The first dinner keeps its regulars
Sainis occupies a compact Chora courtyard where tightly spaced tables, family photographs and handwritten specials set the terms. Local meat, seafood and pot dishes arrive without the burger-and-cocktail detour common along Ios's late-night lanes.
Ask what the kitchen cooked in limited quantities, then order across the table instead of treating every dish as an individual main. Its 800-plus-review following packs the courtyard early; reserve, carry cash as backup and expect conversation with the proprietor to set the pace.
What visitors say
Sainis rates 4.7 from more than 800 Tripadvisor reviews, with repeat visitors frequently making it their first dinner on Ios; home cooking and personal hosting outweigh occasional waits in the small room.
Good to know
Family run taverna, Daily specials, Compact courtyard, and 800 plus reviews
