San Stefanos Online ~ North West Corfu
Welcome to San Stefanos (NW Corfu) => Where to eat out in San Stefanos? => Topic started by: Cheddar on April 05, 2011, 03:52:41 PM
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Hi All,
Can't wait to get to San Stef for 10 nights in early June and have really enjoyed and been entertained / informed by this fantastic forum.
My question is to all you San Steffanatics - Which Taverna / Restaurant should Caroline and I eat on the first night - always an important choice - we're easily pleased and as long it's got cold Mythos, wine by the jug, Greek food and checked table cloths (all right so I can live without the table cloths but I demand slightly uncomfortable rafia and wooden chairs !).
I've seen the seven night guide (very useful), but would love to get your first night choices.
Thanks in advance,
John.
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I suppose everyone has their own agenda but we always eat in Zorbas on our first night followed by several cold beers in Athens Bar!
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John - you have just kicked a hornets' nest! You will now get about 20 totally contradictory postings.
My (shortly to be disputed) view is either Nafsika or Little Prince.
Just wait!!!!
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my wife and i go to yannis restaurant on the main road at the t/junction you get a three course meal last years cost was 9euros ,reccomend this place as you first night in s/s ,very cold mythos good service hope you enjoy yourselfs in gods country s/s have a happy hoilday yammas mike [quack quack man].
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Yet another option...
we always eat at Olympia on the first night. But everyone has their own holiday rituals. Where ever you eat you will undoubtedly eat there on the first night next time you go....as you very likely will.
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As we are regular midnight arrivees we tend to go to either of the two Gyros sellers. Both open late. Both excellent fare, traditional and great value.
First proper evening meal could be anywhere as long as it is the choice of the other half.
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Go to Zorbas, get a warm welcome from Pavlos and Billy. Tell them it's your first time and then enjoy.......
Mythos
Stuffed Vine Leaves
Kleftico
Mamas frozen chocolate cake
Red wine by the litre jug.
Kumquat liquer (one of your 5 a day)
Great dancing.
Double check the bill, as you'll be convinced they've missed something of it!
3 little words
Yabba dabba doo.
ps, any of the other two dozen or so recommendations posted in the next 48 hrs will be just dandy too.....enjoy ;)
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Lofty - you missed off the lamb with apricots!
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Lofty - you missed off the lamb with apricots!
Obviously not a Shani Lewis fan!
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We almost always eat at Nafsika. Our opinion is that it is rustic and Spiros and his staff are very welcoming. We love the Greek traditional food and atmosphere there. You can eat outside or inside, but we prefer outside. We normally don't eat until about 9.30 to 10pm when it is very quiet. Everybodys' taste is different and we personally don't think you will have a bad meal or experience in any of the restaurants there. Try them all while you are there, you will soon find your favourite/s. Have a great holiday!!
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Obviously not a Shani Lewis fan!
Haven't got the faintest idea who Shani Lewis is! Sounds like a half-Welsh Pakistani. Interesting.
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We almost always eat at Nafsika. Our opinion is that it is rustic...
I think Spiros would probably prefer "sophisticated" to "rustic".
Looking forward to some of that in July. It was a bit chilly last October.
Overall, it's quite hard to get a seriously bad meal in AS (changed from San Stef to Agios Stef) because it's really not at all like Sidari or Kavos.
We'll eat in Little Prince the night we arrive because the food's great and we're staying there. It seems to me to be a bit impolite to arrive for the third year, hug, and vanish off elsewhere.
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Jimbo
In one of life's small coincidences we have a recipe for lamb with apricots. It's one of our favourites and will be cooked for my sister's 63rd when she visits us the weekend after next.
Yammas
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Lofty - As we overlap in July we can have a bit of an outing to assess the Zorba's product. When I was student way back in the early sixties my ex-wife and I used to make it often, using very cheap cuts of lamb and dried apricots.
I wouldn't advise John to go there on their first night, because it's the only taverna I know where the food is kept hot by the sheer radiation of female lust. The waiters are all good-looking, but Vasilis is dangerously beautiful in a strong attacking-the-gates-of-Troy kind of way. Last year there were a couple of rather well-spoken women in their thirties sitting next to us; I noticed the eye-lines; I noticed the lull in their conversation; I noticed the strange flush in the cheeks. "Excuse me," I said to nearest woman, "May I just ask if you think Vasilis is incredibly good-looking?" Wrenching her eyes off him for all of two seconds she replied "Sadly, yes."
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Great subject and as most have said everyone has there favourites. We will probably go to Zorba on our first night but that is not set in stone. Whereabouts ar you staying as that may also dictate where you go. There are so many fantastic tavernas you will find it hard to choose.
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We ate at Zorbas twice last year and also loved it (I did wonder why the wife wanted to go back!!)
I also like eating for the first night at the place I'm staying
Dont miss the Romanza off your holiday eating agenda!!
Just get up there early, enjoy a few drinks from Andreas or Marina, soak in the sunset, then drown in Katy's Kokkinisto!! Heaven
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Thank you all - I now understand why my wife puts on an extra dab of lip gloss when we go to Zorbas. usually, only the lightest of touches is applied across the treble 20, mmmmh :o
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For the first night, get into the Greek mood and go for Little Prince.
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The Barras for us on our first night: Lamb Kleftico, red wine and maybe a Baklava if there's room!! num, num, num...drool. :)
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All,
Thanks for the fantastically entertaining answers - Caroline's strangely over-interested in Zorbas, but we'll keep our options open and will gladly read any further suggestions or updates. We're staying at the Kapetanios, so anywhere is fairly nearby.
We first glimpsed Agios Stefanos (quite right too !) when we visited Arilas and rented a motorlaunch and come round the headland, once we had seen the the wonderful beach and cliffs we decided that one year we'd have to come back, so here we are - or will be on the 10th June.
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The ones that really stood out for us were in no particular order are:
The olive press, Mythica, Beachcomber and Ozzy oils.
TBH neither of us enjoyed the food at Zobras, my vegetarian dish was bland and my husband did not rate his non vegetarian meal either but I suppose different strokes for different folks, we did enjoy the amazing Greek dancing though.
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Cheddar - I did warn you that you'd get totally contradictory advice - and it's only just started.
Glad you're enjoying the forum. It's full of good information with a liberal mix of totally off-topic banter. So it's a bit like a night out in the village.
There are loads of nice places to eat. There isn't much else to do apart from wandering up the edge of the wonderful beach watching a few Scandinavians getting a nude Chinese massage.
First night? Tired. Done getting to the airport. Done flights. Done getting to the village. I'd not attempt to make the first night a big event. I'll have moussaka and a jug of wine and feel, what all of us do who against all our instincts to strike out, go back to the village year after year, that you're going home.
Go anywhere - they'll love you - embrace you - and make you feel so much part of the family you'll feel that strange feeling of guilt when you see brochures for ostensibly wonderful places where you'll pay twice as much for a beer and a meal. Last year - beer in SS (okay AS) Eur2.5 - beer in Paleokastritsa Eur 4.0
You won't always get a perfect meal any more than you would in the UK. But you won't get ripped-off.
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The Nafsika to say hello to Speros and Jo. Would like to think Va(n)gelis would be back this year - we thought the place missed him last year - just wasn't quite the same?
Does anyone know how he is?
Still good food though, and first on the list!
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I believe he was fishing last season, I heard he may continue with that, maybe one of the forum members living there may know what his plans are for 2011.
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I hear that Vangelis is still continuing his fishing this year and the only member of staff still at The Nafsika is Chris.
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And still can't spot Fantasia Tony? drove alone the front today, The lovely Perditas Glass Art is now at the old Simple Bar, so opposite Maragarita's supermarket and daughters Paula's gift shop, Noulas new tourism office on the main path down to the beach again oppoiste the Juice Bar, Then along the road we have Olive Press, Beachcombers, Nafiska, Mistral, Kamini Bar and then Manthos and the road towards the harbour Golden Beach etc. Mind you for us that's more then enought to entertain and please even us locals......of course will update you if anything else is built or transpires.......
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Hi Lesley, I have asked for news - waiting for a reply still.
So what will be at the old Glass Art Shop now - or is it just closed??
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At mo just a sign that says we have moved........ and of course an arrow directing you accordingly ...... ???
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Watch this space then!!
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Akrixos......
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Your list seems to say traditional Greek First night? Well, if that was what I was looking for I would go to the Nafsika - one of the oldest hotels, in the traditional old part of the village, serving traditional food, very traditional terraces, tables, if you're lucky Spiros and co deancing as you eat and the most important part.................................yummy, tasty, fantastic GREEK FOOD cooked by Mama Theodora. Wine by the carafe. Oh and just to make you realise you are definitely in Greece - crazy paving. Lots of other good restaurants to try but the Nafsika says Greek Traditional better than anyone else. Lucky, lucky you. 8)
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Yes - Nafsika food is great - but so is almost everywhere else, I think most people choose to recommend those who they became good friends with,
as the quality, and most menu's throughout the village is pretty constant, with each venue having one or two individual dishes that stand out.
I still say take a walk if you are not sure and check out the menu, find somewhere that ticks all your boxes , such as ambiance etc.
If you don't want Traditional fare, go for one of the Bistro's for that special meal, or a BBQ night with entertainment.
You really can't go wrong!
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Of course for Zorbas it depends what time you get there as well as the dancing is pretty much over by about 9.15pm / 9.30pm
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Apologies to everyone else's choices but it has to be Zorba's for us and our two boys. :)
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Everyone has their favourite venue - we like them all!!
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Our first night this year will bre The Little Prince as we're staying there again. The other replies say it all though, there are plenty of good places to choose from!
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Ha! another contrary opinion...our first night is always Mistral, previously with George and other past owners, and now with Irene and family.
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Don't forget Mistral's discount offer via their website as well!! www.mistralcorfu.com
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I love the Lunches at Mistral as well!
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we usually eat at little prince on our first night although as everyone has said there are plenty of places to eat and everyone has their own personal favourite. unfortunately we are not going to AS this year but Steffan (my husband) is already looking forward to pie mash & gravy at ozzie oils
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Have to say that the Olympia impressed us mightily right now!
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The Olympia has always been good
but don't forget to try the Fantasea Restaurant - worth a go!! Food was brilliant last year!
and then - - all the others!! LOL
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The Romanza or Mythica
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Just so many good places to try it will be difficult to choose - wherever you go you will have a good meal. :) You will also be made most welcome. :)
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do many of the tavernas take credit cards now?
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Most do and they also advertise the fact that they do as well
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But some do charge 2% commission on credit cards. Does anyone know who charges commission on credit cards and who does not?
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Credit Cards are a good back-up, but we won't use them except as a back-up.
As a general rule - cash rules - cards we have as insurance.
Cards always cost you somewhere.
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Incorrect Tony, The right credit card (Post Office, Nationwide etc.) can cost a lot less than paying cash as the exchange rate is always better, that is as long as the restaurant doesn't charge 2% commission.
If you have one of these "zero overseas charges" credit cards try it out, I've always found it to be much better exchange rate than in Agios Stefanos.
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Some facts about the Post Office online exchange rates.
1 The Post Office have won the best foreign exchange company award for the last 3 year (British Travel Awards)
2 If you purchase currency online from the P.O using a Post Office Credit card there are no card charges.
3 Purchases made abroad with a Post office credit card do not attract a card charge.
I hope this helps.This system will save you at least 2.5% on all transactions when using other credit or debit cards.
Yammas
Yiannis
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I'm puzzled by this, frankly. Today's Post Office on-line rate is substantially worse than others. Can somebody explain how if I shrewdly buy Euros at what seems like a good guess at peak conversion rate, which I did last year, I'd be better off using a PO credit card?
I am not being flippant about this. I'd like to see a real example. Last year I bought £1,200 of Euros at the maximum of 1.22 and when we were in Greece the rate was about 1.14 - so I'm finding it hard to believe that I would have done better than that using a credit card.
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I'm puzzled by this, frankly. Today's Post Office on-line rate is substantially worse than others. Can somebody explain how if I shrewdly buy Euros at what seems like a good guess at peak conversion rate, which I did last year, I'd be better off using a PO credit card?
I am not being flippant about this. I'd like to see a real example. Last year I bought £1,200 of Euros at the maximum of 1.22 and when we were in Greece the rate was about 1.14 - so I'm finding it hard to believe that I would have done better than that using a credit card.
Hi Jimbo
You appear to have got a good deal.Was this a direct comparison or was the currency purchased well before you went to San Stefanos. If this was the case the comparison could be distorted.
Yammas
Yiannis
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Hi Jimbo
Todays ICE rate 1.114
Todays PO rate 1.104
Would you be charged by your card suplier when buying from ICE.
If you bought from the PO with PO credit card you would not, saving you 2.5%
This could drop the ICE rate to 1.08615
Yammas
Yiannis
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I looked at the rates every day for 8 weeks before we were going and bought when I thought it wouldn't get any better. It's a poker game. So, no, it's not a side-by-side on any one day - it's about squeezing the best you can get out of the gamble. At least if you buy cash at what you guess is about peak rate you're not subject to a sudden dive in exchange rates.
Personally, I don't believe it's true that you get a better rate locally. Not compared to the best rates you can get if you buy judiciously in the UK. Yes - compared to stupid bank prices or TravelEx you may do better but I strongly suspect it won't be that good.
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Yiannis - No - that's wrong. Direct BACS transfer to ICE costs 0%. No need for debit or credit cards.
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Yiannis - No - that's wrong. Direct BACS transfer to ICE costs 0%. No need for debit or credit cards.
Thanks for that Jimbo.You learn something new everyday.
Yammas
Yiannis
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yes - I'll go with that - however my bank HSBC do a scheme (Advantage), with lots of goodies thrown in,
it's £12 a month and you get a good world-wide Annual Travel Insurance for the family, Car recovery (any vehicle you are in), no foreign transaction charges on your cards,
better interest rates for saving accounts, Life insurance cover, ID theft insurance, Card Protect and lots of discount leisure offers.
It works out well for us and I don't get charges just like the Nationwide Card. Also 0% interest on currency - again - that's a lottery - but at today's rates,
having spent so much on the holiday, why worry about a few pence saving on currency anyway?? I go for convenience these days!
However interesting posts and good info!!
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I've ordered an Ice card, so will report back eventually on the experience.
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I was thinking of an ice card but cooled on it.
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Boom Boom!
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Basil "Jimbo" Brush................. according to Don ;D
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Foxy or what?!
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I had an ICE card Jim - hated it - kept melting in my pocket!!
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Oh dear oh dear oh dear!
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I like 2 Stars it is good for lone eaters food is good for non meat eaters and the owners are very friendly and welcoming when I am with family I like the Olympia :)
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Single Veggies Welcome!!
This posting may bring you lots of company now - you may just Meat (meet) someone to pal up with!! LOL - - - - Have a great Holiday -
This just proves how many singles like Ag. Stef as it is such a friendly place to go as a single holidaymaker.
If you didn't go on your own when single, some people would never go away at all, and Ag. Stef is such a comfortable place to do it in!
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This time round we ate once in Little Prince, Manthos, Zorba's and 2 Star.
Twice in Nafsika, Olympia, Yianni's and Town Pizza, and three times in Mythica.
All of the meals were perfectly acceptable, but some were exceptionally good value,
especially the 9 euro special in Mythica.
Unfortunately Mamma Mia's wasn't open when we were there.
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Think we were there at a similar time Iris, and we ate great food at; Sunset,Mythica,Nafsika,Manthos, Fantasea and twice at Mistral.
We've decided we seem to particularly like the "old end" of the village - looking forward to our return visit in August, just to make sure!
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Yes, we're back at the end of August, and
already have a list!
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Mama Mia's was run by the same people as Zorba's, seems a lot of cutting back with the Greek Austerity measures this year!
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we have just returned back from san stef,the best meal was definetly served at ozzie oil,very reasonable prices as well for such quality,also had a fair meal at fantasea which was our first visit and although it was slightly pricey the views pay for themselves.Beachcomber was quality also and very well run prices again fair for the quality of food,for cheap and cheerfull option aquarius bar is always good value snacks.
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Hi sivo - we hope you had a great time - you just mentioned two of my favourite restaurants there,
We both love Ozzie Oils and Don and Sandra text'd me while enjoying a great meal in Fantasea, yesterday.
Fantasea will be our first call this year as well - - it was also the first ever restaurant we ever ate in, in Ag. Stefanos, (as the Golden Beach Hotel).
The quality of the food has been brilliant there for the last 28 years that we have been going there, so that say's a lot!
This year & last, it has stepped up a notch, & come right into the 21st Century with tweaked menu's and lot's on offer, traditional and international - - and THAT view!!.
I have to be fair though - - every restaurant in Ag. Stefanos is a worthy contender for a great meal - everyone will find it hard to choose!
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I agree Tony - lots of favourites - it almost give me a headache of where to choose!
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Isn't it Debra!! We have trouble deciding where we can skip a visit to eat out!! They are all so good - - - but if you only have 7 nights to eat out - - - - - !!!!
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It is difficult choosing where to eat as everywhere you go the quality is good
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Luckily it's not the other way around!!