We traveled to Corfu, sampled the islands flavors and recommend the ones that stood out to us. From traditional cuisine to street food.
Corfu is not only one of the most captivating Ionian islands, with its elegant Old Town, picturesque alleys and endless beaches, but also a destination that remains unforgettable for its flavors. From traditional specialties to creative dishes that marry local culture with contemporary cuisine, the island offers options for every palate and every mood.
Corfu’s gastronomy is inextricably linked to its history and stands out for its depth of flavor, aromas and emphasis on fresh ingredients. Among the island’s signature dishes are pastitsada, sofrito and bourdeto, while the tasting experience is complemented by sweets based on kumquat, the citrus fruit cultivated on the island. During our visit to Corfu we sampled everything from traditional dishes to street food and desserts that left a lasting impression.
Flavors with a view
Arcadion Hotel Rooftop
The most beautiful view in Corfu Town unfolds before your eyes at the Rooftop Restaurant of the Arcadion Hotel. At dinner and drinks your backdrop is the sunset and the sea, along with all the city’s landmarks such as the Old and the New Fortress. On the menu you’ll find everything from fresh salads to linguine with prawns and their own lahmacun, which you can pair with an aperitivo, a cocktail or wine.
Modern cuisine and wine
Porta Otturata
In the shadow of the New Fortress, in the eponymous square of Corfu, you’ll find the restaurant Porta Otturata, named after its gate. Ideal for dinner in a relaxed atmosphere with modern decor, it blends tradition with contemporary Greek gastronomy. Menu highlights include unique cuts of meat and creative dishes that pair perfectly with selected wines from their cellar.
Food by the waves
Akron Beach bar restaurant
On Agia Triada beach in Paleokastritsa with its refreshing waters, Akron Beach bar restaurant is open from early morning for coffee, swimming and food with dishes based on Mediterranean flavors. After your dip, try seafood and the fresh catch of the day, pasta and select desserts. In the evening, enjoy signature cocktails and wines from Greek and international vineyards, right where the waves break.
Traditional dishes
Sagrado
As you wander through the town’s alleys, in one of the picturesque narrow streets you’ll come across Sagrado, a restaurant that honors local traditions. This family-run business bases its menu on its own unique meze, made with care. Choose whatever piques your interest among black-eyed beans, fava or tarama, meatballs in sauce with grated feta, and chicken drumettes pastitsada.
To Tavernaki tis Marinas
At To Tavernaki tis Marinas the flavors are homestyle and traditional. Sit at the little tables that spill onto the town’s cobbled lanes and try Corfiot flavors and more, signed by the owner who welcomes you with a smile. We singled out the tasty pastas, refreshing salads, meze that accompany spirits, seafood, as well as local dishes such as pastitsada and sofrito.
Pergola Taverna
To try the island’s most famous traditional dishes, choose Pergola Taverna in the center of Corfu. This tsipouradiko, with tables on the sidewalk and views of people strolling through the city’s Jewish quarter, stands out for authentic home-cooked flavors. Accompany the homemade Corfiot dishes, such as pastitsada, sofrito and bourdeto, with tsipouro or wine.
Peperi
A few steps up you’ll find Peperi, with a calm and charming atmosphere. Ideal for lunch after the sea, it will refresh you with beers and satisfy you with generous flavors rooted in the island’s local gastronomy and tradition. From the meats, try chicken or pork kontosouvli. Standouts include stuffed mushrooms with spinach and cheese cream, as well as moussaka and pastitsada.
Souvlaki
Pitonostimies
For souvlaki and grilled meats in Corfu Town, make a stop at Pitonostimies. Their signature dishes, such as pork chops and spicy chicken breast, are loved by locals and visitors. You’ll find a variety of salads, appetizers, platters and wraps. The menu also gives pride of place to burgers and to the Demise with sourdough bread, which is their own specialty.
Burger
Red Hot Chilli Burger
In one of the city’s most beautiful alleys you’ll come across Red Hot Chilli Burger, Corfu’s famed burger spot. From midday until late at night everyone enjoys burgers with delicious combinations elevated by local ingredients. Besides the classic beef patty, here you can also choose a burger with chicken fillet, as well as with portobello mushroom.
Ice cream and sweets
Papagiorgis Patisserie
The sweet flavors of the historic Papagiorgis Patisserie in the city center will thrill you. It’s essentially split into two adjacent shops, where the handmade ice cream steals the show - something you’ll gather from the line of people. Try kumquat spoon sweet, pick up mandoles and mandolata, and don’t forget to pop next door for the ultra-fresh desserts served before your eyes, such as millefeuille and chocolate souffle with ice cream.
Ice cream and cocktails
Lazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets
To buy all the gifts you’ll take with you, visit the Lazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets stores. Choose from their own products, such as the famed liqueurs and traditional confections like mandoles in many flavors. The shop in the city center stands out because there you can grab one of their popular cocktails to go (such as the one with kumquat liqueur) or their fresh ice cream and enjoy it as you continue your stroll toward the Liston.
