Taverna I Pigi

Taverna I Pigi sits in the green valley village of Ano Potamia, about 10 kilometres inland from Naxos Town, and it operates in a way that feels increasingly rare: produce from the garden, grilled meats cooked to order over charcoal, and recipes that have stayed local for generations. With a rating of 4.6 across nearly a thousand reviews, it draws both islanders and visitors who make the drive specifically for the food.

The name means "the spring," and the taverna's centrepiece fountain — audible from the tables — sets the tone for long, unhurried evenings outdoors, surrounded by the sounds of the Naxos countryside.

What to Expect

The menu is grounded in Naxian tradition. Vegetables come from the taverna's own garden, and the kitchen applies the same care to slow-cooked dishes as it does to the grill. Stand-out items include kokkoretsi (prepared the proper way, the menu notes, using the correct method), frigadelli — which the owners describe as unique on Naxos — and grilled pork belly over charcoal. The roast cockerel and beef fillet round out the grilled section, while gemista (stuffed vegetables) and other cooked daily dishes handle the more traditional one-pot side of the menu.

Local Naxos cheeses and mezes accompany the food, alongside tsipouro and regional wines. The kitchen also prepares traditional Naxian sweets — worth asking about at the end of the meal. If you have a particular cut or dish in mind, grills are made to order at whatever time suits you.

The space works for groups and events: the taverna handles private functions including weddings, so the garden seating is set up to accommodate larger gatherings without feeling cramped on a regular evening.

How to Get There

Ano Potamia lies in the Potamia valley, accessible via the main inland road heading northeast from Naxos Town toward Filoti and Apeiranthos. From Naxos Town, the drive takes roughly 15–20 minutes by car or scooter. Follow signs for Potamia villages; Ano Potamia is the uppermost of the three settlements in the valley.

There is no direct KTEL bus to Ano Potamia, though buses toward Filoti or Apeiranthos pass through the valley — check the current schedule at Naxos Town bus station and confirm the stop. A taxi from Naxos Town is a straightforward option, especially for an evening meal when you may not want to drive back on mountain roads after wine.

Parking is available in the village. The taverna's address is Ano Potamia 843 00, and it can be reached by phone at +30 2285 032292 for reservations — recommended for weekend evenings in summer.

Best Time to Visit

Taverna I Pigi is open every day from 10:00 AM to midnight. Lunch visits offer a quieter experience, with the garden cool in the shade of the valley. Evenings are the main event: the fountain, the night air, and the charcoal grill come together in a setting that rewards lingering. Summer weekends fill up, so booking ahead is sensible. Spring and autumn are ideal for those who prefer fewer tourists and milder temperatures in the hills.

Tips for Visiting

• Reserve by phone for groups of four or more, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings in July and August.
• Ask about the daily cooked dishes (mageirefta) — these change based on what's fresh and available and aren't always on a printed menu.
• Order the Naxos potatoes as a side: grown in the island's volcanic soil, they have a different texture and flavour from mainland varieties.
• Try the local wine or tsipouro rather than imported spirits — the taverna stocks regional options that pair well with the food.
• Come hungry. Portions are generous and the mezes add up quickly.
• The taverna can organise private events and group dinners — contact them in advance if you're planning something beyond a regular table.

The Potamia Valley Setting

Ano Potamia is the highest of the three Potamia villages and one of the greener corners of Naxos, fed by natural springs and agricultural land that has supplied the island's interior for centuries. The surrounding area is good walking country, with trails connecting the valley to Chalki and the Byzantine tower of Plaka. Coming to Taverna I Pigi as part of a half-day loop through the Naxos interior — Filoti, the Zas cave trail, or the Tragaea plain — gives the meal a context that dining in Naxos Town doesn't quite match.