Did you even come to Greece if you didn’t wave your white napkin stood on a table whilst dancing to Abba at dinner? And did you even come to Paros if you didn’t do this at Barbarossa in Naoussa?
Stunningly set on the marina waterfront, this restaurant has gained momentum and popularity for its white cloth waving parties. Reservations are gold dust, their fame now reflected in the prices and some negative reviews. So is it worth going? Yes – if you are fully armed with how to have the best time.
So here are the most asked questions I have had and my top 10 tips for all you need to know to have the best night in Paros at Barbarossa napkin party:
Do I need to book for Barbarossa in Paros?
Yes! I booked a month in advance and still couldn’t get the time I wanted because they were already so busy. So, book as early as possible and be as flexible as possible with your dates.
What is the best way to book?
I am so used to emailing or using a booking app that I found the need to use WhatsApp for a booking really strange. However, this was the only way they responded (and this was true for many venues on the island). Surprisingly, they got back to me within 30 minutes to confirm what time they could do.
Does Barbarossa take walk ins?
Yes you could get lucky at dinner and get a walk in spot. People cancel, miss their reservation and some tables turn faster than expected. However it will be hit and miss. If you haven’t booked I’d strongly advise to go down the day you arrive and ask! I did this and got the original time I wanted!
Which side of the marina is the napkin party?
Looking at the water it is on the left hand side. The bar (and rooftop) sit on the right and opposite over the water is their restaurant. The restaurant is where you need to be to the white cloth waving so ensure you book for dinner not just drinks or you will be waving at the napkins rather than with one!
Where is best to sit for the napkin waving?
Not all tables are created equal for the merriment. There is one massive main dining area in the middle, opposite the restaurant and between the church, with additional offshoot tables.
Some are down the side nearer the water – perfect for a more romantic evening but if the napkins is why you are going – ask to be in the main area. Obviously there are no guarantees but even if you are on one of the other tables you can still join in the fun.
What time is the napkin party at Barbarossa?
The most asked question I have had! Frustratingly there is no set time for the party. I was waving at 21.15 one night and 22.30 another. Which is tricky for booking your dinner as no guarantees it will on your watch. My suggestion is to aim for a 9pm dinner reservation – I know it’s late for Brits and kids but probably your safest bet to join in the joy!
What if I finish my dinner too early?
This is a possibility but a back up plan is go for a drink at their bar opposite (or any of the many venues that are adjacent) and run back! I saw people do this! Why not if it’s part of your must do Paros experience!
Are the staff friendly?
Again, I had read reviews of the staff being rude. I did not experience this at all. From going in the afternoon to see if I could change the booking time to the host to our waiter – all were professional and really friendly. Plus the service was fast! I saw waiters running which was a bit frenetic but the tables are turned every 2 hrs so they need to stay on every table and order. Despite that we weren’t rushed at all.
Is the food overpriced?
I read a lot of negative reviews that the restaurant of the past was now capitalising on its fame – which most businesses do! Sadly for us, smart for them! So I would say yes it is but you are paying for the setting, the atmosphere and the potentially the party not just the food.
Is the food at Barbarossa good?
The food quality was actually good (though am not a foodie nor is my friend) but the starter was on point – fresh fish from the ocean right by the restaurant. I would advise the seabass over the tuna, fresh white fish for the white napkin party after all! It was a speciality.
Was it the best meal I have ever eaten, no but I certainly didn’t come away thinking it was bad. Plus the wine was delicious – I tried the local rose and red. The question really is, was it what I hoped for, did it bring all the feels and fun – one hundred per cent yes. Even rivals Mykonos Interni and their napkin party!
If you have any more question, drop me a DM and happy to help anyone enjoy it as much as I did. It really was the piece de resistance this perfect paradise that is Paros – not least their bar also has a little rooftop! So dancing after the party can continue! For a full travel guide to Paros click here.
