Cheap Eats in Corfu: Eating Well for Less
Eating well in Corfu does not have to mean spending a fortune. From freshly baked pastries and gyros to traditional tavernas and local markets, there are plenty of ways to enjoy delicious Greek food while keeping an eye on your holiday budget.
This practical Corfu & Beyond guide explains how to eat well for less, what to look for and how to find good-value food across the island.
Eating in Corfu
Corfu has its own distinctive culinary identity, influenced by Greek, Venetian and Mediterranean traditions. Alongside familiar Greek favourites, you will find traditional Corfiot dishes such as pastitsada, sofrito and bourdeto.
Menus vary from one area to another, but the best-value meals are often found away from the busiest seafront locations. Smaller family-run tavernas, bakeries and local snack bars can offer generous portions and authentic food without the prices sometimes associated with more tourist-focused restaurants.
For a wider choice of restaurants, cafés, bars and tavernas, explore the Corfu & Beyond Food & Drink directory.
What to try in Corfu
Gyros and souvlaki
Gyros and souvlaki are among the easiest ways to enjoy a filling meal on a budget. They are usually served in a pitta with meat, salad, chips, onions and tzatziki. Portions can be generous enough for a quick lunch or informal evening meal.
Look for busy local takeaway shops, particularly where you see residents eating or collecting food. These are often a good indication that the food is freshly prepared and popular locally.
Pastitsada
Pastitsada is one of Corfu’s best-known traditional dishes. It usually consists of beef or rooster served with pasta and a rich, spiced tomato sauce.
It is not always the cheapest dish on a menu, but it is worth trying if you want to experience genuine Corfiot food. Sharing a portion with a salad or starter can make it better value.
Sofrito
Sofrito traditionally consists of veal cooked with garlic, white wine and parsley. It is usually served with potatoes, rice or another side dish.
Recipes vary between tavernas, so it is worth asking whether it is available as a daily special.
Bourdeto
Bourdeto is a traditional Corfiot fish dish cooked in a peppery red sauce. The type of fish and the price can vary, so always ask what fish is being used and whether the price is listed by portion or by weight.
Bakery food
Local bakeries are ideal for an inexpensive breakfast, lunch or snack. You will often find:
Cheese pies
Spinach pies
Sausage rolls
Filled pastries
Fresh bread
Cakes and biscuits
Coffee and cold drinks
A bakery breakfast can be considerably cheaper than eating a full cooked breakfast in a hotel or resort café.
Greek salads and meze
A Greek salad, tzatziki, bread and one or two meze dishes can make a satisfying light meal. Ordering several small dishes to share is also a good way to try more local flavours without ordering a full main course for everyone.
Popular options may include:
Tzatziki
Taramosalata
Fava
Fried courgettes
Grilled halloumi
Gigantes
Meatballs
Feta with olive oil
Stuffed vine leaves
Bread, bottled water and side dishes may be charged separately, so check the menu or ask before ordering.
Eating cheaply in Corfu resorts
Prices can vary considerably depending on where you are staying. Seafront restaurants and bars with prominent views often charge more than places a few streets inland.
That does not mean you have to avoid the seafront completely. A useful approach is to compare menus, look for restaurants with local customers and check whether the prices are clearly displayed before sitting down.
In popular resorts, good-value options often include:
Gyros and souvlaki shops
Bakery cafés
Pizza and pasta restaurants
Family-run tavernas
Lunch menus
Takeaway meals
Supermarket picnic supplies
You can use the Corfu & Beyond locations and resorts pages to explore different parts of the island and plan where to eat during your stay.
Eating on a budget in Corfu Town
Corfu Town offers a wide range of food, from traditional tavernas to cafés, bakeries and takeaway restaurants.
The Liston and main tourist streets are beautiful places to sit, but prices may be higher because of their location. For better value, explore the side streets and areas where local residents eat and shop.
A budget-friendly day in Corfu Town could include:
Breakfast from a bakery
Coffee and a snack while exploring
A gyros or souvlaki lunch
A shared meze meal or casual taverna dinner
Ice cream or a local sweet afterwards
If you are planning a day in the capital, our future Corfu Town guide will help you combine sightseeing, food and transport.
Supermarkets and self-catering
If you are staying in an apartment, villa or studio, buying some food locally can reduce your holiday costs significantly.
Useful items to keep in your accommodation include:
Bread and pitta
Greek yoghurt
Fresh fruit
Cheese and cold meats
Tomatoes and cucumber
Eggs
Bottled water
Snacks for the beach
Coffee and breakfast items
A supermarket breakfast or packed lunch is particularly useful on days when you are visiting beaches or travelling around the island.
You can also combine supermarket food with local bakery items and fresh fruit from small shops. This gives you flexibility without relying on restaurants for every meal.
See our Where to Stay directory to find accommodation with kitchens or self-catering facilities.
Take food to the beach
Buying food before heading to the beach is often cheaper than relying on the nearest beach bar or restaurant. A bakery, supermarket or local shop can provide everything needed for a simple picnic.
Good picnic choices include:
Fresh bread or pitta
Cheese
Fruit
Olives
Crisps
Water
Pastries
Greek salad ingredients
Remember to take rubbish with you and dispose of it responsibly. Some of Corfu’s quieter beaches have limited facilities, so planning ahead is important.
You can discover beaches and plan your day using the Corfu & Beyond Beaches guide.
How to avoid unexpected costs
A few simple checks can help prevent surprises when eating out:
Check whether bread is included or charged separately.
Ask whether fish is priced by portion or by weight.
Confirm the price of daily specials before ordering.
Look at the drinks menu, particularly bottled water and soft drinks.
Check whether service charges or extras are listed.
Compare menus before choosing a restaurant.
Ask about portion sizes if you are considering sharing.
Do not feel pressured to order more food than you need.
Most restaurants will be happy to explain the menu. Asking questions is normal and can help you choose something that suits both your appetite and your budget.
When is the best time to eat?
Lunch is often a good time to find lighter meals and better-value options. Many people choose a bakery snack, gyros or salad during the day and have their main meal in the evening.
Corfu meals are generally relaxed, and dinner is often eaten later than visitors may be used to in the UK. If you are travelling with children or want to avoid the busiest period, eating earlier can also make it easier to find a table.
Eating well does not mean eating badly
Saving money does not mean limiting yourself to fast food. Some of the best-value meals in Corfu are simple, fresh and locally produced.
A few shared starters, a Greek salad, fresh bread and one traditional main course can provide a memorable meal without everyone ordering a separate expensive dish.
The key is to mix and match:
Bakery breakfasts
Casual lunches
Supermarket picnic supplies
Shared meze
Occasional traditional taverna meals
Local snacks and desserts
Explore Corfu & Beyond
Our Food & Drink directory includes restaurants, tavernas, cafés, bars and other places to eat across Corfu.
You can also explore:
Where to Stay
Beaches
Things to Do
Plan Your Trip
Corfu offers food for every budget. With a little planning, you can enjoy traditional dishes, fresh local ingredients and memorable meals without spending your entire holiday budget on eating out.
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