Hello all
Anyone recommend good restaurants in Arillas? We're big fans of souvla from trips to Cyprus and Crete, but any other restaurant reviews gratefully received!!!
:D
My absolute favourite restaurant is Thalassa, such gorgeous food, Kostas on the Beach, The Captains and Brouklis are all firm favourites too, just have fun trying them all out for yourselves, you can then let us know on your return what turned out to be your favourites!
Im sure you will love your first time in Arillas :-)
Can't remember having a bad meal in any of the restaraunts in Arillas they are all good but I do like Vavilas and The Captains.
Yammas
Dave n Anne
Thanks for your replies so far - we're really looking forward to it now! The first week of September seems so far away though!
We're both mad on our food so that'll make or break a holiday for us!!!
You won't be disappointed.....
I agree with Smiffy all of those resturants she mentioned are fab. But esepcially Kosta's we always visit more than 3 times atleast!
Brouklis for the great atmosphere, spit roast lamb, stuffed pork roll and keftedes (not all together!!)
Thalassa for great food and the feeling that you're "going out for a meal" if you understand what I mean..
- AND all the others there!! Never had one bad meal in Arillas!
Happy holiday!
I wouldn't have thought it possible as I tend to prefer places where you can see the sunset, of which there are plenty in Arillas, but The Captains was our favourite.
Cheaper than the ones on the front but despite this, they don't scrimp on either quality or portion size.
On our 1st night after arriving late thanks to an unwanted tour of the island (all along the east and northern coasts) we just went to the 1st one we found, which was The Captains. I had a pork chop which was an inch thick and almost bigger than the plate.
The lovely Macedonian wine (Makedonis I think it says on the bottle) is only 6 Euros.
And the waitress and the young lad who I assume is her brother treated us to a spot of Greek dancing on the second occasion we went.
On both occaasions I was presented with a shot of the ruthless Greek spirit Tsipouro with the bill, my wife being given a shot of the Cumquat liqueur.
Lovely!
I think you have to try hard to find a bad one in Arillas. My fave's are Brouklis & Kostas on the Beach... Rainbow does some great food as well.
Jebbo
If you are food mad then definately try Thalassa. We eat out out at least twice a week at home so i am food mad also. I am not a big food eater but do enjoy what i eat. For great food and a relaxed atmosphere you must try it. All the other restaurants mentioned in the above posts are great also but for that little extra special touch Thalassa is top notch. (my opinion only)!!!
It`s lovely at Thalassa. Great food, lovely hosts, relaxing atmosphere, and just to enjoy is lovely. It`s good for lunch, and in the evening you can watch the sun set. As in all the other places to dine, nothing is too much trouble. It`s a really relaxed place with chairs you don`t want to get out of.
i carnt choose one.
they are all fabulous
Like Sue, I can't choose either. Always get a good meal where ever we choose to eat.
Kostas on the beach is fantastic, Thallassa, Captains and Brouklis also. They are all good you can't go wrong.
Where to start!!!! Portofino, Horizon, gratzella, broukalis, to mention but a few. Every wher we ate has been good. The chinese ( now closed )was great and the pizza place ( now closed) Captains was really interesting to our children. They liked the mosquito coils burning in the vines. Great meals by all
Annie
We liked most of the restaurants in Arillas, I only had one bad meal. Can't remember what it was it had green beans and beef in it and was swimming in red grease. Not exaggerating either !
Brouklis,Horizon,Portofino and we love the gyros from the snack bar for lunch (next to Arillas rent a car) We stayed at the Rainbow complex and they do a lovely butterbean dish, tried to make it at home but it takes sooooooo long, all that soaking etc.
I'm sure to be cut down in a hail of bullets for this but I have to say that this May the Thalassa really disappointed. I agree with the earlier posts that in the past the food here was really great but when we were there this year we found it was more a case of style over substance. We went twice and on both occasions found the food some what lackluster plus on the second evening on leaving we realised that we had been charged more than advertised on their board and I hadn't got any potatoes as in the description. I hope that this is a minor blip in what has always been a very nice restaurant.
That said I agree that the food thoughout Arillas is of a very high quality and you will be unlucky to have a bad meal anywhere during your stay.
Fran
Hi Sinbadsgirl, I always soak our's the night before in warm water then put them in fresh cold water in the morning tell I get in from workthen change the water again for boiling find it then takes about 3/4 of an hour. Well worth it. Viv
I have to agree with fran. We left thalassa the first time we visited this year. We had to wait for a table, so we had a seat and waited, but two lots of people came in and were given a table. After 45 mins, we got fed up and too hungry, so we left. When we went back later in the week, we waited ages before our order was taken, and even longer for the food to arrive. (just before we got really fed up.) Any way, the food was ok, but we didn't return. I know in the past we have enjoyed thallasa very much, but an experience like we had does put us off.(We will have forgotten by next year, so we will probably go next time).
OOOps, forgot to say I love it at Costas on the beach!
We love Costas, brilliant food and service... this was the first time we had tried it this year and went back.
We went to Thalassa for a meal and was disappointed too. A bit Gordon Blue, if you know what I mean! Just a tad too stylish and not much of it! We didnt go back there.
Thanks so much for the replies everybody! I'm sure we'll get time to check them all out in a week! I hope so anyway!
The best restaurant for me is Aristides. There are only 2 places where yoju can find good fish. One in Aristides in Arillas and the other is Gouvelis near the Post in Corfu.
William
Where is this "Aristides" please?
Negg
You beat me to it Eggy....I was just going to ask the same question!
Quote from: Eggy on July 16, 2007, 03:22:09 PM
William
Where is this "Aristides" please?
Negg
I think that Arstides is the owner of the restaurant graziella....Dimitris should help me.
Thanks William
Negg
Quote from: Eggy on July 16, 2007, 03:41:51 PM
Thanks William
Negg
I'm not 100% sure...Dimistri should know better
Having just returned from our 1 week holiday we tried:
Gratsela, Thalassa, Costas, Broukalis, Vavillas
Taking the food, atmosphere and service into account, overall we would put Costas, Vavillas and Thalassa ahead of Gratsela and Broukalis.
Broukalis is the only one we would probably not go back to, as the food was average compared to the best and we were also short-changed (only by a couple of Euro though, which is probably an easy mistake).
At Gratselas the service is almost too prompt and the loos are poor, but it is good value for money and would eat there again.
Chris
I'm sorry you didn't enjoy Brouklis. In 15 years I have never had a bad meal in there, and they are the kindest and most friendly people you could wish to meet. I love the atmosphere there - authentic but totally relaxed. Sometimes you have to wait a bit for your meal if they are busy - but so long as I have a glass (or two) of retisna, what does that matter. Nobody is in a rush. I'm sure if you had asked Dimitris to check your bill, he would happily have refunded your euros if he had made a mistake. I hope yoi will give it another try next time.....
I agree with all Sandy has said and I am sure that if you had said something at the time Dimitris would have refunded you your couple of euro's and you most properly would have got a free drink as well. He is as honest as the day is long and will hate knowing that he has overcharged you. Viv
In my opinion these "blips" can happen in any of the restaurants. You may have to wait, some of the order is missing, and so on. For us it seems okay because we're in Greece and things are more laid back. We have high expectations of eating out at home but personally don't when on holiday. It is part of what we like about Corfu. Things don't have to be "just so" There are plus points as well, you can take all evening if you like, you won't be hassled out to get another cover and it's always good value for our money.
Absolutely. And a note of sympathy for all the poor chefs out there in this heat. Poor Roula is always hot in her kitchen so goodness knows what it must be like at the moment. Please give your sister a hug from me Dimitri!
I haven't really been "Involved" in this posting as:-
a. I think it all comes down to personal choice.
b. I seem to be typing "half pagers" on any response recently.
However..... Let's make no mistake here. Every Taverna/Restaurant owner wants your business. If you're in Arillas for 2 weeks he/she would be ecstatic if you ate with them 12 days of your holiday. They would be happy if you were there for 9, and more than pleased if you turned up at least 5 times. Only once, and then every evening walk past, is not a result for them. Perhaps they wonder why? But they have other customers so things must be ok.
I've seen more than one comment about the loos at one place. Has someone told them? Probably not as we all, including me, want a hassle free holiday and, are not the Brits the worst at complaining? But if you've eaten there and when just leaving say to to waiter " I was on the beach this morning and heard someone............. "
He may ask what you think about the loos, and hey presto, you're helping him and his business.
The question is "Would they be offended if you tell them?" I think they are offended if you don't.
(No one tells me my carpentry work is below standard I will continue in the same way) If you think you have been overcharged then query the bill. Maybe a one off but a waiter not good at his sums can cost a that buiness a lot of money. How many times has he undercharged, and would we say anything then?
Dimitris will lose sleep when he finds out he's made an error on a bill. We were there one evening, last year, and the previous night he had made a mistake. He spent that next evening. one eye, keeping a lookout for the people should they walk by. And they did and they got a refund.
We ate at Brouklis last night and fortunately booked a table. When we got there at nine it was the only table free. Captains Table was also busy and so was Costas on the Beach. So food preference is a hard one to call.
"one man's meat" and all that.
Cheers
Negg
I could murder a Greek Salad and a cold Mythos RIGHT NOW for lunch.
Terry
Returned last night from 7 day holiday not having enough time to try all the places to eat. We enjoyed every meal we had and found them all helpful in giving you what you wanted for example jacket spud not chips. Having a curry tonight in the rain, not the same as the great food there while watching the sunset but cant have paradise all the time.
Benita
Have just returned from Corfu after visiting for first time. Brouklis was our favourite place to eat - Dimitris was lovely and food was superb. Booking advisable! Other great places - Horizon, Thalassa (not quick but good chill out), Marina (very friendly) and Portofina. Only one poor meal at a place at the end of the seafront road next to Kaloudis appts, set back off road (Effies?) - poor food and poor service (the only time we had a bad meal in fourteen days)!
Kazza
Very pleased you had a good holiday.
Glad to see you tried out quite a few Tavernas.
Interesting about the Horizon, as I've never been there and it's good to see a better report about Thallasa. ( Recently some poor ones)
It's a pity you didn't like Eftihia. That's the first poor review I've seen of it.
Now living here, we can only get to Arillas now & again but ate there Thursday. Mrs Egg had a rather nice stiffado and I had a pretty large pork chop with chips. I confess I did ask ffor chips. And of course nut cake to finish off. They were busier than usual that night and all customers looked happy. We know the familly quite well and have always had a lovely time there. It's just Mother & Daughter running the place at the moment so it's unfortunate you caught them at a bad time.
Let's hope you become one of the "Arillas regulars"
Regards
Negg
Quote from: vivian on July 24, 2007, 10:06:10 AM
I agree with all Sandy has said and I am sure that if you had said something at the time Dimitris would have refunded you your couple of euro's and you most properly would have got a free drink as well. He is as honest as the day is long and will hate knowing that he has overcharged you. Viv
On the last night of our holiday this summer, we ate at Brouklis and, when the bill came, discovered that neither of us had any money to pay! My husband set off to walk back to the hotel for his wallet, when I explained to Dimitris what had happened, he insisted that we shouldn't have worried and we could have simply paid him the next time we came to Arillas. This is the sort of guy he is!
IMHO. 'Favourite' places to eat are a matter of personal choice, thereby, I concur with eggy
Obviously, an establishment that serves inedible food, has poor service, inattentive staff etc, would be made common knowledge.
Some folk are happy with the paper tablecloths 'Chips with everything' places.
Others, require clean linen tablecloths and napkins, and haute cuisine (like us ;-) )
In our experience, any eaterie that has a commanding position, with a wonderful view, is going to cost you.
What IS important, is Quality Of Service, and Value For Money. I don't mean 5 Star service, at 2 Star price. We are realistic! :-)
We're looking forward to being treated to local hospitality at Brouklis (how do I book please?), and Costas On-The-Beach, to name but two, (my wife deserves a break from cooking) ;-)
We're only there for one week (3 - 10 September 2007) so cannot try all of the wonderful tavernas. :-)
Either way, have a nice holiday in Arillas. :-)
Thanks to everyone for their opinions, can't wait to go now! Only 3 weeks so we're really looking forward to it.
I usually go to Cyprus because the maternal half of my family are from there but we really fancied a change this year, and to stay in a hotel rather than with family so we wouldn't have to do any housework!!! :)
On the subject of it being personal preference with regard to restaurants, I do agree but we generally only eat at restaurants on personal recommendation - even here at home! When we're in Cyprus we always eat where the locals eat but we won't have that kind of guidance this time. We tend to keep earlier hours than the average Greek so trying to find where the locals are at 7pm when they don't eat til 9.30 might have been a problem!
I'm arming myself with a list of all the places that have been recommended! :)
Thanks again!
I have just returned from Arillas. I would definitely say that the Horizon was the best food we had and would definitely recommend it. The Thallassa was also very good, the service was slow but so what? I love spending ages eating and drinking, I don't want to be rushed.
Can I also say that when I was in the Brouklis in May the waiter got the bills for 2 tables mixed up and Dimitrius as soon as he realised went running down the road looking for the people even though it was only a couple of euros.
Oops. I meant that Dimitrius owed them money and not that he went running after them because they owed him 2 euros! The point I am trying to make is that he is really honest and would never intentionally overcharge anybody.
I have several favourite restaurants in Arillas Including Broukalis, Horizon, The Captains, The Marina to name but a few. The people are very friendly and you will have a great time with lovely food where ever you go.
hi all
just returned from arillas after 14 nights as most people we have several favourite restaurants including captains, graziella, rainbow, broukalis, and for fish vavilas.
This is our third year in arillas and the first time we have had a bad meal, we went to kostas on beach which was recomended by lots, all 4 of us had chicken soup to start which we all sent back because it had lots of gristle and was tasteless, the main course was plain too but to top this we had no apology for the soup and they charged us for it, after 10 mins questioning the bill gave up and payed.
My best friend is a chef and he loves eating out in both Arillas and San Stefanos, in fact in 3 visits I think he has only complained once and that was about his beans on a 'full english' heart attack on a plate. That should be a testament to quality of the food there.
We all have our good and bad days at work and restaurants are no different, spending 5 years in the trade I have a lot of sympathy when things go wrong. A prime example is the Sea Breeze, I had 2 awesome meals there last year, yet this May it was not very welcoming, now my Mum has been back and said it was on fine form again. Of course people differ widely, some like full pates, others like nice presentation, some like a relaxed evening, others like their main to land on the table the second the starter is gone. It is impossible to please all the people all the time and it would be a very boring world if we did.
Threads like this can be very helpful, its all well and good saying how great things are but in the long run any criticism fed back to the restaurants is more help. I doubt any restaurant owner would be offended by a couple of bad reviews, in fact usually they welcome the feedback and use it to see if it was just a one off mistake or a more serious issue that needs correcting. As long as complaints are just people should never need to apologise about posting them.
Oh yeah, I like Thallassa and Brouklis, both awesome and compliment each other perfectly. Visited both this year and as good as ever, Brouklis for its traditional and friendly style and Thallasssa for doing something that little bit different in Arillas. Oh and I must agree with an earlier post the Gyros from the snack bar next to the Malibu are simply divine and have strange magical been soaking properties.
As you liked the Gyros, Joe, I thought you may like this song. It is sung to the tune of Heroes by David Bowie
I, I am starving
And you, you look peak-ed
There's one thing for our meal, I say
We can eat them, try them today
We can eat gyros, on special today
Now you, you will drink wine
And I, I'll drink retsina
Get the bottles straight off the rack
Appetizer? Feta cheese toasted black
The pitas will hold them together
The sauce is fine
Smells good today
I could eat gyros for ever and ever
Every day
*I am proposing a toast
To Spiro, our wonderful Host
The pitas
Pitas will hold it together
We could eat them, for ever and ever
Oh we could eat gyros
Every day
*I, I am waiting
And you, you're looking green
The service is quite busy today
We will eat gyros some time today
Delicious, on special today
Hey! Here is the waiter (it's the waiter!)
Walking...down the hall (down the hall!)
With the plates high above his head
(over his head)
And we kiss
As he serves us all
(food didn't fall)
And the meat is on the well-cooked side
Oh, I could eat them for ever and ever
Yes, I could eat gyros
Every day
*We now eat gyros
We now eat gyros
We now eat gyros
On special today
We just eat gyros
It's filling...it's filling our stomachs
I am not lying
I ate thirteen today!
I am the Champ Eater
For Saturday
ohhhh, ohhh, ohhh, ohh
Ate too much today...
Terry
You've made me a very happy man! - I was wondering when someone would put a posting in longer than me. - Now I feel much better.
Negg
Made me smile :)
I dont know how you do it!
That made me laugh, must learn the words propely. Viv
We've had experience of variable service before, so I have a solution.
Before choosing a place to dine, have a look at the customers leaving, the ones dining, and the staff. If they are happy and cheerful, that normally is a good sign. :-)
C'est facile n'est pas? If you'll pardon my French. ;-)
In addition to the local tavernas, some of the hotel restaurants are worth giving a go. We loved the fried squid and stifado at the Marvel and the sofrito at the Akti was devine! We haven't tried the Marina or Horizon but plan to do so this year.
Have to admit for the size of Arillas its not short of good places to eat.
The Prawn Sanganaki at the Horizon is fabulous!
blondegirl, you had to mention seafood!!!!
My wife is on a seefood diet. See food, and eat it! ;-)
Seriously though, fish, prawns, lobster, crab............... we'll look forward to having that, with a nice dry white wine, especially with the wonderful sunset that Arillas has to offer. What a combination. :-)
Quote from: James W on August 09, 2007, 09:36:00 PM
My wife is on a seefood diet. See food, and eat it! ;-)
Love it...love it...love it...James...I just have to remember that one :-)
Eileenx
Mikes on two diets........ one isnt enough!
How expensive is it to eat out in Arillas? I've just posted another topic on spending money and it seems that most people take a hell of a lot more than we're planning on taking (£400 for 2 of us for a week - all we can afford!). Trying not to panic about that now!!! :S
smoosh just replied to your question on the other thread. £400 will be plenty, captains table and vivalis are cheap, around 26 euros for 2 3 course meals and plenty of wine and beer. Like I said we spent £500 because we had it to spend, we hired a scooter for the week, bought clothes and ate out every meal. So on £400 you're going to have a fantastic holiday. enjoyx
Hi Smooch, that is plenty for a week in Arillas as far as eating and drinking. Most people that have posted on the other tread have money left other for presie's, booze and ciggies. Depends on if you want to spend at the airport or not. Viv
The Kebab place is not to be missed either. They do wonderful kebabs, not like in the UK.. they also do other meals like egg and chips and I noticed on the menu board traditional greek meals too. We never went there on our first visit but we did this year and they were so cheap. Not a traditional greek restaurant more like a cafe but very good value. We paid 4.20 euros for one bottle of water, tin of iced tea, two kebabs with meat (pork), tzatziki, salad and chips thrown in and a cheese and ham toasty. Fantastic value. Take that on the beach with a bottle wine/beer and watch the sun set lovely! Just an idea :0
Oooo great idea blondegirl! I hear the sunsets are not to be missed in Arillas! :)
Thanks!
Yep that is a fab idea blondegirl, we ate in there a couple of times for lunch and it was very cheap but lovely filling food, just ask them to wrap it up for takeaway smoosh and then grab a couple of bottles of Mythos or Amstel or whatever takes your fancy, and then head down to the beach and watch the fantastic sunset, which are indeed not to be missed, very romantic in my opinion!!
(http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/8387/imgp0435bq2.jpg)
Definately not to be missed!
You can see 2 people on the jetty in that picture watching their own bit of magic, lovely!!
Theres no stopping you now is there Sue with the piccies :-) !
You are getting really clever now Sue - you will haave to set that one up as your back drop on your computer!!
The kebab place i am assuming its the one next to the Malibu. When we were there in 2005 there was a couple staying in our hotel who ate there every night. We went there with them one night and have to say it was not bad! We could not drag them out with us to another reataurant though.
If it's next to Malibu then i assume that'll be very good for us because we're staying at the Akti Arillas hotel, which I believe (from the map!!) is near Malibu?
It is next to it.. Very clean, there are some tables inside too.
Yep the cafe is literally just across the road.
You've got good eyes claire, I didnt see the people on the jetty, and its not Mike and meself! I wouldnt go out that far on it..
My mince pies never fail me!!
Youve never been out to the end of the jetty?? Its lovely to walk up there, see all the fish swimming around the end, also nice at the time of the sunset, give it a go Sue, be brave!!
Its that little bit in the missing that looks like its going to fall into the water that gets me.. If the waves are a bit too rough I bottle out.
Love the idea of taking supper down to the beach and watch the sunset. On the odd unusual day that it has rained in Arillas, we've been and watched a film at the Coconut, nipped to the sanck bar for a gyros and bought it back to the Coconut 'Perfick' as Pa Larkin might say!
Hadn't noticed the kebab shop, will do that with the sunset, what a great idea.
Wow Sue, you are clever, not only photo's but the idea's you come up with and all the lovely Greek cooking you do. Viv
(http://bestsmileys.com/clapping/2.gif)
Hi smoosh.
Methinks some folk may exaggerate the amount they spend, as we're on a budget I'm finding out some 'Wallet Friendly' places to dine.
'Favourite restaurants' are a matter of personal preference. :-)
We're self catering at the far end of the resort, but it'll be breakfasts we'll be making (we're near the bakery for fresh bread).
Lunches and dinners, we look to eat out. Want to give my wife a break. :-)
I think its sometimes cheaper to eat out than buy all the bits and eat in. We usually have breakfast and a snack during the day, depending on how we feel.. then a meal in the evening but even then we dont fancy sometimes dressing up and looking for a restaurant. We had an omelette and salad at the Bardis Sun and poppy does a lovely mushroom omelette there. Theres so much food and choice around and the portions are so big I just feel stuffed with food all the time. But there again, it is nice to plan and think of what you are going to eat and what restaurant to go to in the evening.
I have a quick stay at home recipe: Sardine pasta..... Mikes all time favourite. Boil pasta.... fry two tins sardines (even better with fresh) in oil until they go crispy, throw in some toms, or peppers anything you have, small bit of onion (but I prefer just the sardines), olives, herbs or a small jar of tom. sauce for pasta. all can be done in about 15 mins makes loads and left over for lunch next day. (you could just fry the sardines (I dont like tuna) and toss with the spaghetti and olive oil with loads of lemon, s & p , gorgeous! serve with crusty bread, tomato and cuc. salad and as many glasses of wine you wish to drink... very nice... then just enough space to go and have "pudding" somewhere with a cocktail.
Some people dont like cooking on holiday but I enjoy the challenge of working on two rings and coming up with something with the local ingredients etc.
Can I be a lodger bg?
That recipe makes our mouths water blondegirl.
So you'll send some over to our place of residence in Arillas in September then eh? ;-)
I've added a photo of our favourite place we dined in back in May 2007. We invited some chums and they loved it as well.
I'm sure Arillas has some places like it. Family run, compact, (but not claustrophobic) and friendly. :-)
(http://tickers.tickerfactory.com/ezt/d/4;10747;405/st/20070903/e/Arillas+Holiday/dt/-4/k/9ea3/event.png)
(http://www.tickerfactory.com/)
I would love to be there in September!
That sounds yummy BG, going to try tonight. My hubby looking forward to it already. Got some fresh sardines from Morrisons and raring to go. If you have any more recipes would love to know them, maybe you could start a thread. I love to try but I am rubbish at ideas. Thanks again.
wow BG sounds great! There should definitely be a thread for your recipe of the day!
I could always find some out of my Greek cook books.
Hello
Just a quick query to anyone really (but mainly blondegirl and smiffy who recommended it!) Where exactly is the kebab place? I've printed off the map from here and highlighted all the recommended places!
:D
If you look on the Arillas map you can see the coconut bar and the malibu bar... the fast food cafe/kebab is next door. Outside seating cafe style... they do all sorts of fast food, also there is sometimes a traditional menu cheaper than elsewhere.
Speedy reply blondegirl, you're a star! Sounds good for us because we're staying at the Akti! So it's straight out of the hotel after the post-beach shower and change, over to the kebab place and down to the beach in time for the sunset!
Do you know if they do Keo beer in Corfu? I realise it's Cypriot but I love it! :D Sometimes they even do it in Greek restaurants here!
:D
I havent seen it... There is a very small supermarket if you go left at the Amourada, almost opposite Monas boutique. The guy who owns it has a very interesting hair style ;)
At the back amongst all the dusty boxes they sell very cheap local alcohol. You might find some amongst his bottles!
Will check that out - thanks blondegirl? What is the recommended local beer then?
Our favourite is Mythos, they do Amstel as well... No doubt somebody more used to drinking beer will advise the best brew.
The supermarket by the Bakery also do a local beer but I cant remember the name. Even cheaper than Mythos. Most of the supermarkets do charge about 15 cents for the deposit on the bottles. Its a bit embarassing taking your empties back, the bag was a bit noisy and heavy walking down the road! Kind of lets on how much beer you drink.
Last year we were all buying Mythos in packs of 4 PLUS a free Mythos glass, which we have still got.
Ha ha ha! I can imagine! Nothing like a cold beer on a warm day! I can't wait!
I've always made an effort to drink the local beer wherever I've travelled. Keo in Cyprus is a matter of cents per bottle in some places...whereas Hansa in Norway set me back almost £5 per bottle! :)
My daughter went to Sweden and said that was very expensive too. Our friends went to Norway and said the drinking laws were very strict there. People were taking their duty free with them! You could only buy a limited amount there. I bet they dont have the sort of problems there with underage/binge drinking like we do in the UK.
Perhaps the UK could learn from other countries where the problems are not so rife in certain areas like alcohol.
I think you could be right there! I think the attitudes towards drinking are different too. My Mum's family is from Cyprus and they are ok with younger people drinking beer and wine with a meal - as such she never had any trouble with me growing up (my brother was pretty much ok but had the odd night where he'd made himself sick!). I don't think any of my cousins or anything were problems to their parents with binge drinking either - it's just a different way of life, especially in the Mediterranean countries!
I was in Norway for a few months and the standing joke there was that the only people who could afford to drink were the street drunks as the Norwegian social benefits system is so good!
very hard to recommend best,they are all good!My 11 year-old daughter,for reasons as well as she liked the food,liked Kostas on the beach,because of their little dog Strewby(who has a lovely little story written on the first page of the menu)and you can watch the lovely sunset.We ate in a different resaurant every night(except twice in Kostas)and enjoyed every meal
Heard lots of good things about Kostas so we'll definitely have to try them out! It's not far from our hotel too which is always a bonus!
I haven't heard one bad review about a restaurant in Arillas so far! :)
Smoosh - last week four of us had large gyros, two portions of chips (which we didn't need!!) and a drink each - total cost of meal 20 euros!! Mythos is about 3 euros for a large one, ouzo and sprite about 2 euros and shorts like vodka, jd etc about 4 euros.
On average, we paid about 16 euros for breakfast then didn't really need to eat again until the evening and the most we paid for a meal for the four of us with drinks was 61 euros, average cost was about 50 euros including tip. Portions are large and we never really bothered with starters or puddings because we just couldn't have eaten it all.
Don't know how much the wine is, sunbeds and brolly on the beach were 7 euros but I would say your 80 euros a day will be plenty! Enjoy!!
Oooo thanks Cheryl! Sounds great! I think we'll probably be fine! :)
I was just worrying about running out of money - that can ruin your holiday! And the food is always a big consideration for us, which is why we avoid the British-touristy resorts as far as possible when we go away! Why eat English breakfast and sausage and chips when you're abroad!?! Especially in Greece where the food is so great!
That probably explains why I put on half a stone on our last holiday in Italy... Oh dear, back on the Weight Watchers on 9 September!!! :)
Ooo and I should say - shameless plug but I'm sure lots of people will be interested - my cousin Tonia presents a show on Discovery Realtime called My Greek Kitchen. Any fans of Greek cookery should definitely watch it!
She's in between series at the moment but repeats are being shown. The 2nd series features a load of my family - my grandfather has a starring role in at least 2 episodes so hope you enjoy it if you catch it! :)
Hi Smoosh...shameless plug not :-) I'm surprised you have kept it quiet so long...I'm sure I would just love to let the world know I had a famous relative!
Is Tonia the absolutely gorgeous Greek Gal? I think I've seen this programme a couple of times a while back.
Do you think you could ask her to do a plug in her next show for the 'Arillas Song'?!!! ;-) O.K shameless question I know blatant brass neck I've got eh? :-)
Eileenx
Yes she is gorgeous - sickeningly so, you just have to not stand too close to her at family events! Especially not in a bikini on hols in Cyprus!! I was brought up with all the food she prepares on the show, my Mum's a great cook and if anyone gets a chance to see it and spots a shiny headed man called Uncle Eddie cooking Kleftiko or picking vegetables from his garden and generally grumbling that's my grandfather!
Request noted and will be passed on!!! Ha ha! :)
Hi Smoosh
Please let us know nearer the time when it is on. If it is during the day i will need to set the video up.
Thanks
Shuey
Hi Shuey
It's usually on on a Tuesday evening when the series is new, I think it's on at 8pm on a Tuesday then repeated on Sunday at 9pm. Not sure what they're doing with the repeats - seems a bit ad hoc!
You can get some of the recipes off the website though I think...?
www.discoverylifestylebroadband.co.uk
Right! I've just found out and 2 episodes are being shown on Discovery Realtime at 12noon and 12.30 on Saturday!
Excellent i will have to tune in!
Many thanks.
We have tried nearly all of the above,and would agree with the consensus. Porto Fino is our favourite lunch place, ice cold beer,excellent easy food and the old guy who runs it looks a bit "rough" but is a real diamond geezer!! Brouklis is very authentic Kostas very welcoming with good food and portions,and Thalasa a bit more "contemporary" and a wee bit special but make sure you are not in a hurry anywhere--the Greeks dont do fast food! Especially Thallasa ( see other strands) We go out on the 3rd for a week cant wait.Have read all the reports about lunch up at Afioanas ,so that's a must do as well !!! We havn't tried the Captains,but we will definately put that right next week. Enjoy,Crawford & Susan.
Quote from: Crawsue on August 27, 2007, 10:37:04 PM
We have tried nearly all of the above,and would agree with the consensus. Porto Fino is our favourite lunch place, ice cold beer,excellent easy food and the old guy who runs it looks a bit "rough" but is a real diamond geezer!!
Hi Crawford and Susan, Keith and I were in hysterics at how you describe Spiros :-)
I'm sure I remember during a boozy late night session at the Portofino he said that was only just slightly older than me maybe 51/ 52'ish, LOL so that makes Keith at 56 really ancient!!!
As you know Spiros has a fantastic sense of humour and I'm sure he will see the funny side should he read your post! (LOL..just don't expect him to bring you out the Ouzo bottle again ;-) )
For sure he is a "real diamond geezer" that's why we go :-)
From Eileen (now I know I'm an old gal) & Keith (defo an old geezer now!)
xxx
Apropos places to eat,had some great meals in September,in all the usual haunts.Went to the Captains---wasn't overly impressed,plenty of food but not in the same class as Brouklis etc.Thalasis was excellent and weren't kept waiting.But what has happened to the Arillas Inn? How can a place in such a prime site fail?OK we only ate in it a couple of times and didn't fancy the host (too pushy) last year,but all the same.Early September the place was disturbingly quiet,it must be a worry for the locals,I would have thought it was still high(ish) season,quite a lot of the older style cabin type apartments seem to be closed,obviously the more discerning tourists of the 21st century are looking for more upmarket facillities.On a brighter note the nudee beach access was superb this year--what a difference it makes not having to wade in and out.If Arillas wanted to get a bit busier it should push it's nudee beach,right type of visitor I think.
Its going to be in next edition of worlds best beeches from b.n.a. which im not sure if im pleased about or not. Just want to keep it to ourselves. lol. Viv
Somebody posted earlier in the year that the Arilla Inn is closed due to family problems. Hopefully it will re-open next season.
Ha ha never heard Spiro called a Diamond Geezer before, will have to tell him.
We have never had a bad meal in all the time we have been going to Arillas until 9 days ago. Won't mention the restaurant but I ordered roast lamb as it is my favourite. Well it was served with a hand full of chips and a few cold green beans. The meat was so salty I only managed 3 mouth fulls. I should have complained but didn't like to. Don't think I will ever eat there again, it was the first and last time.
Looks like Spiro is stuck with us yet again.
Jill
Our favourite without doubt was Kostas on the Beach - we went back 3 times!!!
Portofino for us,excellent food excellent service and great views.
have never visited Portofino in 5 years of visiting cos we usually stay on the front and go to the restaurants there. Where is Portofino? Always thought it was a villa complex for guests only.
portofino is on the sea front grace, right next to ammos..
We love the Brouklis, of course. The others we use are portofino, Costas, Marinaand when fancy something simple Helens ( Georges). Usually end up there every night anyway.
Hi Gaye, even if you dont have a meal at potofino, next time your there you must try one of Spiro's ice cream specials mouth watering. Viv
I prefer his ouzo,
ps. has he shown you his underpants?
I think the thought of the filling needs to be taken with a pinch or bucket of salt.
Mick. :-)
Costas on the Beach closed for the winter on Saturday but we had a lovely meal there on Friday night. They gave us free baklava as they were getting rid of their stocks. Delicious (the diet starts tomorrow!) - absolutely dripping in honey and cinnamon.
apart from all the wonderful resteraunts in arillas ,what about others when maybe on a day out ,we went to paolokatstrisa excuse the spelling an went to a taverna on the bay below had octopus in vinegar and lobster for main superb !but still nice to get back to brouklis and eat with freinds
M&M got a feeling you may be talking about the underpants we got him, were they for a LARGE man ha ha ha. Also bought him a thong the moo's like a bull when they are squeezed. Can't resist buying him stupid prezzies. You must ask him to if you can see his fishing t shirt if you haven't already seen it.
Won't tell you what we sent over in June for hims!
Jill
Jill
haven't seen the T shirt or thong, we may have to wait until September to see them, or maybe not, depends on last minute hols.
Mick.
Just to keep this Topic open & maybe arouse some summer holiday feelings for some.
No prizes for guessing where this is.
(http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/7012/s3010202da5.jpg)
...
(http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/2646/s3010203gn3.jpg)
Negg
Nice one Eggy, I bet he`s having a good break.
Hi Eggy
One of my fave places. Thanx for the photo.
Mango
Does anyone know if Vavilas is open at lunchtime. We've never eaten there despite promising ourselves every year that we will by but by evening the thought of walking there and back from Kaloudis in the heat stops me (lazy I know but that's what total relaxation does for you) so I think we'll have more chance of getting there lunchtime.
Quote from: june on April 05, 2015, 10:10:09 AM
Does anyone know if Vavilas is open at lunchtime. We've never eaten there despite promising ourselves every year that we will by but by evening the thought of walking there and back from Kaloudis in the heat stops me (lazy I know but that's what total relaxation does for you) so I think we'll have more chance of getting there lunchtime.
I have called in at lunch times to book a table, I have not seen anyone eating there at lunchtimes.
But if you can make it in the heat of the day the evening should not give you any problems.
A steady walk along the front as the sun sets and then superb food at Vivalis is a must for us.
Same here John, so I think the answer must be no, if anybody knows better please correct me.x
Don't think he opens lunchtimes at all.
Negg
Oh well thanks for that looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and go in the evening. Can't go another year wishing we'd got there and not done it. Haven't got many regrets about Arillas but not going to Thomas's would be one.
You do not say when you are going June but if it is in July or August you would be well advised to book a table first as Thomas gets very,very busy in those months. Ron.
We're going middle of June so should be ok without booking. We've been coming to Arillas since 2000 and have always intended to go there and never round to it but this will be the year even if it means an early start with Mojito in Ammos Strawberry Daiquiri at Horizon and a G and T in Mirage should make the walk go easier
Hi june. We go to Vavilas very often. We currently go early July, but we ALWAYS book in advance now, having been turned away one evening. They can't make new tables/covers for regular visitors however hard they try. We ask Bobby at Bardis Sun Studios to sort it out for us tomorrow, never the same day. Wherever you stay, ask the owners to set it up for you and they will do it. But ask them the day before.
In June, your namesake, I believe it will be a good idea to book. Corfu as a whole is busying up, and peops are finding hard to even book somewhere to stay in Arillas this year. Just plan for the next day or the day after. Thomas always honours his bookings.
And whatever type of fish you like you will enjoy what he cooks. Or no fish at all, but limited possibilities for that in what is truly a fish taverna.
Phil
Thanks Phil I'll take your advise I'd hate to eventually get there just to be turned away. Also once it's booked I can't be too lazy to do the walk
I have also walked up in the day to book and not seen anyone eating. I had always presumed Thomas was out fishing in the day for the evening but maybe I am wrong. Well worth the walk but then it is nearer for us as we stay at Bardis sun studios.
Never seen anyone eating there in the day but have seen people just having a quick Mythos or two :-)