5 Best Traditional Foods to Try in Corfu, Greece

What food is Corfu known for?

Today, the island of Corfu (known as Kerkyra in Greek) is part of the Ionian Islands region of modern Greece. However, the island may be one of the least Greek parts of the country. Through centuries, Corfu witnessed several attacks, conquests, raids, and occupations by several ethnic groups, states, and countries, whose influence left a mark in the island’s local traditions and customs.

From those who ruled Corfu through the years, the most prominent influences in Corfiot cuisine were the Venetians, the French, the English, and the Greek. This resulted in a local gastronomy of international fusion and Mediterranean flavours, which makes it unique and distinct from the typical cuisines you will find in other parts of Greece.

The main ingredients in Corfiot cuisine include local products found on the island, such as olives (and olive oil), tomatoes, lemons, cheese (feta and kefalotiri), fish, fruits and vegetables.

While lamb is the main meat used in traditional specialities, pork, beef, and game can be found in marinated, grilled, or baked dishes – while chicken is often served grilled or roasted. Pasta is a favourite ingredient in various forms, and the preferred spices and herbs are rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley, dill, mint, onion, and garlic.

Keep reading for the best traditional dishes that you must try in Corfu!

5 Traditional Foods to Try in Corfu, Greece

1. Kumquats

Kumquat is a small citrus fruit that looks like a mini orange, and it’s best eaten whole – yes, skin and all! Not only is the fruit skin edible, but it is also sweeter than its flesh. Just make sure to wash the fruit beforehand to remove any dirt.

While Corfu is known for its kumquats, the fruit is not native to the island. Kumquats are native to China, and their name translates to “golden orange” in Cantonese. Sidney Merlin, a British botanist, brought the kumquat plant to Corfu in the 1920s and it has since remained a locally-grown product.

Now, some 100 years later, you can find all sorts of kumquat-flavoured products available. From the most popular kumquat liqueur to kumquat ice cream, soft drinks, marmalade, spoon sweets, nougat… you get the idea!

Where to eat it

You can find kumquats for sale at local markets and fruit stalls across the island, including at the Central Market, in Corfu Town.

Vegan? Check out the best vegan restaurants in Corfu.

2. Greek Sofrito

The Greek Sofrito is a delicious dish made with tender cuts of beef or veal, and usually served with rice.

The dish’s name means “slightly-fried“, as its preparation involves sautéing the meat slightly before allowing it to simmer in a flavourful white wine-based sauce.

Where to eat it

I ordered this delicious (and oh-so-tender) dish in the photos at Diporto Restaurant, in Corfu Town.

3. Pastitsada

This dish is a staple in any Greek taverna in Corfu. Pastitsada is a pasta dish (usually spaghetti or penne) topped with tender beef (or occasionally rooster), and braised in a hearty red wine and tomato-based sauce.

The dish is aromatic and the meat sauce is spiced with cinnamon, cloves, paprika, nutmeg and cumin. Restaurants will usually serve you grated parmesan or Kefalotiri cheese that you can sprinkle over your dish, if you wish.

Where to eat it

I ordered the pictured pastitsada at Greek Taverna Konaki near Canal D’Amour Beach, in Sidari.

4. Bourdeto

This Corfiot dish is a cousin of the Italian fish stew “brodetto”.

Bourdeto is the traditional fish speciality to eat in Corfu, combining a rich and spicy tomato and paprika sauce with various type of fish, but considered to be best made with scorpionfish.

Where to eat it

When visiting the island, I searched for bourdeto in many places. I was told by restaurant owners that the best place to try the dish on a whim is around Corfu Town, due to the availability of the prized scorpionfish.

In other parts of the island, you may need to book a restaurant and request the dish at least one day in advance.

You can try Bourdeto in Corfu Town at the highly-recommended Diporto Restaurant!

Halal? Check out the best halal restaurants in Corfu.

5. Sykomaida (Fig Pie)

Sykomaida (or Sikopitta) is one of Corfu’s traditional delicacies that you must try during your visit.

Traditionally, it’s made by allowing figs to dry in the sun, and mixing them with ouzo, walnuts, mastic liqueur, and spices, and wrapping the mass in fig leaves before cooking it slowly in the oven.

Where to eat it

Look for this local speciality at the Central Market, in Corfu Town!

What are the prices for food and drink in Corfu?

While the cost of food in Corfu can vary depending on the type of restaurant you choose, I found that traditional tavernas and eateries practice similar prices to what you would find in Athens, in mainland Greece.

Corfu Town, as the largest city on the island (and where all tourists eventually find themselves in), has the widest (and possibly more expensive) variety of food options. Resorts across the island will also have their own restaurants where tourist-geared menus and prices are practiced. However, if you rent a car and set off exploring the island, you will find tavernas serving cheap traditional foods all over Corfu.

For reference, main dishes in typical restaurants range from 9-15 Euros. Beer in restaurants can cost 4 Euros but canned beer from supermarkets is usually around 1.5 Euros. A glass of wine in Corfu can cost 2-3 Euros, but it’s more economical to order a 500ml carafe (about 4 glasses’ worth) for 5 Euros at restaurants.

When I travelled with my partner, our restaurant meals often cost around 30 Euros for both of us, including appetisers, mains and drinks. If you stop at a beach bar for a quick meal, you can find cheap gyros and beer/soft drink combos for 5-6 Euros per person.

Where to try traditional foods in Corfu?

If you’d like to go on a foodie adventure in Corfu and sample all the traditional foods, you can do so on your own by going to local tavernas (of which there are plenty!) and exploring the food markets in Corfu Town.

However, you can also try out a traditional Greek cooking class, a food walking tour or a wine or olive oil tasting tour.

Traditional Food Tours in Corfu

In my opinion, cooking a country’s traditional food is one of the best ways to learn its history and culture.

Cooking classes also introduce you to local people who love to share their traditions, customs, and sometimes even their homes – while teaching you all about their typical dishes.

Traditional Food Restaurants in Corfu

Diporto

4.7 ★ | Traditional cuisine | Corfu Old Town | €

Concept: Traditional Greek food restaurant in the heart of Corfu Old Town. The menu includes various typical Corfiot foods like Greek sofrito and pastitsada, as well as classic Greek dishes such as lamb, mousaka, and pastitsio.

What to order: Stop here if you want to try delicious, hearty Corfiot dishes. This is a great place to try the most tender Greek sofrito ever – and the typical bourdeto!

Address: Paleaologou & Sotiros, Kerkira 491 00, Greece

Contact: +30 2661 045422

Greek Taverna Konaki

4.6 ★ | Traditional cuisine | Sidari | €

Concept: Typical Greek taverna serving traditional food in Sidari, only a few steps away from the famous Canal d’Amour beach.

What to order: The pastitsada is a delight, and the menu is full of traditional Greek dishes that are to die for!

Address: QPV2+R7 Sidari, Greece

Contact: +30 694 2410769

Final thoughts

I hope this post about the best 5 traditional foods in Corfu is helpful for your next trip. There are many more typical Corfiot dishes that you can discover on the island, but this list is a good start.

If you have questions about any part of this post, feel free to reach out in the comments below!