As of 2021, the only McDonald’s restaurant in Corfu closed permanently. It was located in the heart of the Old Town, under Hotel Arcadion next to the historic Liston. Sitting outside you had the stunning view of the Old Fortress. After its closure, Hotel Arcadion opened its own cafe bar as the owner of the premises.
McDonald’s restaurant in Corfu while it had authentic recipes found the world over like any other franchise. The part that was absent was the yellow arches and the bright-coloured logo signs found outside any other McDonald’s. For signs, there was just a black and white logo of its name on the tents used for shade and protection from the elements. The reason for this is that it was located in the historic center of Corfu where advertising and signs that stand out like a sore thumb are prohibited by the authorities.
McDonalds was not very popular with the locals. While it had a steady custom, especially from teenagers it was not as popular as it is abroad. while in winter it was ticking over the summer is when it made most of its money. Tourists would flock to it for a familiar menu and flavour, a quick, inexpensive and satisfying meal. Covid seemed to be the death of the Corfu franchise. With a summer holiday season restricted to only a few weeks and limited people travelling, the main source of income that made it profitable was lost.
What are the Alternatives to McDonald’s in Corfu
There isn’t a comparable fast-food burger joint to McDonald’s in Corfu, except for the one at the airport. Corfu Airport houses a Burger King, but access is limited to the departure lounge as you exit the island. It offers a selection of popular burgers and drinks with the familiar distinctive taste. You can place your order either through a staff member or using the automated menu boards, providing the convenience of perusing the full menu and prices at your leisure before deciding to order.
Many local cafes, restaurants and fast-food places have burgers. The flavour would be different mostly because of the type of patty, as most tend not to be the typical fast food chain type. Some places around town that do burgers are Pitta Tou Papou, Red Hot Chili Burger to mention just a few. They both sell a variety of burgers to satisfay even every taste.
Red Hot Chili Burger proudly asserts itself as the inaugural independent burger house on Corfu Island. Boasting the use of fresh ingredients and crafted recipes, their burger menu is extensive, ranging from the classic plain or cheeseburger to more elaborate options. With a diverse array of fillings and buns, they cater to every palate, including offerings for vegans and vegetarians. In addition to their diverse burger selection, Red Hot Chili Burger also features a wide variety of salads, potatoes (French fries), onion rings, and more.
No matter where you find yourself on the island, there’s always a spot serving burgers. There are numerous options to mention here since many establishments offer them, considering it as one of the safe choices for travelers who prefer to stick to familiar food. However, it’s worth noting that if you choose a restaurant, taverna, or cafe, the cost will likely be higher compared to a fast-food joint, but the quality will also be higher than that fund at McDonalds. For a budget-friendly option, keep an eye out for snack bars, takeaway pitta places, pizza places, street bars, and similar establishments. Many of these places offer a few tables for on-site dining if you prefer not to take your meal away. Always check the prices on the menu before placing your order to avoid any unexpected surprises.
In Corfu, Greece, the true epitome of fast food is the Pitta Souvlaki. This quintessential Greek street food comprises a warm pita bread enveloping juicy grilled meat, typically chicken or pork, accompanied by fries, vegetables, and various sauces. You have the freedom to customise your order, and the preparer will add the ingredients you request. The meat options include gyros or souvlaki, but the choices extend beyond that to kebab, burgers, sausages, and even vegetarian alternatives like veggie burgers or mushrooms. If you prefer, you can omit the meat altogether and enjoy the rest of the delectable components. Whether savored by the seafront or amidst cobblestone alleys, the Pitta Souvlaki captures the essence of Corfu’s culinary delight, inviting both locals and visitors to indulge in its delicious simplicity.
If you’re uncertain about what to order, opt for simplicity by choosing fries and your preferred meat. Skip the tzatziki and instead, request mayonnaise or ketchup. Incorporating a burger instead of a souvlaki or giros makes the pitta resemble a classic, traditional burger.