The most popular restaurant on the island - and why
- Chris Barrow
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
It was noticeably quieter in Ithaca this year:
Fewer super-yachts - we would normally expect to see between 6 and 10 of the top 100 yachts in the world (by size and value) - this year only one - owned by the wealthiest family in Kazakstan;
Fewer flotillas - the harbour at Vathi is normally full at least 4 nights a week (accounting for change-over days) - this year there was only one night in 14 where the harbour seemed busy;
Fewer diners - most of the harbour-side restaurants are normally only bookable - this year only the best two of them required a reservation.
Talking to our many friends in Vathi, it seems that the very early part of the season showed some promise and that has now evaporated.
Reasons?
Well we can all speculate on the effects of global conflict, tariffs, The Straits of Hormuz. Ithaca sees visitors from literally the world over, and the boat you are passing could be owned or rented by people from the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, billionaires, the occasional Royal Family and sometimes just an elderley couple or a young family who see themselves as independent travellers on a 45 foot mono.
This year many of them seem to have stayed at home or sailed in a different direction.
A quiter island - with one exception.
Yet again we twice visited our favourite restaurant in the hills above Stavros - Myrtia.
And enjoyed the unforgettable hospitality of Poppy and Nektarios, who we have known for 20 years.
We have followed them on their journey from a harbour-side cantina to this beautiful mountainside location that began as a start-up just a few years ago.
We were delighted to hear that they are at capacity - 80 covers a night, one sitting and a waiting list. Diners not only taking the long taxi ride from Vathi in to the mountains, some even taking the sea-taxi or ferry from neighbouring Kefalonia, just for the opportunity to dine there.
No compromise on quality - the best food, wine and hospitality imaginable.
People make the effort to get there because of the experience that is delivered.
It's a lesson for us all - in the face of declining consumer confidence.
No gimmicks.
No discounts.
Just a relentless focus on quality, care and a hint of exclusivity.
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