The Final Step, Skiathos Greece.

We fell in love with Greece a few years ago on a break from holidaying in Spain. First to Kefalonia where on the first night we remember with great fondness a superb Lobster Spaghetti caught by the chef himself that day in his own boat. Later on we watch elderly Greek people dance to traditional music into the hot summer night. It was one of those times where everything comes together to make one of those magical moments. Later on in the holiday, we had dinner at the same restaurant that Penelope Cruz ate at every night whilst filming Captain Corelli's Mandolin. We followed this holiday up with a trip to Crete. We'd now caught the bug for the islands. We adore the people, the amazingly hot weather and the clearest turquoise aqua sea you've ever seen. As we like baking on the beach so much, it was time to visit the island which is famous for having the very best beaches in Greece; Skiathos.

It was wonderful, one of our best ever trips. In truth, the food isn't as good as in Spain generally, but we enjoy the simple Greek cookery, it's plentiful and often great value.
On our first night in Skiathos town we eat at The Final Step which is actually run by two British women. The hot walk up the steps from the harbour is well worth it, the views are magnificent all the way around, you can even see the airport runway.

A pretty little plate of dips comes.

Then we order starters of Blue Cheese and Chilli Jam tart (this was good) and Octopus with Thai Dipping Sauce, without doubt the finest octopus dish we've had in Greece, so tender and not rubbery in any way. It's the way in which the octopus is prepared that makes it so delicate.

Mains are Chilli Crusted Lamb Cutlets (excellent) and Duck Breast with Port and Cherry Sauce (pretty decent, although not quite as good as the lamb).

To follow we had to go for the medley, which is great for greedy guts like me, as we like to try a little bit of everything - crème brulée, ice cream, choc fudge and a little tart.

All in all a good meal with friendly staff. The food, whilst not necessarily super creative, was just simple well prepared Mediterranean bistro food cooked well, plainly but with flourish and using good quality local ingredients. The setting helped immensely as well as being the very first day of our holidays.
Just pipped to the post for us by the Mandraki in Koukanaries for the best food we ate on the island, but probably the best choice in Skiathos town.

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