Refenes
Cosa dicono i visitatori
Our apart host recommended this place when we first came to Mytilini and the food, the view, the people…everything was amazing! The owners know both English and Turkish which is very helpful. My personal favourite was the octopus.
I had dinner at Refenes restaurant. Beautiful view of the sea, delicious food, fast service. All dishes were incredibly tasty! It gets very crowded after 7 p.m., so you would better make a table reservation.
Info
Nascosto vicino al tranquillo villaggio di Alyfada, nella parte orientale di Lesbo, Refenes è il tipo di taverna locale senza pretese che premia i viaggiatori curiosi che si avventurano fuori dai principali percorsi turistici. Immerso nel paesaggio caratteristico dell'isola, tra oliveti e campi delimitati da muretti a secco, offre un autentico assaggio della cucina casalinga lesbia, radicata nelle tradizioni agricole dei villaggi dell'interno. I visitatori possono aspettarsi i piatti onesti e sostanziosi che definiscono la cucina rurale dell'Egeo: carni a cottura lenta, insalate fresche condite con il celebrato olio d'oliva dell'isola, pesce pescato localmente quando disponibile, e quei mezédes che si accompagnano naturalmente a una caraffa di ouzo ghiacciato o di vino locale. L'atmosfera è rilassata e senza fretta, scandita dai ritmi della vita di villaggio piuttosto che dalle esigenze del turismo, rendendolo un luogo dove un pasto può facilmente prolungarsi per tutto il pomeriggio. Fermarsi da Refenes offre più di un semplice buon pasto: è l'occasione per scoprire il lato più tranquillo e autentico di Lesbo, che si trova oltre le spiagge battute e le animate città portuali. L'area circostante Alyfada conserva un carattere profondamente tradizionale, e un tavolo qui mette i visitatori in contatto con la comunità locale e il ricco patrimonio culinario dell'isola in un modo che pochi ristoranti di resort possono replicare.
Prima di partire
Cosa aspettarsi
Tavoli di legno senza pretese, brocche di vino locale e piattini di mezedes che continuano ad arrivare — Refenes funziona al ritmo tranquillo di una trattoria di quartiere, lontana dai circuiti turistici. I piatti attingono ai prodotti dell'isola: carni a cottura lenta, insalate condite con l'olio d'oliva di Lesbo e pesce fresco quando disponibile. Un pranzo qui si trasforma facilmente in un pomeriggio.
Periodo migliore
Aperto la maggior parte dell'anno; la primavera e il primo autunno offrono il clima più gradevole per un pasto senza fretta.
Come arrivare
Refenes si trova a meno di un chilometro dal centro di Mitilene, raggiungibile a piedi in pochi minuti dal porto o dal mercato.
Dettagli
Categorie
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Visitor Reviews
Emre Erdan
September 2025
The personnel lacks interest, and the cuisine is lackluster. I would like to warn everyone to refuse any of the foods they recommend that are not on the menu. They charged us 55 euros for three fish dishes that would have cost no more than 12-15 euros in total. Indeed on the other taberna's of Mytilini we did eat the same fish too much more cheaper.
Fahri Akcomak
August 2025
Even natural rubber is less rubberish than the calamaris and octopus. May easily be the worst seafood experience i have ever had. Two stars is only because of the good tzaziki.
Ege Hunerli
July 2025
Our apart host recommended this place when we first came to Mytilini and the food, the view, the people…everything was amazing! The owners know both English and Turkish which is very helpful. My personal favourite was the octopus.
Todor Todorov
July 2025
We ate here with our friends who are locals, and they recommended it. Food was indeed amazing!! And one of the best fish experiences I've had in a while - you could tell the fish was freshly caught! Since we were with locals, the waiters also chit chat with us and it was a very fun and enjoyable experience. We plan to go again tonight
Anna Havrylenko
October 2024
I had dinner at Refenes restaurant. Beautiful view of the sea, delicious food, fast service. All dishes were incredibly tasty! It gets very crowded after 7 p.m., so you would better make a table reservation.
nihat murat sipahi
August 2024
Everything was great. Fried kalamari and red wine octopus should must try. And also thanks for good service to Nicos, Nicos jr. and Theodoris.
Alexandra Hill
April 2024
Atmosphere: serene, beautiful, comfortable, with the tasteful anroma and views of the Aegean Sea. The homes and buildings in the distance, seen from our seats, left a mosaic of colours in the black-blue water that I could not take my eyes off. Food: Lesvos is known for their seafood, and when I’d ordered the Smoked Mackerel, I expected it to be good. I did not however, expect it to be the best smoked mackerel I ever tasted. I will always remember it and instead of going to another restaurant, I’m going back there for my second dinner. I also ordered dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) and was delighted with the tart lemon cream on top. The rolls are smaller but come in approximately 11-12 pieces so you get to enjoy the vine leaf taste as well which is honestly my FAVOURITE part! I’ll miss this place when I leave. Service: Greeks have a term they use for ‘hospitality’, philoxenia, which translates to love of the unknown guest. Even when you order just a bit of food, their service here was incredibly warm, patient, and kind. They will never rush you the way it is in the Western countries. Note: they have the seating by the sea, and the kitchen is in a separate building across the street.
Pea Jay
August 2021
Old school tavern near the Castle of Mytilene. AMAZING food. Mouth drooling seafood and fair priced as well. Blazing fast service. Highly recommended!
Luziária Mesquita
October 2019
Best seafood we had in Mytilini. The service is very good, very friendly people. Fresh seafood for a good price. In the end they just serve some fruits and this is just a perfect end for a lunch or dinner. The view is amazing.
Onur Kagan Gocebe
September 2019
There are 4 or five restaurants in this shore. I tried 3 of them an I can say that the best one is this one. Has a Seaside and it blows cool and nicely from the sea. Food are very delicious and plates are full. Please eat shrimp saganaki here it is extraordinary delicious. Prices are standart, for instance mythos beer is 4€ and small 250ml ouzo is 6€.
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