17 July 2008
The quiet town of Calvi, which is home to only about 5,177 inhabitants, becomes a popular and vibrant sea resort in the summer, a favourite place among foreign visitors who wander along the pleasant harbour, in rhythm to the sound of the guitars playing in the background.
Because in Corsica, as in any other Mediterranean island, the "siesta" is always de rigueur after lunch, the restaurants dotted along the beach often tend to attract both holiday-makers and locals alike.
Enjoying a good meal is an integral part of the island's culture and an ideal way of spending the hours between 13:00 and 15:00 when the sun is at its highest point and temperatures sore to 30 degrees C.
Eating on the beach:
-Head for Le Belgodere restaurant, which is located right on the beach near the tennis club, before retiring for a "farniente" session on one of the sun-loungers.
The Belgodere also offers snacks, ice-creams and crepes for quick bites.
The restaurant has great views over the Gulf of Calvi and the citadel.
Check the programme for Latino, Afro or Caribbean nights.
-For a more secluded beach, opt for the Signoria Mare, an exotic fisherman's cabin grill restaurant on the hotel La Signoria's own private beach.
Eating in the harbour:
Calvi's harbour is the place to go to for seafood and delicious fish dishes.
-Le Comme Chez Soi, in quai landry, specialises in seafood and lobsters, offering menus ranging from €20 to €50.
-For pizzas and pastas, Captain'Resto « Welcome on Board » is located right on the marina.
Eating in the town centre:
The town centre is a good place for country cooking and more traditional Corsican cuisine.
-Chez Doume, in place de l'eglise, has menus starting from €17.50, including the saute of veal in olives and the wild boar stew with maquis honey.
-For wine lovers, Casa Vinu is by far the best option. The restaurant serves traditional food, but also presents customers with a choice of no fewer than 2,000 different wines.
Casa Vinu is in 15 boulevard Wilson.
Eating in the countryside:
-Ideally located if you are planning a visit to the Bonifato Forest, restaurant La Signoria has outstanding views over Bonifato cirque. The restaurant is a famous Corsican gastronomy spot in the region, located on the route de la Foret de Bonifato.
-Resto des Iles - chez Marie, is also an excellent venue outside Calvi, located only a few minutes away on route de la pinede.
This is the best place to surprise friends and treat everyone to truly unique dishes, which combine Corsican and Creole cuisines.
Cod fritters, Caribbean black pudding, but also the Corsican soup and lamb gigot, all served with fruit punch to flavour the entire meal.
We say the French like food, what about the Corsicans? A holiday to Corsica must include some wine, cheese and charcuterie tasting, as well as trips to local gastronomy hotspots to truly appreciate all of the island's wonders.
While most restaurants in the town centre remain open all year long, others may only open their doors from April to October during the high season. It is always best to check beforehand.
