Cephalonia, also known as Kefalonia, is an island where mountain villages meet sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear waters hide underground lakes and caves. But beyond its natural beauty and charming harbor towns, this Ionian gem is also home to a rich culinary tradition. The best foods in Cephalonia blend classic Greek flavors with local twists—think slow-cooked meats, handmade pies, fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables cooked simply and with love.
Whether you’re exploring the colorful alleys of Fiskardo or relaxing on a terrace overlooking the sea, every bite here tells a story of tradition, land and sea. Here’s what to eat in Cephalonia if you want to truly experience the island’s rich and rustic cuisine.
1. Kefalonian Meat Pie (Kreatopita)
No visit to Cephalonia is complete without trying the island’s most iconic dish: the Kefalonian meat pie. Unlike other Greek pies, this one is hearty and layered with minced meat (usually a mix of beef, pork and sometimes lamb), rice, tomato and herbs, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. Each family has its own variation, making it a true symbol of home-cooked tradition. Rich, satisfying and perfectly spiced, it’s a must-try comfort food.
2. Riganada
Simple and satisfying, riganada is Cephalonia’s answer to bruschetta. It’s made with slices of dried or toasted bread soaked in water or olive oil, then topped with ripe tomatoes, oregano, garlic and feta. Sometimes it’s finished with a splash of vinegar or local olive oil. Served as a starter or light lunch, it’s one of the best foods in Cephalonia for experiencing local flavors in their purest form.
3. Strapatsada (Kagianas)
This tomato and egg dish is a staple of island kitchens. Fresh tomatoes are grated and sautéed in olive oil, then mixed with scrambled eggs and crumbled feta until creamy. The result is a savory, slightly sweet dish often served with crusty bread. You’ll find strapatsada on breakfast menus across the island, especially in traditional tavernas nestled in the hills or along the waterfront.
4. Bourdeto (Spicy Fish Stew)
Bourdeto is a fiery and flavorful fish stew made with scorpionfish or other white fish, simmered in a tomato-based sauce with red pepper, garlic and olive oil. Though it originates from nearby Corfu, the Cephalonian version is less spicy and often served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s a great dish for those wanting to sample traditional Ionian seafood with bold, comforting flavors.
5. Kefalotyri Cheese
Kefalotyri is a hard, salty cheese made from goat or sheep’s milk that dates back to Byzantine times. It’s commonly served grated over pasta, fried into crispy cheese sticks (saganaki) or sliced and added to mezze platters. Slightly sharp and nutty, this cheese pairs beautifully with local honey or olives. It’s also one of the best foods in Cephalonia to take home—many shops sell vacuum-packed wedges perfect for souvenirs.
6. Skordalia
Garlic lovers, take note—skordalia is a thick, garlicky dip made with puréed potatoes or soaked bread, olive oil, vinegar and plenty of crushed garlic. Often served alongside fried cod, roasted beets or grilled vegetables, it’s bold, creamy and packed with flavor. You'll frequently find skordalia on meze menus or as part of a shared appetizer spread in traditional tavernas.
7. Cod with Ailada (Bakaliaros me Ailada)
One of the island’s most traditional dishes, this combination of crispy fried cod and garlic sauce (ailada) is often served on national holidays and family gatherings. The salt cod is soaked, battered and fried to golden perfection, then topped or served with a bold garlic-potato emulsion. It’s rustic, filling and full of local flavor—perfect after a day of exploring caves and coastlines.
8. Robola Wine and Food Pairings
While not a dish on its own, no food guide to Cephalonia would be complete without mentioning Robola wine. This crisp, citrusy white wine is grown on the island’s limestone-rich slopes and pairs beautifully with seafood, cheese and light vegetable dishes. Many local restaurants offer tasting menus or wine pairings built around Robola—don’t miss the chance to enjoy a glass with grilled octopus or a fresh Greek salad.
9. Stuffed Zucchini Flowers (Kolokythoanthoi)
Delicate and seasonal, stuffed zucchini flowers are one of Cephalonia’s hidden culinary gems. These blossoms are gently filled with a mixture of rice, herbs and sometimes cheese, then baked or lightly fried. The result is floral, savory and melt-in-your-mouth soft. It’s the kind of dish you’ll only find in traditional kitchens or local tavernas—and one you won’t forget.
10. Mandoles and Pasteli
Finish your meal with a taste of traditional Cephalonian sweets. Mandoles are sugar-coated almonds, sometimes dyed red and flavored with honey and cinnamon. Pasteli, on the other hand, are sesame and honey bars that date back to ancient times. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a mid-day snack or souvenir to bring home—and can be found in bakeries and market stalls across the island.
Food Excursions in Cephalonia
If you’re looking to explore the island’s flavor as well as its famous landscapes, a guided excursion can help you do both. Here's one that pairs iconic sights with regional bites:
- Best of Cephalonia
- This well-rounded tour takes you from the glittering depths of Drogarati Cave to the mythic waters of Melissani Lake, ending in the picturesque Venetian village of Fiskardo. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore local shops and cafés, where you can sample traditional Cephalonian snacks and sweets like mandoles or homemade pies. Whether you're walking cobbled streets or sailing across underground lakes, this excursion offers a taste of both Cephalonia’s beauty and its beloved cuisine.
What to Eat in Cephalonia
Cephalonia's best foods are its hearty meat pies, fragrant garlic sauces, flavorful cheeses and fresh seafood stews. The island’s cuisine blends rustic Ionian traditions with Mediterranean ingredients—highlighting seasonal vegetables, mountain herbs and citrusy local wine. Whether you’re savoring a warm slice of kreatopita or sipping Robola with grilled fish, the best foods in Cephalonia are all about simplicity, freshness and time-honored flavor.
Ready to savor the flavors of Cephalonia? Discover the best time to visit and what what Argostoli is known for to make the most of your trip.
