Galini Taverna

Our Story – The Sarakinos Legacy

The Sarakinos family holds a special place in the history of Agios Stefanos. At the beginning of the 20th century, Nikos Sarakinos’s family was the very first to settle in the village. It was already a large family—and it didn’t take long for it to grow even larger. Today, the number of locals carrying the "Sarakinos" surname stands as a testament to that legacy.

Nikos’s grandfather, also named Nikos, was a humble fisherman who used his skills to feed his family long before tourism ever reached Corfu. When visitors began discovering the beauty of the island, he gradually transitioned from the sea to the shore—opening the very first taverna in Agios Stefanos bay. It was a simple place, known not for flashy attractions but for its warmth and hospitality. Among its most beloved figures was Auntie “La,” remembered fondly by regular guests for her welcoming presence.

The next generation took a different path. Nikos’s father, Kostas, didn’t inherit the restaurant but found his calling in construction. Gifted with an eye for building, he helped shape the region—many of the homes from Kerasia to Kassiopi are his handiwork.

It was Nikos Sarakinos, the grandson, who returned to the family’s culinary roots. After completing his military service, he took over the taverna and began transforming it to meet the evolving expectations of a new era of tourism—honoring tradition while embracing the future.