Goat on a spit at Taverna O Vrachos

Taverna O Vrachos in the small village of Profitis Ilias is among the best tavernas in Samothraki. It's not only popular with tourists, but it's also a favorite of the locals who gather here to celebrate weddings and other events.

Old plane trees keep the sun away from the terrace.

Long ago, O Vrachos (meaning "the rock" in Greek) was the village's coffee shop. Nowadays, it's THE place to try goat on a spit (katsikaki), the dish the village is famous for.

Apostolos, the owner, is an expert roaster. Often, he's tending to the spit on top of the stairs to the right. He doesn't rest until the meat reaches roasting perfection.

Katsikaki on a spit is an experience in itself - a sample of the authentic Samothracian taste. You mustn't leave the island without eating (at least once) at O Vrachos!

The goat costs 30 € / kilogram, meaning that a portion is around 10-12 €. If you're not into katsikaki there are other things on the menu to choose from, like grilled pork or chicken, burgers, sausages, souvlaki, lamb ribs and fried entrails (all around 8 €). But ... have I mentioned yet how delicious the goat meat is at O Vrachos? :)

The famous goat on a spit is one of the must-try culinary experiences in Samothraki.

The praise doesn't stop here, though. The eggplant spread (melitzanosalata) and the cheese spread (tyrosalata) are tasty (3.5 €) and the Hungarian salad (with cabbage, carrots and celery) is also worth trying (4 €). Don't miss the green salad (marouli) that is seasoned just right.

The perfect trio: tzatziki, eggplant spread and "tyrosalata"

The end of a perfect dinner is marked by the complimentary dessert - thick yogurt drowned in homemade jam. Dina makes wonderful jams from many types of fruit among which are grapes, figs, praousti (a local fruit), sour cherries, oranges or even pumpkin. You can take them home for 10 € / one-kilo jar (the praousti is a bit more expensive). For other local products read more about what to buy in Samothraki.

The desert is on the house: Greek yogurt and homemade jam.

Contact Taverna O Vrachos - Profitis Ilias, Samothraki

Taverna O Vrachos is located in the village of Profitis Ilias, on the left as you come from Kamariotissa. The road from Dafnes is best to be avoided.

The tavern is open all year long (with small breaks in the offseason). A cozy fireplace warms up the traditional stone-walled interior decorated with old objects.

Phone: (+30) 255 109 5264 (Apostolos Kalaitzis)