Corfu Town (or Kerkyra as locals call it) is an absolute treasure trove for food lovers.
This UNESCO World Heritage site isn’t just about Venetian alleyways and history; it’s home to some of the most authentic, family-run tavernas serving traditional Greek cuisine that’ll ruin your standards forever.
From fresh grilled fish to generous Greek salads, the quality here is exceptional and surprisingly affordable. I’ve spent countless evenings discovering hidden gems tucked away from the touristy spots, and I’m sharing my absolute favourites with you.
Mare Misto
Best For
Fresh seafood and grilled fish
Tucked away at 12 Markora Gerassimou, Mare Misto is the kind of place you’d walk straight past if not for the incredible smell wafting from its tiny turquoise room.
This casual, no-frills eatery specialises in fresh fish daily from the market nearby, and honestly, their grilled sardines are mouth-watering perfection.
I always opt for anything grilled (the Mediterranean flavours and authentic preparation are unmatched). It’s small with just a few tables, but the family atmosphere and aromatic cooking make it absolutely worth the cosy squeeze.
Atmosphere
Tiny turquoise room with casual, no-frills family atmosphere and incredible aromatic cooking smells
Menu Highlights
- Grilled sardines
- Fresh daily fish
- Fried fish options
- Delicious sides and appetisers
Sway
Best For
All-day dining and cocktails
Sway Bar and Kitchen sits in a grand old building on the corner of Kapodistriou & Agion Panton, just steps from the Liston pedestrian walkway at the Old Town heart.
This beautifully decorated spot quickly became my go-to restaurant for absolutely any meal (their brunch is fantastic, but I’m particularly obsessed with the grilled octopus).
The consistently delicious food and massive drinks menu make it perfect from morning until midnight. Grab outdoor seating on the street tables for prime people-watching, and expect friendly service that genuinely cares.
Atmosphere
Grand building with beautifully decorated interior, vibrant street seating, and lively pedestrian area views
Menu Highlights
- Grilled octopus
- Brunch menu
- Breakfast options
- Massive cocktail selection
- Outdoor street seating
Aubergine Cafe
Best For
Vegan and plant-based Greek food
Finding proper plant-based meals in the Greek islands can be tricky, which makes Aubergine Cafe at Kapodistriou 110 an absolute godsend.
This is the only vegan restaurant in Corfu Town, serving homemade Greek vegan classics like vegan moussaka, vegan gyros, and vegan pastitsio alongside traditional adaptations that actually taste incredible.
The lovely location next to the Palace of St Michael and St George means pretty outdoor tables where you can enjoy evening wine watching swifts overhead. Don’t skip the homemade vegan ice cream (it’s genuinely divine).
Atmosphere
Pretty outdoor tables near Palace of St Michael, swifts flying overhead, relaxed evening wine setting
Menu Highlights
- Vegan moussaka
- Vegan gyros
- Vegan pastitsio
- Homemade vegan ice cream
- Traditional Greek adaptations
Corfu Sailing Club
Best For
Hidden waterfront fine dining
This one takes effort to find, but trust me (it’s worth it).
Enter the Old Fortress, bear left past the music school where classical instruments echo from the windows, then follow the slope downwards to a hidden beach.
The Corfu Sailing Club sits beside the only swimming spot in Corfu Town, offering outdoor seating only in an extremely hidden, peaceful atmosphere.
The exquisite food and beautiful presentation match the stunning views perfectly. Listen to cicadas chirping while enjoying your meal with the sea sounds as your soundtrack (it’s genuinely magical).
Atmosphere
Hidden fortress beach location, peaceful cicadas and sea sounds, outdoor-only waterfront dining setting
Menu Highlights
- Exquisite seafood
- Beautiful food presentation
- Waterfront views
- Peaceful hidden location
Bellissimo
Best For
Traditional taverna and pizzas
Despite the Italian name, Bellissimo at Nikiforou Theotoki 79 serves both fantastic pizzas and proper home-cooked Greek meals in a traditional taverna setting.
Walk down the narrow cobbled alleyway to find it opening onto a quiet square (the intimate setting creates a lovely neighbourhood atmosphere).
The friendly staff welcome families, small groups, and solo travellers equally warmly. Order the fried zucchini balls as an incredible appetiser, but be warned: the salads here are absolutely colossal, perfect if you’re after lighter options beyond heavy lamb dishes.
Atmosphere
Narrow cobbled alleyway opening to quiet square, intimate neighbourhood setting, welcoming family-friendly vibe
Menu Highlights
- Fried zucchini balls
- Fantastic pizzas
- Home-cooked Greek meals
- Colossal fresh salads
- Traditional lamb dishes
Bochotis
Best For
Pastries and handmade ice cream
Technically Bochotis (also spelled MPochotis) at Nikiforou Theotoki 25 isn’t a restaurant (it’s a patisserie, but it absolutely deserves a spot here).
The glass counters filled with cakes, biscuits, sweets and pastries are genuinely to die for, and I’m extremely partial to their traditional Corfiot biscuits.
They claim to make the best ice cream in Corfu using handmade recipes and fresh Greek ingredients, and honestly, I’m not arguing. Located under the archways on one of the central streets, it’s super easy to find (just follow your nose to those irresistible displays).
Atmosphere
Glass counter displays under archways, sweet aromas filling central Old Town street, irresistible visual appeal
Menu Highlights
- Traditional Corfiot biscuits
- Handmade ice cream
- Fresh cakes and pastries
- Vegan dessert selection
- Sweet treats
Pane e Souvlaki
Best For
Authentic Greek street food
You can’t visit Greece without proper souvlaki, and Pane e Souvlaki at Gkilford 77 are absolute experts in their field.
This well-known eatery front of the town hall has consistently packed outdoor chairs for good reason (they serve souvlaki straight from the grill to hungry punters with quick service and casual atmosphere).
There are vegan options available including falafel wraps, hummus appetiser, and fresh salads. Grab wine and beer from their selection, or opt for takeaway if you’re exploring. It’s popular, unpretentious, and absolutely authentic.
Atmosphere
Casual packed outdoor seating, quick-service vibe, popular town hall location with authentic Greek street energy
Menu Highlights
- Souvlaki straight from grill
- Falafel wraps (vegan)
- Fresh hummus
- Greek salads
- Wine and beer selection
- Takeaway available
Sagrado
Best For
Tapas-style sharing plates
Sagrado (σαγράδο in Greek) serves unique tapas at affordable prices in a charming alleyway shared with other restaurants, all decorated with string lights overhead creating magical outdoor seating.
The owner and servers maintain a friendly atmosphere with genuinely fast service.
Vegetarian and vegan options are abundant (there’s even a dedicated vegetarian section on the tapas-style menu). I always get the vegan bao with mushroom filling and the flavorful beet salad with arugula combination. Order to share; three dishes between two people is usually sufficient and absolutely satisfying.
Atmosphere
String-lit alleyway shared with restaurants, magical outdoor setting, friendly fast-service tapas vibe
Menu Highlights
- Vegan bao with mushrooms
- Beet and arugula salad
- Vegetarian tapas section
- Affordable sharing plates
- Three dishes for two
Final Thoughts
Corfu’s dining culture embraces slow-paced meals (expect 1-2 hour dinners as part of the Mediterranean eating traditions here).
The relationship with food centres on quality over speed, with fresh local ingredients and family recipes creating authentic experiences you won’t forget.
These restaurants represent my personal recommendations after countless return trips exploring the Old Town, wandering streets, and building local knowledge.
Each spot offers genuine Greek hospitality and exceptional value for money. Which will you try first? Drop me a comment with your own favourite spots or food memories from Corfu!
