For the past few decades, we have selflessly sampled every eat-and-drinkery that the beautiful island of Kefalonia has to offer, from upmarket beachfront restaurants to back- street traditional tavernas. – It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it. Tavernas may have come and gone over the years, but here, in our tireless pursuit of the perfect pork chop, the most memorable moussaka or sublime spanakopita, we’ve come to an ambitious if contentious conclusion.
Here, – also informed by you, our clients – many of whom return year after year, we’ve collated what we think are the islands’ best.
Forks at the fingertips, napkins on the knee: do you, we wonder, agree?
Klimatis Taverna
Where? Lourdas
Price Range · €€
Beach views don’t get better than this, but it’s not just the panoramic views over Lourdas Bay which make this such a popular spot: the food (and cocktails) are also fabulous! Marina will look after you, serving meats, pasta, freshly caught fish or daily specials. If you arrive early and have to wait for a seat, or want to make more of your evening, there’s a cute little cocktail bar at the back of the restaurant. There’s also outdoor seating. Summer opening hours are 10.00 – Midnight every day.
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Isalos Restaurant
Where? Spartia
Price Range · €€
If the idea of sitting in a garden oasis sounds appealing, make for this gorgeous restaurant which is jam packed with plants, inside and out. To one side, views over the village and olive groves beyond, to the other there’s a garden and above the whole restaurant a canopy of vines, flowers, fairy lights and foliage! Portion sizes are generous here, be warned, but because Spartia isn’t on the main tourist map, the prices are reasonable too. The restaurant is open every evening from 17.00 to 23.00, except Sundays.
Serving traditional, freshly made Greek and some Italian food. Welcoming staff and lots of locals eating here – not just tourists – , always a great sign!
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Varkaki Fish & Chips
Where? Argostoli
Price range: €€
The exterior of this Argostoli restaurant gives a heavy clue as to its speciality, decorated as it is with a fish mural. Step through the floor to ceiling glass doors and you’ll be treated to great fish and chips (the restaurant is run by Greek Australians), but also other fish dishes – grilled, barbecued or fried -, as well as gyros and salads.
Closed Tuesdays and Saturdays, but otherwise open 12.00 – 18.00.
Note: no reservations, walk ins only.
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Taverna Foki
Where? Fiskardo
Price range: €€
Rather than choosing the harbour front and heavily touristy tavernas and restaurants in Fiskardo itself, we absolutely adore this simple, traditional taverna opposite Foki beach, on the hill just before you get to Fiskardo proper. As well as fabulous views over the treetops and the sea beyond, there’s a lovely cooling breeze, the food is simply cooked but absolutely delicious and at significantly less cost than what you’ll find in town itself. There’s also parking, an absolute boon! Opening hours are 10.00 – 17.00 and 19.00 – 22.30 pm Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays.
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Elaionas Taverna
Where? Spartia
Price Range · €€
What is it with Spartia and its gorgeous garden and olive grove tavernas? Elaionas is another fabulous restaurant in wonderful, lush, green surroundings. Family run, offering well presented and tasty grilled meats and fish (but pasta is also on the menu). Those with a sweet tooth may be particularly pleased to hear that there’s homemade desserts such as lemon meringue pie, whilst the lamb kleftiko, and the kreatopita (Kefalonia meat pie) are outstanding. Vegetarians are also catered for! Open 7 days a week from 18.00 – 23.00.
Travelling elsewhere in Kefalonia? Want to discover even more fantastic places to eat and drink?
Here is a full list of our – and your – favourite tavernas in Kefalonia.
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