Best Restaurants in the Ionian Sailing Area

Best Restaurants in the Ionian Sailing Area

When you think of the Ionian sailing area, you probably picture azure waters, idyllic islands, and serene sailing experiences. But there’s another dimension to this sailor’s paradise – a gastronomic journey that tantalizes the senses as you hop from one island to the next. The Ionian is renowned not only for its yacht charter Greece experiences but also for its rich culinary landscape. Let’s embark on a delicious voyage through some of the best restaurants in the Ionian sailing area.

Corfu: A Blend of Venetian and Greek Flavors

Corfu, with its Venetian influence, offers a unique blend of Italian and Greek cuisines. It’s a haven for sailors and food enthusiasts alike.

The Venetian Well

Situated in the heart of Corfu Town, this romantic restaurant serves up traditional Greek dishes with an Italian twist. The setting, in a secluded square, provides a serene atmosphere after a day of sailing.

Toula’s Seafront Dining

Located in Agni Bay, Toula’s offers an authentic seaside dining experience. Fresh seafood and traditional Corfiot dishes, accompanied by views of the Ionian Sea, make it a sailor’s favorite.

Paxos: Olive Groves and Seafood Galore

Paxos, a tiny island south of Corfu, boasts some of the most incredible olive oils and freshest seafood in the region. This verdant isle promises delightful dining spots.

Vassilis Taverna

Overlooking Loggos Harbor, Vassilis offers a stunning view and even better food. Indulge in fresh lobster and grilled octopus, and don’t miss their olive oil-infused dishes.

Ben’s Bar & Restaurant

An eco-friendly beach bar located in Monodendri, Ben’s offers a relaxed setting. The menu features organic produce, local wines, and mouth-watering seafood. It’s the perfect pit stop during your Ionian sailing adventure.

Lefkada: From Mountains to Sea

Lefkada, connected to the mainland by a small bridge, offers an eclectic mix of mountainous terrains and sandy beaches. The culinary scene here is just as diverse.

T’agnantio

Perched on the hills, this restaurant offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. Their specialty is spit-roasted meats and local cheese pies. A true taste of Lefkada’s mountainous regions.

Seven Islands

Located in Lygia, this seafront taverna promises the freshest fish dishes. Their seafood pasta and local wines are a must-try for anyone navigating the Ionian sailing itinerary.

Kefalonia: A Symphony of Tastes

Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian islands, is known for its diverse landscapes ranging from azure beaches to majestic mountains. The island’s gastronomy mirrors this diversity, offering a rich palette of flavors.

Tassia’s Cooking

Situated in the quaint village of Fiscardo, Tassia’s Cooking offers a taste of traditional Kefalonian dishes. Their famous lamb kleftiko and fresh seafood are staples for every sailor passing through.

Ampelaki

Located in Argostoli, the island’s capital, Ampelaki boasts views of the bustling harbor. Savor their take on modern Greek cuisine while watching turtles swim in the bay.

Ithaca: Odyssey of Flavors

The legendary home of Odysseus, Ithaca might be smaller in size, but it packs a punch when it comes to culinary delights. The island’s rich history is reflected in its food.

Calypso Restaurant

Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, Calypso offers both captivating views and flavors. Indulge in traditional dishes like rabbit stew while soaking in the ambiance of this historic island.

The Mills

Set in the picturesque village of Kioni, The Mills combines authentic Ithacan recipes with contemporary twists. Their freshly-caught fish, grilled to perfection, is a testament to the island’s maritime heritage.

Zakynthos: Melody of the Sea

Known for its shipwreck beach and the endangered loggerhead turtles, Zakynthos is not just a visual treat but also a gastronomic delight. From its olive groves to the sparkling sea, the island promises a culinary journey.

Prosilio

Overlooking the turquoise waters of Vasilikos, Prosilio offers a refined dining experience. Their signature dish, lobster linguini, ideally marries the flavors of the Ionian sailing area.

The Family

Situated in Tsilivi, this family-run taverna lives up to its name, offering a warm, homely ambiance. Their olive oil, sourced from local groves, adds a touch of Zakynthian essence to every dish.

Conclusion: A Gastronomic Voyage to Remember

Sailing through the Ionian area isn’t just about embracing the wind and the waves; it’s a journey of flavors, aromas, and culinary traditions. From the bustling tavernas of Zakynthos to the secluded eateries of Antipaxos, the region promises a rich tapestry of gastronomic experiences. As you navigate through these azure waters with Europe Yachts Charter Greece, ensure your sails lead you to these culinary treasures, making every anchorage a feast for your senses.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a yacht charter on Europe Yachts?

Choose your dates and destination, browse our fleet, and use request a quote to lock in pricing. Our team confirms availability with the agency and emails the booking summary within 24 hours.

Do I need a sailing license?

For most bareboat charters in the Mediterranean you need a recognised skipper certificate (RYA Day Skipper, ICC, or equivalent) plus a VHF licence. If you don’t hold one, we book a professional skipper alongside the boat for the week.

What’s included in the price?

The base charter fee covers the boat, standard equipment, insurance, and final cleaning fee in most cases. Extras such as fuel, port fees, transit log, tourist tax and skipper service are billed separately and explained in the booking summary.

How far in advance should I book?

For peak weeks (mid-July to late August) we recommend booking 6–9 months ahead to lock in the boat and the early-bird discount. Shoulder seasons (May, June, September) usually have availability up to a month before departure.

Specific Ionian sailing-area restaurant picks

Most “best restaurants in the Ionian” listicles are recycled Google Maps top hits with no walking-from-mooring context. The picks below are framed by which port or anchorage they’re closest to and what wines and dishes they actually do well. Pricing is per person without wine.

Kerkyra (Corfu)

Klimataria — Plateia Vrachlioti, walking-distance from the old port. Pastitsada (Corfu beef stew with tomato and spices, poured over thick pasta) is the order. 25–35 EUR. Pair with a glass of Mavrodaphne if you want a sweeter red, otherwise a chilled Robola.

Rouvas — the working-locals taverna, no English menu. Order the daily special chalk-board. 15–22 EUR, a short walk from the new port.

Paxos (Gaios, Lakka, Loggos)

Karkaletzos — grills octopus and lamb chops over olive-wood embers. Walk-distance from Gaios harbour, 25–35 EUR.

Vasilis Taverna in Loggos — the smallest port on Paxos, six tables on the water. Lakerda (cured bonito) and grilled gavros (small anchovies). 22–32 EUR.

Antipaxos

Spiros at Vrika Beach — open lunch only, anchor outside Vrika and walk up the beach. Grilled octopus, fresh sea bass, marinated anchovies. 25–35 EUR. Robola or Mavrodaphne by the carafe.

Lefkas Town

Captain’s Corner — the local fishermen’s taverna, marina-side. Psarosoupa (fish soup) and grilled lavraki. 28–40 EUR. The Vertzami red from Lefkas-area vineyards is on the list.

Vasiliki (south Lefkas)

Alexandros — south Lefkas, walking-distance from the harbour. Smoked eel, grilled prawns, and the Lefkas walnut salad. 30–42 EUR.

Meganisi

Errikos in Spartochori — three tables and a goat that wanders past. Grilled octopus, oven-baked moussaka, salad with local cheese. 22–28 EUR. Walk-distance from the Spartochori dinghy dock.

Ithaca (Vathy)

Trehantiri — directly on the harbour, traditional Ionian menu. Stuffed kalamari and a chilled Robola from Cephalonia. 28–38 EUR.

Fiskardo (Cephalonia)

Tassia — the famous chef-owned restaurant on the harbour. Octopus stifado, kreatopita meat pie, and a serious Robola list with cellar-aged bottles from Domaine Foivos and Sclavos. 45–65 EUR. Reservations required in July and August.

Sami (Cephalonia)

Faros — at the entrance to the bay, walk-distance from the marina. Marinated octopus, grilled prawns. 32–42 EUR.

Practical booking notes

WhatsApp reservations work for almost every restaurant above. Most marina offices will phone on your behalf if asked at check-in. Bring 80–120 EUR cash per dinner — many of the smaller tavernas are cash-preferred. Tipping is 10% if happy with the service.

For routes that include the restaurants above, see our Ionian itinerary library. Boat options from Corfu or Lefkas: our Mediterranean yacht fleet, or request a quote.

About this guide

This guide was prepared by the Europe Yachts Charter editorial team — a group of charter brokers and sailors who have been organizing yacht charters in the Mediterranean since 2007. Every itinerary, marina, and pricing range described here reflects current first-hand fleet experience and direct partnership with licensed charter agencies. Last reviewed: May 2026.

If a detail looks out of date, write us at www.europe-yachts.com/contact — we update guides quarterly.