Yianni's Place
Visitors say
Amazing food, really big portions! We loved everything but fried zucchinis and shrimps were our favorite. Friendly people and good service. Recommended !!
The best place to eat in Mytilini. Amazing food, fish and whatever you take . In winter he has the best mushroom !! The restaurant is open and always the best in Lesvos Don’t leave the island without eating there Best fish and always the most pleasant host
About
Tucked away near the quiet village of Alyfada on the northern coast of Lesvos, Yianni's Place offers the kind of unhurried hospitality that defines the best of Greek island dining. This local restaurant invites visitors to slow down and experience the genuine warmth of Lesbian culinary tradition, where meals are not rushed affairs but leisurely gatherings built around fresh ingredients, good company, and the rhythms of village life.
Guests can expect the honest, satisfying cooking that the Aegean region does so well — grilled fish and meats, seasonal vegetables, locally produced olive oil, and the distinctive ouzo of Lesvos, which the island is justly famous for producing. The setting near Alyfada places it in a part of Lesvos that remains refreshingly off the beaten tourist trail, making a stop here feel like a genuine discovery rather than a planned itinerary item.
For travellers exploring the northern reaches of the island, Yianni's Place is a welcome anchor point — a spot to refuel after a morning at the beach or a drive through the olive-covered hillsides of the interior. The combination of simple, well-prepared food, a relaxed atmosphere, and the particular quiet charm of this corner of Lesvos makes it a place that lingers in the memory long after the plates are cleared.
Before you go
What to expect
The pace here is deliberately unhurried — expect long, convivial meals built around grilled fish, tender meats, and seasonal vegetables dressed with local olive oil. A glass of Lesvos ouzo arrives on its own schedule, and the room carries the easy warmth of a neighbourhood spot that locals actually use. Come hungry and with time to spare.
Best time to visit
Late spring through early autumn suits this taverna best; July and August are lively but warm, so the evening sitting is the one to book.
How to get there
Yianni's Place is barely a ten-minute walk from Mytilene's central harbour — close enough to reach on foot from most accommodations in town.
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Visitor Reviews
Mustafa
February 2026
The appetizers and seafood were fantastic.
Utku Han Degirmenci
August 2025
We came for dinner. The shrimp was pretty good, however it was the only good part of the meal. The appetizers/mezes were not bad, however the real problem was the calamari. We picked grilled, and the insides were not cleaned at all. The service wasn't bad, but when asked about the calamari, the waiter said that it was "caviar". I don't think i have to explain how outrageous this is. This is the entrails and insides of calamari and is normally cleaned out, not eaten. I definitely do not recommend. There are lots of better places to dine in the city and in the near vicinity. They really ought to work on their PR. Also it was absurdly expensive for the mediocre service we recieved and they forced us to pay cash only, saying their POS malfunctioned. Absolutely horrible.
Lucian Luca
July 2025
Yianni’s is an authentic greek restaurant, the menu is only in greek and you eat based on what Yiannis recomend to you. We receive some good recomandation of one of the best fish restaurants in Mytilene. The fish was amazing but the whole experience is a bit strange.
Deniz
July 2025
Amazing food, really big portions! We loved everything but fried zucchinis and shrimps were our favorite. Friendly people and good service. Recommended !!
Vassilia S
November 2024
The best place to eat in Mytilini. Amazing food, fish and whatever you take . In winter he has the best mushroom !! The restaurant is open and always the best in Lesvos Don’t leave the island without eating there Best fish and always the most pleasant host
Manos Mitikas
October 2024
One of the most beautiful spots of Mytilene! Well cooked dishes and well grilled fish served on a beautiful traditional place. Amazing old photos inside the restaurant show a big part of the history not only of the restaurant but also of the island the past years. A really big variety of local "ouzo" distilleries make this place worth even more.
Meriç İlke Güçlü
September 2024
First of all there is no menu. You are ordering without knowing the prices which feels a little sus. Food is tho, really tasty and fresh but prices are high compared to nearby places. Service was fast until you got the food. Overall it was a pleasent experience.
NALİN Toprak
August 2024
It’s a very unique Greece restaurant,which is owned by family members I believe so I didn’t ask , they have a very friendly welcoming atmosphere and food was extraordinary ,if you don’t have cash with you , you’ll get a special ride to ATM ☺️🤗I highly recommend it,when I come back to this island I’ll definitely visit again
nevreste albayrak
July 2024
Delicious seafood , grilled shrimps, octopus , fried zucchini , caciki , greek salad . Big portions & good price. Yes they dont have menu but prices are so reasonable, dont worry. For ex : shrimp 17 euro , barbayani 20 cl 9 euro etc Thanks Yianni 💐 We ll come again. ✨
The Watcher
June 2024
What an experience it was coming here. First of all it's hidden in an ally second the owner makes you feel you are one with the place third the fish are fresh which makes any fish the best fish. Fantastic atmosphere filled with beautiful artwork and antiques all over the place. Definitely recommend if you are a seafood type of person.
