Flavors and stories

Kafeneio O Kyr Manolis

Manolis' coffee shop

The heart of Asomatos’s social life has always pulsed at the kafeneio—the meeting point where the village’s stories, legends, and traditions are kept alive. Where the elders once recounted old tales, the same warm tradition continues today, with Kafeneio O Kyr Manolis keeping the pulse of the village beating.

The kafeneio has always served as the "school" of tradition. It was here that Themistoklis Karavasilis, author of the book about Asomatos, would listen to the venerable elders share "stories, facts, and legends of our village, which they had learned from their fathers and grandfathers." These narratives, with their genuine folk and charming style, opened up horizons for the thought and imagination of the then-young writer.

Today, O Kyr Manolis remains the vibrant center of the community. Locals gather, converse, share news and laughter, while visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic village life, become partakers of its stories, and feel the warmth of the people of Asomatos.

Here, you can enjoy an aromatic coffee or sample Mrs. Anthi's traditional mezedes, made with pure local products and dedication—such as kokkorokrasatos (rooster cooked in wine), dolmades with mince, local mushrooms, meatballs with cumin, and other authentic flavors that remain unforgettable, always accompanied by the island's fine ouzos.

The Kafeneio is a place of gathering, flavor, and memory—a symbol of hospitality and continuity, dedicated to Manolis Kontellis, who once shared plates and stories with his beloved friends.