Maria's Tavern

We feel so lucky to have discovered Maria’s Taverna. It’s a special place with the best, most flavorful Greek home cooking, tucked into the tiny village of Kolyvata. We called ahead and her daughter so nicely took our names and reservation for our table of 5. The drive there through the mountains was a treat in and of itself - we saw goats and olive groves and some grand views of the interior of Lefkada. Then we arrived and it truly is dinner in Maria’s home, with her grandchildren playing happily in the living room, and no written menu, but her son-in-law came to give us the specials of the day. We wanted to try everything! So we ordered the Greek salad, the spinach pie (with her own homemade phyllo dough), the meatballs, the stuffed peppers and stuffed tomatoes, the aubergine baked with tomato, onion and cheese, the slow baked chicken with vegetables, and lastly, the grilled local sausages. The food just kept coming and we ate heartily and well - I have never had Greek food quite like this. The meatballs were spiced with mint(?) and tasted so savory and delicious. Every dish was special and incredibly delicious! The food was wonderful and so was the hospitality. It was a special special experience for our family to be welcomed into Maria’s home. We love to eat and to cook and I can tell that Maria is an exceptionally talented cook. Her ingredients are impeccable and flavorful, and she just knows how to make really good food. She was also so lovely with our children and the other guests, visiting with them and asking how everything was, even though I’m sure English is not her first language. How lucky we are to have met Maria and gotten the chance to eat in her home. An incredible memory we will never forget!

A proper Greek tavern in the middle of nowhere, it’s like going to dine in a warm little house. The food is very authentic and delicious, probably the best in the whole island. It’s run by a family and they’re so welcoming. Thank you for the beautiful dinner!

It may be in a remote area, but its well worth the journey. The best food ever, handmade by Mrs Maria herself, she is the kindest host you can meet, hardworking, understanding, she built something truly unique here. We will return here on every occasion we get, haven’t left yet, but I’m already saddened by the thought. For the best experience, call ahead and sync in.

What a lovely dinner we had here. The atmosphere, the food, the setting and the hospitality were simply amazing. The most authentic Greek restaurant you can find on the island. Thanks to Maria and family for the lovely evening!

This is a wonderful little gem hidden amongst trees away from the hustle and bustle of the island. The drive there will offer very nice views and as soon as you step in you will be met by a lovely lady who cooks the most delicious meals-quite simple but full of flavour! Unfortunately we did not know that they prefer a call the day before; however, we were very happy with what they already had available and the lady serving us was helpful and friendly. This place is really worth a visit but don't forget to call in advance so they are ready for you. We had a really lovely meal there!

Not very often I award 5 stars, but this place, the view, the food and of course the people deserve it. The first time we went there without calling in advance (you should call because Maria could have many guests and se has a lot of work to do) but still got some delicious food. We love locally cooked meals, and this is as good as it gets.

I wish health, well being and happiness for Maria and her family! She accepted our small group of 4 when we arrived at her place one week ago. She informed us that in order to dine there, we needed to make a reservation a day ahead of arrival. Nevertheless she was so kind and warm hearted that she made an exception and allowed us to stay. When she started to list the menu items, we replied to each item with: yes please, yes please, yes please! All in all, when we finished eating, the plates were almost clean, and stacked one on top of another, that's how good the food was! Thank you for the food that you make, it really saved the culinary experience of our trip in Lefkada.

We went to Maria's Tavern as we were staying near by. Its a small place in a secluded spot in the mountains but very traditional. On arrival we were asked if we had phoned which we had not. We discovered how not phoning prior to attending causes her problems as she is a small place and relies on phone calls to get the ingredients. She also said she can offer much more variety if you phone beforehand. I hope this review helps her in this respect so other people wanting to go will know to phone in advance. But Maria was very accomodating snd set a table for us. Maria is very friendly and informative about her food. The Greek salad was the best we have had in Lefkada and the grilled cheese with honey was really good. It was such good value that it didn't seem right so we gave her extra. I would recommend Maria's Tavern but urge you to call in advance.