At “Varkes” Beach in Afytos, where the sea almost touches the tables and the gaze drifts across the blue horizon of the Toroneos Gulf, Fish Tavern “The Glarakia” continues a tradition dating back to the 1980s. Since the days when one of the first cafés for local fishermen opened at this very spot, the essence of the cuisine has remained exactly the same: fresh fish and seafood straight from the local waters, along with a menu based primarily on local ingredients, ensuring that whatever you taste carries the flavor of the sea and the authenticity of the region.

This is a family-run business that has been operating for years, from the beginning of the spring season until the end of October. The venue, open and bright, strikes a balance between the style of an unpretentious fish tavern — the kind that has become increasingly rare — and that of a well-organized seaside restaurant, comfortable for both families and large groups, with service that makes you feel right at home.

The location itself has been operating since the 1980s, when it first opened as a simple tavern-café for the area’s fishermen. Back when the shore was filled with fishing boats, nets drying under the sun, and people who literally lived off the sea, this became one of the first local hangouts where coffee, ouzo, and freshly caught fish were part of the beach’s everyday life.

After several changes over the years, the business is now in the hands of Dimitris Grigoriou and his wife, who continue the tradition with respect, preserving the authentic character of a seaside Greek meze tavern.

Traditional Greek Gastronomy

The kitchen faithfully follows the Greek seafood tradition, without relying on unnecessary embellishments, excessive additions, or overly sophisticated presentation, focusing instead on freshness and handmade preparation. The flavors are served pure and authentic: fresh fish of the day, perfectly grilled to preserve their taste, juicy shrimp fried, grilled, or served saganaki-style, crisp fresh salads, and meze dishes that pair perfectly with ouzo, tsipouro, or selected Greek wines — creating a menu that highlights the simplicity and richness of excellent raw ingredients.

Among the fish and seafood selections, you will find anchovies, sardines, horse mackerel, red mullet, striped red mullet, dentex, lobster, and much more, depending on the daily catch. Signature dishes include the fantastic and extremely popular shrimp pasta, seafood linguini with octopus, shrimp, and mussels — a dish that has earned devoted fans — while the must-try specialties are their homemade sun-dried octopus, steamed mussels, fresh grilled or fried squid, and seafood saganaki, offering a true feast of flavors.

The owner himself is a professional fisherman with his own fishing boat, and whenever conditions allow, he personally heads out to sea. Most of the fish served come from fellow local fishermen, selected daily by him directly from their boats.

The table is also enriched with exclusively handmade creations: bougiourdi, grilled feta cheese, cheese croquettes, fried zucchini, and hand-cut potatoes. Homemade dips — including skordalia, tzatziki, and other traditional spreads — complete the familiar character of Greek summer gastronomy.

Among the salads, the restaurant’s signature salad stands out as an almost complete meal on its own: generous, filling, with octopus and fresh vegetables, combining simplicity with rich flavor.

Finally, although seafood takes center stage, there are also meat options available, such as souvlaki, bifteki burgers, chicken, and pork chops. The philosophy throughout the menu remains constant: approximately 99% of the ingredients are locally sourced, with an emphasis on quality and seasonality.

A truly Greek Wine & Spirits selection

The wine cellar follows an exclusively Greek philosophy: ouzo, tsipouro, and beers, with particular emphasis on wines from Northern Greece and Halkidiki. The perfect pairing for seafood meze fresh from the sea.

The setting itself is reason enough to visit: tables right by the waves, open sea views, and an atmosphere of effortless summer freedom. In the morning, the venue also operates as a beachfront café-bar for coffee, while at lunch and dinner it transforms into a genuine gastronomic destination.

Choose Fish Tavern “The Glarakia” for a complete experience, from morning until evening, after your afternoon swim, with a view of the setting sun. Right beside the waves, overlooking the small fishing boats that are part of the area’s history, you will discover an atmosphere that will remain unforgettable.

Tip 1: The restaurant operates from April 1st to October 31st, daily from 09:00 to 13:00 for coffee, and from 13:00 to 23:00 for the kitchen.

Tip 2: Especially during the summer months, reservations are highly recommended.

Tip 3: Parking is available at the municipal parking area of the village.