Eating Out, Value For Money & Associated Subjects!
What About The Food?
We accept that everyone's tastes will differ and so perhaps it is best if we outline our tastes and what we look for when we venture out to eat, drink or generally socialise! If you are looking for something else, sorry! However, from time to time, we visit places 'on spec.' or as guests of others and consequently we sometimes find ourselves in places that we would not have expected! Sometimes we are pleasantly surprised!
Firstly, let me emphasize that we are not people who want to dine out at places where an ice bucket on the table is the norm! We look for atmosphere and a general ambience about a place. We like traditional, but do not dismiss places where an effort has been made to modernise. We do try to avoid places that offer 'British food and beer' but do not always succeed!
We always look to see where the locals eat. Be aware that if invited for a meal by a Greek, you are as likely to be taken out as be invited back home. If a place is full of Greeks, it is a fair bet that the food is good and the price won't be exorbitant
We have already mentioned the word 'traditional'. If you are a frequent visitor to Greek tourist resorts you are probably aware that although they offer dishes like kleftako, stifado and souvlakia, they are not necessarily 'authentic'! Having said that they are often delicious in their own right and should not be dismissed.
We are always suspicious of places that have lightning quick service! It is usually an indication that the food has been previously prepared and reheated. The only sort of taverna where we would expect food to be pre-prepared is one which is truly traditional.
There are very few truly traditional tavernas on Corfu but one that we have constantly enjoyed is included in our list of recommendations. These are places where much of the food is in the form of casseroles and stews and will have been prepared by the cook earlier. In such places, you will be expected to go into the kitchen where the cook will explain the contents of each pot. This is great fun and takes a little courage the first time you visit! You will invariably find dishes that you will not be offered anywhere else!
If you want fish, don't be afraid to ask to see it first and make your choice. Some places will have them live and swimming! A good taverna owner will not be offended. If you like what you see, be prepared to say so!
Just to briefly hop back to the beginning of the page, we do look for good value! However, that does not necessarily mean cheap.
Where
To Eat & Drink
We have eaten at the following places and can
recommend them. They are listed in no particular order and the size of revue
should not be taken as an indication of how good an establishment is! It
is just that some take a little more describing than others and I tend to get
carried away! Remember, we are not culinary experts but to quote that often used phrase,
"We know what we like!" We welcome your views and suggestions.
LOCATION: Agni Bay
The following three tavernas are situated
in Agni Bay. All have stunning views across the bay towards the Albanian coastline.
They are popular with tourists and locals alike. They are particularly popular
with the sailing / boating fraternity. All are right on the water's edge and
offer safe bathing from a shingle beach.
During the season, they are particularly popular with Greeks, especially on Sundays and booking is recommended, particularly during high season. They all differ in style, but they all boast excellent food.
Taverna Nikolas
Agni, Gimari, Corfu, Greece
Tel: +30 663 091136 / 091243
Web site: http://nikolastavern.com
E-mail: info@nikolastavern.com
Taverna Nikolas is a traditional family run taverna It offers an extensive
menu of traditional Greek food but also caters for children and the less adventurous.
It is run by Periklis Katsaros and his family. The taverna was originally
started by his grandfather and Periklis is determined to maintain the traditional
atmosphere. The taverna has featured in several UK television programs and newspaper
articles. It has been visited by many famous people over the years. Check out
the visitor's book(s)! A regular boat taxi is provided to ferry you from
nearby Kalami and Nissaki Beach Hotel.
There is always a 'buzz' in Taverna Nikolas and the atmosphere is always good. We marvel at how long Periklis keeps going and at the speed he does! We first found Taverna Nikolas on the second day during our first visit to Corfu. We have never stopped going back. It is fair to say that the kindness, generosity and general philoxenia of Periklis and his family have been major contributors in our decision to reside here.
Taverna Agni
Agni, Gimari, Corfu,
Greece
Tel: +30 663 091140
Web site: http://www.agni.gr/
E-mail:agnitave@otenet.gr
Taverna Agni is run by Nathan, his wife Eleni and her parents. Nathan (I hope he doesn't mind me saying this!) is the male equivalent of Shirley Valentine! He visited the island and liked it so much that he married the Taverna owner's daughter and stayed! The food is varied and excellent. A lively place to eat and drink A boat taxi is provided to ferry you from nearby resorts. Nathan, is the webmaster of a particularly lively website.
Toula's
Agni, Gimari, Corfu, Greece
Tel: +30 663 91350
(No known website)
Toula's sits between Taverna Nikolas and Taverna Agni. We have eaten there occasionally and have never been disappointed with the food. The prawn dishes are out of this world! The prices are a little dearer in our opinion but are still good value. It tends to be quieter than Taverna Nikolas and Taverna Agni and does not have the same sort of atmosphere. I suspect that there is a definite attempt to cater for a different type of customer. If you expect a wine bucket on your table, this is for you! As with the other two tavernas, Toula's has been host to many famous people in the past.
LOCATION: Vlachatika
Dimitri's Bar And Restaurant 'To Steki'
Vlachatika, Gimari, 49100, Corfu, Greece
Tel: +30 663 091172 / 091013
No known web site
Dimitri's is situated on the main road around the island, overlooking Kalami Bay and offers startling views across the bay from the terraced restaurant. It is run by Dimitri Katsaros. If you are staying at Kalami or nearby and fancy a change of scenery, look no further. A phone call will usually secure a free lift to and from the restaurant. The menu is varied and provides a change from the everyday Greek cuisine. It is probably best described as Mediterranean with a Greek influence. There is a great eye for detail, right down to baby changing facilities. If you want a table with the best views, book early.
LOCATION: Old Perithia
'O Foros' Grill Room
Old Perithia, Corfu
Tel: +30 663 098373
No known
website
O Foros is run by Thomas and his son and daughter. It is one of the only two eating places in the deserted village of Old Perithia. To get there takes some effort an a lengthy description of the route is necessary!
You need to follow the coast road up the northeast side of the island past Kassiopi to the turning on the left signposted towards Loutses. The first place you come to will be (New) Perithia where you should take the left turn. Follow the road up through the many twists and turns, up through Loutses and just keep going. The road takes you high up into the mountains and provides spectacular views.
Eventually, the road deteriorates into little more than a large unmade track. The road is just about OK for ordinary cars and motorcycles / scooters at this point but do beware of the occasional potholes! When you can't go any further, park the vehicle and walk down into the deserted village.
'O Foros' is the first of the two eating places as you walk down into the village and it is fair to say that it is the less modern looking of the two. In fact we always tell people that it is decidedly rustic! Don't be put off! Spiradoula, the cook, will provide you with any number of mouth watering dishes and the prices charged are amazingly low. We particularly recommend asking for a meze. With help from Thomas, you will soon find that you have a feast in front of you and the price will make you go away thinking that you have been UNDERCHARGED!
Thomas and his daughter both have an excellent command of English and Thomas in particular is often only too happy to sit and talk with you. We cannot fault the food or hospitality - true Philoxenia! 'O Foros' is the site of our longest ever 'Sunday Lunch' - from about 1pm until about 8.15pm!
LOCATION: Acharavi
Kastelli
Monolithi Restaurant - Cafe
Tel: (+30)
26630 63728
Mobile: (+30) 6977 520769
No known website
We
have been visiting Monolithi for many years and can honestly say that it is one of
our favourite places away from the coast. Situated up in the mountains, there
are excellent view across to Albania from the terrace. It has the added
advantage for residents that it is also open during the winter but you need to
check the days that it is open first!
The food is excellent and has some unusual items. During the hunting season, the owner, Nikos, is often to be out on the mainland in search of wild boar. We can claim to have helped devour his first of the 2003 - 2004 hunting season.
It is not the cheapest place to eat but most definitely not the dearest. It is worth the effort to get there. If you travel into Acharavi towards Roda, take the turning on the left by the roundabout and then the next right. (There is a big sign there.) Follow the road, keeping left. You will come to a turning into the spacious car park on the left after a sharp left hand bend. You need a car! An evening meal is often accompanied by live music.
LOCATION: Avlaki
I am pleased to say that the place lived up to the hype! Avlaki itself is one of the last unspoiled beaches in the area and provides excellent swimming. What better than a pleasant swim during the morning followed by an excellent meal. The service is good and the taverna is not crowded unlike may beach tavernas. As well as many of the favourites enjoyed by visitors to Corfu, there are a few dishes that are different and make a pleasant change.
LOCATION: Anemomilos, Corfu Town
This taverna rates as one of our favourites on the island. It can be found just inland from Garitsa Bay. Most taxi drivers worth their salt will know it! It is open all year round and offers a wide selection of Corfiot dishes. Watch out for the 'Specials'. For example, I have had both rabbit and duck stifado there recently. Both were excellent. This taverna differs from all the rest listed here in that you are expected to go into the kitchen and check out what the cook has prepared. The prices are outstanding value and the service both good and friendly. There is often live music provided by a guitarist and accordion player.
If you have had your fill of 'beach-side' tavernas catering mainly for the tourist market then this is definitely the place for you. If you don't want to feel lonely,don't go too early as it is predominantly frequented by local Greeks and in case the message hasn't got through, they tend to eat much later than western Europeans! Don't be surprised if you are the only non-Greek there! Highly recommended!
LOCATION: Nisaki Bay
Taverna 'Mitsos'
Nisaki, Corfu.
Tel: +30 663 091240 & 091439
No known website.
This taverna is run by Agathi, Katina, Lakis and their families. The service is both attentive and friendly. The location is on a jetty overlooking rocks with outstanding views of Corfu, particularly at night. The food is of a high standard The 'lemon lamb' and fried courgettes are particular favourites of ours. Prices are reasonable.
To get to Taverna Mitsos, if you are driving from Corfu Town towards Kassiopi, take the turning on the right just past the Mythos Bar near the turning sign posted to Viglatsouri. Follow the road down to it's conclusion. You will know if you have gone too far as you will be in the harbour! This is a nice place to enjoy a drink on the rocks - literally!
LOCATION: Liapades
Restaurant
'Vergina'
Liapades, Corfu
Tel: +30 663 042036
No known
website
This is a relatively new restaurant in Liapades. It is very modern in appearance, very clean and the service is friendly. Christiana and Taki, who run it are both young and work hard to provide good service. They provide a good selection of both snacks and dinners. Their prices are very reasonable and until recently, we thought they were the cheapest place in our 'beer survey' mentioned earlier! They have just been beaten, but only just!
You will be made just as welcome whether you come in for a drink or maybe a burger as you would if you come in for a three course meal.
LOCATION: Ropa Valley, Corfu
'Nurmberg' Bar -
Grill
Ropa Valley, Corfu
Tel: +30 661 094161
No known
website
This a recent 'find' for us although we have been aware of its existence for some years. There is a limited number of starters and the main dishes are all grilled. Do not be put off by the limited menu! What is provided is excellent and outstanding value.
The Nuremburg does not look anything special from outside where the grill is on full view. There are about six or eight tables outside, but inside there is an enormous number of tables. Be warned that if you try to play the Greeks at their own game and go late for dinner, you could get disappointed in high season! It is very popular with Greeks who must have to make a special journey to get there as there are no villages close by. That should tell you something!
If you venture out to 'The Nuremburg', cast your eye down the menu. You will see what we mean about a (relatively) small menu. Also check out the prices. Amazingly low! This is simple food, well prepared and at very affordable prices.
You will find 'The Nuremburg' on the left hand side of the Ropa Valley Road coming from Corfu Town. It is just before a big sign on the left for 'Ideal Standard'! If you reach a turning on the right for Temploni, you have gone way past it! Don't be put off as you should easily spot it!
Incidentally, 'The Nuremberg' is the winner in our 'beer price survey' as at 22nd August 2002!
LOCATION: Paleokastritsa
Restaurant 'Limani'
Paleokastritsa, Corfu.
Tel: +30 663 042080
No known
website.
We have been taken by friends to this restaurant on many occasions and we have not been disappointed. The food and service is of a high standard and the prices reasonable. Nikos, the proprietor is both friendly and attentive. The grills have been excellent as too have the seafood dishes.
To reach the 'Limani' turn left towards the harbour when approaching Paleokastritsa from Corfu Town. The local police station is on the corner, facing you. The 'Limani' can be found a short way along this road on the left-hand side.
The food was excellent. Our waiter was very helpful. When Tricia asked for the cod dish, he suggested that she might like to try it grilled rather than the more usual fried. Tricia took his suggestion and was pleased with the result! When we asked for a kilo of house wine, he suggested that we might like to try a half kilo first in case we didn't like it! I confess that we have never been made this offer before and it was with some trepidation that we took tentative sips! It was fine and we ended up drinking much more than the original half kilo!
What made it for us was the fact that the waiter was prepared to speak Greek
to us and help us out when we became stuck. This may sound strange but you
cannot imagine the frustration of attempting to extend your Greek and have all
the replies in English. It won't be the first time that I have turned around and
asked, "Don't you speak Greek?". It is only a little thing but it made it just
that little more enjoyable for us. They weren't busy which meant that they could
afford to spend more time. On the flipside though, they deserved to be busy as
the food was as good as the service.
If you don't want a meal, you can
always have a drink by their pool.
Enjoy Corfu!