Visitors say
The atmosphere is nice, the service is extremely slow, but you are in Greek island, get used to it :) the food is average, prices is a bit high for such a daytime restaurant.
Good quality seafood. Octopus in wine is a must-try. Grilled local cheese (forgot the name) is also nice.
About
Kalderimi Taverna takes its name from the ancient cobblestone mule paths — kalderimia — that once served as the primary arteries connecting the villages and hillsides of Lesvos long before paved roads arrived. These hand-laid stone tracks, some of which still wind through the landscapes around Alyfada, are a reminder of the island's deep rural heritage, and the taverna carries that same sense of rootedness and tradition into its hospitality. Situated near the quiet village of Alyfada in the island's interior, it offers a natural stopping point for travelers exploring the less-visited corners of Lesvos, where olive groves and pine-covered hillsides replace the bustle of the coastal resorts.
Guests at Kalderimi can expect the kind of straightforward, honest cooking that defines the best of Greek taverna culture — hearty mezedes, grilled meats, and seasonal dishes prepared with local ingredients. The atmosphere is unhurried and welcoming, the sort of place where a midday meal can stretch comfortably into the afternoon over a carafe of local wine or a glass of ouzo. For visitors who have come to Lesvos to discover the island beyond its famous petrified forest and crowded beaches, a meal here feels like an authentic encounter with everyday Lesbian life.
What makes Kalderimi worth seeking out is precisely its remove from the tourist trail. This is not a place that markets itself aggressively; it draws its regulars from the surrounding villages and the occasional traveler curious enough to wander inland. Stopping here rewards that curiosity with genuine warmth and a taste of the island's quieter rhythms — a fitting tribute to the old kalderimia themselves, which rewarded those willing to walk a little further with views and connections that the main road never offered.
Before you go
What to expect
The name nods to the old stone mule tracks that once linked Lesvos's villages, and the taverna carries that unhurried spirit into its dining room. Expect a spread of honest mezedes, grilled meats, and seasonal dishes, best shared over a carafe of house wine or a small ouzo. The pace is deliberately slow — this is a place for lingering, not rushing through a meal.
Best time to visit
Open through the main tourist season; spring and autumn evenings are particularly pleasant when the heat eases and locals reclaim the tables.
How to get there
Kalderimi is right in Mytilini itself, a short walk from the harbour and the town centre — no car needed.
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Visitor Reviews
Eliana Patsali
January 2026
Visited with my family and had a very disappointing experience. The food was bland and lacked flavor. The service was unfriendly — the waitresses barely spoke to us and simply dropped plates on the table without any courtesy, which made us feel unwelcome. We were brought a 2L bottle of water we clearly said we did not want, yet it was still added to our bill. We refused to pay for something we never ordered. Flies and small mosquitoes were constantly landing on our food, bread, and glasses, raising serious concerns about cleanliness and hygiene. To top it off, a man nearby appeared to be taking photos or videos of us, which made the situation very uncomfortable - once we paid( we had to pass him through to get out, he sat opposite the till) he put his phone down, screen facing the table. I did not initially intend to leave a review and therefore did not take any photos. I only decided to document the experience after noticing a man seated directly in front of the till taking photos/videos of us, which felt inappropriate and uncomfortable. The man was not eating or drinking and appeared to have a very familiar, informal relationship with the black-haired waitress. Based on their constant interaction and body language, he appeared to be more than just a customer and possibly connected to the ownership or management of the restaurant, although this was never made clear. This lack of transparency was concerning, particularly given his position near the till and involvement in matters related to our payment. The red-haired waitress had to consult this man regarding our change, and the black-haired waitress had to clarify to her that we would not be charged for water. Both waitresses also exited the restaurant multiple times during service, including to retrieve our drinks from outside, which raised questions about organisation and basic service standards. Overall, my concerns extend beyond hygiene to the professionalism, safety, and integrity of the staff and management. The unclear roles, apparent prioritisation of personal interactions over customers, and the act of filming guests without consent created an uncomfortable environment. Regardless of whether these individuals were owners or staff, the experience lacked professionalism, hygiene and left us questioning the establishment’s standard s and priorities. Overall, not a place I would recommend.
Enis Cebeci
August 2025
The atmosphere here doesn’t really meet expectations. It’s located in a back alley, and the noise from other shops’ air conditioning units can sometimes be disturbing. The food tastes fairly average, like something from a small family-run place, though still decent. There is a variety of alcoholic drinks, and the people running the place can give good recommendations if you ask them. The restrooms are single-person only.
ismail alacaoğlu
August 2025
The atmosphere is nice, the service is extremely slow, but you are in Greek island, get used to it :) the food is average, prices is a bit high for such a daytime restaurant.
Sevil özatalar
July 2025
We stopped by for lunch last weekend. The grilled sardines were fresh and delicious. The herb plate and bread were generous. The absence of olive oil on the table was a small but noticeable detail. The decor is charming, with potted plants and olive-themed tablecloths and napkins—clearly prepared with care. However, the staff were quite stern and distant, which slightly dampened the warm atmosphere. Still, we were satisfied overall with the food and ambiance. A bit more friendliness could truly make this place stand out.
Serkan Ugurluoglu
July 2025
Absolutely delicious food and great atmosphere! We had the fried shrimp, fried calamari, and chicken schnitzel — everything was cooked to perfection and full of flavor. The shrimp and calamari were incredibly fresh and crispy, and the schnitzel was tender and perfectly seasoned. The staff were kind and welcoming, and the seaside setting made the experience even more special. A must-visit if you’re in Lesvos! We visited as a family with our 11-year-old son, and we all loved it!
איתי צחובוי
June 2025
The chicken was dry, it was hard to cut, and the knife wasn't good either. The rice was reasonable. And they put a bottle of water on the table that I didn't drink, which I didn't ask for, and put it on the bill for to pay.
Argun Tanrıverdi
February 2025
Good quality seafood. Octopus in wine is a must-try. Grilled local cheese (forgot the name) is also nice.
Ayşen Percin
October 2024
It is a shabby Greek restaurant. It is cheaper than some tavernas but the food is not really good. Fava is made of peas and not tasty. The octopus in wine is sour, I am not sure if it is spoiled or bec of cheap wine. The fried calamari is tooo much oily and chewy. There are some people work in the restaurant, sitting inside and smoking!!! It is in an alley and the atmosphere is authentic.
Selin Engin
August 2024
Kalderimi Taverna is a typical Greek restaurant tucked away in an alley in the center of Mytilene. It's a place right out of a movie scene, and even the locals prefer it for a quick lunch. Everything we ate was delicious and had a homemade taste. We thoroughly enjoyed the octopus in wine, grilled octopus, and Greek salad accompanied by ouzo.
Erinc Oz
July 2024
We had Fava (which had a very poor taste), octopus in wine (which was very sour, probably because of bad wine), fried calamari, and shrimp (calamari was too chewy and the taste was not good). But the atmosphere and people were good.



