The 7 Best Restaurants in Paleokastritsa, Corfu in 2024
If you’re in search for the best restaurants in Paleokastritsa, you’ve come to the right place. This resort town has a great selection of places where you can gorge on delicious in Greek food.
Located on the northwestern coast of Corfu, Paleokastritsa is famous for its beautiful hilly setting and picturesque beaches with crystal-clear blue water. Thanks to its natural beauty, this town is arguably one of the most visited destinations on the island.
Thanks to its enduring popularity with both day-trippers arriving from cruise ships and longer-term visitors, Paleokastritsa offers a variety of eateries to suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re after a high-end spot with to-die-for views, a traditional taverna, or a casual cafe, you’ll find it there.
My husband and I spent wonderful 10 days in Paleokastritsa, and we tried out the majority of eateries located within the village. This is the round-up of our favourite restaurants in Paleokastritsa.
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The 7 Best Restaurants in Paleokastritsa – Summary
Greek cuisine predominates in Paleokastritsa restaurants, but you can also find other Mediterranean dishes. Most eateries are family-run tavernas, many boasting stunning sea views. Additionally, several cafes serve lighter fare.
When it comes to Greek food, most restaurants in Paleokastritsa feature a blend of popular dishes found throughout the country—like souvlaki, tzatziki, and Greek salad—alongside Corfiot specialties such as Sofrito and Bourdeto. Several local establishments also offer a great range of seafood dishes, with grilled prawns, octopus, and calamari among the options.
In my experience, most local restaurants have similar prices. A meal for two in a taverna, which comprises a main dish for each, a shared starter, some bread, and a soft drink or a glass of house wine, typically costs around €40 – €50 (US $42 – $53). If you choose additional courses or opt for a bottle of wine, the total cost will understandably rise.
For a more budget-friendly alternative, cafes and bakeries are available. Their offerings usually include pastries, sandwiches, gyros, and occasionally, brunch favourites like pancakes or avocado toast.
Monastre
$$$ | Mediterranean | Opposite Paleokastritsa Monastery Corfu
Perched atop the same headland as the Paleokastritsa Monastery, Monastre is a chic bar and restaurant boasting expansive sea views and a menu filled with elevated Mediterranean dishes, expertly crafted from the finest local ingredients.
Chef Michalis Ntounetas, the mastermind behind Monastre’s offerings, aimed to infuse the menu with a distinct local character. Here, you’ll encounter familiar Corfiot products—like kumquat, numbulo (cured ham), goat’s cheese, and local seafood—presented in creative ways.
My husband and I stumbled upon Monastre when we hiked up from the village to visit the Paleokastritsa Monastery. Our initial plan was to enjoy a few drinks during sunset, but we were enticed to stay for dinner. It was the best decision ever.
Several dishes particularly stood out to us: the heartwarming homemade bread, the delectable Corfiot salad blending diverse local flavors, the impeccably cooked seabass, and the seafood orzotto. Our meal was beautifully accompanied by the setting sun over the island, making it a highlight from our Paleokastritsa trip.
Expect dinner for two at Monastre to cost between €120 and €150 (US $127 and $158). While this is more expensive compared to a typical meal in Paleokastritsa village, Monastre compensates with its unique menu, exceptional service, and idyllic setting. If your budget permits, I highly recommend a visit.
Alternatively, you can watch the sunset from Monastre’s bar area while enjoying craft cocktails, fine wines, or local beers. Be sure to be there early – about an hour before sunset – to get a spot with the best views.
For the restaurant, I suggest booking your spot in advance on Monastre’s website to get the best table.
Nikos Restaurant
$$ | Greek | Palaiokastritsas 1
Located directly on Agios Spiridon (Saint Spiridon), the main beach of Paleokastritsa, Nikos is a chic restaurant offering Corfiot delicacies, Greek favourites, and a great selection of local seafood. It’s an ideal choice for a delightful lunch after a morning spent at the beach or a romantic dinner.
Some of my top picks from Nikos include the seafood salad, which boasts a variety of fresh local catches, the impeccably grilled prawns, and the mouth-watering Corfiot salad. Truly, numbulo—a local type of cured ham—is irresistibly moreish and stands out as the star ingredient of this salad.
I’ve also tried their baklava cake, paired with vanilla ice cream. While it was delectable, be forewarned—the portion is substantial. I’d recommend sharing this dessert to avoid a sugar surge. Otherwise, you won’t need another meal for a while.
Overlooking the beach, the restaurant provides seating options that offer picturesque sea views. We discovered that we could snag these tables without reservations during lunch. However, for the best views at dinner, I advise booking your table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Vrachos
$$ | Greek | Ethniki Odos Palaiokastritsas Kerkiras
Vrachos is another great eatery worth adding to your dining itinerary in Paleokastritsa. Located at the northern end of the Agios Spiridon Beach, Vrachos offers modern Greek cuisine, including delicious local seafood and Corfiot specialities.
Open from 10 am to 6 pm, the restaurant is an ideal choice for a laid-back lunch or a late breakfast, complemented by beautiful views over Agios Spiridon. Keep in mind that Vrachos is located right next to the water taxi pier, so it can get quite busy during the day.
My favourite items on the menu at Vrachos include their salads and seafood dishes which make for a light and fresh lunch. Just a heads-up – the portions are quite generous there, so you can easily overorder if you want to try different things. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself so full that you might skip dinner!
As you can imagine, the tables directly overlooking the beach are the most popular. If you’d like to have the best views, be sure to book your table in advance. You can easily do it on the restaurant’s website.
The Dolphin
$$ | Taverna | Main Street, Paleokastritsa
The Dolphin Taverna is a family-run restaurant with a traditional feel and a laid-back atmosphere. Open for both lunch and dinner, this the place to go for some hearty and honest Greek food.
The restaurant features a large, covered terrace perched up right above the sea, so guests can enjoy panoramic views over the picturesque Platakia Bay. Most tables have direct sea views, creating a romantic ambience for any occasion.
The Dolphin’s menu features an extensive choice of Greek starters and mains, including a few local dishes. During our last visit, my husband and I went for the saganaki starter (fried cheese) and the classic Sofrito and Lamb Kleftiko, both popular Corfiot dishes.
For those with a sweet tooth, I recommend indulging in the Dolphin’s special ice cream dessert featuring a selection of sumptuous flavours. It’s a rather large portion though, so it might be a good idea to share. But, honestly, no one would blame you for wanting it all to yourself!
Taverna Limani
$$ | Seafood | Paleokastritsa 490 83, near Alipa Port
Taverna Limani is one of the best restaurants in Paleokastritsa for seafood lovers. Located right next to the Alipa Port, Paleokastritsa’s main port, this taverna exudes a traditional Greek charm, even though it’s overlooking a carpark.
Taverna Limani’s speciality is seafood that you can enjoy in different forms. Whether it’s salads featuring the day’s freshest catch, sumptuous grilled platters, or hearty seafood pasta and risotto, Taverna Limani delivers. For those less inclined towards seafood, fear not. Taverna Limani has a great selection of meat and vegetarian dishes ready to delight.
The restaurant’s menu also features some great-value specials including a two-course lobster dinner that won’t break the bank or set menus featuring a selection of Greek favourites.
I can recommend their Bourdeto – a Corfiot dish featuring scorpion fish cooked in a wine and pepper sauce. It is traditionally spicy, but I’ve found that Taverna Limani’s version is suitable for those with a milder palate.
Taverna Limani’s diverse food menu is complemented by an extensive selection of wine, beer and local liquors. Open for lunch and dinner, this taverna is sure to have something for every palate.
Zefiros
£ | All Day Eatery| Zefiros Hotel, Main Beach
Zefiros is a charming all-day eatery situated within the historic Zefiros Hotel, located on the main strip in Paleokastritsa. It’s just a stone’s throw from Agios Spiridon Beach, and you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy a delightful breakfast or lunch there.
Their breakfast menu boasts a variety of options, including pancakes, omelettes, continental selections, and even an English breakfast. My personal favourite is the Greek breakfast: Greek yoghurt generously topped with assorted fruits and honey, accompanied by a bruschetta featuring feta and tomatoes. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your day.
Zefiros also stands out as an excellent choice for an affordable lunch or dinner. Their menu encompasses sandwiches, gyros, salads, and brunch favourites. I particularly enjoyed the avocado on toast with smoked salmon and the gyros — the latter is not only incredibly satisfying but also comes with a modest price tag of just €6 (US $6.30).
Additionally, don’t miss out on their scrumptious ice creams. This local brand boasts an impressive array of flavours. We found ourselves returning to Zefiros time and again, specifically to cap off our day with a delicious scoop. Without a doubt, my top pick is the Greek yoghurt ice cream infused with nuts and fruits.
Mediterraneo
$$ | Italian | Main Beach, Paleokastritsa
If you’re in the mood for a change from the usual Greek fare, consider stopping by Mediterraneo, which specialises in popular Italian dishes. Situated just a short walk from the main beach area of Agios Spiridon, this family-owned restaurant welcomes guests for both lunch and dinner.
Their menu boasts Italian favourites like pizza and pasta. And if you’re still craving a touch of Greece, you can still complement your meal with a classic Greek salad. On our last visit, we went for a traditional Margherita pizza, rounding off our meal with some lovely ice cream. Everything was simple and tasty.
One of the highlights of the restaurant is its elevated terrace that provides views of the main beach. It’s a perfect spot to people-watch while enjoying your food. We’ve found that the prices were all comparable to other restaurants in Paleokastritsa.
Mediterraneo keeps its doors open until 10 pm, accommodating those who fancy a late dinner. We once ended up going out for dinner after 8pm and found that some restaurants in Paleokastritsa were winding down for the night. Thankfully, Meditarraneo was still in full swing, so we could enjoy a tasty dinner.
Things to Do in Paleokastritsa
Apart from enjoying the dining scene, there is a wealth of other fun things to do in Paleokastritsa. These include:
- Diving and snorkelling
- Hiking
- Boat hire
- Exploring beaches
- Visiting historic sites such as Angelokastro
- And more!
Take a look at this guide to the best things to do in Paleokastritsa to find out more about this fun destination.
When is the Best Time to Visit Paleokastritsa
In my opinion, the best time to visit Paleokastritsa is in early June and September. This is the shoulder season when the weather is relatively stable but there are fewer crowds. However, you may experience a couple of rainy and cloudy days during your trip.
July and August are the hottest months in Paleokastritsa. However, this is also the peak season. Beaches can get overly crowded, and accommodation and tour prices are higher. If you don’t have to abide by the school holiday schedule, it’s best to avoid visiting Paleokastritsa then.
Between November and May is the low season, and many hotels and restaurants in Paleokastritsa are closed. This is when the island receives most of its rainfall, so it’s not the best time to visit.
How to Get to Paleokastritsa
The only airport on Corfu is located on the outskirts of Corfu Town, also known as Kerkyra. Most visitors start their island adventure there.
From Corfu Town you can take the public bus to Paleokastritsa. Corfu’s intercity buses, called the Green Buses, depart from the main bus terminal located a short walk away from the historic city centre.
These is a frequent daily service between Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa. The journey takes about 45-50 minutes, depending on the traffic. A one-way ticket costs €2.30 (US $2.40) per person and only cash is accepted.
If you would like to travel in more comfort, you can arrange a private transfer in advance. To find out more about local transport options, check out this guide on how to get from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa.
Getting Around Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is relatively small, so you will be able to get around it on foot. The local area is quite hilly, so if mobility is an issue, you might be better off hiring a car. This will also allow you to explore more of the island during your stay in Paleokastritsa.
Some people also hire quad bikes and scooters to get around. I’m not a big fan of the latter, especially if you’re not a confident rider. If you do choose to hire a scooter, be sure to wear a helmet and purchase an insurance plan that covers this activity.
Where to Stay in Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is home to a wide range of traditional hotels and self-catering accommodation options. There are also a couple of mid-range resorts for those who prefer that style of holiday.
Here are a few of my favourite options:
- Budget: Korina Studios
- Mid-range: Zefiros
- Luxury: Akrotiri Beach Resort
Final Thoughts
So, here you have it. These are the best restaurants in Paleokastritsa that you should try out on your next visit to this beautiful village.
If you would like to find out more about what Corfu offers as a travel destination, check out this article on why the island is worth visiting. Check out these Corfu safety tips, itinerary ideas and pricing guides once you are ready to plan your trip.
FAQs: Restaurants in Paleokastritsa
Yes, indeed, Paleokastritsa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Corfu. You will find that it can get quite busy in the late morning and early afternoon thanks to day-trippers and tourist groups from cruise ships. However, from my experience, visiting Paleokastritsa during the shoulder season and heading to the beaches either early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help you sidestep the peak crowds.
Yes, Paleokastritsa is absolutely worth visiting. It is easily one of the most picturesque villages in Corfu where you can spend your time hiking, snorkelling, paddleboarding or simply relaxing at one of its beaches. It’s also fairly easy to get there from Corfu Town.
Paleokastritsa is famous for its natural beauty. The village is nestled amongst lush green hills and is dotted with picturesque beaches with crystal-clear azure water. It is also home to a historic monastery perched up on a headland offering panoramic sea views.
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