It’s no secret that Corsica boasts a blend of culinary delights; let us guide you through a few personal recommendations from a Corsican Places team member who visited the island on their own holiday.
I set off on a Corsican family holiday and had the most amazing time, one thing I now know…Corsicans take their food seriously! With a blend of French and Italian cuisine, the Corsican food scene is a great one to delve into and try some new things.
From the first moment I booked my holiday to Calvi, I was dreaming of all the exciting things to see and do and of course, eat! Calvi is a stunning seaside town, with a remarkable ancient citadel perched on the hill overlooking the quaint streets below. There are many restaurants both in the citadel and in the main town, with plenty of great spots to eat by the marina, all of which have beautiful views out to the Bay of Calvi and the striking mountains in the background.
Calvi Marina
Evenings in Calvi are magical, with lights twinkling on the water in the marina, the hustle and bustle of diners in the many restaurants and the charm of the cobbled streets. There are plenty of bars to frequent, some busier than others depending on the sort of nightlife you are looking for. For an exclusive feel, the establishments along the promenade at the marina are perfect, and for a more intimate and authentic experience, head further into the charming streets away from the water where you will find some gems. Make sure you do not overlook the smaller places to eat that sit, sometimes hidden, in the streets behind the baroque-style Church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, built in the 16th century.
Dining in Calvi Town
My favourite restaurant in Calvi was the Aloghja Café, the ideal place for wine and charcuterie lovers. The location on the quaint cobbled streets allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy the produce whilst also doing a spot of people-watching! The restaurant itself is a charming place to browse local meats, cheeses, wines and other delights. All housed in a traditional stone building with rustic wooden shelving and further space to enjoy snacks and drinks inside. Aloghja Cafe sells the most delicious fig jam, and it is served alongside their cheese and charcuterie platters, grab your own jar when you visit and take a little piece of Corsica home with you!
Outside Aloghja Cafe
Dining in the citadel
Eating in the citadel is a beautiful experience, with a vibrant and bustling atmosphere and a sense that you are eating with the locals! The main draw for diners is the sunset, beautiful hues of oranges, reds and pinks bathe the water and streets below, the most picturesque view to enjoy tasty Corsican fare. Here are some suggestions to delight your tastebuds:
A Candella boasts breathtaking vistas of the bay and fabulous traditional French and Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. The charming courtyard area is the ideal place to dine whilst enjoying the stunning backdrop, try to grab a table by the wall for unobstructed views!
Right next to A Candella is Le Cafe Columb, there is only a small selection of tables here, but it is open for fresh lunches, drinks and snacks, a great place to refuel and cool off with a drink after exploring the citadel.
Mi! is another great choice, sitting on the Reveletta side of the citadel, it has a very rustic feel, with little tables lined up along the viewpoint and a drinks shack serving meat dishes and fresh salad bowls. To finish off your meal, they serve the most amazing Pannacotta, make sure to try them if you visit!
Calvi citadel at night
Dining at Calvi Marina
Umami is a standout eatery on the waterfront, with a slightly more expensive menu, but it is well worth it. It offers refined food that is a little different from the menus in other restaurants in town.
Dining along Calvi Beach
If you find yourself craving a leisurely lunch whilst enjoying your day at the beach, head to Nina Plage, offering fresh salads in a beautiful setting. Admire the view out to Calvi citadel with a refreshing drink and relax as the sea breeze flows by with the relaxing ambience of lounge music playing throughout the day. Make sure to visit on your beach day for a memorable dining experience!
There are plenty of beach bars to try out all along Calvi Beach, many with their own sunloungers to enjoy a full day of indulgence, all offering delicious foods. A long lunch in one of the bars is the ideal way to cool off and take in the remarkable surroundings of Calvi Beach.
Suppose the foodie scene of Calvi has enticed you? In that case, Corsican Places has plenty of gorgeous properties available in the area, whether you seek an adult-only apartment with a shared pool or a private villa with your very own pool! There is also a fantastic selection of hotels, from great value comfort to something a little more luxurious and indulgent. My family and I stayed at the charming Hotel Cyrnea, a family-run property with friendly staff and a brilliant atmosphere, just a short stroll into Calvi’s centre.