KEFALONIA - FOOD

Being a popular Greek island and major holiday destination in its own right, Kefalonia understandably comes with more than its fair share of good restaurants and traditional Greek tavernas. Other dining opportunities around Kefalonia come in the form of `psistaria` (specializing in char-grilled food or spit-roasts), and `estiatoria` (a more sophisticate restaurant than a simply taverna), along with various pizzerias, creperies and of course, Greek `gelaterias`, which sell a rather unmistakable Italian-style ice cream.

When dining out on Kefalonia, Greeks do believe that a good meal should be accompanied by alcohol. Therefore, some bars, such as `ouzerias`, will often serve small plates of appetizers (mezedes), which may simply consists of olives, Feta cheese and pickles. Restaurants may also serve mezedes, to get your juices flowing before you tuck into your main meal.

What to Eat

There are a number of local specialties served at Kefalonia`s restaurants, with its hearty meat pie appearing on many menus. Many pies have a thick crusts and are stuffed with meat, rice and vegetables, or even seafood, such as fish and octopus or squid.

The typical local dishes, common to all Ionian islands are:
Feta - Kefalonian pies - `Bourbourelia` bean soup - `Aliada` boiled octopus with mashed potatoes - `Strapatsada` eggs with fried tomatoes - `Riganada` , bruschetta with olive oil and oregano - `Galaktompoureko` home-made pasta filled with pastry cream - `Mantoles`, a famous sweet of the Ionian islands made of almonds and sugar - `Amigdalopita` almond cake.
Among the wines of Kefalonia: the `Robola`, the most famous wine of Kefalonia, white and dry - the `Mavrodafi`, red, strong and sweet - the `Muscat`, dessert white wine.

Restaurants

For the best selection of restaurants on Kefalonia, start by exploring the central streets of Argostoli. There are a large number of cafes and similar eateries surrounding central squares in Argostoli, such as the Plateia Valianou, although they do seem to charge a little extra for the sheer convenience of their location. Bar-hopping around the Plateia Valianou is a great way to spend a night of Kefalonia, and the crowds gather here until late.

Alternatively, head outside of Argostoli and consider dining in one of the neighboring villages on Kefalonia, such as Troianata, where self-caterers will enjoy perusing the waterfront market.

Some 16 miles to the northeast of Argostoli, Sami is known on Kefalonia for its endless strip of `touristy` cafes and restaurants, with dining venues generally being just a short stroll from Paradise Beach.

Olive Lounge Restaurant Lourdas
One of the best restaurants in Kefalonia! Dine al fresco, overlooking the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos island, and the Mount Enos in the background. The restaurant has outdoor and indoor seats for cooler evenings. The menu offers Greek and international cuisine, with dishes daily prepared using fresh local products, while the large assortment of fresh fish is daily delivered by a local fisherman. The service is excellent and prices slightly higher than average but affordable.

Restaurant Andromeda Lordas
Distinctive note of the Andromeda Restaurant is the exquisite quality of the food, from the selection of raw materials, to its lovely transforming, and presentation at the table. Yet, Andromeda manages to combine high quality with reasonable prices, and with the friendly and relaxing atmosphere that everyone associates with a typical Greek taverna. Kostas, the chef and owner, often goes to the tables for a chat or a joke with diners, while Teresa combines her Irish charm with a relaxed and efficient service. It must be this combination of excellent food, efficiency and friendly service to make Andromeda one of the favorite restaurants for locals and tourists.

Restaurant Casa Grec Argostoli
Among the many restaurants and taverns in the capital of Kefalonia, Casa Grec is one of the most famous of Argostoli. The restaurant is located in the center, above the central square, along a pleasant walk. Well furnished, it offers an internal area and a courtyard to the rear of the restaurant, in an idyllic setting for visitors. The menu is mainly Greek and dishes are made with local products only, but it also serve Italian pizza and desserts, which attracts mostly Italian tourists.

Restaurant Ampelaki Argostoli
In Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, which extends along the coast, we have created a new place that offers a tasty trip in the local Greek cuisine. `Ampelaki` is the result of owner`s creative work and experience in the restaurant industry, with an offer of high quality Greek dishes. Furthermore `Ampelaki` guarantees an easy access and facilities to people with disabilities. Tasty food, excellent and fast service, original ideas, knowledge and experience are at your service for a unique experience.

Restaurant Katavothres Argostoli
The Katavothres Rest Area is one of the most fascinating restaurant-club of Kefalonia, with its stunning location in the area of Katavothres right in front of the sea mills, just outside Argostoli, where one of the island`s most important geological phenomena takes place: the sea water disappears into carsic holes in the ground and is transported to the east of the island, resurfacing 14 days later into the Melissani lake.
The bar restaurant overlooks the sea canal that separates Argostoli from Lixouri peninsula, offering a fantastic view of the sea, especially at sunset. The decor is modern and comfortable, definitely the bar area in the summer time is a must to admire the beautiful views and to enjoy the breeze by the sea, sipping a skillfully made cocktail. The Katavothres is quite secluded with no road signs to guide visitors passing through, it is a haven for the weekends and it is very popular thanks to the word of mouth. Catering is of the highest level thanks to an international team of chefs that can create anything you want, not to mention their signature dishes which are all of Greek connotations, but with a modern twist. Pastry chefs also offer spectacular homemade cakes. The Katavothres also works as a sophisticated and stylish nightclub. There is a large area where you can dance all night long.

Taverna To Perasma Agia Efimia
To Perasma tavern is located in a quiet area overlooking the harbor of St. Efimia, with a beautiful view of the port of Sami. The restaurant is skillfully managed by owners Angelos, Bob and their mother, who work tirelessly throughout the day to ensure every guest to be greeted with a warm welcome and excellent food at competitive prices. To Perasma serves a varied menu based on traditional Greek home-made recipes, along with international cuisine. There is also a good selection of wines to suit all budgets. The family also has its own herds of sheep and goats on the mountains above Agia Efimia. In fact, the `Special` dish of the day often includes organic meat produced by their herds.

Restaurant Elli`s Fiskardo Kefalonia
Small romantic restaurant with great location on the marina of Fiskardo, at the end of the walk. It is located immediately next to a small pebbly beach where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay full of sailboats, but above all a view of the nearby island of Ithaca. The atmosphere is relaxing and idyllic, and you`ll dine listening to the sound of waves breaking on the shore and the sea breeze that will be with you during the dinner. The Greek cuisine is by the house and includes: grilled steak, meatballs with vegetables, tzatziki, Greek salad, roasted squid, vegetable ratatouille, typical local moussaka flavored with cinnamon, feta baked in foil, cream caramel and cinnamon digestive (usually offered).

Restaurant Aquarius Skala
The Aquarius Restaurant, 100 yards from the main square of Skala, opened in June 2003 with critical acclaim, and in a very short time it has established itself as one of the favorite restaurants among Greeks and tourists. This restaurant combines the best of Mediterranean cuisine with excellent service in an elegant and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion with your family or friends, or simply to enjoy a romantic dinner for two, Aquarius is the ideal place for an unforgettable experience. The delicious dishes from our extensive menu can be delivered directly to your holiday home, just give us a call to book this unique experience and taste our flavors in the comfort of your home.

Restaurant Avithos Svoronata
Overlooking the beautiful beach of Avithos, the `Avithos Preview Taverna`, in the south-west of the island, in the area of Svoronata & Kalligata, offers a bit more than the average Greek taverna. The owners, Panos and his mother Angela, offer a delicious and authentic Greek cusine, as well as a snack menu. We serve a breakfast menu, light lunches, lunch and dinner, and a variety of fresh fish. An excellent value for money tavern!