Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, is home to a vibrant dining scene that caters to all tastes, from traditional Greek tavernas to modern fusion spots. Here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants in Argostoli, showcasing their specialties, ambiance, and what makes each one a must-try during your visit.
These top 20 dining spots offer a range of culinary experiences, whether you’re craving fresh seafood, authentic Greek dishes, or creative Mediterranean fusion.
Casa Grec
Casa Grec is a family-run restaurant that combines Greek and Mediterranean flavors with a touch of elegance. Located in a beautiful courtyard filled with flowers, it’s known for its romantic ambiance and creative takes on Greek classics, such as lamb with honey glaze and seafood pasta.
Specialties: Lamb with honey and herbs, seafood pasta, and homemade desserts
Ambiance: Romantic, cozy, and sophisticated
Arhontiko
Arhontiko offers a cozy, traditional setting with a focus on authentic Greek and Kefalonian dishes. Known for its hearty portions and flavors, this taverna serves local favorites like moussaka, pastitsio, and kreatopita (meat pie).
Specialties: Kefalonian kreatopita, lamb in lemon sauce, moussaka
Ambiance: Rustic, warm, and family-friendly
Libretto Trattoria
If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, Libretto Trattoria offers a delightful selection of pasta, pizzas, and Mediterranean dishes made with Greek ingredients. This trattoria has a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families and groups.
Specialties: Pizzas, seafood pasta, homemade Italian desserts
Ambiance: Casual and charming with a Mediterranean flair
Ampelaki
Ampelaki is a seafront restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes. With stunning views over the bay, it’s an excellent spot to enjoy dishes like grilled octopus, mussels in wine sauce, and lobster pasta.
Specialties: Grilled octopus, lobster pasta, mussels in wine sauce
Ambiance: Scenic waterfront, laid-back, ideal for sunset dining
Oinops Wine Bar and Bistro
Oinops Wine Bar offers a modern take on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, with a menu designed to pair with their extensive selection of Greek wines. Try their mezze platters and gourmet salads for a sophisticated dining experience.
Specialties: Mezze platters, gourmet salads, local wine selection
Ambiance: Elegant, contemporary, and intimate
Cavo
Located on the waterfront, Cavo is known for its fresh seafood and fusion dishes. Their dishes are beautifully presented, with offerings such as ceviche, seafood risotto, and grilled fish that showcase the local catch.
Specialties: Ceviche, seafood risotto, grilled fish
Ambiance: Chic and coastal with a refined vibe
Vinaries
Vinaries is a modern bistro that brings a fresh twist to Greek and Mediterranean flavors. The restaurant is set in a trendy space with an eclectic menu that includes tapas-style dishes, lamb with feta, and seafood paella.
Specialties: Tapas, seafood paella, lamb with feta cheese
Ambiance: Stylish and modern, perfect for a casual yet sophisticated dinner
Portside Taverna
Portside Taverna offers a quintessential Greek taverna experience with a waterfront view. Known for its generous portions and friendly service, this taverna serves classic Greek favorites like souvlaki, saganaki, and stuffed vegetables.
Specialties: Souvlaki, saganaki, stuffed vegetables
Ambiance: Traditional and lively, with views of the port
Kalamia Beach Taverna
Located right on Kalamia Beach, this taverna provides a laid-back, seaside dining experience. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and traditional Greek meze, ideal for a light lunch or relaxed dinner after a day at the beach.
Specialties: Seafood meze, grilled sardines, Greek salads
Ambiance: Casual beachside, perfect for unwinding with a sea view
Palatino Restaurant
Palatino offers fine dining with Mediterranean and Greek influences in an upscale setting. The chef’s attention to detail shines in dishes like herb-crusted lamb, seafood risotto, and gourmet appetizers.
Specialties: Herb-crusted lamb, seafood risotto, gourmet appetizers
Ambiance: Elegant and refined, great for a special occasion
Katavothres Club Restaurant
This restaurant-bar-club offers a unique setting by the famous “Katavothres” geological phenomenon. Katavothres combines stunning views with a menu that includes Mediterranean, Greek, and international dishes. It’s a trendy spot for dinner followed by drinks.
Specialties: Fusion Mediterranean dishes, seafood, cocktails
Ambiance: Modern, lively, and perfect for evening entertainment
Kalafatis Taverna
One of the oldest tavernas in Argostoli, Kalafatis is a family-run establishment known for its homemade, authentic Greek dishes. Visitors enjoy the warm hospitality and traditional recipes that have been passed down for generations.
Specialties: Roasted lamb, fish soup, local pies
Ambiance: Traditional, cozy, and family-friendly
Anemos Taverna
Located near the waterfront, Anemos is known for its casual vibe and classic taverna menu. It’s a popular spot for traditional dishes such as grilled meats, fried calamari, and Greek salads.
Specialties: Grilled meats, calamari, Greek salads
Ambiance: Laid-back and inviting, with sea views
Premier Restaurant
This historic restaurant has been serving Kefalonian specialties since 1925. Premier is a family-run restaurant known for traditional Greek flavors, including some of the best moussaka and stuffed vegetables in town.
Specialties: Moussaka, stuffed peppers, roasted lamb
Ambiance: Traditional, welcoming, and a local favorite
Spathis Café
Spathis is a popular café and patisserie where you can enjoy delicious Greek pastries, sweets, and light meals. Try the baklava, kataifi, and various cakes, or opt for a refreshing iced coffee.
Specialties: Baklava, Greek pastries, coffee
Ambiance: Relaxed and cozy, perfect for a coffee break
La Gondola
An Italian-inspired restaurant on the waterfront, La Gondola offers a selection of pizzas, pasta, and seafood dishes with a Mediterranean twist. It’s a great option for families and those craving Italian cuisine.
Specialties: Pizzas, pasta with seafood, tiramisu
Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly with waterfront views
To Fagopoti
To Fagopoti is a hidden gem known for its creative twists on Greek dishes, using fresh, local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, offering dishes like grilled lamb with feta and honey, and seafood risotto.
Specialties: Grilled lamb with feta, seafood risotto, seasonal dishes
Ambiance: Charming and cozy with a creative vibe
Psitopoleio Anogi
A classic Greek grill house, Anogi is the go-to spot for grilled meats and souvlaki. This casual eatery serves up generous portions of traditional Greek favorites and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Specialties: Souvlaki, lamb chops, grilled sausages
Ambiance: Casual and lively, perfect for a quick and tasty meal
Kastro Café Restaurant
Near the Castle of Saint George, Kastro Café offers a mix of Greek and Mediterranean dishes with a view of the countryside. It’s a charming place to enjoy a meal after exploring the castle, with dishes like salads, pastas, and light Greek fare.
Specialties: Fresh salads, pastas, Greek meze
Ambiance: Scenic and relaxed, with countryside views
Ladokolla
Known for its warm, friendly atmosphere and hearty portions, Ladokolla offers authentic Greek comfort food with specialties like lamb kleftiko, pastitsio, and fresh seafood. The restaurant uses traditional techniques, and the flavors are consistently praised by locals.
Specialties: Lamb kleftiko, pastitsio, seafood
Ambiance: Rustic and family-friendly with an authentic feel
Conclusion
Argostoli’s restaurant scene offers a mix of traditional Greek tavernas, Mediterranean bistros, Italian-inspired trattorias, and modern fusion spots, catering to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood by the waterfront, hearty Greek classics, or refined fine dining, Argostoli has a rich selection of options. Each restaurant offers a unique experience, making it easy to find the perfect spot to enjoy Kefalonia’s delicious flavors and warm hospitality.