The Venetian Well

The Venetian Well is a special-occasion restaurant on Kremasti Square in the Old Town of Corfu, in the Ionian Islands of Greece. The square sits near the cathedral and takes its character from the Venetian-era well that gives the restaurant its name, which makes the setting more secluded than the busy lanes around the Liston. The kitchen works in a modern Mediterranean style, with an emphasis on careful plating and produce-led dishes rather than the traditional taverna repertoire. One dish recorded for the restaurant is a sea bass ceviche, which gives an indication of the lighter, contemporary approach, and the menu is described as built around gourmet Mediterranean tasting plates. These are small, composed dishes that suit a slow, multi-course meal, and ordering several to share is a common approach. The dining room is stylish, and the outdoor tables on the square are the main draw on warm evenings; the atmosphere is quieter and more romantic than at the casual tavernas elsewhere in the Old Town. There is no formal dress code, but many diners dress up a little for dinner, and smart casual is a sensible choice. Prices sit at the upper end of the Old Town range, at around €35-70 per person (about USD 40-80), depending on how many courses are ordered and whether wine is included. A wine list of Greek and international labels is the natural companion to the food, and the setting lends itself to an unhurried evening. Reservations are recommended, particularly for square-side tables on summer evenings and weekends, and booking a few days ahead in July and August is sensible. Because the square is tucked away, first-time visitors often find it easiest to navigate from the cathedral side of the Old Town.