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Corfu is a Greek island with many different faces. For some, Corfu’s main drawcard is the beautiful beaches on the northeast coast. For others, Corfu is synonymous with the party towns on the south coast (looking at you, Kavos). But for me, the charm of the UNESCO-listed Old Town is the island’s principal attraction, and the Old Town is where you will find some of the best restaurants in Corfu.
Corfu is only around 90 miles from the heel of Italy and is a former Venetian settlement. Just like the architecture of the picturesque Old Town, Corfiot cuisine has naturally been influenced by the Italians throughout history. Greek and Italian cuisines blend seamlessly in plenty of the Old Town’s tavernas, and there are many specifically Italian restaurants. These can either by explored with a gastronomical guide or independently.
The following rundown of my tried-and-tested favorites in the Old Town of Corfu is categorized by types of restaurant, so you can choose the perfect meal to suit the occasion.
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Zachou
Let’s start off with some of the most genuine Greek homestyle food you’ll find on Corfu. Only ten minutes from the center of the Old Town, the hearty dishes offered by Zachou are freshly prepared throughout the day. Be aware that the restaurant closes late afternoon, so is best visited for lunch only.
At Zachou, it’s a matter of whichever classic Greek dishes are on the daily menu. Whether it’s the pastitsio, stuffed peppers, hand-rolled dolmadakia, lamb stifado, or any of the other all-time Greek favorites, Zachou is popular with locals and gives foreign visitors a true insight into the Greek kitchen. If you’re looking for low-key but high-quality Greek home cooking, Zachou is one of the best restaurants in Corfu.
Best mid-range restaurants in Corfu
Lampadina Traditional Cuisine
The husband-and-wife duo running Lampadina may offer a slightly wider range of dishes, but they do not compromise at all on quality. Here you’ll find a particularly welcoming ambiance in both its indoor and outdoor seating areas. It would be an excellent choice to come to Lampadina for lunch.
The seafood tagliatelle showcases the Italian influence in Corfiot cuisine. Having said that, their deep-fried saganaki cheese and slow-cooked pastitsada are unmissable Greek classic dishes on your trip to Corfu.
Special mention must be made for the consistently friendly staff who you’ll encounter at Lampadina on every visit. Make sure to ask if they are serving any special desserts – it wouldn’t be a trip to Greece without indulging in traditional Greek desserts.
To Tavernaki Tis Marinas (Marina’s Taverna)
Slightly off the main tourist streets, Marina’s Taverna boasts a relaxed outdoor atmosphere together with unpretentious but incredibly flavorful dishes.
The grilled octopus with fava and capers or the beef giouretsi are both great choices from Marina’s. Alternatively, the rigatoni with salmon or with pancetta cream and mushrooms are also highlights from the menu. Vegetarians are also well catered for here.
Come here on a warm summer evening after the heat of the day has subsided for a memorable evening with authentic Greek food and a glass or two of wine.
To Tsipouradiko
‘Tsipouradiko’ simply means ‘a bar which serves tsipouro,’ one of Greece’s signature liquors, but there’s more than just the firewater to this place. The meze sharer plates are ideal for getting a small taste of everything, from spicy cheese dips and tzatziki to eggplants in tomato sauce, calamari and fried sausage.
The motto here is “ektos schediou kai o ti prokypsei,” translating to “Away from the plan and whatever comes up.” As such, daily specials are also served on a rotating basis, and you should definitely try the codfish with ‘skordalia’ garlic dip if it is on offer.
Best upscale restaurant in Corfu
Restaurant Anthos
Undisputedly among of the most elegant restaurants in Corfu, Anthos is certainly worth the heavier price tag. Hidden away in a beautiful, cobbled alleyway, its unassuming location gives only a little hint of its exquisite food.
The seafood is the real star of the show. Appetizers include seabass ceviche and shrimp saganaki, and there are truly superb main dishes such as grilled swordfish and tuna tagliata with balsamic glaze. This might just be one of the best restaurants in Corfu for culinary refinedness and attention to detail.
Come here for a particularly special occasion, and Anthos is sure to deliver.
Best Italian restaurant in Corfu
Rosmarino
Being in the heart of Venetian Corfu, you should definitely set aside one meal for pure Italian cuisine. Rosmarino should be the place to do just that.
Run by Italian couple Giovanni and Francesca, Rosmarino has a fantastic location at the top of the Old Municipality Square. With authentic Italian recipes using fresh Mediterranean ingredients, each of the homemade pasta recipes is simply fantastic. My personal favorite at Rosmarino is the ravioli with burrata. The freshness of the pizzas served here is also unrivaled anywhere else in Corfu.
Rosmarino ranks among the best restaurants in Corfu for real Italian cuisine, and it is a must-visit restaurant on any gourmand’s itinerary of the Old Town.
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