The food scene in Corfu is exceptional, and it's a must-try. Be sure to visit local restaurants and savor some of the signature dishes. The island's local dishes are heavily influenced by the surrounding areas. You'll find similarities to Greek and Venetian dishes as well France and Mediterranean flavors. Common ingredients include wine, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice and several traditional dishes that you should try include pastitsado (red wine stew), sofrito (garlic seasoned beef), and veal fricando (roasted veal).
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Corfu is around $62 (€53) per person, with previous travelers spending from $27 to $122. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Corfu are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $43
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
The cuisine of Corfu, and Greece in general, is dominated by local products, including meat, fish, olive oil, vegetables, honey, yogurt, and cheeses that are always fresh and of the best quality. Meals often begin with Tzatziki (a dip made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and other herbs) and Horiatiki (a salad prepared with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, Feta cheese, black olives, and olive oil). Being an island, many of Corfu's main dishes will center on seafood-examples include Bourdeto (fish soup), Bianco (cooked with wine, lemon juice, garlic,and vinegar), and Savuri (fried fish served with a garlic sauce, rosemary, vinegar, and raisins). Other main dishes include Sofrito (veal cooked in wine sauce, garlic, and white pepper), grilled lamb, and other meats grilled with herbs and olive oil.
For a quick bite, be sure to visit a bakery for any variety of meat, vegetable, and cheese pastries or grab a pita gyro (filled with pork or lamb roasted meat, French fries, fresh tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki). Baklava is a Royal dessert all over Greece, made with nuts and honey, while something more unique to Corfu is gingerbeer, which was adopted from the British and is locally called "Tsitsibeera."
When you're out with kids, seek restaurants that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a good chunk of change, as these meals are usually priced lower. Remember, some places may not display their kids' options, so be sure to ask the server before ordering.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Make a picnic to enjoy the scenery and save money. Find a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.
Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Corfu, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Private Traditional Albanian Lakror Cooking Class in Ksamil for $47 details
- A delightful food tour of the unique local products of Corfu. For $234 details
- Traditional Dinner with a Magnificent View of Corfù for $147 details