To Apomero

To Apomero is a traditional Greek taverna in Ornos, a quiet bay village on the southwestern coast of Mykonos. While most of the island pulls visitors toward Mykonos Town or the beach clubs of Psarou and Paradise, Ornos runs at a noticeably calmer pace — and To Apomero fits that atmosphere without apology. With a 4.7-star rating from more than 1,200 Google reviewers, it has built a steady following among travelers who are specifically looking for honest Greek cooking rather than a scene.

The taverna earned a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice recognition in 2021, and the volume and consistency of its ratings suggest it has maintained that standard across multiple seasons. It opens daily at 1:00 PM and runs through 10:00 PM, covering both lunch and dinner without a midday break — a practical detail that matters on a summer afternoon when you want to eat on your own schedule.

What to Expect

To Apomero positions itself squarely in the tradition of the Greek family taverna: the kind of place where the menu reads like a catalogue of dishes that have been on Greek tables for generations. You can expect meze-style starters, grilled meats, fresh fish, and vegetable dishes prepared simply — olive oil, lemon, herbs — rather than adapted for international tastes.

Ornos itself is a compact village centered on a sandy, sheltered bay about three kilometers south of Mykonos Town. It attracts families and couples who prefer lower-key surroundings, and the local restaurant scene reflects that. To Apomero sits within easy walking distance of the Ornos beachfront, which makes it a natural lunch stop after a morning at the beach or a relaxed early dinner before the evening cools down.

The setting is described as relaxed, which on Mykonos is worth noting — the island has no shortage of restaurants where the design and pricing are the point. Here, the food is the point. Expect straightforward service, a menu grounded in Greek ingredients, and an atmosphere that doesn't require you to dress up or arrive at a particular moment to get the full experience.

Reservations are strongly advised in July and August, when Ornos fills with visitors who have specifically sought out its lower-key profile compared to the island's busier spots.

How to Get There

Ornos is roughly 3 kilometers from Mykonos Town and is one of the better-served villages on the island's bus network. Buses run from Mykonos Town (Fabrika Square) to Ornos regularly during the summer season, and the journey takes around ten minutes. The stop is close to the beach, and To Apomero is within easy walking distance from there.

If you're coming by car or scooter, parking in Ornos is generally more manageable than in Mykonos Town, though space tightens in peak summer weeks. The taverna's address is Ornos 846 00 — use the coordinates (37.4247, 25.3215) in your navigation app for the most accurate pinpoint. Taxis from Mykonos Town to Ornos are widely available; the fare is short and metered.

From Psarou beach, Ornos is a short drive or a longer walk along the coastal road. If you're staying in one of the hotels closer to the airport or along the southern coast, Ornos is among the most accessible dining destinations on that side of the island.

Best Time to Visit

To Apomero operates year-round hours of 1:00–10:00 PM every day of the week, which makes it accessible across the full tourist season. For the most relaxed experience, lunch on a weekday — particularly in June, early July, or September — gives you the best combination of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.

Mid-July through mid-August is peak Mykonos season. Ornos, despite being quieter than the island's main party hotspots, still fills up during these weeks. Tables at a well-rated taverna like To Apomero will be in demand, so booking a day or two in advance during this window is a practical precaution.

For an evening meal, arriving when the restaurant opens at 1:00 PM for lunch is clearly an option, but the early evening hours — around 7:00–8:00 PM — are when the light is good and the temperature has dropped enough to sit comfortably outside. The Meltemi wind that blows across the Cyclades from July through August can actually make an outdoor dinner in Ornos quite pleasant, as the village's bay provides partial shelter compared to the island's windward north coast.

Shoulder season visitors in May and October will find Mykonos much quieter and To Apomero a more leisurely experience overall.

Tips for Visiting

• Book ahead in summer. With over 1,200 reviews and a reputation for consistent quality, To Apomero fills up during peak season. Call +30 2289 025985 or use the website at toapomeromykonos.com to reserve a table.
• Arrive hungry for a full Greek spread. Traditional tavernas reward diners who order multiple dishes to share. A meal built around two or three meze, a main, and a carafe of local wine tends to be more satisfying than ordering a single entrée.
• Pair a meal with time at Ornos beach. The beach is a short walk from the taverna. A morning swim followed by a leisurely lunch at To Apomero is a sensible way to structure a day on this side of the island.
• The taverna is open every day of the week. Unlike some Mykonos restaurants that close one day for staff rest, To Apomero runs seven days from 1:00 to 10:00 PM, so it won't catch you out on a Sunday.
• Ornos has limited late-night options. If you're planning a long evening, note that the restaurant closes at 10:00 PM. Plan dinner so you finish with enough time to head toward Mykonos Town afterward if you want to continue your night.
• Check social media before you go. The Instagram account (@to.apomero) and Facebook page (to.apomero.mykonos) are active and may reflect any seasonal menu changes or special dishes worth knowing about before you arrive.
• Parking near the taverna is easier outside peak hours. If you're driving, arriving for an early lunch around 1:00–2:00 PM generally means fewer cars competing for the limited street parking in Ornos.
• The Meltemi wind can be strong in August. If you're sensitive to wind, ask for a table in a more sheltered position when you arrive — this is standard practice at most Cycladic coastal restaurants.

What to Order

The research bundle confirms that To Apomero focuses on classic Greek dishes, which in a traditional Mykonos taverna context typically means a menu built around a few reliable categories.

Starters at this type of establishment will likely include tzatziki, taramosalata, grilled or fried cheese, and seasonal vegetable dishes. Mykonos has a local version of kopanisti — a pungent, spicy fermented cheese — that appears on taverna menus across the island and is worth trying if it's offered. Local sausages (loukaniko) prepared on the grill are another regional staple.

For mains, grilled fish and seafood are central to any Cycladic taverna worth visiting. Grilled octopus, fresh catch depending on the day's market, and shellfish are all standard. Meat dishes — lamb chops, pork souvlaki, and slow-cooked goat or lamb — are equally at home on a traditional Greek menu. Vegetarians will typically find moussaka, gemista (stuffed tomatoes and peppers), and gigantes (baked giant beans) available as well.

Wine in Mykonos generally means house wine by the carafe — often a dry white that pairs cleanly with seafood — or bottles from the broader Cyclades or mainland Greece. Local spirits such as ouzo or tsipouro work well as an aperitif with meze starters.

Since no specific menu has been published in this research bundle, verify current offerings on arrival or via the restaurant's website.