Corfiot Cuisine
Corfu’s history is unique from the history of mainland Greece. While the mainland was occupied by the Ottoman Empire, Corfu was occupied for over 400 years by the Venetians. The island of Corfu was subsequently influenced by Britain, France, and Italy, all of which had a significant impact on the food prepared on the island.
Corfiot specialities feature locally-sourced ingredients found on the island, such as olives, lemons, herbs, meats, fish, cheese, fruits, and vegetables. On the island, there is a strong emphasis on fresh fish and seafood by comparison to the mainland, much to the delight of locals and travellers alike!
Whether you want fried fish or a fish soup, Corfu food stands out because of its underwater delights. You can go anywhere in the world, but you won’t find a delicious fish dish quite like you will on Corfu.
Corfiot cuisine is characterised neither as spicy nor bland; instead, it is considered rich in Mediterranean flavour. Many dishes date back to the days when chefs placed all the ingredients for a dish in a single pot and left it to simmer all day, resulting in the deep flavours so commonly found in Corfiot cuisine.
Fresh oregano is perhaps the most popular herb used to season lamb and other meat dishes. Other ingredients commonly found in Corfiot traditional cuisine are basil, parsley, mint, dill, garlic, and onions. Corfu food wouldn’t be the same without them!
CORFU MEAT
Traditionally, lamb has been the main meat used in Corfiot cuisine. It can be found in classic dishes such as moussaka, or it can be marinated in olive oil and lemon juice, grilled, then skewered.
Pork, beef, and game are also marinated, then grilled or baked, and served. Chicken is most commonly grilled or roasted. In Corfu Town, you will find a wide array of different meats, from rooster to rabbit, there’s something for everybody.
CORFU SEAFOOD
Fish is generally cooked whole, with the head and tail intact. It is often seasoned with herbs, then marinated in olive oil and lemon juice, then either baked or grilled over a hot fire. Shrimp, octopus, and squid are among the most popular seafood dishes in Corfu.
If you’re a seafood lover, Benitses is the place to be. A quaint fishing village, this little slice of paradise features some of the best Corfu restaurants, specialising in fish and seafood. From local delicacies like fish bianco, bourdeto, and fish soup, to more common fish dishes like fried whole fish, Benitses has everything you could ask for.
LOCAL CHEESE
Cheese is another important element in Corfiot cuisine. Feta cheese, made from goat’s milk, is a white and crumbly staple of Corfu food. It can typically be found sprinkled over salads, used in meat dishes, spread on bread, or even wrapped in grape leaves, then grilled.
Kefalotiri is another popular cheese that is firmer in consistency and usually grated over a dish, similarly to Parmesan! There aren’t many traditional dishes in Corfiot cuisine that don’t feature some kind of cheese.
GREEK PASTA
Pasta is popular in Corfu, particularly in the form of orzo, which has a distinct rice-grain shape. This Greek version of pasta can be found in many traditional dishes. Thin pastry sheets called filo are used for cheese or spinach pies, and desserts such as baklava, which are filled with nuts and then drizzled in honey.
CORFU DRINKS
Popular drinks in Corfu include ouzo, tsipouro, and retsina. Ouzo is a clear spirit derived from vine stalks, then flavoured with aniseed.
Ouzo and tsipouro can be taken straight as a shot, but for travellers that want a little local flavour, they can be served over ice and diluted with a bit of water.
Retsina is a white wine with notes of pine resin. It is usually served chilled, but can alternately be diluted with a drop of soda water and enjoyed as a refreshing spritzer.
Greek wines have considerably improved in recent years, and are modestly priced and readily available. Locally-produced beers are usually lager style and served cold, but many imports are also available.
CORFU FOOD
BENITSES FOOD
While visiting Benitses, you have to try the various traditional dishes. If you’re somebody who likes to dive mouth-first into a new culinary culture, then Corfu food is for you.
While we still make the Greek classics like Kleftiko and Moussaka, our most famous local dishes can only be found on Corfu island. When in Benitses, you’ll be mere steps away from some of the best restaurants in Corfu.
Check out some of our local dishes below, many originating directly from ancient Venetian cuisine.
Sofrito (Venetian Soffrito)
Sofrito is a Venetian dish that features thin slices of fried beef in white sauce made from finely chopped garlic, parsley, white pepper, white wine, salt, and vinegar. It is generally served with rice or mashed potatoes, but can also come with french fries.
This traditional dish is common in Corfu, but it’s unlikely you’ll find it elsewhere in Greece. Read more about Sofrito here.
Pastitsada (Venetian pastizzada)
Pastitsada is perhaps the most popular Corfiot dish served at formal dinners and celebrations. Either chicken, rooster, or beef are prepared in a delectable tomato sauce with local herbs and topped with grated cheese. There are also seafood variations that feature lobster or octopus!
Bianco (Codfish-Venetian Bianco)
Bianco is a codfish or tope fish placed in a skillet with potatoes, then cooked in a rich white sauce made from finely-chopped garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and coarse black pepper. This light dish goes well with white wine and is even better when enjoyed with sea views…
Bourdeto (Venetian Bordeto)
Bourdeto consists of boiled sea scorpion, tope fish, or codfish fillets. It is salted generously and cooked in a spicy sauce of paprika and tomatoes, finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon. This is served in all popular restaurants on Corfu, and it is one of the most famous fish dishes on our Greek island.
Tsigareli (Vegetarian)
Tsigareli is a vegetarian dish consisting of sautéed wild greens and vegetables served in a spicy tomato sauce. Local recipes for tsigareli vary: some sweeten the tomato sauce with carrots, while others ignore tomato sauce entirely and opt to use potatoes and cayenne pepper for flavour.
Dishes in Benitses
As previously mentioned, Benitses’ cuisine is heavily influenced by the sea. Local restaurants are known for serving high-quality variations of freshly-caught and prepared fish. Prices for traditional dishes served in grill rooms and local tavernas start as low as €5 per person.
All the local recipes mentioned above can be found in the best restaurants Corfu has to offer: many of which are situated in Benitses itself.
BENITSES RESTAURANTS
While there are several great restaurants in Corfu Town, the restaurants in Benitses village are on another level. They feature moderate prices and a wide variety of delicious dishes that will suit any palate. The following list is a compilation of Bella Vista’s recommendations of local eateries. By no means does this list include all of the restaurants in the area, however! We would be extremely pleased to hear any other suggestions should you find a restaurant that you adore.
We look forward to having the pleasure of welcoming you to Benitses to experience the local Corfu cuisine!
Paxinos restaurant
Centrally-located in the village, Paxinos’ specialty is excellent fresh fish grilled to perfection. It also serves traditional, flavourful Greek cuisine in its comfortable, elegantly-designed atmosphere.
If you’re looking for seafood, this is the one restaurant in Corfu that won’t let you down.
Klimataria tavern
Klimataria Tavern offers traditional Corfiot dishes, served meze-style. You can find mouth-watering seafood, seasonal vegetables, and the best fresh tomato dish you will ever taste. Sometimes referred to as the best restaurant in Corfu, Klimataria usually requires you to reserve a table in advance as the seating is limited and the demand (from tourists and locals alike) is high.
La Pergola
If a delicious, crispy pizza cooked in a traditional clay oven on a covered outdoor patio sounds perfect, La Pergola is your new go-to! La Pergola also serves several different pastas and raviolis, fresh seafood, as well as traditional Greek dishes.
Big Bite
Big Bite is a grill room that features an international menu; Greek, British, and Indian dishes are all served here! Indoor seating is available, but the beautiful view of the sea from the waterfront tables is hard to pass up! Big Bite offers friendly service and generous portions for reasonable prices.
Posidonia
Located directly on the beach, Posidonia is the perfect setting in which to enjoy an array of Corfiot specialties or to relax with a refreshing beverage!
Flower Garden
Flower Garden is Benitses’ first and only Chinese restaurant! In addition to Chinese cuisine, Flower Garden offers other homey comfort dishes!
Varvara grill
Varvara is a grill room with excellent quality dishes and very reasonable prices. They specialise in gyros – ask them for their home-made sauce.
Bella Vista Hotel
Bella Vista Hotel
We hope to have the pleasure of sharing the signature flavours of Corfu with you during your stay here in Benitses. Bella Vista Beach Hotel & Studios is located within walking distance of a variety of tavernas, restaurants, and cafes, and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest palate.
Our friendly staff are always happy to make specific recommendations or reservations for our guests! We warmly welcome you to come taste Corfiot cuisine for yourself during your relaxing stay at Bella Vista!
Oh, and don’t forget, every morning of your stay in Bella Vista will be accompanied by a buffet-style breakfast that allows you to sample a wide range of Corfu food specialities. From spanakopita to pastitsio, our traditional Greek breakfast is always a hit with guests.
To reserve your room at our cosy, family-run hotel, book here.
