Kefalonia or Cephalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands in western Greece. Steeped in history, it was home to Odysseus, the legendary king hailed in Homer's The Odyssey. Unlike many other Greek holiday destinations Kefalonia has managed to escape mass tourism, so it has an authentic Greek feel.
It is sunny all year round with a pleasant autumn and spring, scorching summers reaching average highs of 29°C, and mild but wet winters which keep the island lush and green.
Restaurants mostly serve up traditional Greek food so be sure to try 'souvlaki' (grilled meat skewers), 'spedzofai' (sausage and pepper stew) and 'moussaka' (aubergine casserole). Other cuisine is available if you get fed up of gyros, with Modern European and seafood restaurants dotted around the island.
Greek
While you're here, you might as well try out the local cuisine the most famous dish is Kefalonian meat pie, or you could try out 'aliada' consisting of boiled octopus, garlic and mashed potatoes. Why not wash it down with a local Robola wine?
There are several grill restaurants around where you can get 'gyros' (kebabs), as well as souvlaki, salads and other grilled meats. There's Kefalonia Grill House located next to the Aenos Hotel in Argostoli's central square, where they cook tasty meat dishes on open charcoals. Or there's Katelios Grill House in Katelios whether you choose a simple pitta for lunch or a full gyros and souvlaki meal for dinner, it will not disappoint.
Alternatively there's Gourgouris Grill tucked away in a side street in Skala with a great selection of cheap meze dishes. Try the frozen yoghurt place across the road, My Yoghurt, for dessert. Also in Skala there's the family-run Makis Grill House where on Wednesday and Saturday they cook either a whole lamb, pig or goat on a spit. Head to the nearby Captain's Bar afterwards for a cocktail.
If you're in search of somewhere by a harbour, why not try Portside Taverna at Argostoli port with great views of the sea and a range of good value Greek dishes. Or in Agia Afimia there's To Perasma overlooking the harbour with views as far as Sami. Their extensive menu includes traditional homemade Greek food as well as international cuisine. Head to the nearby Gialos Cafe Bar to try some local desserts. There's also Platanos by the harbour in Assos offering Greek dishes, seafood and local specialities such as Kefalonian meat pie.
At the The Olive Lounge in Lourdas you can dine al fresco overlooking the Ionian Sea. Choose from a range of Greek cuisine prepared using local produce or enjoy fresh fish delivered daily by a local fisherman. Head to Apostolis in Skala to try their range of quality Greek classics and sit on the terrace for great views of the townscape. Also in Skala is the long-established Sirocco where you can feast on traditional Greek delicacies and aromatic wine as gentle music plays. Their moussaka and Kefalonia meat pies are to die for.
For a lunch or a lighter meal, head to Kastro Cafe next to the St George's Castle near Svoronata. Also in Svoronata there's Avithos Taverna overlooking the beach where you can grab breakfast, a light lunch as well as an evening meal. Choose from a range of Kefalonian specials and fresh fish.
Modern European
If you've had enough of gyros and moussaka, there are a couple of Modern European-style eateries around.
One of the most popular is Casa Grec, just off the main square in Arogostoli. Here you can enjoy Italian, French or Greek cuisine in the idyllic courtyard with jazz music playing in the background. Try the prawn salad salted with garlic wine and wild rice, or the spaghetti with filet and cream. For just Italian food, head Antonello's Pizzeria near Xi beach and the town of Lixouri. Tuck into pizza or pasta before a round of mini golf.
Seafood
Fish are in decline due to over-fishing, and while there are some seafood restaurants in Kefalonia they can be very expensive.
Familia by the waterfront in Sami serves delicious fish dishes sourced from local fishermen. You'll be taken into the kitchen where the chef will talk you through the catch of the day and allow you to pick out the type and size of fish you'd like. Why not try the fresh swordfish, filet of bream or shrimps that look like baby lobsters? On the same waterfront there's Mermaid with a clear view of the sea and a wide range of local recipes.
Over in Lourdas there's Lithero situated by a small harbour with great views of the sea and across to Zante. It offers the usual choice of Greek food but specialises in fresh fish including seabass, seabream, swordfish, tuna and white snapper. On some days you can also have lobster. Or by Fiskardo port there's Anemoessa where you can sample traditional Greek dishes, fresh fish and a variety of seafood while enjoying the sea view.