We all now Arillas has some wonderfull eating places but which are your FAVORITE TOP 3 for good honest greek cooking hear are mine.
1. Brouklis [ if its good enough for Rick Stien then its good enough for me ]
2. Efthia`s [ good greek food, good greek views ]
3. Marina [ always good food, always good to chat with George ]
My top 3 in no particular order Brouklis, Thalassa, Graziella, Vavilas, Portofino, Kostas on the Beach, Rainbow, Captain's, Marina, Stekis, Tria.... er haven't got a top three - I love eating in all of them!
Phil
MMMm...food! As Phil has said I couldnt possibly narrow it down to just 3! We tend to have favourite dishes at different places. I love all those that you mention Mr C, we tried Eftheis lasy year for the first time and it was just gorgeous. A lovely traditional taverna, just perfect for sipping wine and snacking on breads and tziki (sorry for rubbish spelling!).
I just love Spiro's Stifado at Portifino, the divine lamb and Moussaka at Brouklis, Penelope's chicken at Thalassa, the pastisada at Marina....I could go on and on...ok. now I'm starving!!
Never having eaten in Arillas before, tell me where I can find the best Greek roast potatoes, not too salty, not at all crispy and a compliment to roast chicken or (more likely) Lamb.
Brouklis
Correct Sandy!
Last summer we went to Efithia's for the first time too Jo. We were the only customers, but what a lovely, truly Greek meal. Our BlondeGirl (where is she now??????) posted about it and that prompted us to have a go.
It can be quite daunting with the "marble staircase" of a frontage, and no in-yer-face menu boards out front. It is next to Marinaki, and near Kaloudis and it is one of Arillas' hidden treasures.
If we can fit it in, we will be there again in July. Two weeks is just not enough.....
Phil
1 Kostas on the beach
2 Thalassa
3 Portofino
Each to their own and here is my favourite top 3 and the rest of the restaurants in Arillas are a perfectly good joint no.4's (http://emoticons4u.com/love/142.gif)
1. Armourada (http://emoticons4u.com/love/029.gif)
2. Brouklis (http://emoticons4u.com/love/029.gif)
3. Thalassa (http://emoticons4u.com/love/029.gif)
We ate mainly at Marina this time, the food was gorgeous couldn't fault it although Kiki's cooking at Portofino is also spot on.
jill
Phil - the specials board for Efthyxia is at the side entrance - we found that out this year! Also, it was open for the first time this year when we were there and what a gem of a place! Wonderful!
We always have our first and last meal at Brouklis (and many more in between); we enjoyed Horizon, Portofino, Kostas on the Beach, but strangely enough didn't go to Thalassa which I've always loved in the past. The specials board didn't appeal, although it's probably due to being so early in the season.
We're staying at Horizon next time so will definitely be trying Thalassa again.
Janis x
Janis luvver - first, last who cares. Roula's cooking is legendary. Brouklis is obviously top of the pile, but I was sincere when I said I don't have a top three. My biggest problem is choosing between them all.
But Graziella is our favourite place to spend the afternoon. We always sit looking out over Gravia, with mezes, red wine and Mythos. People come and go. Gravia sits majestically in the background. We wallow in memories, nibbling whatever we have on the table. Time just passes by and we renew the love we feel for each other. It is pure magic.
Thalassa will always be in our hearts. It was the first taverna we were welcomed in, on our first visit to Arillas. Yannis was so amazingly kind to us, as was "little" Spiros. So much has happened since. But we will be back, very soon after we arrive.
I'd better shut up now. As everyone on here knows I can go on and on and on about my idea of heaven.
Phil
its really bizarre but in 12 years of visiting Arillas we have never yet visited Graziella. I think its because we always felt a little intimidated by the guy who tries to entice you in! Silly reason and one we will right this year! just realised that I never mentioned Horizon! why oh why seeing as it ranks in out top 2! Beautiful setting, nice wine glasses (!)lovely ambience and delicious food with the very best Pina Colada in the village (just dont tell Perry andf Kosta!)
We also love Efthyxia with our second being Portofino, I love Grandma's lamb, maybe because I am one, A grandma not a lamb. We would be struggling to name a third as we love them all so much.
Can anyone tell me where Graziella is please, we are in Arillas in July as would love to give it a try?
I notice Justphil and Jen that you will be there the same time as us, hopefully we will bump into you
Graziella is next to the Sea breeze right on the beachfront, gorgeous location and view to die for.
Have no worries about coming over to us for a chat lew19. We are quite easy to recognise. Ageing hippies is what they would call us.
If you want a really special meal in Graziella, try the garlic prawns. To die for....
Phil
Our favourite three are
Thalassa
Eftixhia's
Graziella,
it's not just the fantastic food but the locations and the great views, watching the sunset from Thalassa with a karafaki, or sitting in Efi's with a jug of wine and watching the world go by. I can't believe it's only a week since we were there, it seems so far away now.
I could not believe how few people used Eftixhia's, it was the first place to become one of our regulars. The first time we went there Efi was in college, and Katerina served us. As Katerina has very little english we ordered in Greek, received exactly what we ordered, and fell in love with the place. I'm glad to say that this year it was busier than I've ever seen it before. For anyone who hasn't been there I'd certainly recommend it.
Me too Dai. It can seem daunting but once you have walked up the steps, you will have a lovely meal. But like I have said before, the food is to die for everywhere in Arillas. Jen just ordered me the next size up in trousers. And I haven't been yet. Hope they still fit by the end of July.
Phil
I'm like Phil here, do I have a top 3 or not? Well, I love Eftixia, Kostas on the Beach, Graziella, Vavillas, Horizon, Armourada, Marina and the Captains....
But okay, if pushed:
Top 3: Brouklis, Thalassa and Portofino.
lynn xx
have never tried eftixia, to tell the truth it always looked closed, and we didnt like to venture up the steps! our favourtie places are graziellas and brouklis and horizon
perhaps we should give the others a go this year, have heard good reports about vivallis?? any tips???
ger x
Eftihia is the perfect place for a drink or meal on a hot day. Up there under the shade of Eftihia's bamboo canopy, high above street and sea level, wafted by a gentle sea breeze, you can enjoy the genuine atmosphere and a stunning view over the lovely garden to the sea.
But, Eftihia, could you PLEASE place a large "Open" (or "Closed") sign down by the gateposts on the promenade!!!
Emeralddragons
Good point, Emeralddragons - it can sometimes look (quite wrongly) unapproachable...
But anyone who's reading this MUST give it a try - you'll be back!
Janias x
Quote from: Janis on June 15, 2010, 12:43:53 AM
Good point, Emeralddragons - it can sometimes look (quite wrongly) unapproachable...
But anyone who's reading this MUST give it a try - you'll be back!
Janias x
Yes Janis you are right about it looking unapproachable. This may well be why we passed Efi's by everyday when staying at Kaloudis last September. Will give it a try next May though.
Top 3. We do not have one as we enjoyed the food in all the places we went to. Did have a soft spot for Thomas and his wonderful fish. Jan loved the huge prawns in Graziella and she hasa picture of them as the wallpaper on her mobile.
I agree that Efthyxia need to put something to show that it is open, It almost looks like a house, but half of me thinks that they just love the quiet steady stream of customers and rely on word-of-mouth.
I've never had a bad meal in arillas, but particularly like: the spit roast lamb at tria adelphia (sunday special), sofrito and soutzoukakia at kaloudis and anything at kostas.
Quote from: NicandJohn on June 15, 2010, 03:56:49 PM
I've never had a bad meal in arillas, but particularly like: the spit roast lamb at tria adelphia (sunday special), sofrito and soutzoukakia at kaloudis and anything at kostas.
I could have written this myself but I think a top 3 is impossible! I would have to add:
Brouklis - any of the specials
Marina hotel - grilled prawns on 'Greek dancing night'
Graziella - anything at sunset
George's mum's spinacopita
and so-on, and so-on.....
I thought Efi`s would prove popular for those who have tried it , after all these years of going to Arillas we went there for the first time this May after it was stongly recomended by friends, and we loved it. I will let you all into a secret if you have room for a sweet after your generous meal ask for mam-mas chocolate brownies they are not on the menu but they are always available, I`ve not got a sweet tooth but to coin a phrase THEY ARE TO DIE FOR. If you are a chocoholic you will be in heaven. If you find the high steps at the front a bit daunting go up the road to the right hand side and go in the side entrance it`s a lot easier.wonderfull people, wonderfull food, wonderfull view. If you havent tried Efi`s` yet do your self a favour and try it, You wont regret it..
Hi Jo! Thomas at Gratsela is quite enthusiastic, but with reason. The food is fantastic. Angelica his mum is the cook, and Thomas, Vasalli and Spiros her three sons work hard to let everyone know how good the food is! Costas (dad) always has a good selection of fresh caught seafood on the menu, and the view of the sunset every night as you enjoy the meal is so relaxing, with the sound of the waves breaking on the beach. Give it a try, they have a good 'specials' board usually a choice of three, three course meals for €9.50, and an extensive main menu, you will find the food and the warm and friendly service from the whole family excellent.
Yammas,
Martin.
Quote from: emeralddragons on June 15, 2010, 12:32:24 AM
But, Eftihia, could you PLEASE place a large "Open" (or "Closed") sign down by the gateposts on the promenade!!!
Emeralddragons
I think Efi's is the most traditional place in Arillas. A sign would be too much moving away from tradition, this year they have placed a menu by the first step, which is the first time I've seen one there.
Let's not forget Night Owl.....definitely my dad's number 1.....and that's not just Linda!
Where is Graziela please
Opposite end of the sea front to Kaloudis. Past Thalassa and Mirage. It has the main building on the left and a glorious place to be the other side of the road. Sea Breeze is next to it just before the corner and Bardis.
Hope this helps
Phil
I agree Efi's is one of the most authentic. Just love their spaghetti with mushrooms, best pasta meal I've ever had anywhere!
I remember Phil saying never make lists because you always miss someone out, and I have just proved him right! Can't believe I left the Mirage out of my list - enjoyed a great meal there last night too...
Only trouble is we need 4 weeks here to do them all justice!! And only 3 more evenings... Aarrgghhhh!!
lynn xx
Just a reminder of Efi's.....
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs361.snc3/23358_1506454383872_1309658562_31405125_4892166_n.jpg)
Lovely and cool on a hot day..... Enjoy!
Janis x
Lovely pic Janis. And the food is very good too. What more could you want?
Phil
On 6th visit last yr went to Effs for a meal for the first time....loved it so much that we did 5 visits in 14days! Relaxed aptmosphere great views...cannot believe I had never eaten there b4!!! I hope to visit again...maybe this yr maybe next. I have had a bit of a year...a few on the forum already know..my marriage imploded after 25yrs on Dec 28th...out of the blue and I am still somewhat bewildered.
I have however picked myself up and dusted myself down and have a 'boyfriend' can one say 'boyfriend' at 49!!! I cannot imagine a year without Arillas and am considering a week early Oct by myself....any ladies that have visited by themselves would love to hear from you...think I am brave enough...but not sure...if I take lots of books so I do not l;ook like Georgia no mates when eating by myself think I may be fine????
Quote from: georgia on June 19, 2010, 02:26:22 AM
my marriage imploded after 25yrs on Dec 28th...out of the blue and I am still somewhat bewildered.
I have however picked myself up and dusted myself down and have a 'boyfriend' can one say 'boyfriend' at 49!!! I cannot imagine a year without Arillas and am considering a week early Oct by myself....any ladies that have visited by themselves would love to hear from you...think I am brave enough...but not sure...if I take lots of books so I do not l;ook like Georgia no mates when eating by myself think I may be fine????
Oh my stars!!! I hope you are ok now and it must of been hell of a proverbial hedge that you have been squeezed through in the past six months!
I have visited Arillas by myself as has Mary. You will never have be alone unless you choose to. I stayed in Brouklis and I ate by myself most nights in Armourada and Brouklis and no akwardness there.
I can heartily recommend traveling alone and Mary can confirm the healing properties of Arillas.
Hi Georgia
Poor you but glad things are on the up for and like Erja I go to Arillas on my own I can definately reccomend it. This May was my 3rd solo visit, you will be perfectly safe and you will never need to be alone, well only if you choose. Arillas certainly has healing properties. like Erja says we totally agree. So you go for it. The healing effect lasts too. As it puts all the rubbish at home into perspective so you go for it
Take Care
Love
Mary :)
my top 3 :-
1. brouklis
1. portofino
1. atki
1. rainbow
:-)
Hi Georgia. Enjoy a totally relaxing time. xx
Georgia luvver, a lot of wisdom and experience in these posts. Mary, Martin, JC and Erja never look like "no-mates." But the choice is yours if you want it, like our Mary says. So sad you have had such a rough time, but you have now embarked on the rest of your life. And Arillas is the launch pad I would choose if it were me.
Phil
I always travel on my own, Georgia,
and never feel alone!
Especially in Arillas and Corfu in general it's your own
choice whether you want company or not, everyone is
friendly and want you to feel comfortable, but they will
also leave you alone if you need a quiet time.
Best wishes
Connie x
Quote from: Dai on June 13, 2010, 05:41:48 PM
Our favourite three are
Thalassa
Eftixhia's
Graziella,
it's not just the fantastic food but the locations and the great views, watching the sunset from Thalassa with a karafaki, or sitting in Efi's with a jug of wine and watching the world go by. I can't believe it's only a week since we were there, it seems so far away now.
I could not believe how few people used Eftixhia's, it was the first place to become one of our regulars. The first time we went there Efi was in college, and Katerina served us. As Katerina has very little english we ordered in Greek, received exactly what we ordered, and fell in love with the place. I'm glad to say that this year it was busier than I've ever seen it before. For anyone who hasn't been there I'd certainly recommend it.
We went to Effies twice in June very busy both nights great food Effie makes you sowelcome , back SEPT !
Top 3 are
1. Vavilas
2. Portofino
3. All the rest!
Sharon x
Top 3
1. Kostas
2. Rainbow
3. All the others, not had a bad meal anywhere.
Since my first visit in 2007 my favourite has been Armourada,
my second choise will be Gratziela and Horizon,
then there is... and then there is... we could all go on and on, couldn't we?!!!
Like Sharon and Sheila said: All the rest, never had a bad meal anywhere!!
Connie x
Brouklis
Portofino
All the rest.
Great meals in all...
riggers.
For the first 9 years we only ever ate at Portofino (felt obliged to with staying with Spiro) but since we have started staying at other places think my favourite 3 are Marina, Bouklis and Portofino. Only ever had 2 bad meals since we started going but have to say not in any of the above mentioned.
Jill
OK, our top 3 would be:
1. Brouklis. Always amazed at the authenticity and the genuine hospitality. Last year on our first night Dimitris remembered us from a previous holiday and came and chatted to us for five minutes at the end of our meal even though the place was rammed with people. It's touches like that which really make the difference.
2. Vavilas. Discovered this place last year and my favourite fish restaurant I've ever been to. My wife is another who swears by the quality of the swordfish.
3. Thalassa. I could have picked pretty much any of the waterfront restaurants where the location and sunset are as good as the food.
The quality of food is outstanding in Arillas I have to say. We ate out last year for all 14 nights and only 1 meal was less than outstanding - and that was still OK!
Looking forward to rolling up to Brouklis again soon. Only another 18 sleeps now.
Quote from: fishski on July 08, 2010, 01:09:46 PM
3. Thalassa. I could have picked pretty much any of the waterfront restaurants where the location and sunset are as good as the food.
Not strictly for this topic but I'm sure you won't mind me asking. Has anyone been to Thalassa very recently. If so is Stathis still there?
Thanks
Dai
Dai luvver/mate (delete as applicable) we have a strong emotional connection with Thalassa. Stathis served us well in 2009, and we always chatted with him. He is one of our Arillas memories.... But much more missed are Yiannis and Litsa. We seriously miss them.
We will be saying an emotinal hello to Spiros in a few days time. And we will enjoy a fabulous meal cooked by Spiros' mum while we are in Arillas. But Mykonos is special. Yiannis and Litsa will make it there. yes Litsa darling, PihlandJen still remember and love yous.
When we visited Thalassa a few weeks back, Spiros said that Yiannis and Litsa were living in Sidari. They are trying to set up a restaurant on another island. i think it was Paxos.
Just got back yesterday and our favorites by times we visited during the evening were:
Akti (4) We were staying there but the food was wonderful
Brouklis (3) great as always
Horizon (3) lovely food
Costas (2) good food and excellent service
Ammos (1) Lovely
Thalassa (1) lovely but very quiet????