Ostria - sanem

Stepping onto the glorious, car-free rock of Hydra in the quieter seasons felt like turning up to a party just as the hosts were cleaning up. Mercifully, I found Ostria, one of the few beacons still burning brightly on the harbour front. It was the sort of honest, no-nonsense establishment that makes you feel instantly at ease, like walking into a friend's house and being immediately handed a glass of something cool and probably local. The cooking here is delightfully rustic—on one exceptional visit, the chef himself had been out that very morning foraging local mushrooms, which arrived at my table cooked down into a sublime, earthy plate of sheer perfection. The true star of the show is Tassoula, one half of the dynamic duo, who is quite simply a force of nature. She's the kind of formidable, witty host who makes you feel like family, ensuring that every dish, from the freshest of produce to the superb, melt-in-your-mouth fried calamari, is delivered with a generous splash of local gossip and charm. I returned twice for lunch, pulled back by the sheer magnetic joy of this place, where the vibe is so genuinely friendly and utterly devoid of pretense, it’s less a transaction and more a warm, culinary hug from the Aegean. This is the real Greece, served with a big, brilliant smile, and it’s a total winner.

100% recommended. Restaurant run by a woman and her fisherman husband who catches the fish you eat. They are real and nice people and really caring. She told us it was too much food when we ordered too much. We have been 2 nights in a row. Last time in the island someone recommended here and I always come. Amazing fish and very good food.

The best calamari I’ve ever had. It was the whole fish in a light breading flash fried. Very tender. Fried shrimp and potato’s were also good. The proprietor/server was a character. Which added to the fun. We ate here twice in three days on Hydra

Best restaurant in Hydra. Authentic, great food, everything was fresh and with good taste. The hosts are nice and friendly. The place gave me the best experience in Hydra. Had a dinner with fresh calamari and salad, and a little lunch stop for stuffed wine leaves.

Rustic eatery with amazing food and fun service. Lots of friendly locals! Felt like we were eating at a gourmet friend’s house. Would eat here every night! We started with yummy broccoli/cauliflower simply steamed and drizzled with olive oil. Followed by delicious grilled freshly caught sardines. Perfectly fried potatoes and their toasted bread was the best we’ve had. 500ml of red wine completed the picture.

A Gem of Traditional Greek Cuisine This small, exquisite, and traditional Greek taverna is a true hidden gem. The owner personally mans the stove, while his wife warmly attends to the guests. The owner catches fresh fish daily, which he proudly serves in the evening – it doesn't get any fresher than this. Their transparency about frozen products is also a plus, demonstrating the establishment's honesty. The value for money here is exceptional, leaving no room for complaints. The owner’s wife is an empathetic and loving person who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. This openness adds to the entertainment and allows guests to experience authentic Greek life. Visitors are not only served but also integrated into the community and introduced to one another. The atmosphere is enchanting both during the day and in the evening, especially with the view of the main church. Overall, this taverna offers a unique and unforgettable experience, enriching both culinary and social aspects.

The best dining experience we have had on the Greek Islands. I want to sit down and have drinks with the owner and her friends. She knows her sh!t and takes none back. The hand written menu is a sign of focusing on the food and not on the scene. Just sit down, shut up, and let her and her family serve you one of the freshest meals you will ever have. If I could give this restaurant 10 stars, I would.

Crazy about this wonderful restaurant and the lovely owners. Trust me it will be “love at first bite” 💖. My personal favorites are the fantastic smoked tuna salad and the yummy yummy zucchini balls. The food is fresh, organic, and lovingly prepared. Loyal fans of the restaurant return year after year. You will too.