There is a good selection of Bonifacio restaurants and bars, in both the Old Town and the marina, to satisfy most tastes. The chintzy marina restaurants do tend to be more expensive, mostly aimed at the wealthy yachting clientele, so dine in the Old Town for better value for money.
Delicious local Corsican specialities and fresh fish dominate the menus, although those budget conscious visitors are also catered for at several cheap and cheerful pizzerias.
The bars and cafes lining the harbour are the focal point of Bonifacio’s nightlife, with some staying open until the early hours during summer.
In the Old Town of Bonifacio, restaurants and bars are not geared towards a twenty four hour nightlife scene and most establishments are practically deserted after midnight.
For more serious clubbing, head north to the world famous Via Notte open air nightclub near Porto Vecchio.
Restaurants in the Old Town
L’Archivolto (Rue de l’Archivolto)
A unique restaurant fitted out like antique shop, very befitting of Bonifacio Old Town. Bursting with collectables (many for sale) and subtly lit by candlelight, the atmosphere is mellow and intimate. The Bonifacien speciality cuisine is of a good quality, making this a very popular restaurant. It has a small terrace.
Cantina Doria (Rue Doria)
Set in an atmospheric old vaulted dining room, Cantina Doria serves good sized portions of hearty Corsican food at reasonable prices. It is especially famous for its “Aubergines a la Bonifacienne” (aubergines cooked with cheese). The charcuterie and Corsican lasagna are equally tasty. There is limited seating outside. No air conditioning inside.
Stella d’Oro (Chez Jules) (Rue Doria)
Popular with both locals and tourists, this friendly, lively and unpretentious restaurant serves delicious food at reasonable prices. Specialises in all the usual local Corsican dishes. Famous for its Pates a la Langouste (lobster), which you need to order when you reserve. Air conditioned.
Les Terrasses d’Aragon (Place de la Poste)
Fantastic views from the terrace overlooking Bonifacio bay, combined with generous portions of tasty cuisine (mostly Corsican specialities). Quite expensive, but worth a visit for the view alone!
Cafe de la Poste (Rue Fred-Scamaroni)
Value for money pizzeria, offering oven baked lasagne and spaghetti dishes in addition to tasty pizzas.
La Main a la Pate (Montee Rastello)
Set on the side of the steps leading up to the Bonifacio Old Town, this restaurant serves tasty pasta dishes at affordable prices.
La Vigie (Rue Borgu)
Specialises in pizza and pasta (pizzas made in an oven in the centre of the restaurant). Great service and reasonable prices.
Restaurants in the Marina
Cantina Grill (Quai Banada del Ferro)
Following the success of Cantina Doria in the Bonifacio Old Town, a second restaurant has been opened by Bonifacio’s harbour, with a focus on fresh fish. Excellent value for money. Waterside terrace (70 seats).
Restaurant du Centre Nautique (Quai Nord)
Part of the Centre Nautique hotel in the beautifully restored Old Habour Master’s Office with a strong nautical theme. This is a sophisticated venue to dine in, attracting a salubrious crowd. Excellent views over Bonifacio harbour from its wooden deck. The food is first rate. Serves delicious breakfasts.
Le Voilier (Quai Jerome Comparetti)
A gourmet restaurant with a wide choice of elaborate fish and seafood dishes, regional dishes and scrumptious homemade pastries. Great set lunch menus.
Les Kissing Pigs – Bar/Bistro (Quai Banda del Ferro)
Excellent for a light lunch. Superb selection of Corsican cheeses, charcuterie and wine, as well as salads and quiches. Quirky collection of kissing pig photographs on display!
Bars in the Town and Marina
B52 (Quai Jerome Comparetti
Next to Hotel la Caravelle (same owner), this is a popular and noisy bar/club which gets going after midnight and is open until 2 or 3 am.
Has a cavenous interior carved into the rock as well as a terrace and balcony areas. Young crowd, with hip-hop, soul and indie music on offer.
Bar de Quai (Marina)
Located at the foot of the Montee Rastello steps up to the Bonifacio Old Town, this cafe is a nice place for a drink and to soak up the atmosphere and people watch from the terrace.
Popular with locals.
Caravelle Hotel Bar (Quai Jerome Comparetti)
Set in a beautiful 13th century fishermen’s chapel, this hotel bar has a wonderful, relaxed lounge atmosphere, steeped in history.
Les Kissing Pigs (Quai Banda del Ferro)
In Bonifacio, restaurants and bars are generally not found in combination but the Kissing Pigs is an exception. Excellent selection of Corsican wines in this funky little wine bar/bistro right by the harbour edge.