What makes Butlers House stand out is that it has a particular kind of theatre; the kind that offers entertainment and makes sure you’re properly fed. For example, tables have tree branches for legs, there’s a water feature surrounded by foliage and stone walls embellished with antique clocks and bric-à-brac objects – the sort that has been collected by a curious mind. I’m not sure if I’m on a set of Jumanji or Goonies. Perhaps a mixture of both. Downstairs, the theme is amplified with an even greater trove of antiques: vintage bikes, record players, eclectic furniture, and a cabinet brimming with glassware. It’s the kind of place that would have David Dickinson positively frothing at the mouth. The menu matches the eclectic décor, offering a wide variety of dishes: omelettes, soups, pizza, pasta, moussaka, and more. It exudes the warmth of a family restaurant—a place where kids can join in, laughter fills the air, and lasting memories are made. So here is my review of Butlers House in Kefalonia.
The bread, fist sized sesame pelted buns arrive golden, squishy and warm from the oven – we tear and smear the pale yellow butter.
Baked feta €5.50 as feta comes in all varieties in Greece.
The fried meatballs (€5.90), served with rustically cut chips, didn’t win any awards for presentation. But what they lacked in looks, my appetite quickly made up for – I polished off the mystery meatballs in no time.
Feta, the anthesis of rare in these parts is wrapped in filo €5.90 and gets a drizzling of honey and balsamic.
Mousaka €7.90, a Greek signature dish with enough love handle enhancing qualities to last you for days. It’s like a lasagne but sheets of aubergine are used instead of pasta.
The baked Parmesan (€5.90) featured layers upon layers of tender aubergine, generously smothered in tomato sauce and gooey, melted cheese – all baked to gooey, unctuous mess in a charming little terracotta pot. It was hearty enough to be a meal on its own, the kind of dish that could sustain you through the harshest of winter nights.
Elbert went for the chicken valtostano €11.20.
Mrs Elbert went for the chicken Siciliana €10.90.
The lobster ravioli (€18.90) arrived as a decadent mix of cream, prawns, and generous lashings of feta. In Kefalonia, they have a knack for decimating with feta, and this dish was no exception. The lobster, while present, seemed to be elusive beneath the sauce. Fortunately, the prawns took centre stage, and I didn’t mind one bit – they were delightfully sumptuous.
Pre desert fruit.
Limonchello on the house, why not!
Chocolate soufflé €6.90 was more akin to a brownie, a sticky one at that and comes with a shake-and-squirt of aerosol whipped cream and ice cream with un-bashful amounts of chocolate sauce.
Lemon pie €5.90 was a baked meringue pie, with a shortcrust pastry, lemon custard filling and a cloud-like meringue topping. We got a slice of lemon, served in vain – I mean why was it even there? At least with a wedge we could squeeze it. Of course we got more of that aerosol whipped and lemon sorbet. Did it taste good? It bloody did.
Verdict
When did I go? Sept 2018
The damage: Expect to pay €30/35 per head with drinks
The good: Butler’s House is a fun memory with a big splash of Greek comfort. One of the positive perks of the meal was the hilarious venue and watching the Greek ladies doing their thing with gusto behind the stove.
The bad: As fun as the night was just waist thickening and sustaining without being stand out. I mean that in the best possible way as home-spun style goodness is what we need sometimes.
Rating: 3/5
Would I go again? When in Kefalonia
Address: Lassi Argostoli, Lassi, 281 00, Greece
Web: https://butlershouse-kefalonia.com
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