Kos Island

Elia Greek Restaurant in Kos - Authentic Dining in Old Town 4.6 (2,181)

Elia is a charming Greek restaurant nestled in the heart of Kos Old Town, offering a delightful blend of authentic cuisine and warm hospitality. Known for its inviting outdoor terrace surrounded by a tranquil garden, Elia provides a perfect setting to enjoy traditional Greek dishes with a modern touch. Guests praise the attentive and friendly staff who create a welcoming atmosphere, making every visit memorable. The menu features an array of flavorful options, including standout seafood and tender lamb dishes, all served at moderate prices. Whether you're seeking a relaxing lunch or an intimate dinner accompanied by live music, Elia promises a genuine taste of Kos with a serene ambiance. Its convenient location on Apellou Street places diners amidst the vibrant laneways of the old town, ideal for people-watching and soaking in the local charm. Wheelchair accessibility and a great selection of drinks, including beer, add to the comfort and appeal of this beloved spot. Highly recommended for those looking to experience authentic Greek flavors in a friendly and picturesque setting.

Kos Island — Elia — gallery
Elia

Discover Elia: A Delightful Greek Dining Experience in Kos

For travelers and locals seeking an authentic taste of Greek cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere, Elia stands out as a charming gem in the heart of Kos. With a strong reputation backed by over 2,000 glowing reviews and a solid 4.6-star rating, this restaurant offers a memorable culinary journey that suits families, couples, and solo diners alike.

Location and the Charm of Kos

Elia is nestled at Απελλού 27, in the enchanting old town of Kos, Greece. This city, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, provides the perfect backdrop for a dining experience that blends tradition with comfort. Tucked away in a narrow laneway, the restaurant’s outdoor terrace invites guests to relax under the gentle hum of cicadas and the soft rustle of a magnificent garden, creating a peaceful oasis amid the lively streets.

Cuisine, Atmosphere, and Service

Elia proudly serves Greek cuisine that reflects the flavors of the Aegean with fresh ingredients and thoughtfully prepared dishes. The menu offers a variety of options that appeal to diverse tastes, including seafood risottos infused with saffron, tender lamb kapamas with cinnamon and honey, and grilled calamari that diners rave about. The moderate price level makes it accessible without compromising quality.

The atmosphere at Elia is both relaxed and vibrant, enhanced by live music and outdoor seating that encourage lingering and enjoyment. Guests often describe the setting as a perfect blend of lively and serene, ideal for people-watching amidst the cobbled streets of Kos old town.

Service is a standout feature here. Reviewers consistently praise the staff for their warmth, attentiveness, and genuine friendliness. From helpful menu suggestions to engaging hospitality, the team at Elia makes every diner feel valued and cared for, contributing greatly to the overall experience.

Guest Experiences: What Visitors Are Saying

  • One visitor shared how they returned twice during their visit, enjoying the seafood risotto and appreciating the calm terrace environment away from the bustle at night. They noted the kindness of the waiters and the peaceful ambiance enhanced by the sounds of nature.
  • Another guest described Elia as a place that "stole our heart," highlighting the magnificent garden and affordable yet excellent food. They expressed a strong desire to return, emphasizing the genuine kindness of the staff and the value of the experience.
  • A family-friendly spot, Elia accommodated all ages and tastes with a variety of starters and mains. A particular recommendation was the lamb kapamas, praised for its exquisite flavor. The reviewer called it a "really good value restaurant" and highly recommended it.
  • For those seeking a perfect introduction to Greek cuisine, a diner was thrilled with their first meal in Greece at Elia, calling the food some of the best they had ever tasted. They enjoyed classic dishes like smoked mackerel, salad, and grilled calamari while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the old town.
  • Lastly, guests appreciated the restaurant as a fabulous place for people watching, pairing it with gorgeous food and even delicious house wine, making their lunch break truly special.

Why Dine at Elia?

Choosing Elia means embracing a genuine Greek dining experience marked by quality food, inviting surroundings, and heartfelt service. Whether you’re wandering through the historical streets of Kos or seeking a tranquil spot to unwind after sightseeing, Elia offers a harmonious balance of flavors and ambiance. Its accessibility, outdoor seating, and live music create a welcoming environment for all visitors, including those requiring wheelchair access.

With consistent praise from past diners, moderate prices, and a location that captures the spirit of Kos, Elia is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to savor the best of Greek hospitality and cuisine. From seafood lovers to those craving tender lamb dishes, all will find something delightful to enjoy here.

If your travels bring you to Kos, make sure to reserve a table at Elia—especially for dinner—to experience firsthand why so many return for seconds and leave with lasting memories.

Fiona Rossi
Fiona Rossi 5 months ago

We went twice at this place at noon. At night you must reserve because there is a lot of people. We order several plates. All was very good and the waiters were very nice. Nice environment. You are in this little street and then you are seated at the terrace, at calm with the cicadas. I loved the seafood risotto with saffron

Denis Secondo
Denis Secondo 7 months ago

In the center of Kos old town, with a magnificent garden Elia is definitely one of the places that stole our heart. The waiter that served us, a young bearded man, was one of the kindest ever met on the island. The food was excellent at a very affordable price. We wanted to have a second dinner there before leaving but we had to cheang our pland last moment and it's been a huge regret! Definately to try!!! It's going to be worth every your cent!

Neil Robinson
Neil Robinson 6 months ago

Alongside the obvious (great food and drinks) a meal is made or misses the mark on the ambience and the staff. The staff at Elia were incredible - warm, friendly, engaging and helpful. We had an amazing lunch with all different ages and tastes catered for. We went for a selection of starters for the table and then an array of mains. On the suggestion from the staff I went for the lamb kapamas, which was exquisite. Sweet and tender lamb shank in a die for sauce of cinnamon and honey. Really good value restaurant and would highly recommend.

Sophie Sisko
Sophie Sisko 12 months ago

So incredibly glad we chose this place for our first meal in Greece. The food was some of the best I’ve had in my life and the service was nothing short of perfect. Location is amongst the narrow laneways of Old Kos Town and offers great people watching and atmosphere. Just smoked mackerel, salad and grilled calamari was heavenly!