UMAMI The 5th Taste
Visitors say
I’ve been more than 10 cities of Greece and that’s the best burger I’ve ever tasted in this country. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed.
Great food, excellent food presentation. Restaurant is partially self serve. Best dish to recommend is the Teriyaki chicken , it’s amazing
About
UMAMI The 5th Taste is a restaurant near the quiet coastal settlement of Alyfada, on the eastern shores of Lesvos, where the name itself signals a culinary philosophy rooted in depth and complexity. Umami — the so-called fifth taste alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter — is that rich, savory satisfaction found in slow-cooked broths, aged cheeses, and sun-ripened produce, and a restaurant that takes its name from this concept is making a deliberate statement about the quality and intention behind its kitchen. Set in a part of the island where the Aegean light is luminous and the pace of life unhurried, the restaurant draws visitors who are seeking something more considered than a quick taverna meal.
Guests can expect a menu that engages seriously with flavor, likely drawing on the exceptional local larder that Lesvos is known for — the island produces some of Greece's finest olive oil, ouzo, and sardines, and its position at the crossroads of Greek and wider Eastern Mediterranean culinary traditions gives creative kitchens much to work with. Whether leaning into contemporary interpretations of Greek cuisine or exploring broader Mediterranean influences, a restaurant that anchors itself to the concept of umami is one that values technique and ingredient quality in equal measure. For travelers making their way along the eastern coast of Lesvos, a stop at UMAMI The 5th Taste offers a chance to sit down, slow down, and taste the island with genuine intention.
Before you go
What to expect
Dishes here are built around layered, resonant flavors rather than single bold notes — the kitchen leans on Lesvos's exceptional local larder, working olive oil, aged cheeses, and slow techniques into food that rewards attention. The mood is calm and considered, a contrast to the busier waterfront spots in town, and the kind of place where conversation slows down between bites.
Best time to visit
May through October suits a visit well; midsummer evenings are particularly pleasant when the heat of the day has eased.
How to get there
UMAMI is effectively in central Mytilini, a short walk from the port and town center — no car needed if you are already based in town.
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Visitor Reviews
Gökalp Dayap
November 2025
I’ve been more than 10 cities of Greece and that’s the best burger I’ve ever tasted in this country. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed.
emre
September 2025
the food was delicious. when you get bored of the classic aegean meals of mytilene, come here and taste different things on menu. we had a burger and a burrito, both were really good and satisfying too. they also have veg options, which we want to try next time. i recommend trying a new beer with your meal here. the price was around 15 euros per person.
Martin Georgiev
September 2025
Great food, excellent food presentation. Restaurant is partially self serve. Best dish to recommend is the Teriyaki chicken , it’s amazing
Jinsh Malei
September 2025
Absolute culinary experience. These people have managed to create such creative dishes with the most amazing twists that somehow work themselves in a beautiful harmony. I’ve never had ethnic food (Latin, Mexican, etc) as good as theirs. I recommend the Caesar salad (the sauce is to die for), the fries with the Caesar sauce and bacon, the chicken burrito is the best thing there. Their burgers are amazing too.
Konstantinos Deko
August 2025
Very tasteful food, super friendly people and nice atmosphere!
Vangelis Chatzigiannis
August 2025
Amazing in everything! Super nice food, super polite staff and all with a smile on their faces. Chicken burrito was delicious. Highly recommend!
Matilde.G
February 2025
One of the best restaurants in mytilene! Affordable, open on weekends and with very tasty food. It’s not the traditional Greek food, but the quality of the ingredients is notable! Every time I was there I tried different things (the menu has different dishes, with vegetarian options), everything super good! Plus, the top floor is very cosy. I recommend a lot.
Davis Bacher
October 2024
Beautiful restaurant. I love the upstairs seating and the decor around the place. The food was delicious. I had the teriyaki chicken. Their spicy chicken wings were also amazing and the ginger beer they have is so good. I would definitely recommend.
Nazım Turay
June 2024
Great street food with great prices at Mytillini. Tried tacos de camaron and it was delicious. Spicy&fresh food with great location. Replaced our free water bottle two times and help our replenishment 🙏Thanks guys.
John O'Neill
August 2023
Wow!! My partner and I are Americans abroad, and we happened to walk by this place while strolling. Feeling peckish, we thought we'd check it out, and weren't expecting anything spectacular. Oh how wrong we were! This place is FANTASTIC. The food is a sort of USA/Mexican/Asian fusion, and it is easily matches, and even is better than much similar fare you can find at even the best restaurants in the states. As a wing fan, the Gochujang wings in particular were quite possibly the best I've ever had; the Carnitas tacos are on par with those in my home state of Colorado; and the pulled pork sandwich was straight out of a Texas Barbecue. Has got to be one of the best restaurants in Mytilene!
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