Visitors say
Big plates. Excellent meals. Greek food fiesta. Quiet atmosphere on the shore. octopus in red wine, shrimps in garlic sauce, fava, and string beans and spinach.
A tavern located on the seashore, in a very quiet and picturesque place. The food is traditional Greek, very well cooked, with the freshest products possible.
About
Perched at the edge of one of Lesvos's most enchanting fishing harbors, Wave Taverna sits in Skala Sykamineas, a village so perfectly preserved it feels like time has gentled to a near standstill. The village itself is inseparable from the legacy of Stratis Myrivilis, one of Greece's most celebrated twentieth-century authors, who was born in the hilltop village of Sykamia just above and immortalized this coastline in his writing. Against this literary and maritime backdrop, Wave Taverna offers the kind of honest, harbor-side dining that has sustained fishermen and travelers on this northern shore for generations — fresh seafood pulled from the Aegean just meters away, grilled simply and served with local olive oil and the unhurried warmth that defines northern Lesvos hospitality.
A meal at Wave Taverna is as much about the setting as the food. The small harbor of Skala Sykamineas, with its brightly painted caiques and the iconic whitewashed chapel of the Panagia Gorgona nestled on a rock at the water's edge, forms a backdrop that few tavernas anywhere in Greece can rival. Visitors can expect the catch of the day to guide the menu — octopus hung to dry on the line, grilled fish, and mezedes that pair naturally with a carafe of local ouzo or chilled white wine. Tables are typically close enough to the water that you can hear the boats rocking on their moorings.
For anyone making the winding drive along Lesvos's northern coast — a road that rewards with dramatic sea views and the scent of pine — Wave Taverna is a natural and well-earned stopping point. It represents the unaffected character of northern Lesvos, where the tourism industry has never overwhelmed the essential rhythms of fishing village life. Whether you arrive for a long lunch after exploring the coastline or linger into the evening as the harbor lights come on, this is the kind of place that reminds you why the simplest meals, eaten in the right place, become the ones you remember longest.
Before you go
What to expect
Seated here you are close enough to the water to hear the caiques shifting on their moorings between courses. The kitchen follows the morning's catch — whole fish grilled over coals, sun-dried octopus, and unhurried mezedes best shared with cold white wine or a carafe of ouzo. The whitewashed chapel of Panagia Gorgona on its rock at the harbor mouth is right beside you, making this one of the most quietly spectacular lunch spots on the Aegean.
Best time to visit
Late May through October is ideal; July and August draw more visitors, but the harbor comes alive beautifully in the evening light.
How to get there
From Mytilene head north along the coast toward Molyvos, then continue east toward Sykamia — the drive takes roughly an hour to an hour and a half along a road that climbs above the sea with wide open views.
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Visitor Reviews
Christina Zampas
September 2025
Freshest sardines and delicious! Stuffed courgette flowers delish too!
Apostolos Andrikos
August 2025
If you want to experience the very best of Greek island dining, look no further than The Wave (Το Κύμα) in Skala Sykamias. The freshness and quality of the fish here is simply outstanding — every dish tastes like it came straight from the sea to your table. From perfectly grilled octopus to the most flavorful sμcalamari, each plate is prepared with care and real passion for food. What makes this taverna truly special, however, is the warmth and professionalism of Mr. Paris and his family. Dining at The Wave is always a highlight — delicious fish, beautiful seaside atmosphere, and the kindest hosts you could ever hope for. Absolutely recommended!
Peter Ljubič
July 2025
Big plates. Excellent meals. Greek food fiesta. Quiet atmosphere on the shore. octopus in red wine, shrimps in garlic sauce, fava, and string beans and spinach.
Anabel K
July 2025
Hello! We were very pleased with our dinner yesterday. Everything we ordered was not only delicious but also served in generous portions. The service was kind and attentive. Vasilis took great care of us, and we really appreciated that. The only dish that was a bit different for us was the octopus. We learned that it’s prepared in a style unique to Midilli Island. It was still very tasty, just a bit firm for our taste. We especially loved the zucchini flowers stuffed with cheese. They were amazing! We also had calamari both grilled and fried, and both versions were absolutely delicious. We finished our meal with the shrimp linguine, which was simply perfect. Even though we were full, we couldn’t stop eating it! Everything was wonderful, and the ambiance of the place was lovely as well. Thank you for your great work! Important note: We are staying in the shade of Mithimna. The map suggested a shorter route toward the seaside, so we followed that. However, it turned out to be a rocky path and took us about 25 minutes on foot. We recommend not taking that way. Instead, choose the second option shown on the map, which takes about 3 minutes longer but follows the upper road. İt’s much easier and more comfortable to reach the restaurant.
Marian Nadu
July 2025
A tavern located on the seashore, in a very quiet and picturesque place. The food is traditional Greek, very well cooked, with the freshest products possible.
Denizhan
September 2024
A family-run taverna which we could only dream of. Nice greek musics in the background, sounds of waves and the virgin nature … Foods were also amazing of course. Definitely recommended for the ones who are looking for a “local” taverna.
Neon Scythe
July 2024
This place is an absolute banger. With fish and meat tasting like heaven, especially the lamb chops. Oh My Goodness. Im not even joking the lamb chops might be the best i’ve ever eaten. Also the location is really nice too. It is located near the sea and you can enjoy your legendary lamb chops while watching the beautiful sea.
Maria Manka
June 2024
All asphalt to get there, except 500m of dirt road, just before you arrive. Don't be discouraged !
Dick de Wolf
May 2024
Around 800 m. from the harbor is taverna To Kyma. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The Greek music is beautiful. Swallows are flying in and out and last but not least the food is fresh and a delight to eat. I highly recommend. You won't regret.
Derya Em
September 2022
very local greek Restaurant. It is a family restaurant and the owner and the family are very lovely people. The portions are big and is cheaper than the center. Quality of food excellent, very fresh and tasty. You should definitely come here, if you like local places.
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