Food forms an integral part of life in Greece, with utmost importance to fresh and local ingredients. In fact, every Greek island has its own set of culinary specialties that highlight the region’s heritage, topography, and lifestyle. Therefore, an island-hopping tour in Greece, booked easily through Ferryscanner, provides food lovers the opportunity to indulge in diverse culinary experiences.
A must-include island destination when planning an epicurean holiday in Greece is Kefalonia. The island’s delicacies, primarily featuring seafood, meats, olive oil, and cheese, are mouth-watering delights that add to its allure. Consequently, the best places to eat in Kefalonia celebrate the island’s rich gastronomic heritage, championing age-old recipes made using locally sourced seasonal produce.
Tassia Restaurant
Address: Fiskardo, Kefalonia 280 84, Greece
Fiskardo’s oldest restaurant, Tassia, is a legendary food establishment, and thus, one of the best places to eat in Kefalonia. The family-owned eatery has been serving traditional Greek recipes to its patrons since 1972. The restaurant, with its dreamy terracotta façade that juxtaposes against its sea-blue tables and chairs, occupies a prime location next to the harbor. As a result, diners at Tassia are privy to stunning views of the Mediterranean and Ithaca.
Owned by sister-brother duo Tassia Dendrinou and Polychronis Dendrinos, the menu at Tassia features Greek and Kefalonian classics. The spaghetti platter with prawns, ouzo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese is utterly delicious, as is the cuttlefish ink risotto. An equally fantastic main course is the daily catch, typically swordfish, tuna, or sea bass, grilled and served with boiled vegetables.
Taverna Drosos
Address: Porto Atheras, Atheras 282 00 Greece
A charming family-run taverna, Drosos takes up a scenic spot right on the beach at Porto Atheras. Gorgeous views guaranteed, the atmosphere at what is one of the hidden gems and best restaurants in Kefalonia for seafood is laidback and welcoming thanks to its friendly staff. Moreover, the food at Drosos is fresh and kept simple. Prepared with love, it comes soaked in local flavors that make every meal here a tummy-satisfying experience.
When dining at Taverna Drosos, a taste of the freshly caught fish, especially the barracuda, is a must. Presented with salad, it might take a while to arrive but always comes perfectly grilled. Fried zucchini, calamari, and shrimp spaghetti are some of the other highlights of their menu. Taverna Drosos also hosts live traditional music events occasionally.
Ampelaki Restaurant
Address: Leof. Ioannou Metaxa 26, Argostoli 281 00, Greece
Ampelaki is your quintessential harbourside restaurant located near the ferry terminal in Argostoli. The family-owned eatery started operations in 2004 and quickly became one of the best places to eat in Kefalonia. At the heart of its success are exceptional service, excellent food, and a choice between indoor and al fresco dining. When combined, they create the perfect environment for a memorable meal.
The menu at Ampelaki dabbles with popular Kefalonian and Greek ingredients. However, the chefs further add their trademark touch to the food, giving it a unique taste. For a genuinely unforgettable meal at Ampelaki, start with revithokeftedes – chickpea patties from Sifnos and kreatopita – Kefalonian meat pie with hand-kneaded pastry. Then, try one of the restaurant’s signature recipes, such as their brandy burger or chicken cooked in Mavrodafni wine.
Platanos Traditional Restaurant
Address: Assos 280 84, Greece
Platanos might lack sea views, but it more than makes up for it by serving delectably rustic Greek food that leaves you wanting more. Situated at the start of Assos, Platanos is a popular eatery among meat lovers but also has enough on its menu for vegetarians.
The owner of the Platanos, Panos, ever-present, eccentric, and talkative, has his own cattle farm, resulting in top-quality meat in every dish. It’s also one reason why the restaurant is among the best places to eat in Kefalonia. Although the menu is quite extensive at Platanos, don’t miss out on the suckling pig, slow-roasted lamb with baked potatoes, and the vegetable moussaka. Because only a few tavernas in Assos serve dinner, Platanos stays perpetually busy. If planning a meal here, make a reservation at least two days prior.
Taverna Patsouras
Address: Leof. Antoni Tritsi, Argostoli 281 00, Greece
Culinary escapades in Kefalonia don’t get any more real than Taverna Patsouras. The rather drab-looking restaurant near the fish market in Argostoli has a modest charisma that will particularly appeal to true-blue gourmands. That it has been serving traditional dishes since 1963 in an authentic, no-frills avatar is added bonus.
One of those off-the-tourist-radar restaurants in Kefalonia, the honest nature of Patsouras lies not just in its uncomplicated décor or food. There is also no menu to start with, for example. Instead, the staff shows the available food to the guests and then takes the order based on how they would like it prepared. What eventually comes on the table oozes gastronomic sincerity in looks but far exceeds expectations in taste. When dining here, go for the pastitsio – baked pasta, grilled aubergines, rice-stuffed tomatoes, or the oven-baked sea bream. As for condiments, yogurt and Kefalonia honey are on the house and go beautifully with most preparations.