Having returned from yet another incredible trip to Greece, I thought I’d share with you some of our favourite places to eat from our latest spell in the South Ionian. This is by no means exhaustive – after all, we had just two weeks and were only able to visit a handful of different islands during that time. But we did enjoy some excellent meals, all special for a variety of different reasons…

For superb views: Kastro Cafe, Il Borgo and Olive Lounge, Kastro, Kefalonia

During our stay at Angel Pools Villa, we ate at all three eateries in Kastro – all special for different reasons, but all with one thing in common – a wonderful view out towards Argostoli and the Mediterranean beyond.

Head to Kastro Cafe for an excellent all-day breakfast, to Il Borgo for a more traditional taverna experience and to Olive Lounge – where it’s recommended to book ahead – for Greek dining that’s a little more upscale and contemporary.

For waterfront dining: Lamda Casual Dining, Vasiliki, Lefkada

We ate at a few places on the waterfront in Vasiliki but none matched the Greek cuisine we enjoyed at Lamda Casual Dining. The lentils served with smoked eel, cauliflower purée, and aromatic oil are a very enjoyable dish, as is the seafood orzo, glistening with shrimp and squid and cooked in a tomato and basil reduction. And all this at a table right by the water’s edge.

Read our full review here.

For something different: Lord Falcon, Fiskardo, Kefalonia

If you fancy a change from Greek cuisine, then there’s an excellent Thai restaurant tucked away in one of Fiskardo’s back streets. The starter combo is a great way to enjoy a selection of appetisers, and the chicken Panaeng curry or the grilled sea bass fillet served with a spicy Som Tam salad are both excellent choices from the mains, full of authentic flavours.

For where the locals go: Tzivras, Argostoli, Kefalonia

We stumbled upon Tzivras by chance as we wandered the streets of Argostoli and were so glad we did. They have a no nonsense approach to Greek food – no frills, just solid dishes with some gutsy flavours. My favourite was the giant beans. This isn’t upscale dining but there’s a good reason why the locals frequent this little taverna…

For the warmest of welcomes: Patio Dining, Vasiliki, Lefkada

For the warmest of welcomes and a lively Greek dining experience just one street back from Vasiliki’s harbour front, head to Patio Dining. You won’t be beckoned in by waiters here – they just let the food do the talking. Choose from a range of wholesome Greek dishes and be sure to try the prawn saganaki – it’s rich, spicy and utterly delicious.

Read our full review here.

For fresh fish and seafood: Sea Salt, Svoronata, Kefalonia

Last but by no means least – and the perfect place to call at either the beginning or end of your holiday in Kefalonia (or ideally both!) – is Sea Salt. Enjoying the most heavenly setting overlooking Ai Helis beach, you could be forgiven for not realising that the international airport is less than 10 minutes away. If the setting doesn’t blow you away, then the seafood will… try the scallops or octopus to start and, if it’s on the specials, the grilled bluefin tuna belly is to die for.

Read our full review here.

Disclosure: Our trip was sponsored by AEGEAN Airlines.

Kylie Jenner is living the European summer dream and sharing it all on social media. And yes, it’s making us a bit jealous. But it’s also inspiring us to plan a Greek island vacation, too. But not to just any old island, but the same one Jenner is (reportedly) at: Kefalonia.

The island, tucked to the west of mainland Greece, is part of the Ionian Islands, and is most certainly visited, but is far more of an undercover gem than its more popular cousins to the south, like Mykonos and Santorini. According to the U.K.-based newspaper, The Daily Express, it received just 755,929 international visitors in 2024, compared to Santorini’s 1.5 million. But in every way, Kefalonia is just as magical. 

The island is packed with gorgeous, soft-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters. That includes several Blue Flag beaches, an organization that finds and awards coastal stretches for their sustainability and cleanliness, like Ai Helis Beach, Ammes Beach, Aragia Beach, and Makris Gialos Beach. However, none are as glamorous or as picturesque as Myrtos, which has small, white pebbles that lead out to turquoise waters. The whole shebang is framed by towering cliffs on its sides.

But there’s plenty more for you (and Kylie Jenner) to do here, too, including exploring the Melissani and Drogarati caves, visiting the small towns lining the shore such as Argostoli (the capital of Kefalonia), hiking through Mount Ainos National Park, and naturally, eating plenty of fantastic Greek food paired with locally produced Greek wines.

I recommend Orealios Gaea, a vineyard that specializes in growing Robola white wine grapes. It’s also situated next to Monastery Saint Gerasimos of Kefalonia, which was built in the year 1200 and is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites on the island.

Though Jenner didn’t share where she’s staying on this trip, she would have plenty of luxurious properties on the island to choose from, including the stunning Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa Kefalonia, which is on the southern end of the island and offers fantastic ocean views from its infinity pool. And with just 12 villas, Jenner (or you) can have the utmost in privacy. Had she not had her daughter in tow, Jenner could have checked into the adults-only F Zeen Kefalonia, which has two infinity pools, a spa, and breathtaking ocean views. 

Again, Kefalonia is known, but not so well known that the Instagram crowd has overrun it just yet. And that’s likely exactly the type of celebrity-worthy exclusivity Jenner was looking for on her getaway. 

“While many of the Greek Islands are situated on the eastern coast, Kefalonia is located on the western coast in the Ionian Sea. This inevitably creates an air of exclusivity and uniqueness as well as quiet beaches,” Damaris Osorio, a relationship manager specializing in Greek travel at Black Tomato, said in a Nov. 2024 interview with Travel + Leisure. “People can enjoy a multitude of outdoor experiences such as caving, jeep safaris, coasteering, and sea kayaking while escaping the crowds. Far fewer people think of visiting Kefalonia while in Greece and typically opt for the classic spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens, but it’s unfettered and equally beautiful. Perfect for those seeking a combination of adventure and tranquility, it’s Greece’s best-kept secret.”