These days on food, it’s all about how it looks rather than how it tastes. From the Instagram frenzy to the overly sophisticated dishes, there’s too much fuss and not enough simple stuff out there. Thank God, the traditional taverna of Agnanti in Ktikados, Tinos, still stays loyal to its value: simplicity.

I still remember when I first set foot in Ktikados, a small randown village of Tinos, after a recommendation I got by a local to visit this super mysterious pantry shop serving just a handful of delicious dishes. And every time I look at this pictures I can’t wait to go back!

Walking through the deserted alleys of the island way past lunchtime in the sweltering heat, we take notice of a small pantry shop by 2-3 tables right outside the blue doors and a pile of colorful beer skeps.

Known as Eleni’s pantry shop, this small gem opened in 1927 by Ms Eleni’s father, before her taking over in the late 1960s. As years went by, supermarkets attracted more and more of their patrons until her brother Giannis decided to enrich this place by offering some delicious dishes. Legend has it he spend some time working as a waiter on various restaurants of Tinos before retiring and transforming this into a meze place.

We step inside, say hi to Mr Giannis and get swept away by the local feel, the authenticity of these people and the simplicity of what they offer. One of the few places that serve sundried tomatoes for starter (just that – oh, and a handful of locally sourced caper!), we ask for a cold beer to cool us down. The menu is small and simple so we dig in right away: lightly fried meatballs, divine zucchini fritters, tasty artichokes and a perfect lemon beef casserole.

Cheers to authentic, local and delicious Greek meze!

Divine zucchini fritters, crisp on the outside and melting on the inside