Nikolas Taverna, Agios Nikitas, Lefkada

Nikolas Taverna is set directly on the beach at Agios Nikitas, one of the most photogenic and appealing small villages on Lefkada's west coast. Agios Nikitas occupies a narrow valley descending to a small sand-and-pebble cove, its whitewashed houses and narrow vehicle-free lanes making it one of the best-preserved traditional villages in the Ionian Islands. The village is car-free within its central area, which contributes to the calm that defines the experience of eating at Nikolas — tables are set with views directly over the Ionian, the sound of waves at the sea's edge, and the western horizon that delivers the sunsets for which Lefkada's west coast is renowned. The kitchen focuses on freshly caught fish from the local daily catch: sea bream, sea bass, and red mullet arrive simply grilled with lemon and olive oil; seafood soup is made from the smaller bycatch that doesn't make the main grill. Prawn saganaki — prawns cooked in a sauce of tomato, ouzo, and feta — is a popular addition for those who want a richer preparation. Grilled octopus, hung to dry in the sun and then charred over charcoal, is consistently highlighted by visitors as the best single dish. The taverna operates seasonally from April through October; dinner reservations in July and August are recommended by phone as the village fills with visitors who have made it a regular part of a Lefkada itinerary.