Briki and Mezes

Tucked away near the quiet village of Kerami, Briki and Mezes is a welcoming taverna that captures the unhurried spirit of traditional Greek eating. The name says it all: a briki is the small copper pot used to brew thick Greek coffee, and mezes are the small, shared plates that form the backbone of convivial dining on the island — olives, grilled halloumi, saghanaki, spreads, and whatever comes fresh from the kitchen that day. Together, they signal a place where the meal is meant to stretch comfortably over good company.

The barbecue focus sets this spot apart from a straightforward meze table. Expect charcoal-grilled meats — souvlaki, lamb chops, pork ribs — cooked simply and served hot, the way Lesbians have eaten for generations. The combination of smoky grilled dishes alongside a rotating selection of small plates gives both the casual lunch visitor and the evening crowd something to linger over. It is the kind of place where ordering one more plate comes naturally.

Kerami sits in the quieter inland reaches of the island, away from the bustle of the coastal resorts, which makes Briki and Mezes a rewarding stop for travelers exploring the villages of the Lesvos interior. The relaxed, local atmosphere and honest cooking make it a genuine taste of everyday island life rather than a tourist-facing experience.