Curated Insights from Donjon Luxury Travel
When you think of luxury holidays in Mykonos, it’s impossible not to think about food. From long, leisurely lunches at beachfront tavernas to sunset dinners prepared by private chefs at your villa, the culinary experience is a central part of island life.
But if you’ve booked a luxury villa, the big question becomes:
Do you hire a private chef — or explore the island’s world-famous dining scene?
At Donjon Luxury Travel, we craft tailor-made dining experiences for our guests, so I’ve seen both sides up close. Here’s my insider guide to eating like a true VIP in Mykonos — including the pros and cons of private dining vs. restaurant reservations and when to choose each.
The Case for a Private Chef
Nothing says luxury like waking up to a personalized breakfast spread on your villa terrace — or enjoying a candlelit dinner by the pool, with a menu tailored to your exact tastes.
Benefits of hiring a private chef:
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Total privacy (ideal for families, honeymooners & high-profile guests)
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Menus tailored to your dietary needs & cravings
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No reservations, no rush, no crowds
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The chef can source local, organic ingredients and bring the flavors of Mykonos straight to your table
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Perfect for special occasions — birthdays, anniversaries, sunset proposals
New Trend: Chef Residencies in Villas
Luxury villas in destinations like Ibiza and the Maldives have already embraced the concept of chef residencies — bringing Michelin-starred chefs into private villas for limited-time pop-up dining experiences. This trend is now emerging in Mykonos, where high-end villas become temporary gastronomic hotspots. (Forbes - Chef Residencies)
The Case for Dining Out
Of course, no Mykonos holiday would be complete without experiencing the island’s iconic restaurants — from beach clubs where lunch turns into a party to hidden gems where Greek grandmothers still cook family recipes.
Why you should dine out (at least a few times):
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Mykonos is home to award-winning restaurants featured in guides like Michelin
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The island’s energy comes alive at famous spots like Nammos, Spilia & Scorpios
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Great way to experience authentic island culture
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Ideal for exploring different cuisines, from fresh seafood to modern fusion
For a curated list, check The World’s 50 Best Discovery:
https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Greece/Mykonos
Why Not Both? The Ultimate Mykonos Culinary Itinerary
Here’s my signature Donjon dining formula for guests who want the best of both worlds:
| Day | Experience |
|---|---|
| Arrival Night | Private Chef Welcome Dinner — Unwind with a curated local menu at the villa |
| Day 2 | Beach Club Lunch at Nammos or Alemagou, followed by sunset drinks at Scorpios |
| Day 3 | Taverna Dinner in a hidden spot in Ano Mera for true Greek flavors |
| Day 4 | Private Chef BBQ Night — Seafood feast at the villa |
| Final Night | Fine Dining at Koursaros or Bill & Coo — elegant send-off |
New Trend: Experiential Dining with Your Chef
Today’s luxury travelers want more than just meals — they want culinary experiences. At Donjon, our private chefs can also:
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Host cooking classes for you and your guests
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Lead you on a farmers' market tour to handpick local ingredients
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Organize wine pairings or olive oil tastings right at your villa
This trend is about making dining interactive, not just service-based. (Robb Report - Private Chefs as Experience Hosts)
New Trend: Destination-Inspired Tasting Menus
More than ever, guests want to taste the story of the destination on their plate. This means menus inspired by:
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Ancient Cycladic recipes
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Seasonal produce sourced locally
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Modern interpretations of Greek island cuisine
This is culinary storytelling — where every dish is connected to Mykonos’ history and flavors. (National Geographic - Culinary Travel Trends)
Are You Curious About the Cost?
Luxury doesn’t always mean sky-high prices. At Donjon, we offer private chef experiences starting from just €35 per person for breakfast and €60 per person for lunch or dinner. Whether you want a simple farm-to-table breakfast or an elaborate seafood feast under the stars, we have options to match your taste and your budget.
The Donjon Touch
When you book your villa with Donjon Luxury Travel, we don’t just hand you the keys. We work with a handpicked network of private chefs, each specializing in different cuisines — from traditional Greek farm-to-table to modern fusion gastronomy.
We also secure the best tables at impossible-to-book restaurants (even during peak season), thanks to our local connections.
Which Dining Experience is Right for You? Let’s Design It Together
Whether you’re a foodie who wants to eat your way around the island or someone who values the privacy and ease of dining in your own villa, we’ll craft the perfect culinary journey for you.
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