Now that summer is in the air, we find ourselves dreaming of restful moments and delicious meals by the sea. Lygia, a quiet fishing village on the eastern coast of Lefkada, offers exactly that: simplicity, authenticity, and deeply satisfying flavors. The region’s rich fishery supplies the local fish market, and every day the traditional boats return to Lygia’s harbor brimming with fresh treasures that smell of the sea. The result? Exquisite dishes that make their way from boat to table with barely a pause.
TA KANIORIA
A superb fish tavern in Lygia, Ta Kanioria is known for its ultra-fresh ingredients and warm, courteous service. Add the stunning location to the mix, and you’ve got an experience that will linger in your memory. A true family-run gem, Kanioria kneads its own sourdough bread, sources fragrant vegetables from their own garden, and serves food that marries the soulfulness of homemade fare with the culinary wisdom that comes from long-standing experience.
Signature dishes include the bourdeto with scorpionfish—a landmark of Ionian cuisine—and their emblematic bakaliaros bianco (cod with chunky potatoes in a tangy lemon sauce), which is an absolute must-try. You’ll also find meltingly tender octopus, plump and flavorful cuttlefish, and a wide range of delightful starters for sharing. For meat lovers, the slow-cooked rooster pastitsada and the oven-baked lamb spaeto with garlic and rosemary exemplify a no-frills, soulful approach to cooking. Finish your meal with a homemade dessert and a glass of house liqueur, and let the landscape do the rest.
XOURAS
Set on the charming and peaceful harbor of Lygia, Xouras has been a beloved staple for over twenty years. This classic seaside taverna invites you to enjoy superb seafood while the salty breeze cools you down. With tables right by the water, fishing nets draped like living memories, and traditional boats bobbing gently in the cove, the atmosphere evokes nostalgia, authenticity, and the kind of laid-back hospitality only found in true Greek settings.
The menu is a seafood lover’s dream: from smoky grilled octopus and grilled sardines to shrimp and the freshest wild-caught sea bream or tender little cod, lightly fried—whatever the trawl nets bring in that day. Everything is cooked with deep respect for the ingredients and served ideally alongside crisp fries or steamed greens dressed in olive oil and lemon.
One standout dish is the silky smooth monkfish soup—known locally as sklepoú—a signature pot dish full of maritime aromas that elevates humble ingredients to gourmet status. A must for any visitor.
CISORE RESTAURANT & COCKTAIL BAR
The newest addition to Lygia’s culinary map, Cisore Restaurant & Cocktail Bar has already made a striking impression. With its elegant setting literally on the water and a refined, creative kitchen that blends precision with premium ingredients, Cisore is a dining destination in its own right. The menu is crafted with technical flair and inspired by local gastronomy. Among the starters, the octopus savore stands out for its balance and intense flavor, while the lentils with cuttlefish and a whisper of orange is one of the most characterful openings on offer.
For mains, the generous shrimp pasta wows with its rich, well-bound sauce and effortless depth of flavor, while the fresh catch of the day is cooked with understated finesse and served with sautéed greens. For the more gourmand-inclined, the lobster is prepared to perfection with meticulous attention to detail. The finale arrives in the form of a light and elegant monte yogurt with Florentine, and the carefully crafted signature cocktails—featuring botanical notes, fruit, and subtle acidity—round out the experience beautifully.
Cisore Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
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