Must-see restaurants in Ionian Islands

  • O Platanos

    Kythira

    The family behind this charming restaurant say that if you're searching for modern food then you're in the wrong place, but if you prefer to savour hand…

  • Ladokolla Stin Plagia

    Kefallonia

    High in the hills in the whitewashed and near-silent village of Damoulianata is this superb, family-run restaurant (the chefs are twin brothers). The menu…

  • Paradise Beach

    Kefallonia

    This much-loved taverna has a dreamy vine-shaded terrace overlooking a little beach. Thanks to its locally reared meat – in dishes such as exceptionally…

  • Thymari

    Lefkada

    With tables laid out on a large, sunny terrace surrounded by flowers on a quiet neighbourhood alleyway, this is a delightful place to eat truly…

  • Venetian Well

    Corfu Town

    Corfu Town’s finest special-occasion restaurant has a beautifully faded square to itself, hidden away near the cathedral and complete with a genuine…

  • Carnayo

    Ionian Islands

    Paxi's finest restaurant, 400m up from central Gaïos, serves local food that’s head and shoulders above what's on offer at the harbourfront tavernas, for…

  • Skandeia

    Kythira

    A delightful family-run taverna just back from the eastern end of Paleopoli Beach, Skandeia places major emphasis on wholesome, freshly sourced local…

  • Fishalida

    Corfu Town

    Right next to the market and a fishmongers, this is an easy-going, youthful place to eat inventive and truly superb seafood such as prawn tortellini with…

  • Filio

    Kythira

    An acclaimed local taverna far off the beaten track, 1km beyond Kalamos en route to Fyri Ammos (look for signs), Filio offers island classics such as slow…

  • Sivota Bakery

    Lefkada

    With its harbourfront walls hung with antique bikes and carriage lamps, this cool arbour is much more cafe than bakery, serving pizzas, waffles, cocktails…

  • Cape of Lefkatas

    Lefkada

    This delightful terrace restaurant in Athani village has inspiring views down the mountainside to the sea beyond. Join the locals sitting in the shade of…

  • Old Perithia Taverna

    Corfu

    A family-run restaurant for 150 years, the Old Perithia Taverna has shelves full of dusty farming implements and sepia-coloured family photographs. Almost…

  • Vasilis

    Ionian Islands

    The chefs at Vasilis, a low-slung terracotta cottage on the paved harbourfront, are by far the most creative in town. Well-turned-out local specialities…

  • Tzivras

    Argostoli

    Slightly grungy and brilliantly atmospheric, this veteran restaurant a block inland from the waterfront market is where locals lunch on hearty, great…

  • Prosilio

    Zakynthos

    Gourmet dinner-only restaurant, with a boutique interior and a romantic garden courtyard. The hushed atmosphere may be unusual, but the service is relaxed…

  • Malanos

    Zakynthos

    This much-loved family-run taverna, set amid fields on the southern outskirts of town 2km from the centre, is renowned island wide for its huge portions…

  • Maria's Tavern

    Lefkada

    In the hamlet of Kolyvata, which enjoys idyllic views over the hills, the gregarious Kiria Maria opens her home to culinary adventurers. Using whatever’s…

  • Klimataria

    Corfu

    This tiny, old-fashioned taverna, in a custard-coloured villa facing the main road, is worth a pilgrimage in its own right – every dish is delicious and…

  • Ladokolla

    Argostoli

    Lively and hugely popular grill house, where piping-hot and irresistibly flavourful chicken, pork or lamb kebabs and pittas are served up straight onto…

  • Kastro Cafe

    Kefallonia

    Relaxed garden cafe, just before the gateway to Agios Georgios Kastro, that's a wonderfully peaceful spot for coffee, cake, cold drinks or lunchtime…

  • Kaleris

    Kythira

    Renowned for its creative cuisine, romantic little Kaleris has a waterfront pavilion and tables on the beach itself, shaded by tamarisk trees. Trust the…

  • Pane & Souvlaki

    Corfu Town

    Arguably the Old Town’s best-value budget option (the locals rave), with outdoor tables on the town-hall square, this quick-fire restaurant does exactly…

  • Irida

    Kefallonia

    Whether you dine in the shadowy boho interior with its lamp made from a deep-sea diver's mask or out on the waterfront, there’s something for everyone at…

  • Alonaki Bay

    Corfu

    Follow the dirt roads out to the headland northwest of Lake Korission to find this simple, family-run taverna, perched on dramatic cliffs. It serves a…

  • Platanos

    Kefallonia

    The owner of Platanos has his own livestock farm, so naturally the restaurant is admired for its quality meat. There are also fish and vegetarian options,…

  • Cross Tavern

    Zakynthos

    Perched above the west-coast cliffs at the end of the road that climbs beyond Kambi, and marked by a huge white Christian cross, this top-notch taverna…

  • Limnopoula

    Corfu

    Just past the little fishing port where the coast road veers inland, this friendly family-run taverna with a veranda, set beside a scruffy gravel beach,…

  • Vagelaras

    Lefkada

    Sitting at the end of the harbour, just short of the ferry dock, this century-old taverna serves great salads, mezedhes, pasta and fresh seafood at…

  • White House

    Corfu

    Almost a site of pilgrimage for fans of the Durrell family, this utterly ravishing waterfront restaurant in the former home of writer Lawrence Durrell has…

  • Café Tselenti

    Kefallonia

    Owned by the Tselenti family since 1893, this popular restaurant serves Italian-influenced dishes such as a terrific linguine with prawns, mussels and…

  • To Tavernaki tis Marinas

    Corfu Town

    The stone walls, hardwood floors and cheerful staff lift the ambience of this taverna. Check the daily specials, or choose anything from mousakas (baked…

  • Pierros

    Kythira

    For almost a century this family-run favourite has been serving no-nonsense staples such as mousakas (layers of eggplant or zucchini, minced meat and…

  • Zorba’s

    Kythira

    Nothing seems to have changed at this Hora institution for at least 60 years and it's now so retro that it could make the hipster generation giddy with…

  • Kiani Akti

    Argostoli

    This restaurant has a huge wooden deck on stilts stretching out into the harbour, which allows you to peer guiltily down into the water at the brothers…

  • Allegro

    Zakynthos

    Don't expect to get much of a say in what you eat at this delightful, very welcoming taverna-cafe on Keri’s village square. The chatty woman who runs it…

  • Nereids

    Corfu

    Just below a huge curve in the road as you enter Paleokastritsa, this romantic spot is best experienced at night, when its terrace of ornamental rock…

  • La Cucina

    Corfu Town

    Chic and stylish, this romantic, dinner-only place is known for its creative cuisine and VIP clients. The name implies Italian food, though the owner…

  • Chrisomalis

    Corfu Town

    Going strong since 1904, this traditional little taverna was a haunt of the Durrell family and actor Anthony Quinn, and there are old pictures on the wall…

  • Rouvas

    Corfu Town

    As Greek as it gets, this earthy, lunch-only spot is a Corfiot institution, although tourists seem to take over in summer. It serves up decent mayirefta …

  • Cavo Barbaro

    Corfu

    With widescreen views of the beach, and sea breezes wafting through the garden, this pretty and very spacious restaurant makes a charming spot for a…