12 specialities from the Ionian islands you should try

The specialities of the Ionian islands are evidence of their rich history and Venetian influences. For example, Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Kethyra all have their traditional dishes.

Fresh fish is a big part of Ionian cuisine. Still, many other recipes' main ingredient is lamb, beef or rabbit, local vegetables and pasta. After all, Ionian cuisine is one of variation and diversity. Be aware, though, to keep up with the hot summer days in Greece! Go for small, light meals during the day and save your appetite for dinner!

No matter where you are, the recipe for great food is the same: Hop in your car and drive away from the noisy tourist traps. Explore the picturesque villages, and track the restaurants where the locals dine. They usually know best! Ask the waiter for recommendations and the day's specials when you find the restaurant of your choice. Also, accompany your meal with a glass of local Ionian wine!

Our last piece of advice to you: Have dinner the Greek way! Choose a variety of different dishes to share with your friends. This way, everybody gets to have a taste of several local dishes!

Are you ready for our culinary journey? Here are our top 12 recommendations for traditional Ionian dishes:

 Tsigaridia is a Kefalonian recipe that will make everyone love greens. Image by Sotiria Simota, licensed.

• Tsigaridia: This simple but impressively tasty Ionian dish is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. This Kefalonian recipe will make you rediscover the greens: Local wild greens sauté in olive oil with tomato and rice. You have to try it to believe us!
• Sofrito: This dish is a must only for meat lovers. Thin slices of veal stewed in a white wine and vinegar sauce, with plenty of garlic and parsley for rich flavour. Sofrito is a speciality of Corfu island, and it is so yummy!
• Bourdetto: One of the most famous fish dishes of Corfu, Bourdetto is made with red scorpionfish, cooked in a red, spicy tomato sauce. A delicacy you should "take advantage of", especially during summer!
• Pastitsada: Served during family celebrations and holidays in Corfu, pastitsada is a casserole dish with beef, pork or rooster. The meat is slowly cooked in a sauce with fresh tomatoes, onion, cinnamon and paprika and served with pasta. As we say in Greece, "you are going to lick your plate"!

Pastitsio is an Ionian baked pasta dish with minced meat and tomato sauce. Image by Robert Kindermann, licensed.

• Pastitsio: The Ionian baked pasta dish popular all over the country! It consists of 3 layers, pasta, meat and béchamel sauce. The thick pasta blends with the aromatic minced meat and the local hard cheese. The béchamel sauce on top gives a velvety sensation in every bite. In other words, "this dish will get you to forget your name"!
• Kreatopita: The famous meat pie of Kefalonia with local lamb, or sometimes lamb and veal. Several layers of filo pastry seal a delicious meat and vegetable filling. Several spices like bay leaf, nutmeg, and local red wine enrich the flavour of this gorgeous dish!

Full already? We know it is tough to resist such delicious dishes, but try to leave some room for dessert too!

• Ladopita: A traditional cake for special occasions that you'll find on the island of Lefkada. Made with semolina, olive oil, and syrup, topped with sesame and cinnamon. A humble and healthy dessert full of flavour!
• Melochondros: A Kytherian pudding made with honeyed water and cracked wheat. So simple and so delicious!

 Bougatsa, the delicious Zakynthian sweet pastry. Image by Alpha, licensed.

• Bougatsa: Puff pastry stuffed with sweet custard cream, icing sugar and cinnamon! Start your day in Zakynthos with a freshly baked bougatsa! Bougatsa is also a common breakfast choice in Northern Greece, with a variety of sweet and savoury fillings.
• Pasteli: This delicacy originated in Greece and some places in the Middle East over 6,000 ago. It's the first-ever energy bar! Made with honey and sesame seeds, pasteli is so tasty and healthy! Another ingredient of pasteli is raw almonds (or other nuts), so be careful if you have any allergies. Usually, you will not find it in restaurants but in grocery shops and bakeries. It is the ideal snack to take with you at the beach or on hikes in the Ionian mountains.

Pasteli, the energy bar, made with sesame and honey. Image by ChristosV, licensed.

• Madolato: The Zakynthian nougat is a confection consisting of egg whites, honey, and almonds. It is going to melt in your mouth and your heart!
• Frigania. Last, the pride of Zakynthos island, the famous frigania! This dessert consists of three layers, a base made with traditional Greek rusks soaked in a sugary syrup flavoured with lemon zest and spices, vanilla-flavoured rich cream in the middle and on top whipped cream garnished with baked almonds. Divine!
  

If you still need to include something from our list, you can find more traditional Ionian dishes here.

The Ionian Islands are known for their rich culture, emerald waters, sandy beaches and delicious food. Explore the gems of the Ionian Sea with a rental car from Simplybook and support the local communities!

Featured image by dimitrisvetsikas1969, licensed.