When it comes to quality food in Mykonos, to say that you’re spoilt for choice is an understatement. The popular Greek Island (and one of my personal faves) is home to a number of international upscale restaurants including Ling Ling by Hakkasan and Nobu, as well as *traditional* Greek tavernas, dessert bars (ahem, Nutella crepes) and all sorts of other little eateries dotted along the quaint little cobblestone streets.
But admittedly, one thing the culinary scene was missing, however, was somewhere that both Aussie (and health-conscious) travellers could satisfy their weekend brunch cravings.
It’s a funny thing when you think about it—you’re literally on the other side of the world, in one of the most amazing holiday destinations, with some of the best restaurants at your fingertips, yet you crave something so simple like smashed avo on toast.
As it turns out, you’re not alone.
Opening its doors for a second summer season, Bowl is the creation of Australian husband and wife duo, Robert and Victoria Fisher. The couple were inspired to open Bowl when they moved to Mykonos and quickly became aware that the island lacked some of their favourite healthy breakfast and brunch options.
Bowl is the first healthy eatery of its kind in Mykonos, offering a 70% vegan menu. Ingredients are all locally sourced where possible and the cafe offers a range of dietary options include gluten-free. Everything is made fresh daily (including fresh almond and macadamia milk) and you’ll find yourself sipping on specialty coffee as well as turmeric, beetroot and chai lattes.
“We use organic where we can,” Victoria tells Amodrn. “Organic coconut vinegar, amazing honey from the island of Tzia (Kea) and sugar-free acai from Brazil.”
“Obviously, all the dry goods are easier to get organic (oats, quinoa, buckwheat, chia, etc.) but nothing grows in Mykonos [due to the climate] so ‘certified organic’ fruit and vegetables are harder to find in Greece,” she says.
New dishes for this summer season include avocado toast with ‘everything but the bagel’, acai bowls, vegan brekkie bowls with quinoa and kale, gluten-free chocolate crunch granola and peanut butter smoothies. For lunch, you can enjoy servings of matcha basil pesto pasta and salmon Poke bowls before you kick back with a glass of organic wine or beer and thank the heavens for bringing you to paradise.
Bowl is located in the popular area of Ornos Beach, and is mostly recognisable by its Aussie beachy aesthetic with lots of white space and greenery. “We’ve had customers come in and say, ‘we knew as soon as we saw the place that there were Aussies here!'” laughs Victoria.
“The influence behind the decor is pink bougainvillea,” she says. “We planted a pink bougainvillea at our house at Whale Beach in Australia to remind us of Mykonos. We worked with Tristan Coumbe (a Sydney-based creative director who we used to work with when we produced events) and he designed the space with respect to the Mykonian style.”
“One of our favourite things about the island includes now living a ‘simple life’ and not driving to and from work for three hours per day. We jump on the motorbikes for a minute and are at work,” Victoria says. “The sunsets here are magical, and even better in Winter!”
“Mykonos is a very relaxed place where people are encouraged to have a good time. Although it is a small island, it is very cosmopolitan and has everything you need to have a great time. Also, it doesn’t matter how old you are here, everyone can dance on tables, whether you’re 18 or 80!”
We’ll cheers to that.
Bowl is open for the summer season from April until October 2018 so be sure to go and get your green juice fix—because in Mykonos—something tells us you’ll be needing it.
Visit https://bowlmykonos.co/ for more.
