o Mousatos

O Mousatos sits in the village of Kourounochori, a small inland settlement in the central part of Naxos, reached via the Epar.Od. Naxou-Monis road that winds through the island's agricultural heartland. It's a family-run taverna with a straightforward reputation: locally sourced Naxian meat, traditional preparation, and a relaxed setting that feels nothing like the tourist strip along the port.

With a 4.7-star rating across more than 400 reviews, this is a place that earns its following from returning visitors and islanders alike, not from foot traffic.

What to Expect

The menu at O Mousatos centers on the meat Naxos is known for — the island has long been recognized across Greece for the quality of its beef and pork, raised on fertile land fed by the island's spring water. Grilled cuts are the main draw here, prepared simply and cooked over fire in the way Greek village tavernas have always done it. Reviewers consistently call out the quality of the grilled meat as the reason to make the trip.

Appetizers follow the standard village taverna format — expect mezedes like tzatziki, grilled cheese, and seasonal vegetables alongside the mains. The setting is relaxed and unfussy, suited to a long lunch or an unhurried dinner. The service is attentive, and the atmosphere reflects the community character of Kourounochori — the taverna has hosted local events and celebrations, including the annual cutting of the New Year's pie (πρωτοχρονιάτικη πίτα), which gives some indication of how embedded it is in village life.

O Mousatos is open every day from 8:00 AM to midnight, which makes it one of the few inland options accessible for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the same day.

How to Get There

Kourounochori is approximately 8 km from Naxos Town, heading inland toward the Tragaea plain. By car, follow the main road toward Halki and watch for the turning to Kourounochori — the village is signposted. The drive takes around 15 minutes from the port and offers views of Naxos's interior terraced hillsides.

There is no direct bus connection to Kourounochori, so a car or scooter rental is the practical option. Parking in the village is straightforward. Taxis from Naxos Town are available and the fare is modest for the distance.

Best Time to Visit

O Mousatos is open year-round, which makes it a reliable option even outside peak season when many coastal restaurants close. In summer, the inland location means slightly warmer evenings than the seafront, so a lunch visit during the cooler part of the day is worth considering. Lunchtime on weekdays tends to be quieter; weekend evenings draw a local crowd and can get busy. If you plan to visit on a Saturday night in particular, calling ahead on +30 2285 062546 is advisable.

Spring and autumn are ideal for the inland Naxos experience — the Tragaea valley is green, the roads are quiet, and village restaurants like this one operate without the pressure of high-season demand.

Tips for Visiting

• Call ahead for busy nights. Weekend evenings attract locals as well as visitors; a reservation avoids a wait.
• Prioritize the grilled meat. Reviewers are consistent on this point — it's why the taverna has the rating it does.
• Combine with a Tragaea loop. Kourounochori is close to Halki, Filoti, and the Byzantine tower at Apano Kastro; O Mousatos works well as a lunch anchor for an inland day trip.
• Bring cash. Small village tavernas in the Naxos interior don't always accept cards; check when you call.
• Appetizer portions are reported as small for the price — order accordingly and focus on the mains.
• The taverna is open from 8 AM, making it one of the few inland spots where you could stop for a late Greek breakfast or early coffee before heading further into the island.

About the Village and the Surrounding Area

Kourounochori is part of the broader Tragaea region, Naxos's interior plateau and the most fertile area of the island. The village itself is small and agricultural, surrounded by olive groves and cultivated fields. It sits within a short drive of several other notable Naxos villages — Halki, with its Venetian tower and distillery, is nearby, as is Filoti at the foot of Mount Zas. The area rewards slow travel: Byzantine churches, old tower houses, and marble-paved paths connect the settlements across the plain.

A taverna like O Mousatos is part of what makes the Tragaea worth a half-day away from the coast. The food is grounded in what the land around it produces.