Arillas Forum
Welcome to Arillas => Arillas general information => Topic started by: tab on March 24, 2015, 06:56:11 PM
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Hi, I'm still a bit of a novice on here and have been enjoying reading various posts and reviews etc. But although there are hundreds of reviews and questions about accommodation, I was just wondering why there isn't a board dedicated to tavernas or restaurant reviews. Ive heard several tavernas mentioned in various posts and the delights they have on offer, and I've also had some lovely recommendations from Eileen on here (via Trip advisor), so I already have an idea where we might eat when we arrive. But I just thought it might be quite helpful for us newbies planning on our first trip to Arillas to point us in the direction of the best eateries. Obviously I imagine they are all lovely but I'm sure all you guys have certain favourites. Of course there may already be a board about eateries and I haven't found it yet lol.
Not sure if this post is in the right place but not sure where else to put it.
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tabhunt
in my opinion i would be hard pushed to say which one is the best. They are all equally as excellent as the next one. We try to get round them all but if one was full one night it doesnt bother us as all are great. The prices are pretty much the same in them all too. Few euros difference here and there. I am sure you will get lots of replies on here saying the same thing.
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I anticipate a flood of replies to this topic Tabhunt! The choice and variety to you will have in Arillas is just unbelievable. On the seafront alone there are 10 eating establishments; all with amazing sunsets that will take your breath away. Obviously we all have different tastes and I have particular dishes for various different tavernas.
My top choice is Brouklis. If authentic Greece is what you want, here is the place to start! Think blue checked tablecloths and vines surrounding your tables. Amazing simple Greek food but all cooked in the most dazzling of herbs and spices. My particular favourite dish here is the Lamb chops they are simply divine. My husband loves the Moussaka and the Bifteki and Souvlaki are also amazing.
If a classy meal for a special occasion is what you are after the Horizon hotel and Thalassa on the seafront are wonderful, with gorgeous ambience and chilled out background music and sometimes live performers, all very low key and unobtrusive. The souvlakia at the Horizon is amazing also.
If you are a fish lover, Vavilas is the place to be, a nice 10-15 minute walk from the centre and I am told very reasonably priced.
Good old Portifino on the seafront is another of our favourites. Spriros’s stuffed tomatoes are the best in Arillas I reckon and we love the steaks he does. He also does an excellent priced meze and we often enjoy lovely lazy lunches here also, watching that beautiful sea.
Our first lunch is always spent at Effies which can sometimes look closed but please don’t walk past as we did for many years! (the first restaurant after the Marinaki apts) – the real spelling is much more complicated but someone will tell you! Again a lovely authentic taverna with a lovely chilled out vibe.
We always go to the Marina hotel for their famous Greek night on Saturdays (you need to book) This can be found on the seafront on the crossroads.
We have been going for 17 years and there are still many we have never tried but we aim to put this right in July! I will let someone else tell you about the many others now!
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Seeing as you enjoyed kleftico in Georgeoupolis you should enjoy Grandma's lamb in Porto Fino. That's my husband and I love Grandpa's chicken but you'll be spoiled for choice wherever you eat.
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Hi tabhunt
You may like to take a look at this topic http://www.arillas.com/forum/index.php/topic,8239.0.html
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Oh yes Jo, Brouklis will be at the top of our list as real traditional Greece is what we love best, and hopefully with the bouzouki playing in the background haha. Im sure there will be loads of replies as its one of the main reason we all go to Greece. But we do want to visit as many different ones as possible, not just to try different menus but also to give our custom to as many places. And I will be on the search for a great lamb or kleftico dish June, its my favourite.
One of the reasons I think it would be a good idea to have a dedicated 'foody' board on here was inspired by the post I read the other night that Dimitris put on here last year about the people who came to his restaurant, went away without complaining and then sent him a disgusting email with foul language content moaning about their experience as his taverna. I was disgusted and embarrassed, just like all of you guys who read it, that one of our landsmen could be so rude. Why couldn't he have just had a word with the staff at the time if he wasn't happy. So if there were a place with all your reviews of the restaurants and the menus, then people would have a true idea as to what to expect, and I don't just mean quality as I'm sure they are all wonderful. But, for example, every place has their own tzatziki recipe and it can differ in taste. I remember when I was in Paleo a few years ago and I ordered tzatziki ( I love tzatziki but with loads of garlic and not too much cucumber), but this particular one was virtually all cucumber and not much garlic. So I politely told the waiter it wasn't my preference and he was absolutely fine with it and didn't even charge me for it. But some people prefer it that way but they wont know unless they've been there or know about someone who has. That's just one example but you know what I mean.
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Hi tabhunt
You may like to take a look at this topic http://www.arillas.com/forum/index.php/topic,8239.0.html
Thanks John, that should keep me going for a while lol
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On the seafront our favourites is vincerrmos especially for kleftiko. Brouklis then is second favourite but not on seafront. For fish vavillas is best and cheap and Thomas serves whatever he catches that day. It is really good value but again not on seafront, just a short 5 min walk from the mirage.
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Welcome to the forum from me Tabhunt
You've certainly opened that can of worms that we all love talking about on here .... the food. It's one of the many reasons that draws me back to Arillas. Greek food is my favourite in its original location; I'm not a fan of Greek restaurants at home, there's something about the use of local ingredients that raises the ante. And having eaten in many Greek islands over the years, sometimes coming across the odd restaurant that isn't quite up to standard, I do find that nowhere in Arillas are the standards less than perfect.
Try them in your own time and see what you think, then next year when you go back (:-)) you could try the rest. There's a variety to try, it all depends what you're looking for and the time of day that you choose to eat, some are for dressing up a little of an evening with a famous pianist playing in the background, (as happened last July at the Horizon) some are for lunch in your cossie, but the food at anytime of day is just the best.
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As someone who spent over 25 years visiting Greece before I found Arillas I would say there's only one place in Arillas which is truly authentic Greece, that's Efi's. The welcome, the food and the hospitality is unsurpassed in Arillas. A local family with only one purpose, to help you enjoy your time in their village. They have no other interests, no accommodation, no online presence, just a lovely location, with superb food, and a traditional welcome on offer. If you want some Greek meals with a twist then Thalassa is the obvious choice, another local family with a great welcome and great service. Unlike some other places both venues offer great views, plenty of room, ( they have a lot of space between tables ) and an opportunity to chat with some locals. Wherever you go, enjoy! A visit to either of these is more than a meal, it's a night out with friends.
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I have never tried Efis but will do so in July. I can't agree with you Dai though that it is the only "authentic Greek" taverna in Arillas. My brother in law lived on mainland Greece and we visited him and he took us to restaurant and tavernas where only the Greeks go - off the beaten track and some of the ones in Arillas are just as authentic.
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Efi's is just a superb setting , only ever snacked and drank there (for the first time last year) but there is something infectious about the place ...........
Vavillas is our fave place to eat as I love fish .
Tria Adelphia is a bit out of town but well worth the walk for a meal , very nice. The bizarre thing is everyone says that the Sunday Lamb roast is out of this world whereas my lot say it is their least favourite meal there
Its all about opinions I suppose ....
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Loving all the reviews folks. Looks like I've started a healthy debate though lol!!
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I think in terms of location gratzela is a lovely spot to while away an hour or two and we quite enjoyed their food last year. I know it's pathetically un-Greek but they did a lovely chicken club sandwich last year which was a great stop gap until dinner! The wine was lovely as well. We were put off for years from trying because this is the only place in arillas where we were stopped in th street and asked to come in but we decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and I'm glad we did.
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Well for me it has to be spit roast chicken at Brouklis, Grandpas chicken in Portofino ,Vavilas anything from the set menu,occasionally a Pizza take away from Lithero .
At the end of the day you will be spoilt for choice Tab :-)
Not to forget a Gyro from Beach Point for Lunch :-)
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Yes definitely a gyros from beach point at lunchtime on the beach with some retsina. Ah delicious.
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Its about time Gyros was mentioned. Was beginning to think you couldn't get it in Arillas, was starting to worry. I introduced pitta gyros to my new wife 2 years ago in Sidari and she was hooked
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soniaP...I couldn't agree more. You can't get more Greek than a Gyros pitta especially at lunchtime on the beach. I like them with a can of ice cold Mythos from the supermarket!
For an evening meal I can only repeat what everyone else has said...you are spoilt for choice and most of them sell fantastic authentic Greek food. We've been twice and still haven't tried all of them! It's difficult to choose a favourite as we love them all for different reasons.
Effie's is a very authentic Greek taverna that serve huge portions at brilliant prices. They do a spaghetti dish with the most tender beef in a delicious sauce (can't remember what it's called...it's a Greek dish that was influenced by the Italians occupation in Greece)Well that's what I heard and it's on many Greek menus) Anyway, it tastes amazing! Their garlic prawns are amazing too! It also has great views of the sunsets! We prefer to eat at the sea front Tavernas but the tavernas in the side streets serve fantastic food too.
As Jo said, Gratzella has a prime spot on the sea front. You're sort of suspended over the sea...simply stunning views of the sunsets! We too were a little put off as the waiters do stand on the street and gesture you in but not in an intimidating way...however I'm glad we ventured in as their swordfish is amazing and the tzatziki has loads of garlic in it...delicious! Keeps the mozzies away! We enjoyed many lunch and evening meals there which were all great!
Akotori and Gravia are also fabulous places to eat (both on the cliff top walk) we've only ate at Gravia during the day...again absolutely amazing! We stopped off for breakfast on our return from our early morning walk. My husband had a full English which was fantastic and I had Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts...divine! Had a great Greek salad their at lunch too... followed by the best apple pie I have ever tasted!
We walked up to Akotori early one evening to watch the sunset...fantastic views from the roof top! We didn't want a heavy meal so we had a delicious filled baguette each...both brilliant and still too filling! We stayed until about 11pm and walked back through the village rather than the cliff top(even with a torch we wouldn't chance it, especially after a few too many cocktails and ouzos!
Tabhunt...You really must try both places...the walk alone is worth it and the views really are breathtaking!
As I'm sure you've realised...the list is endless but where ever you choose to eat you will be welcomed with open arms and will receive the most genuine hospitality!
Kali Orexi....think it's Greek for bon appetite!
Suzy X
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Akrotiri takes on a totally different atmosphere in the evenings and is a joy if you can sort the logistics of getting there and back. It would be great if there was a shuttle bus like the mon amore one
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I've not been to Gravias. Must give that a try also. Is that more for lunchtime snacks? Do they do gyros?
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soniaP...not sure about evening meals at the Gravia, although as we headed back through the village from Akrotori one evening it looked open and quite busy so I'm guessing they would serve food during the evenings too.
Suzy X
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No gyros...but yes they do serve evening meals...we eat up there a lot, breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, any time of the day in fact! Gravia is one of our favourite places in Arillas.
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didn't know where to put this!!
does anybody have the recipe for Grandpas chicken?
I asked Liam (my son) and his girlfriend around to our house for dinner tomorrow evening
"what do you fancy"? I asked
"grandpas chicken" was the reply
chicken and cinnamon is all i can remember
think it was from Kostas on the beach
any help please?
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Chicken Kapama maybe be like Grandpa's chicken. Cinnamon and garlic are used in this recipe http://greekfood.about.com/od/poultrydishes/r/ChickenKapama.htm
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thanks
i'll give that a go tonight
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Night Owl has to be on the agenda if you are feeling energetic enough to walk up there.
Very authentic and food is fantastic.
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How was the Grandpa's chicken. Great minds think alike. We just had a Geek meal. Only 26 more sleeps.
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that was a perfect recipe
really tasty
had it with warm bread tzatziki and feta salad
went down a treat
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I'm looking forward to Grandma's lamb at Portofino and Stifado from Mirage.
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I know I am biased, but the best meals in Arillas, in my opinion, are at the Horizon. Every taverna is good especially Brouklis and Thalassa, but Spiros, the chef at the Horizon, raises the bar with exceptional dishes.
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We try and visit all the restaurants/tavernas in Arillas. Can honestly say that we have never had a disappointing meal ever. My mouth is watering just reading all your comments. The best news is there's only 22 days to wait until our next visit.
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Last summer Efis came up trumps!
we have often missed it out because we found it hitty/missy, but last year we
gave it a go and wow, brilliant
especially the garlic prawns.... mmmm
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As others have said, we've never had a bad meal either but we still haven't tried all the eating establishments. We are yet to dine at Horizon, Thalassa
and Thomas's fish taverna so these will definitely be at the top of our list this year....but then again nothing ever goes to plan!
We'll also have to try the new grill restaurant next to the Malibu and does Night Owl come under Arillas? Although we did stop there for a coffee and toast at 8.30am on our early morning walk up to Afionas! (don't think that really counts does it?)
My mouth is watering already!
Suzy X
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I find the Horizon is also the best restaurant in Arillas, really chilled out vibes very similar to Ammos. However i also love Thalassa and Brouklis. Chicken Souvlaki at Brouklis is to die for!
Last year we tried 'Kostas on the beach' but the food was really disappointing there. Unfortunately since the tragic loss of Kostas i have found its never quite been the same :(
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I'm sure we just caught them I an off day Lewis. Plenty people raved about it last year
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I think you're right Jo, all restaurants can have their off days whether it be on holiday or at home. We actually had the best meals of our holiday at Kostas last August. I can remember my favourite one now ...it was on the special's menu-
slow cooked lamb in different herbs and spices(could definitely taste cinnamon) on a baked aubergine and it was absolutely to die for and the portion was huge!
Lewis...you have sold Horizon to me, sounds heavenly!
Suzy x
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We tried Kostas last year in July, service was so slow, pushing 3 hours for 2 courses. I know you're supposed to enjoy your time eating, but it was beyond acceptable. Also the food wasn't much to write home about I'm afraid
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Paul C.
If you are talking "Kostas on the Beach" , then can I say that they have kept all us locals going in the Winter with fabulous meals. This Summer, with a change of staff and owners they are doing well. Chicken in the mushroom sauce is recommended by me , as I lived on this in the Winter.
(Bifteki is also good and do not be afraid if they ask should you want vegetables. - They are not from a tin and prepared fresh , as is their new addition , coleslaw.
Negg
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Thanks for the recommendations Neil, I shall look forward to trying both of those dishes - they sound delicious!
Do they still sell their amazing ice cream - probably too cold in the winter for ice cream though?
Suzy x
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Yes Eggy, I was talking about Kostas on the Beach. I'm glad they kept you "locals" happy over the winter. We're back over in a week & may try it again, but there are others higher on the list.
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For years I've been singing the praises of the food in Arillas, and put it down to the quality of the ingredients used. Let's face it, most of the dishes on the menus are available anywhere else in Greece. I began to wonder if I was just biased towards Arillas, and in fact the food was actually just 'normal Greek food'. Having spent a week in the north of Corfu, I am now, however, totally convinced that the food in Arillas IS worthy of praise. We've had some very pleasant meals in the north but definitely not up to the standard in Arillas.
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That's great to know Angiem!
Well done to all the cooks in Arillas - keep up the excellent work - you all do an amazing job!
A big thank you!
Suzy X
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Just have to say, we ate at Kostas on the Beach several times last summer and it was faultless every time, delicious food and served by the lovely Irene. We only had a bit of a wait on one occasion and that was because she had to get the chef out to put a chick back in its swallows nest a couple of times, so that was well the worth the wait. :)
Sharon x
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As we are yet to sample the food at Horizon and Thalassa, recommendations are greatly appreciated...for starters mains and desserts, we might as well go the whole hog!
Suzy X