13 Best Restaurants in Kefalonia, Greece

Il Borgo

$ Fodor's choice
As is the case with much of Kefalonia, many of its dining gems are found outside of the larger towns. Il Borgo lies in the lee of St. George's Castle, 15 minutes' drive south of Argostoli, and makes for a dramatic pit-stop. Its vine-shaded terrace has easily the best dining views on the island and the food isn't far behind, with homespun pastitsada (one-pot pasta) and lip-smacking youvetsi, slow-cooked lamb leg and orzo, soothing both belly and soul.

Irida Restaurant

$ Fodor's choice
Fiskardo's harbor is lined with restaurant terraces, but Irida's is the pick of the bunch. Reliably good seafood is the difference-maker, with comforting staples such as shrimp saganaki (in a spicy tomato sauce laced with cheese) supplemented by the odd culinary gem like the sole in champagne sauce. It also runs a rather nice boutique shop around the corner, filled with jewelery, hats, and pretty knitted bags.

Ladokolla Stin Plagia

$ Fodor's choice
This inventive taverna, run by a pair of local twins, is well-loved by islanders. The atmosphere is never less than bouncing, with the dying light accompanied by the old-world strains of Greek guitar and the husky accompaniment of moist-eyed diners. The hand-written, meat-heavy menu is capable of surprises, too, with house takes on traditional favourites (kleftiko, kreapita, etc.) accompanied by some really interesting pork dishes. Booking is advised.
Damoulianata Village, Paliki, Kefalonia, 28200, Greece
26710-97493
Known For
  • a great atmosphere with lively late-night dining
  • imaginative cooking—try the delicious pork in beer sauce
  • the owner is a character

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Casa Grec

$
A charming garden terrace sets the mood here, with its warm terra-cotta tiles and white beams lit by glowing lanterns. Everything is just right. The owners have spent 20 years crafting a menu of crowd-pleasing takes on Greek favorites and international standbys. While little surprises, Casa Grec is the consumate pro, dishing up pork shanks and peppered steaks to perfection.
Stavrou Metaxa 12, Argostolion, Kefalonia, 28100, Greece
26710-24091
Known For
  • signature pork shanks that just melt off the bone
  • a nice outdoor terrace
  • friendly staff

Farmout Vitamin Bar

$
This small organic market-cum-café sources from local farms across Kefalonia and dishes out tasty wraps, vegan burgers, and excellent homemade smoothies to those in the know.

Melina Patisserie

$
Yogurt-thick smoothies and scrumptious homemade cakes make this the perfect spot for a breather. Gaze out over the yachts in the harbor and indulge your sweet tooth—the syrup-drenched baklava here is the size of a doorstop and every bit as satisfying as it looks.
Akti Panormou, Fiskardo, Kefalonia, 28085, Greece
26740-41501
Known For
  • luxurious cakes
  • delicious shakes and smoothies
  • nice views over the harbor

Mpotsolos

$
Meat is the order of the day here, typically served in huge portions, at decent prices, and with fries on the side. This robust grillhouse is a favorite with village locals, who make invariably friendly dining companions as you tuck into succulent lamb chops, great heaving hunks of pork, and local-style sausage, all with a glass of chilled Robola wine to hand.
Mousaton-Valsamaton Road, Omala, Kefalonia, 28100, Greece
26710-86155
Known For
  • the lamb chops are raved about for good reason
  • friendly local dining companions
  • cheap local wines

Nisoi Vardianoi

$
A firmly established favorite. Garden terrace views gazing out to Xi Beach and across to the island of Vardinoi offer a feast for the eyes. The menu is no less satisfying, with feta-stuffed squid and boat-fresh shrimp to savor. The cocktails here are also some of the best on the peninsula.
Xi Beach, Paliki, Kefalonia, 28200, Greece
69869-48528
Known For
  • great seafood
  • views out over the coast
  • occasional music nights

Picnic

$
This delightful mother-and-daughter-run café-restaurant lies a couple of miles outside Fiskardo, on the road to Assos and Myrtos. It's a welcoming restaurant that makes for a great breakfast and brunch spot, and even wraps up picnic lunches for those wanting to drop by and pick up a meal for the beach. Well worth a stop.

Platanos

$
This venerable taverna stands apart from the needy café-bars that ring the waterside of Assos village. It's a solid old-stager with a menu of classic Greek mezedes, grills, seafood, souvlakis, and a far larger than usual range of vegetarian dishes. The more rural dishes, such as the goat stifado or rabbit lagoto stews, are particularly rewarding.
Assos Main Road, Assos, Kefalonia, 28085, Greece
26740-51381
Known For
  • rustic Greek favorites with stews and seafood
  • peaceful, shaded dining spot
  • good selection of veggie options

Sparos Bistrot

$$
Perched on the cusp of Megas Lakkos Beach, with a garden terrace running to the shore, you couldn't get much closer to the water. The seafood is excellent, though demand often curtails the menu, so it pays to get there early. The monkfish tail wrapped in guanciale is a particular delight.
Megas Lakkos Beach, Paliki, Kefalonia, 28200, Greece
69447-18080
Known For
  • sea views so close you can taste the salt water
  • some creative cooking using the excellent local seafood
  • pleasant garden setting

Tassia

$
Owner Tassia Dendrinou has become something of a local culinary celeb in recent years, with a couple of cookbooks to his name. His menu is creative, with dishes such as octopus and chickpea puree and a fulsome Robola chicken that makes fine use of the island's specialty wine. As with all the restaurants lining Fiskardo's harbor, try to grab a waterside seat outside for the best views.
Fiskardo Harbor, Kefalonia, 28084, Greece
26740-41205
Known For
  • great use of local produce, especially the island's cheeses
  • good seafood dishes
  • waterside terrace

To Arxontiko (Το Αρχοντικό)

$
A stone-walled interior sets the scene for this family-run slice of traditional taverna cooking. The friendly owner is good for a suggestion or two, though the Kefalonian kreatopita (three-meat pie) is well worth sinking your teeth into.