Corfu’s charms are well-documented – garlanded headlands, pastel towns, a past steeped in Venetian, French and British rule – but its kitchens now make as strong a case for the ferry ride as its beaches do. Chefs across the island are folding just-netted scorpion fish, grove-pressed olive oil and citrus from centenarian orchards into menus that feel both deeply Greek and quietly cosmopolitan.
The result is a table-to-table conversation between Ionian terroir and centuries of trade-route influence, spoken fluently in saffron stews, kumquat glazes and ladlefuls of garlicky bourdeto. Whether you’re chasing a white-linen sunset supper or a rowdy plate-sharing session in a back-lane taverna, Corfu’s current crop of restaurants delivers. Here, 12 addresses that prove the island’s appetite is as expansive as its horizon.
01
The Venetian Well
An atmospheric restaurant in a beautiful building of Venetian architecture, in front of a historic Venetian well and the church of Panagia of Kremasti. The menu by the chef-patron Yannis Vlachos is a creative reimagining of traditional Corfiot recipes with a poignantly modern gastronomic point of view.
Kremasti Square, 1 Lili Desyla
02
Ora
With its prime spot along Corfu Town’s storied waterfront, Ora serves up Mediterranean finesse in a calm, contemporary space. Chef Yannis Liokas draws from both Greek and Italian traditions, crafting dishes like delicate sea bass carpaccio and rich, slow-braised beef short ribs. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the sea, while the well-curated wine cellar and creative cocktails round out the relaxed but elevated experience.
Agoniston Polytechniou
03
Etrusco
One of the most notable Greek restaurants and the home base of multi award-winning Corfiot-Tuscan chef Ettore Botrini, this is where the inspiration is drawn from local tradition and recalibrated into inventive haute cuisine dishes that offer a singular and highly sophisticated dining experience. It is surrounded by the Etrusco estate, which is overgrown with flowers, aromatic herbs and vegetables for the restaurant’s needs. It has been voted as The Best Restaurant in Greece for 11 consecutive Years by Greece’s FNL Awards.
Kato Korakiana
04
Klimataria (Bellos)
Tucked away in the fishing village of Benitses, Klimataria ‘Bellos’ is a cherished family-run taverna known for its authentic Corfiot cuisine. Since 1997, Nikos and Lily Bellou have welcomed guests into their cozy, 17-table establishment, offering dishes that celebrate the island’s culinary heritage. Standouts include the octopus pastitsada—a spicy, slow-cooked octopus dish served with pasta—and the burdeto, a hearty fish stew. The taverna’s commitment to quality and tradition has earned it acclaim among locals and visitors alike.
Benitses
05
Makris
Inside the high-end Domes Miramare resort, Makris offers a multi-course journey through modern Greek cuisine. Chef Petros Dimas leans into local flavors with refined plates like veal pastitsada and creamy sea urchin risotto. The interior mirrors the landscape—subtle, natural, and luxurious—and the wine and champagne list brings a final note of indulgence to an already sophisticated setting.
Domes Miramare, Moraitika
06
Cook’s Club
Tucked inside the stylish Cook’s Club Corfu in Gouvia, Campiello balances rustic charm with modern energy. The menu nods to Corfiot and Venetian roots—look for comforting sofrito or herbed risotto done with a light touch. Earth-toned interiors and a relaxed layout set the vibe, while live DJ sets and mixologist-made cocktails give evenings an upbeat edge.
Cook’s Club Corfu Hotel, Gouvia
07
Arcadion Bistrot
A venue with a view, from its roof garden, of Corfu town and the old fortress. Award-winning chef Alexandros Lepesis curates a creative menu with references to well-known local dishes.
44 Kapodistriou Street Liston, Chora
08
Nolita
The sibling of the Athenian Nolita puts out tables in Corfu’s central square opposite the Town Hall. Here you can try contemporary Italian cuisine by chef Yannis Liokas with a creative menu influenced by local recipes. Pasta, pizza and elegant dishes please the tastebuds.
71 Gilford, Town Hall Sq.
09
Aristos
A lavish restaurant on the uniquely beautiful peninsula of Kommenos, which overlooks a bay and the Ionian Sea. The menu includes refined flavors inspired by Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. A special dish is the crayfish with fennel and sea samphire in a creamy fish sauce. A solid wine list.
Grecotel Corfu Imperial, Kommeno
10
Flya
An all-day restaurant situated between a swimming pool, a renovated old olive oil mill and the Ionian Sea. Corfiot chef Spyros Agios creates dishes that are conceptually modern and innovative inspired by traditional cuisine and local ingredients.
Olivar Suites, Mesoggi
11
Pomo D’Oro by Megoulas
A wine restaurant in a picturesque square in the town’s historic centre. You’ll find a contemporary Mediterranean menu created by chef-owner Aristotelis Megoulas that’s based mainly on local organic products. Typical dishes are the ravioli with lamb ragout, fig and white chocolate tart and the seafood broth with tomato water.
13 Skaramanga Square
12
Toula’s Seaside
A seaside restaurant focusing on specialities, which has been operating since 1981. The kitchen is headed by Mrs Toula, who prepares dishes of the Corfiot tradition, such as her famous bianco, but also other dishes inspired by haute Mediterranean cuisine. Desserts are curated by pastry chef Dimitris Chronopoulos.
Agni Bay
