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Last Updated on 22 June 2026 by Vanessa

There’s a special little restaurant I need to tell you about…

If you want peace and quiet, as well as good authentic Greek food with lots of fresh herbs, you should come and eat at I Eftalou Tavern, tucked away in one of the less visited corners of Lesbos.

The food is some of the best on the island: feta saganaki, gigantes, tatziki, dolmades, fried zucchinni flowers… 😋

But you have to be willing to share all these delicious Greek specialties with the many, many feline residents of the I Eftalou Tavern. 🐈

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Eftalou Tavern, the best food and cats on Lesbos Island

Greek lunch, cats, and flowers

After a long, relaxing soak in the steamy waters of the Eftalou Hot Springs, there was only one logical next move for us: food. And not just any food—Greek food. Preferably with a view. And maybe some cats.

Enter: I Eftalou Tavern.

We didn’t exactly plan on eating there. It was the only option nearby, and our post-spring-haze wasn’t really motivating us to hike around searching for alternatives. But the moment we walked past the cozy little entrance and into the al fresco dining area, I knew we’d stumbled onto something special.

I Eftalou Tavern’s al fresco dining area is a spacious flowery terrace overlooking the sea, with lots of tables shaded by trees in case you want to eat there around midday. It was as dreamy as it sounds.

In the evening, the I Eftalou Tavern is perfect to watch the sunset over the sea.

And then came the food.

We ordered a little bit of everything—because how else do you properly do a Greek lunch?

Feta saganaki
Stuffed zucchini flowers
Dolmades
Greek salad

This was, without exaggeration, some of the best food I had on the entire island.

We loved it so much we came back multiple times. Even though we were staying in Molyvos, we found ourselves making the short drive back to I Eftalou Tavern just to sit under those trees, eat those amazing dishes, and hang out with the cats.

Stray cats on Lesbos island

Cats abound on the island of Lesbos.

They are everywhere you look, and Eftalou is no different.

However, they are more numerous at the I Eftalou Tavern than most other places on Lesbos.

This is mainly because there are very few restaurants and hotels in Eftalou.

Since the cats are almost all strays, they know that the I Eftalou Tavern (as well as the yoga hall behind) is a sure spot to get food and shelter.

If you know me, you know this made my heart explode a little. I spent half the meal eating and the other half cuddling the cats and grinning at all the purring company.

Contrary to most other restaurants on Lesbos, I Eftalou Tavern even provides basic medical care to unwell cats.

When the owners of the I Eftalou Tavern noticed that the white and ginger kitty had a problem with his eye, they immediately took him to the veterinary clinic for treatment.

That alone would be enough to support a business.

Where is I Eftalou Tavern located?

The tavern is easy to find. It’s located right off the main road which winds its way from Molyvos to the Eftalou hot springs.

The tavern is easily accessible by bus, and there is plenty of parking for your car, bike, or scooter.

So if you’re coming from Molyvos, just keep driving along the coastal road, and you’ll spot the tavern just before the asphalt ends.

From there, you can keep going along the unpaved coastal track (it’s bumpy but manageable), and you’ll eventually reach one of the cutest little spots on the island: the fishing village of Skala Sykaminia. Think bobbing boats, waterfront cafés, and serious Mamma Mia vibes.

Final thoughts

Would you also like to have lunch or dine in the company of all these wonderful cats?

Have you ever visited Eftalou? Or the island of Lesbos? Did you eat at I Eftalou Tavern? Leave a comment with your thoughts, and share your cat photos with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

What to visit next on Lesbos Island?

Craving more charming villages and scenic views? Don’t miss my guide to Petra, Lesbos, a picturesque coastal town with cobblestone streets and a church perched high on a rock.

If you’re into history and stunning views, a visit to the Ypsilou Monastery is a must. Peaceful, remote, and totally worth the drive.

For something ancient and unexpected, explore the Roman Aqueduct of Moria, one of Lesbos’s most impressive archaeological sites.