kefalonia information-guide to holidays on kefalonia

Skala Taverna Reviews

There are a good selection of restaurants and tavernas available in the resort of Skala, and I have tried many of them! The comments included here are my own personal opinion or reviews submitted by other visitors to the resort. Please take the opportunity to have your say by submitting reviews as I would like to keep the comments as current as possible as things do change from one season to the next.The reviews are independent and I have not received free meals from anywhere included.Recommendations here therefore, do so on merit.Most of the tavernas now seem to offer a wider vegetarian selection, but if you don't see what you would like eat ask! I have received a number of comments recently saying that they felt they were being rushed in some of the most popular tavernas,there are plenty of alternatives in Skala so why not try some of those hidden away in the side streets instead.

The Old Village

The old village is located on the main street of Skala, and is open for breakfast, lunch and evening meals.The menu was quite varied and it seemed a popular choice for breakfast.It has an attractive garden area to the rear, with a small cocktail bar.Service was good and friendly,and they offer a discount if you eat early in the evening.

Good food, but not the cheapest taverna in Skala.Excellent fillet steak a la creme, and the mixed grill is massive!

Clare and Hugh Johnn (03)

The Pines

located at the bottom of the main street across the road from the pine trees and the beach. This is the most "upmarket" place to eat in Skala, but was not really that much more expensive than anywhere else and definitely worth the price difference anyway! It is attractively furnished, tables nicely presented and service was excellent and very attentive. The menu was varied and very different from others in the resort. I would recommend the lamb stuffed with pine nuts. The pines does get very busy and there are often queues for a table, so get there early! This would definitely be on my own choice for best taverna in the village.

At the bottom of the village, this is upmarket with an excellent atmosphere. The food is cosmopolitan and well presented. Service is excellent and by definition this restaurant is very popular. John Hearson

The pines-excellent food and service. You must try the greek meze meal for two which includes specailities such as dolmades and saganaki. Fantastic! Clare and Hugh Johnn

Gallera

The Gallera is located down a side road, The one where the hairdresers is, just off the main street. We only ate here one night, like the pines it was more upmarket and the food and service were good. I think we would have eaten here more often if it was on the main street as we like to "people watch".

"Gallera is in a quite back street which gives it a fairly intimate atmosphere,it is a pretty restaurant with good food at reasonable prices. (John Hearson)

Excellent food and service, do not be put off if you have to wait for a table (the cocktails are excellent and pass the time well!) Recommend the vegetarian mousaka good alternative to the regular one) Do not miss the slow cooked Pork Leg, with village potatoes.Clare and Hugh Johnn 2002

Nine Muses

There's a wonderful restaurant at The Nine Muses; the food is excellent as is the open patio overlooking the sea. The service was equally good.

Archontiko

Located off the main street in skala, follow signs for the starlight hotel. It is split into a cocktail bar on the lower level and a restaurant. The food and service were generally good. Like the pines it did seem to get very busy later in the evening so I would suggest you eat here earlier if you want the best service. Archontiko at the top of the village towards the starlight hotel is a particular favourite as rabbit is served-get there early as this tends to be limited. John Hearson

Still the best restaurant in Skala. Excellent food (and brilliant value) and good service. They also have the best white wine in the resort. Clare and Hugh Johnn 2002

Archontiko; Excellent value, good friendly service. Recommend baked village lamb and village potatoes. The mousaka is very good, best of numerous (bland) mousaka dishes we tried in the resort. Only place with a balcony view, but go early or late to guarantee a good table. Clare and Hugh Johnn (03)

Socrates

The Socrates is situated on the corner of the road leading down to the coast road at the edge of Skala(the end of the road where the Galera and Police Station are. It is a family run traditional Greek Taverna with all the food being freshly prepared by the owners mother and her sister. I can srongly recommend the Veal Stifada and the Kefalonia Meat Pie. The Taverna has a very laid back true Greek feel.The team of waiters is lead by Dimitrios(who'll take time to explain the dishes)The prices are very competitive with other resturants and there's even a good local wine list, with Dimitrios able to tell you who grew the grapes. Chris Barker

The Sunrise

"For an excellent fresh fish meal, the sunrise( on the beach), whilst basic, gives good value for money.The owner Victor will ensure a warm welcome and you will stay all evening-there is no rush to leave as the sound of the sea and the cool evening breeze make for a relaxing time. It is also quite handy in the day if you are near that part of the beach and fancy a cool beer and a snack. John Hearson

Lucky House

For lunchtimes I would recommend THE LUCKY HOUSE. Great sea views and good food + friendly service. If they think you are about to leave after a few drinks they bring out plates of spicy chicken wings !!" Richard Barker

Ta Pitharia

"Located just across from the school on a sidestreet just off the main street.They have a good range of home made kefalonian specialities,barbecue and Greek Cuisine and they have a very good barrel wine. Meat or fish from the barbecue or the spit is highly recommended.The service is good and friendly and prices are very reasonable.It gets very busy late at night so dont leave it too late if you want a nice table." Angela Hoen

Ta pitharia is an excellent place to eat, I consider it to be one of the best in Skala. Hannah Collins)

The Flamingo

Located next door to the pines at the bottom of the main street. It is attractively decorated and offered a varied choice of fresh dishes (specials listed on the board outside) as well as steaks,grills etc. Food and service were of a good standard.

Manolis

"Manolis can be found in a side street approximately halfway up the village.This is a grill only taverna with steak,lamb,chicken and souvlaki, which is excellent value for money. It is nothing fancy but worth a visit, the meals are simple, the wine excellent and you are a friend as soon as you arrive. John Hearson

Manolis; Don't come here if you are in a hurry, but it's worth the wait for the best value food in town. It's so cheap! Excellent souvlaki and great tasting wine. Sit at plastic tables in the rose garden under the shade of the willow tree- brilliant.

Skandinavia

Located near the bottom of the main street, the Skandinavia appeared a popular choice as it was always very busy-even early on in the evening. The staff were friendly and the food and service were good. Their menu was rather more international than some of the restaurants, serving schnitzel alongside the ubiquitous greek salads and mousaka! Skandanavia tends to be popular with the Brits, not only for the excellent food but George provides some of the best evening entertainment, with the added attraction of Michael serving drinks in his own inimitable way. All in all an extremely friendly place to be. John Hearson

"They are very good with families and young children.I would personally recommend their freshly made pizzas and chicken souvlaki.The service provided by the waiters is excellent.At night the Scandinavia bar is probably the most popular place to go,with DJ Jimmy playing all the latest tunes and barman Michael making fabulous cocktails.What more can you ask for? Hollie Fell

Kaliva

"Located just across from the Galera restaurant, just off the main street.Very nice and friendly service and actually one of the cheapest and still one of the best restaurants I've been to in Skala.I highly recommend the greek kleftiko (lamb with herbs and garlic cooked in foil) and the mezes (apetizers) are also very good. The wine is good.I always order greek salad with my meal and here the salad is outstanding, with a nice big portion of feta cheese! Because this restaurant is off the main street it is never too busy, but definitely worth trying. Angela Hoen

Kaliva; Very good value, genuine Greek Taverna, the best in Skala. Highly recommend the lamb kleftiko. Can get very busy, but worth the wait for a table here. Do not miss the greek dancing (and plate smashing and fire dance!) at 9PM (everynight) Clare and Hugh John 2003

Green Paradise

Located on the beach just before the rocks, where you can get a great salad or special burger for lunch. Eat under the shade of the trees, hearing the waves break on the shore. Good food at good prices (served by twin brother, you will do a double take!) and a relaxed atmosphere.

Paspalis

Papalis Taverna; On the sea front, two doors along from the Nine Muses this authentic taverna has it all- great sea view, excellent food and excellent service. Also excellent salads and great house wine. Clare and Hugh Johnn (2003)

Mi Abeli

Situated on the main street, just up from the Pines, offers a wide menu with excellent Greek dishes. Very good attentive service and reasonable prices. Do not miss the house white wine- best in the resort by far (Mi Abeli means vineyard in Greek.) An authentic taverna with a great atmosphere, one of our favourites in the resort. Clare and Hugh Johnn

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Bars in Skala

The Loft

The Loft is situated opposite the church and cigarette kiosk. It's an upstairs bar with a balcony overlooking the main street and the entrance is round the corner, opposite the big gift shop. It's run by Les, Garry and Sarah. The bar has general appeal and isn't targetted at any particular age group so an average night will see young couples happily dancing with OAP's, families and children. In terms of facilities, the balcony is great for people watching (they never look up!) and the bar itself is fully air-conditioned. Les also has Sky TV and screens those things you can't bear to miss - from Big Brother to all the Premiership action and major sporting events. Sharon Smallbone 2002

B'bs

"another nice bar in Skala is B'bs; its located next to the travel office on the main street.It is a nice and friendly Greek run bar.They have a lot of games and activities there,including a pool table, table top football and computer games.A lot of the locals go to this bar too.Hollie Fell

B'bs; Great ' blue lagoon' cocktails and very generous measures of ouzo. Good place for people watching on the high street! Clare and Hugh Johnn

Captain’s Bar

Opposite Captain’s Hotel, Maria and Tina make you very welcome, even giving you free shots later in the evening! Great cocktails too. Clare and Hugh Johnn (2003)

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For more recommendations of where to eat and drink please visit the messageboard! and check the new taverna page for other resorts on the island. © kefalonia-island.co.uk 2003

Thanks to all of you who have contributed your own reviews for this page, much appreciated!






				Skala Taverna Reviews There are a good selection of restaurants and tavernas available in the resort of Skala, and I have tried many of them! The comments included here are my own personal opinion or reviews submitted by other visitors to the resort. Please take the opportunity to have your say by submitting reviews as I would like to keep the comments as current as possible as things do change from one season to the next.The reviews are independent and I have not received free meals from anywhere included.Recommendations here therefore, do so on merit.Most of the tavernas now seem to offer a wider vegetarian selection, but if you don't see what you would like eat ask! I have received a number of comments recently saying that they felt they were being rushed in some of the most popular tavernas,there are plenty of alternatives in Skala so why not try some of those hidden away in the side streets instead. The Old Village The old village is located on the main street of Skala, and is open for breakfast, lunch and evening meals.The menu was quite varied and it seemed a popular choice for breakfast.It has an attractive garden area to the rear, with a small cocktail bar.Service was good and friendly,and they offer a discount if you eat early in the evening. Good food, but not the cheapest taverna in Skala.Excellent fillet steak a la creme, and the mixed grill is massive! Clare and Hugh Johnn (03) The Pines located at the bottom of the main street across the road from the pine trees and the beach. This is the most "upmarket" place to eat in Skala, but was not really that much more expensive than anywhere else and definitely worth the price difference anyway! It is attractively furnished, tables nicely presented and service was excellent and very attentive. The menu was varied and very different from others in the resort. I would recommend the lamb stuffed with pine nuts. The pines does get very busy and there are often queues for a table, so get there early! This would definitely be on my own choice for best taverna in the village. At the bottom of the village, this is upmarket with an excellent atmosphere. The food is cosmopolitan and well presented. Service is excellent and by definition this restaurant is very popular. John Hearson The pines-excellent food and service. You must try the greek meze meal for two which includes specailities such as dolmades and saganaki. Fantastic! Clare and Hugh Johnn Gallera The Gallera is located down a side road, The one where the hairdresers is, just off the main street. We only ate here one night, like the pines it was more upmarket and the food and service were good. I think we would have eaten here more often if it was on the main street as we like to "people watch". "Gallera is in a quite back street which gives it a fairly intimate atmosphere,it is a pretty restaurant with good food at reasonable prices. (John Hearson) Excellent food and service, do not be put off if you have to wait for a table (the cocktails are excellent and pass the time well!) Recommend the vegetarian mousaka good alternative to the regular one) Do not miss the slow cooked Pork Leg, with village potatoes.Clare and Hugh Johnn 2002 Nine Muses There's a wonderful restaurant at The Nine Muses; the food is excellent as is the open patio overlooking the sea. The service was equally good. Archontiko Located off the main street in skala, follow signs for the starlight hotel. It is split into a cocktail bar on the lower level and a restaurant. The food and service were generally good. Like the pines it did seem to get very busy later in the evening so I would suggest you eat here earlier if you want the best service. Archontiko at the top of the village towards the starlight hotel is a particular favourite as rabbit is served-get there early as this tends to be limited. John Hearson Still the best restaurant in Skala. Excellent food (and brilliant value) and good service. They also have the best white wine in the resort. Clare and Hugh Johnn 2002 Archontiko; Excellent value, good friendly service. Recommend baked village lamb and village potatoes. The mousaka is very good, best of numerous (bland) mousaka dishes we tried in the resort. Only place with a balcony view, but go early or late to guarantee a good table. Clare and Hugh Johnn (03) Socrates The Socrates is situated on the corner of the road leading down to the coast road at the edge of Skala(the end of the road where the Galera and Police Station are. It is a family run traditional Greek Taverna with all the food being freshly prepared by the owners mother and her sister. I can srongly recommend the Veal Stifada and the Kefalonia Meat Pie. The Taverna has a very laid back true Greek feel.The team of waiters is lead by Dimitrios(who'll take time to explain the dishes)The prices are very competitive with other resturants and there's even a good local wine list, with Dimitrios able to tell you who grew the grapes. Chris Barker The Sunrise "For an excellent fresh fish meal, the sunrise( on the beach), whilst basic, gives good value for money.The owner Victor will ensure a warm welcome and you will stay all evening-there is no rush to leave as the sound of the sea and the cool evening breeze make for a relaxing time. It is also quite handy in the day if you are near that part of the beach and fancy a cool beer and a snack. John Hearson Lucky House For lunchtimes I would recommend THE LUCKY HOUSE. Great sea views and good food + friendly service. If they think you are about to leave after a few drinks they bring out plates of spicy chicken wings !!" Richard Barker Ta Pitharia "Located just across from the school on a sidestreet just off the main street.They have a good range of home made kefalonian specialities,barbecue and Greek Cuisine and they have a very good barrel wine. Meat or fish from the barbecue or the spit is highly recommended.The service is good and friendly and prices are very reasonable.It gets very busy late at night so dont leave it too late if you want a nice table." Angela Hoen Ta pitharia is an excellent place to eat, I consider it to be one of the best in Skala. Hannah Collins) The Flamingo Located next door to the pines at the bottom of the main street. It is attractively decorated and offered a varied choice of fresh dishes (specials listed on the board outside) as well as steaks,grills etc. Food and service were of a good standard. Manolis "Manolis can be found in a side street approximately halfway up the village.This is a grill only taverna with steak,lamb,chicken and souvlaki, which is excellent value for money. It is nothing fancy but worth a visit, the meals are simple, the wine excellent and you are a friend as soon as you arrive. John Hearson Manolis; Don't come here if you are in a hurry, but it's worth the wait for the best value food in town. It's so cheap! Excellent souvlaki and great tasting wine. Sit at plastic tables in the rose garden under the shade of the willow tree- brilliant. Skandinavia Located near the bottom of the main street, the Skandinavia appeared a popular choice as it was always very busy-even early on in the evening. The staff were friendly and the food and service were good. Their menu was rather more international than some of the restaurants, serving schnitzel alongside the ubiquitous greek salads and mousaka! Skandanavia tends to be popular with the Brits, not only for the excellent food but George provides some of the best evening entertainment, with the added attraction of Michael serving drinks in his own inimitable way. All in all an extremely friendly place to be. John Hearson "They are very good with families and young children.I would personally recommend their freshly made pizzas and chicken souvlaki.The service provided by the waiters is excellent.At night the Scandinavia bar is probably the most popular place to go,with DJ Jimmy playing all the latest tunes and barman Michael making fabulous cocktails.What more can you ask for? Hollie Fell Kaliva "Located just across from the Galera restaurant, just off the main street.Very nice and friendly service and actually one of the cheapest and still one of the best restaurants I've been to in Skala.I highly recommend the greek kleftiko (lamb with herbs and garlic cooked in foil) and the mezes (apetizers) are also very good. The wine is good.I always order greek salad with my meal and here the salad is outstanding, with a nice big portion of feta cheese! Because this restaurant is off the main street it is never too busy, but definitely worth trying. Angela Hoen Kaliva; Very good value, genuine Greek Taverna, the best in Skala. Highly recommend the lamb kleftiko. Can get very busy, but worth the wait for a table here. Do not miss the greek dancing (and plate smashing and fire dance!) at 9PM (everynight) Clare and Hugh John 2003 Green Paradise Located on the beach just before the rocks, where you can get a great salad or special burger for lunch. Eat under the shade of the trees, hearing the waves break on the shore. Good food at good prices (served by twin brother, you will do a double take!) and a relaxed atmosphere. Paspalis Papalis Taverna; On the sea front, two doors along from the Nine Muses this authentic taverna has it all- great sea view, excellent food and excellent service. Also excellent salads and great house wine. Clare and Hugh Johnn (2003) Mi Abeli Situated on the main street, just up from the Pines, offers a wide menu with excellent Greek dishes. Very good attentive service and reasonable prices. Do not miss the house white wine- best in the resort by far (Mi Abeli means vineyard in Greek.) An authentic taverna with a great atmosphere, one of our favourites in the resort. Clare and Hugh Johnn -------------------------------------------------------------- Bars in Skala The Loft The Loft is situated opposite the church and cigarette kiosk. It's an upstairs bar with a balcony overlooking the main street and the entrance is round the corner, opposite the big gift shop. It's run by Les, Garry and Sarah. The bar has general appeal and isn't targetted at any particular age group so an average night will see young couples happily dancing with OAP's, families and children. In terms of facilities, the balcony is great for people watching (they never look up!) and the bar itself is fully air-conditioned. Les also has Sky TV and screens those things you can't bear to miss - from Big Brother to all the Premiership action and major sporting events. Sharon Smallbone 2002 B'bs "another nice bar in Skala is B'bs; its located next to the travel office on the main street.It is a nice and friendly Greek run bar.They have a lot of games and activities there,including a pool table, table top football and computer games.A lot of the locals go to this bar too.Hollie Fell B'bs; Great ' blue lagoon' cocktails and very generous measures of ouzo. Good place for people watching on the high street! Clare and Hugh Johnn Captain’s Bar Opposite Captain’s Hotel, Maria and Tina make you very welcome, even giving you free shots later in the evening! Great cocktails too. Clare and Hugh Johnn (2003) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For more recommendations of where to eat and drink please visit the messageboard! and check the new taverna page for other resorts on the island. © kefalonia-island.co.uk 2003 Thanks to all of you who have contributed your own reviews for this page, much appreciated! © 2003 www.kefalonia-island.com - All rights reserved.