Lefkada, Greece: Mountain Restaurant “Taverna Dimitris” in Paleokatouna with Views to Nydri and Geni

There are actually 2 Dimitris Tavernas (or Taverna Dimitris) in the nearby Nydri area and people should not confuse the 2 with each other because they are very different, both in terms of setting and experience. Both are also not located in Nydri town but they are very close.

• Dimitris Taverna in Paleokatouna (in the mountains to the direction of Rachi, about 7-10 minutes drive from Nydri)
• Dimitris Taverna in Geni peninsula (on the water, also approximately 7-10 minutes drive or boat ride from Nydri)

Dutchman and I have been to both Dimistris and both have something special and unique. For this blog entry, I am posting the Dimitris mountain taverna in Paleokatouna.

I learned about the taverna from the owner of Armonia Hotel, the hotel we stayed at for our summer holiday in Nydri marina. I told him that I am always looking for restaurants with a lovely panoramic view and he quickly picked this up saying we should visit Dimitris Taverna in the nearby mountain. He even pointed the mountain to me as we could see it clearly from the hotel. Aside from the superb views, the food is quite good. He said that the we just have to follow the Paleokatouna sign from the main road in Nydri and we will reach the taverna in the mountain.

So one evening we went here and were glad to find out that there is a big parking area for Dimitris Taverna customers. We didn’t book a reservation in advance but we were lucky enough to score a table on the outside terrace. You need to come early (19:00 for example) to secure the best table with a view on the terrace.

Speaking of the views, they were the first thing that captured my sight when we set foot in the taverna. The restaurant is perched on top of the hills of Paleokatouna and guests are able to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Nydri and the Geni peninsula. You can see the blue waters, the many sailboats and their masts and and lush green surroundings of olive and pine trees swaying in the wind. It was indeed a bit windy when we were there and I was quite glad that I brought with me my trusted shawl.

So we started dinner with grilled sweet peppers and some toasted bread sprinkled in aromatic herbs. The Dutch mother loved the toasted bread and could not stop complimenting it. As we waited for the mains to arrive, we entertained ourselves with the lovely tableau before us. It was an opportunity for me as well to take pictures, well a lot of course, haha!

For our mains, Dutchman settled with a pork souvlaki skewer and green beans and the Dutch mother, grilled chicken with potato fries. I decided to try the grilled lamb chops and green beans which I shared with the Dutchman. I usually eat seafood during holidays, but sometimes I eat meat for a change and usually cannot finish it. This is when my personal walking food trash bin (the Dutchman) comes in handy. I encourage all girls and women to have one =)

For this dinner, we were happy to say that we were satisfied with all the grilled meats, they were tender and well cooked. The owner of the hotel who recommended us this taverna was right, the home-cooked style food here is really good. Plus the outdoor ambiance on the terrace and the views made the whole experience very special and unique, bringing our dinner to a Greek culinary height.

As we were finishing up, Dimitris, the owner of the taverna, who by the way acts as the head waiter came to the table and gave us some chilled watermelon slices and home-made rose dessert wine. The dessert wine was delicious and very fragrant. We told him we enjoyed the dinner, and that the food was very good,  and that I need a picture of him. He gladly posed =)

TIP: If you do not have a car, you can take a cab from Nydri. Walking will probably take 30-45 minutes but do this for dinner and not for lunch because it will be scorching hot on the road.

Dimitris Taverna in Paleokatouna and the views.

We managed to get a table on the terrace by the railings but all the best tables were already taken, helaas. You have to come early to secure one. So we are starting here with some drinks.

Grilled sweet peppers and toasted bread for our starters.

Our mains and the beautiful views to Nydri and Geni that go with them =)

Dutch mother's grilled chicken with fries.

Dutchman's pork souvlaki skewer with green beans.

My grilled lamb chops with green beans. I shared the meat with the Dutchman who was more than willing to taste this as well.

This is Dimitri who takes good care of his guests. Chilled watermelon and home-made rose dessert wine from the house, Thank you!

Parking is just before reaching the taverna.

Travel Period: June - July 2016
Destination: Paleokatouna – Nydri, Ellomenos (Lefkada – Ionian Islands), Greece

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