Our favourite places to eat in the South Ionian

Having returned from yet another incredible trip to Greece, I thought I’d share with you some of our favourite places to eat from our latest spell in the South Ionian. This is by no means exhaustive – after all, we had just two weeks and were only able to visit a handful of different islands during that time. But we did enjoy some excellent meals, all special for a variety of different reasons…

For superb views: Kastro Cafe, Il Borgo and Olive Lounge, Kastro, Kefalonia

During our stay at Angel Pools Villa, we ate at all three eateries in Kastro – all special for different reasons, but all with one thing in common – a wonderful view out towards Argostoli and the Mediterranean beyond.

Head to Kastro Cafe for an excellent all-day breakfast, to Il Borgo for a more traditional taverna experience and to Olive Lounge – where it’s recommended to book ahead – for Greek dining that’s a little more upscale and contemporary.

For waterfront dining: Lamda Casual Dining, Vasiliki, Lefkada

We ate at a few places on the waterfront in Vasiliki but none matched the Greek cuisine we enjoyed at Lamda Casual Dining. The lentils served with smoked eel, cauliflower purée, and aromatic oil are a very enjoyable dish, as is the seafood orzo, glistening with shrimp and squid and cooked in a tomato and basil reduction. And all this at a table right by the water’s edge.

Read our full review here.

For something different: Lord Falcon, Fiskardo, Kefalonia

If you fancy a change from Greek cuisine, then there’s an excellent Thai restaurant tucked away in one of Fiskardo’s back streets. The starter combo is a great way to enjoy a selection of appetisers, and the chicken Panaeng curry or the grilled sea bass fillet served with a spicy Som Tam salad are both excellent choices from the mains, full of authentic flavours.

For where the locals go: Tzivras, Argostoli, Kefalonia

We stumbled upon Tzivras by chance as we wandered the streets of Argostoli and were so glad we did. They have a no nonsense approach to Greek food – no frills, just solid dishes with some gutsy flavours. My favourite was the giant beans. This isn’t upscale dining but there’s a good reason why the locals frequent this little taverna…

For the warmest of welcomes: Patio Dining, Vasiliki, Lefkada

For the warmest of welcomes and a lively Greek dining experience just one street back from Vasiliki’s harbour front, head to Patio Dining. You won’t be beckoned in by waiters here – they just let the food do the talking. Choose from a range of wholesome Greek dishes and be sure to try the prawn saganaki – it’s rich, spicy and utterly delicious.

Read our full review here.

For fresh fish and seafood: Sea Salt, Svoronata, Kefalonia

Last but by no means least – and the perfect place to call at either the beginning or end of your holiday in Kefalonia (or ideally both!) – is Sea Salt. Enjoying the most heavenly setting overlooking Ai Helis beach, you could be forgiven for not realising that the international airport is less than 10 minutes away. If the setting doesn’t blow you away, then the seafood will… try the scallops or octopus to start and, if it’s on the specials, the grilled bluefin tuna belly is to die for.

Read our full review here.

Disclosure: Our trip was sponsored by AEGEAN Airlines.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.