Naxos Kafeneion Galani Cafe in Halki (or Chalki)

Location: Halki

Giannis Salteris and his wife Katerina took over this unique place in the early 1990s succeeding Markos Lambadakis, owner of this small kafeneio since the German occupation. It was the previous owner who was famous for the established desserts of kataifi (thin-strand pastry stuffed with coarsely chopped nuts, almonds or walnuts drenched in syrup) and galaktoboureko (custard-filled phyllo pie drenched in syrup), as the signature sweets of this place. Today, with the help of their son Dimitris, they serve some authentic treats in this magical location!

Set in a beautiful alley underneath a thick shade from the vines, Kafeneio Galanis also takes over the sidewalk across the street where locals tend to hang in the afternoon and drink coffee or ouzo watching travelers go by. Meanwhile, foodies enjoy a shortlist of delicacies Mrs. Katerina prepares in her small kitchen. The top one? Keftedakia, the Greek style meatballs, which are shallow-fried making them tender on the inside and crispy on the outside! And obviously, their galaktoboureko dessert, a few portions of which sit by the entrance... feel free to just walk by and collect one or two!