Restaurants in Aghios Stephanos

Spiros, Havana Beach Bar

Everyone seems to be called Spiros, except Stella & 'Aqua' Marina from the Hotel Romanza.

Spiros & Stephanos run the Havana Beach Bar, situated up the northern end of the beach.

If you take the garden track down from the Romanza to the beach, this will be the first bar you encounter on the left. If you stay at the Theresa or Captain's on the hill and walk down to the village, the Havana is accessed by taking the first right of the serpentine hill and going down the steps. They have very comfortable beach beds and umbrellas for hire. Their snacks and aperitifs are excellent. Even chips are interesting, with skins partially left for the deep-fat frying.

We did the midday coffee and diet coke, but usually followed up with late afternoon cocktails (see photo above). Traditional Greek snacks are also offered, as well as tourist essentials, such as Club Sandwich. Working your way through a menu is a pleasant experience anywhere in Greece. Nice cataract by the dubs too. This place has some crazy reviews from Italians, but ignore them and get stuck in to those seaviews. The light is sensational and seems to change by the minute. Who needs tv? Can't wait to return and sit there in the evening after a meal.

There's another cracker on the beach, called Waves. They offer free sunbeds and umbrellas, if you use their facilities at lunchtime. The beds are a bit battered, but they're free! The food and service here is excellent. This place had the added bonus of exactly the same ceramic decor as our bathrooms and cloakrooms at home. Luxury at a beachfront taverna. Exceptional. This was a very popular spot - bet it gets busy in the summer.

Cars park on the beach nearby. Watch out for the drivers - they're all dickheads.

Brusko (Brusco) Restaurant

I can't remember the name of the gambler/ waiter but I'm sure it's Spiros (Kostas is more likely) ! Even he has now completed his National Service stint, with the Navy! Because it was late-season and quiet, he came to sit with us to have a chat and show us his photos. His phone was stacked with glorious images of the north of the island, with views of places only accessible to local knowledge. The 'out-of-season shots' were some of the most interesting and stunning, since the winter light is different again. It has to be said. Corfu is arguably one of the best islands for photography.We had fantastic sauce-based meals here. While our host tried to forecast how many goals the league cup would produce, we tucked in to another San Stefanos special. This placed is smack opposite the awful Thomas Bay Nursing Home for elderly delinquents. There you can be entertained by dreadful Robbie Williams tribute acts (though I wouldn't go there if the real thing turned up). We avoided that and went for a drink in one of the bars, but found ourselves aurally assaulted by an Adele tribute act. Where do they get these characters? People there were taking video of her. I downed my bacardi as if it were a shot.

Hotel Theresa

Guests and non-residents are welcome here for drinks (careful with the Cosmopolitan) and the extraordinary sofrito cooked on the premises. It's got shedloads of returners here and there is a good sized pool and modern furnishings. The staff are great and the sunsets (see picture) are out of this world.

Olympia

Classy-looking and a bit more up-market in feel, this place offers really nice food. Been hit by the recent problems in the tourist industry. Hope they succeed.

Manthos Taverna (Andreias & family)

Since Manthos has retired, his taverna has been taken on by Andreias and his family. They used to run the franchise at the Hotel Romanza, where their food was outstanding. Kate still does the cooking and Billy & Athanassis have gone with Andreias. They’ve added Greek nights to their repertoire, while the food is still awesome. It’s a great team.