Lucculus Taverna

Lucculus Taverna occupies a narrow alley off Old Market Street in Naxos Town — the kind of spot you pass once by accident and then deliberately return to the following evening. It opens for dinner only, every night of the week, and with 476 Google reviews averaging 4.6 stars it has clearly earned its loyal following among both islanders and visitors.

The taverna operates inside a compact, cozy room that also spills out into the alley, so you can choose between eating under the stars or settling into the warmer indoor space. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious — this is a place for good food, not theatre.

What to Expect

The menu centres on traditional Greek cooking: expect the kind of dishes rooted in Cycladic island cooking rather than tourist-oriented interpretations of it. Fresh fish is a recurring highlight — the kitchen sources it regularly, and it shows on the plate. Beyond fish, a classic taverna spread typically includes mezedes, grilled meats, and seasonal vegetables prepared simply and well. Staff are consistently described as friendly, and booking a table in advance is possible and recommended, particularly in summer.

The setting inside the old town gives the meal an unhurried rhythm. Old Market Street runs through the Venetian-era Chora, and wandering back through the bazaar district or up toward the Kastro after dinner is a natural extension of the evening.

How to Get There

Lucculus Taverna sits at coordinates 37.1070° N, 25.3753° E, within easy walking distance of Naxos Town's waterfront. From the main harbor and ferry port, head into the Chora on foot — the old town is compact and pedestrianized in most sections. Old Market Street (also known locally as the bazaar lane) runs through the lower part of the old town toward the Kastro hill; the taverna is signposted along this route.

If you are arriving by car from elsewhere on the island, park along the waterfront promenade or in one of the lots near the port and walk in — vehicles cannot reach the alley itself. There is no dedicated parking at the restaurant. Naxos Town is served by the island's KTEL bus network from Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Pyrgaki, and other resort areas, with the bus terminal located just off the port square, a short walk away.

Best Time to Visit

The taverna is open every evening from 7:00 PM to midnight, year-round. In July and August the alley fills quickly, so booking ahead is strongly advised. Shoulder season — May, June, and September — offers a more relaxed pace with full menus and shorter waits. If you are visiting in the off-season, it is worth calling ahead on +30 2285 022569 to confirm the kitchen is running, as some Naxos Town restaurants reduce hours or close briefly in winter.

For the best experience, aim to arrive around 7:30–8:00 PM when the evening is cooling down and the alley comes to life.

Tips for Visiting

• Book in advance during summer — the indoor room is cozy but limited in capacity, and outdoor alley tables fill fast.
• Ask what fish came in that day. Fresh fish availability varies; the staff will tell you what is worth ordering.
• Bring cash as backup — many smaller Naxos Town tavernas prefer it, and it is worth checking on arrival.
• Combine with a Kastro walk. The Venetian Kastro is a five-minute walk uphill from Old Market Street — worth doing before or after dinner while the light is low.
• Explore the Chora on foot first. Old Market Street is part of one of the best-preserved market alleys in the Cyclades; give yourself time to wander before your reservation.

About the Location

Old Market Street sits at the heart of Naxos Town's medieval Chora, the old capital that grew around the Venetian Kastro built by Marco Sanudo in the 13th century. The lanes here are narrow, paved in stone, and lined with small shops, cafes, and family-run restaurants. Lucculus occupies this fabric naturally — a dinner-only taverna that fits the rhythm of an old-town evening. The port, with its ferries and the iconic Portara on the islet of Palatia, is visible from the waterfront just a few minutes' walk away.