees and its own organic are also definite must-tries.
Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian, $$$
Tropicana Platanos, Mithimna | Courtesy of Parasol Beach Bar
In picturesque Molyvos, Tropicana cafe-restaurant serves home made Greek food in a romantic and rustic atmosphere. Located in a traditional cobblestone square high up in the village, its tables are placed under a giant tree that casts the perfect shade for lunch during the hot summer days. Tropicana is family-owned and operated, serving “mama’s food” made with the restaurant’s own organic veg and matched with local wine or ouzo.
Even though Parasol Beach Bar is best known for its cocktails, visitors will find it open in the morning serving coffees, fresh smoothies, various pizzas, falafels, tortillas, sandwiches and salads. Its unique tropical beach hut setting, the stunning seafront views and the Latin music playing inside create an ideal summer ambiance in which to enjoy a light meal together with fantastic drinks.
Very close to Parasol, Belle Ville Cafe shares the same stunning seafront views. A popular breakfast and brunch spot in Skala Eresou, it is open from morning till late at night, offering a variety of breakfasts, snacks, wines and beers. Don’t miss out on the burgers and delicious french fries, the pastas, and of course, the killer cocktails.
On the seafront bordering Petra village, Lucky Horseshoe Kitchen Bar is a popular all day cafe-bar for those that are looking to spend the day at the beach. A simple venue with great views, it is the perfect place to grab a cold beer or a glass of wine, or enjoy a well made pizza. It also serves a variety of cold and warm coffees as well as eggs and bacon and fresh croissant breakfasts.
In the port town of Mytilene, Kafeneio (or Cafe) P is a hip student hangout that offers great value for money. A popular venue for live music and performances, it has a small and unpretentious menu which includes the Greek cafe ouzeri classics. This is the place to enjoy ouzo, raki or draft beer and small mezze plates. Breakfasts are also simple, consisting of yogurts with fruits or honey, coffees, fresh bread, fruit salads, toasted sandwiches and yogurt shakes. In the cafe you can also find novels and comic books; feel free to read them while you eat.
Brasserie Bazaar offers quaint charm and a stylish menu that stands out in traditional Lesbos with its passion for world cuisines. With an imaginative international menu that includes French soups, Asian salads, Mexican beef burritos, and delicious Dutch-style apple pies, it is a great alternative to taverna food in Lesbos, and is perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner.
Aegean Cafe is located in a beautiful stone house in the picturesque harbour of Molyvos. It offers delicious breakfasts that include omelettes, pancakes, fresh juices, yogurts with fruits, as well as coffees and drinks to enjoy whilst reveling in the spectacular harbor views. Try the sweet pancake with coconut filling, one of the menu’s highlights.
