Meli The Blackbee

Imagine a place where the lines between land and sea virtually disappear — that is Meli The Black Bee. This cozy bar and pizzeria is located right on the breakwater of the main port in the city of Chios. Its main feature is its incredible proximity to the water: massive ferries pass just meters from your table, creating a breathtaking spectacle that is hard to find anywhere else in Greece.

Meli The Blackbee. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The venue is famous not only for its unique location but also for its authentic Italian cuisine. It serves excellent pizza and a variety of dishes that perfectly complement the relaxed atmosphere of the port city. Meli The Black Bee is more than just a restaurant; it is a hotspot for those wanting to feel the true rhythm of life on the fifth-largest island in the Aegean.

The daily rituals create a special atmosphere: when evening ferries pass the port, the captain greets the bar's guests with a loud blast of the siren, and visitors and staff respond with light flashes and waves. This makes a visit here a truly emotional and memorable event on any journey.

To book a table or check the current menu, you can contact the staff directly. Since the bar is very popular, especially in the evening, calling ahead will help you secure the best spot right by the water's edge.

The main attraction here is watching the massive ferries as they majestically glide past while you enjoy your drink. Be sure to have your camera ready, especially in the evening: the moment when a giant vessel passes so close it feels like you could reach out and touch it looks incredibly impressive in photos and videos.

Beyond the visuals, guests should focus on the gastronomy. Try the signature pizza or choose from a selection of Italian dishes — the local chef definitely knows how to balance flavors. This spot is perfect for a leisurely breakfast by the water or a romantic evening accompanied by the sound of the surf and distant ship signals.

Don't miss the chance to take part in the local "greeting ritual." When ship captains heading for Çeşme or other islands sound their horns, be sure to wave back along with the other guests. This lively interaction with the crew creates a sense of connection and makes your time at Meli The Black Bee truly special and heartwarming.

Finding this atmospheric spot is easy, as it is located right on the breakwater of the main port in Chios town. If you have just stepped off a ferry, it is only a few minutes' walk along the waterfront — the venue is clearly visible from the pier.

For those coming from the island's airport, the trip will take about 10–15 minutes by taxi, covering a distance of approximately 5 kilometers. You can also use the KTEL buses, which run regularly to the main port terminal, located within walking distance of the bar.

If you are traveling through Greece by rental car, head for the port area; you can leave your car in one of the public parking lots nearby. A walk from the city center will take no more than 5–10 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the sea breeze and views of the Aegean Sea along the way.

While the establishment itself is a modern gastronomic project and does not possess centuries of history, it has become an important part of the city's modern culture. Meli The Black Bee quickly earned cult status thanks to the initiative of its owner, Dimitris Tsiorozidis, who turned a simple bar visit into a real interactive show involving sea vessels.

The island of Chios, where the bar is located, has a rich past: it is world-famous for its unique mastic and medieval fortress villages. The venue's location in the port serves as a reminder that this city has always been a key trade and navigational hub in the Aegean Sea, connecting East and West.

The tradition of greeting ferries with light signals and sirens, which originated at this bar, has already become a kind of "new history" for the port. It is a clear example of how modern hospitality intertwines with Greece’s age-old maritime traditions, creating unique rituals passed from traveler to traveler.

Visitors typically spend 1 to 2 hours here. This is plenty of time to leisurely enjoy a freshly baked pizza or a signature cocktail while taking in the port's panorama.

If your goal is to see the famous ferry greeting ritual, we recommend arriving a bit earlier in the evening and staying longer. The calm atmosphere and proximity to the sea often make you want to stay all evening, watching the movement of ships and the play of light on the waves.

The venue welcomes guests throughout the day, offering everything from morning coffee to late dinners. The schedule is quite flexible, but note the break on some days:

• Monday: 08:00–15:00
• Tuesday – Saturday: 08:00–15:00 and 19:30–23:30
• Sunday: 08:00–15:00

To check for potential schedule changes, especially on holidays, we recommend checking the bar's official social media pages. Evening hours are considered the most popular due to the passage of large vessels.

Its location in the heart of the port area makes the bar an ideal starting point for a stroll through the historical center. Nearby, you will find architectural monuments reflecting the island's multifaceted past, from Byzantine times to the Ottoman period.

Exploring the surrounding sights will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere and see how its appearance has changed over the centuries. After a relaxing break by the water, be sure to visit the following sites: