Grill Restaurant Apollon

Grill Restaurant Apollon sits in the village of Apollonas on the northern coast of Naxos, a long way from the tourist density of Naxos Town. It's the kind of taverna that earns its reputation the straightforward way: a focused menu of grilled meats and traditional Greek dishes, long opening hours, and consistent quality across more than 470 customer reviews and a 4.3-star rating.

Apollonas itself is a small fishing village that most visitors reach after a scenic drive along the island's mountain roads or the coastal route from Naxos Town — roughly 35 to 40 kilometres north. Pulling up here for a proper meal, rather than a quick stop, is exactly what Grill Restaurant Apollon is set up for.

What to Expect

The menu centres on charcoal-grilled meats — the backbone of any serious Greek grill house. Expect souvlaki, lamb chops, pork skewers, and whole grilled fish sourced from the surrounding Aegean waters. Traditional side dishes — Greek salad with local Naxian feta, tzatziki, grilled vegetables, and fried potatoes — round out the table. The setting is casual: plastic chairs and checkered tablecloths are a feature, not a flaw, at a place like this. The atmosphere is relaxed and village-paced.

Grill Restaurant Apollon is open every day of the week from 10:00 AM to midnight, which means it covers both leisurely lunches and late dinners — useful if you've spent the afternoon at the beach or exploring the famous unfinished Kouros statue just outside the village.

How to Get There

By car or motorbike: The most practical option. Apollonas is connected to Naxos Town via the island's main northern road. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending on your route — the coastal road is slower but more scenic. Parking is available in the village without difficulty outside peak summer weeks.

By bus: KTEL Naxos operates a limited bus service to Apollonas from Naxos Town. Check the current timetable at the Naxos Town bus station before relying on this option, as schedules thin out in shoulder season.

By boat: During summer, occasional boat trips from Naxos Town reach Apollonas. This is more of a day-excursion route than a practical dinner option unless you're staying in the north.

Best Time to Visit

Apollonas is quieter than the island's west coast beaches, but it still sees summer traffic, particularly at lunch when day-trippers arrive to see the Kouros. If you want a more relaxed meal, arrive for a late lunch after 2:00 PM or come for dinner when the day visitors have left. The restaurant's midnight closing time makes an unhurried evening meal entirely possible.

Shoulder season — May, early June, September, and October — is when Apollonas is at its most pleasant. The weather is warm, the village is calm, and you'll have the waterfront almost to yourself.

Tips for Visiting

• Call ahead in summer: The phone number is +30 2285 067005. A quick call to reserve a table is worth it during July and August.
• Combine with the Kouros: The ancient unfinished marble statue at the Apollonas quarry is a 10-minute walk from the village — pair the two for a worthwhile half-day trip from Naxos Town.
• Bring cash: Many small tavernas in Apollonas operate on a cash-preferred basis; confirm card acceptance when you call.
• Order the local cheese: Naxos produces some of the best graviera and feta in Greece. Any taverna in the village worth visiting will have it on the table.
• Don't rush: Apollonas is not the place for a quick turnaround. Build time into your day to sit, eat slowly, and watch the harbour.

What's Nearby

The Apollonas Kouros is the obvious companion stop — a 10.5-metre unfinished archaic marble statue abandoned in its quarry, likely dating to the 7th or 6th century BC. It's one of three large kouroi on Naxos and the most accessible of them. The village also has a small pebble beach and a handful of other kafeneions and cafés along the waterfront. If you're driving back south, the mountain village of Koronos and the Tragea valley are worth a detour.