Tips for eating and drinking in Corfu, Greece
Corfu (or Kerkyra, as the Greeks call it themselves) is the je-of-the- Ionian IslandsBut be warned and do not expect a typical Greece. Here, there are no countless snow-white houses, but a colorful mix of Venetian facades, French and British influences, interspersed with cypress trees, pastel-colored villages, and olive groves (about five million olive trees to be precise). Sultry evenings with sea views, a plate full of grilled octopus, winding roads to hidden coves, and that greenery everywhere, charmingly messy.
In the capital of Corfu, and especially in the Old Town, the evening starts with cocktails and dinner at one of the many atmospheric bistros. On the north-east coast, called Kensington-on-Sea, the speedboats bob in tiny bays where you can still get squid served straight from the sea at a tavern. And yet it feels Corfu Nowhere unreachable or overly chic. On the contrary. The locals are relaxed and friendly and the island was the nicest surprise for us (plus: also last minute easily accessible and affordable!). Here are some tips for eating and drinking in Corfu, Greece:
(NB: up to the quote below you will find our top favorites, the rest is also fun)
Old Buoy It might not have the most beautiful terrace or the most idyllic outdoor seating, but the great crowd and the delicious food make up for everything. You come back for it, and that says something on an island where the offering plenty is.
The young owners serve dishes from a menu that mixes modern and traditional: just a little different from what you are used to. Focaccia with tomato and feta, crispy potatoes with spicy mayo, and bites such as grilled cauliflower with hummus and chimichurri or octopus with truffle oil. Everything fresh, prepared with a palpable amount of love.
Also nice: Old Buoy is very focused on the music, from classic From rock to relaxed tunes, and regularly featuring live acts in the backyard. Coffee and brunch during the day, kitchen and drinks in the evening. Located at El. Venizelou 28, by the old harbor. Old Buoy
Are you road tripping along the west coast (do it, because *that* is the most beautiful coast, just leave the east coast far behind), then is Anemos a fantastic final destination. Not only because of the charming restaurant with the amazing terrace and the stunning View over the bay of Arillas, but especially for the approach: park at the bottom of the village of Afionas, walk up, and you will pass a nice little shop (with jewelry, bags, local oil, wine, and olives) and stroll through narrow streets full of flowers and glimpses. It would take a clever person to keep their camera in their bag. Come for the sunset. Open from early May to late October, daily from early morning until late.
By far our favorite beach bar on Corfu. In the Ibiza category, and by that we mean the fun part of Ibiza, not the over rated touristy. Lots of white, lots of wood, lovely sunbeds by the water, and we are still dreaming about the Greek salad (there is Greek salad and then there is *Greek* salad, IYKYK) and the fresh fish paste.
Make a reservation for lunch, ask for a table at the front, and afterwards take some time for a nap on the beach. Located at Agia Triada beach in Paleokastritsa; approximately May to September, daily from 9 am until late. Reservations can be made via akron.gr.
Mamma mia, here we go to La Grotta. Built against the cliffs of Paleokastritsa and accessible via a staircase (expect about 140 steps). One of the most beautiful spots on the island, provided you go outside the high season; otherwise, it can get very (too) crowded. Got a spot? Then you're set for the whole day with friendly staff, great snacks, good cocktails, and catchy tunes. But it is and remains that insane view you come for (tip: we would mainly go for a dip and a coffee or a glass of soda/wine). And don't forget your snorkeling gear! Open from late spring through October; cocktails around €10–12, and keep in mind a minimum spend (about €25 pp) after 1 pm.
A favorite: this stylish corner café attracts both tourists and locals and is ideal for the coffeebreakExcellent coffee (also with oat milk) and hot chocolate, in a cozy, hip setting with super friendly staff. Also great for coffee to go, although sitting down is nicer. The signature dish is the courgette graviera sandwich: a twist on their popular buns, with mayonnaise and pine nuts.
Oef. Leof. Alexandras 52; Mon–Fri approximately 07:30–21:00, Sat until 16:00, closed on Sundays.
We don't necessarily recommend these two for the food, but 100% for the location by the water. Imabari is located on Faliraki Beach, right below the Old Palace, and is the only place in the city with direct beach access: you can swim here, young localsPicnicking on the quay is great fun (but save your hunger for one of the other tips). Open all day, from morning until deep into the night; expect a minimum spend (around €35) and reserve a sunbed or table by the water.
Antranik It is a private establishment, a little further along the coastal road (Arseniou/Dimokratias), built on a rock jutting out over the sea, with a view of the small island of Vido. Here, it is all about Corfiot dishes (think grilled octopus and chicken with kumquat, that local citrus fruit) and a terrace with only a few tables *by* the view, so make a reservation if you want one.
“Hey people”: this is how you welcome SILO You, and that casual greeting sums up the whole vibe. Located in a 16th-century silo in the old town, this beautifully designed Greek bistro invites you to hang out from early morning until late at night, with an urban garden right next door. A good spot for artisanal coffee, special Greek wines, and cocktails.
Their motto “Taste Greek stories” translates into dishes like the chickpea fritters “nigiri,” a nod to Japan, but with smoked salmon, creamy avocado, garden herbs, and pickled onion. “A plate with a big story,” as they say themselves. Duh. Located at Dona & Prosalendou.
To Tsipouradiko It is a family restaurant with authentic recipes: a variety of mezze, fresh salads, delicious starters, and seafood. Here you will also find the famous Corfiot meat dish sofrito (try it!). Add a traditional interior to that, and you have Corfu at its best. You can sit very comfortably on the spacious terrace under the trees, and the bill after your delectable meal is almost ridiculously low. Super popular, so expect a queue: it opens in the evening around 18:00 PM (except Sundays) and is full immediately after opening. So go early.
There are countless authentic, traditional, and pure things on the island, countless good ones even. But if you get cravings for trendiness, then there is Favela Nº17Great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and cocktails, with pancakes as a crowd favorite. Note: it is a small spot in the middle of an alley in the old town, and therefore sometimes very busy. Located at Prosforou 17.
Okay, okay, we aren't necessarily recommending this place for the amazing food either, but we did find it incredibly cozy: from the terrace, opposite the old town hall (San Giacomo), you look out onto a typical town square where, as holiday clichés dictate, kids play at the end of the day while mom and dad (or Any family composition) having drinks across the street. No idea what the little bakery next to this square is called, but that was definitely a tasty recommendation. For the to go or breakfast the next day.
All that food and drink is great, but where do we sleep? The best tip is this By June accommodation in the middle of the island: Epta Karpi Villas. A collection of seven lovely luxury cottages behind a large gate, each with its own driveway (feels so private), a large back garden (beautifully maintained) and a perfect (in terms of size: not too big, not too small) private pool. Each cottage has bedrooms with private bathroom and toilet and the cottages are detached: ideal for a family.
We liked the old town the most (20 minutes drive – with ByJune you always book incl. car) and the beaches on the west coast were so beautiful and nice (less than 15 minutes drive). Best of both worlds! (If you are staying in the city or on the coast, we found it quite a 'far' drive to get to the other favourite).
Also nice!
Sushi on Corfu… Hmm. There are cuisines we think of sooner. And isn't it a shame to settle down for that? Nope, not necessarily for the food, but for the location right on the water, with a view of the famous Pontikonissi (Mouse Island). KuKuTsi This is the sushi bar of the Corfu Holiday Palace and serves fresh maki, sashimi, and temaki, prepared by someone who knows their stuff. Tip: go for the “simple” sushi, it is excellent. Open from May through September in good weather, dinner approximately 19:00–23:00. Reservations recommended.
Anyone who wants to dine in a truly traditional way on Corfu (okay, with a twist, but the basics are there) and enjoy a cozy atmosphere would do well to make a reservation at Olympia Mare, at the marina of Gouvia. Corfiot cuisine is strongly influenced by the Venetians, and you can taste it: taramosalata (creamy fish roe dip), gavros marinatos (marinated anchovies with lemon, garlic, chili, and olive oil), pastitsada (beef stew with tomato and cinnamon, served with pasta), and bourdeto (spicy fish stew). Chef Nikos Kalampalikis pays attention to every detail. Open daily, approximately 12:30–23:30.
Let us fill you in on a taverna: “a traditional, often small-scale and informal Greek eatery.” Which mainly means: not too expensive and really good food without any fuss. The same goes for ThomasIn Kalami stands a house dating back to before 1900; the owner, Vasiliki, could never have imagined that years later her nephew would create something there to honor the family. That nephew grew up with one dream: a place where everyone could enjoy traditional dishes, with a sea view. In 1985, he opened the doors of what was then called “Pepe’s Tavern.” Today, it bears Thomas's Place, and the family still runs it with an eye for history: a traditional waterfront tavern with fresh, local dishes. Open from approximately April through October.
For the chic little sister of the beach taverna, you drive (or sail!) to Toula's Seaside in Agni Bay, on the northeast coast. Award-winning seaside fine dining right on the water, famous for “Toula’s prawns”, and often reached by small boat from the coves. A beautiful spot for a special evening — although it is a bit more pricey and touristy than the average taverna. Note: The place was recently temporarily closed with an announced reopening in the summer of 2026, so check if they are open again before you go.
Call yourself the barbecue master, and you have quite a lot to live up to. And yes, it is meaty here, but also simply good. And has been for years, by the way. Upon arrival, you are warmly welcomed by the grill master, who proudly shows off his skewers. You sit relaxed, both inside and out, with friendly service. The souvlaki is said to be delicious, as are the stuffed peppers. Located on the road from Corfu to Paleokastritsa.
Do you want the very best fish on the southern part of the island? Then you have to go to Climataria, Nikos and Lily Bellou's family shack in the fishing village of Benitses, since 1997. Just a handful of tables, so reservations are a real must (preferably a few days in advance). Dubbed by many as the best fish taverna on Corfu. The menu features fresh fish and Corfiot classics such as octopus pastitsada and bourdeto, made just like they are at home.
Open from February to November, only in the evenings, about 20 minutes south of Corfu Town.
And if you are looking for the most romantic, atmospheric address in the old city: Venetian Well. On picturesque Kremasti Square, surrounding a 16th-century Venetian well and housed in an old mansion, this is the place for that one. special occasion-evening. Renewed Corfiot dishes respecting tradition, and a serious international wine cellar. Reservations recommended.
It may be starting to get noticed, but many restaurants in Corfu are going way back. Rex is no exception: founded in 1932 and in the hands of the Katsaros family for generations. Located on Kapodistriou Street, right in the city center, Rex sits amidst historic buildings from the French occupation era — and that makes for a pleasant place to sit. More importantly: they serve good wines, classic dishes, and the service is friendly. The walls are covered with paintings by local artist Kentarchos. The menu features regional specialties such as sofrito (tender veal in white wine sauce), pastitsada, and bianco (chicken thigh in white wine sauce with garlic and parsley). Open daily, approximately 11:30–23:00.
Florence vibes, but on Corfu? Off to Arcadion Bistrot for a view over Corfu Town and the old fort. The restaurant sits atop the Arcadion Hotel, right in the center, with only a handful of tables, so you get that incredible view regardless. And you are guaranteed fine bites from Chef Alexandros Lepesis: Greek ceviche, seafood, and carpaccio for starters, while octopus kritarotto, lamb tagliata, and a smoked cheeseburger steal the show. The rooftop is typically open from June 1 to September 30; dinner from 19:00 PM and reservations are required.
Thanks to the close ties with Italy and centuries of Venetian influence, you will find a cuisine on Corfu that differs from the rest of Greece. For instance, pasta plays a leading role (alongside stews and the tomato stew pastitsada). For those craving cozy and good Italian food on a rainy day, this is The familyTucked away in an alley in the old town, highly recommended. Save some room for their fresh Lemon Cheesecake, as the love for sweets is evident here too. (Good to know: sometimes payment is cash only.)
Afionas is the place to be for good cocktails and coffee with snacks in a relaxed atmosphere, with sweeping sea views and sunsets. Luuma afionas It is a feast for both meat eaters and vegans, which is not always easy in the Greek restaurant world. There is a separate vegan section that goes beyond the usual salad: think vegan sausages, cauliflower risotto, and savory pies. Generally open daily from morning until midnight.
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