Visiting Favela No 17 for the first time as a Corfu local felt like stumbling upon a hidden gem tucked away from the usual crowds, within a small kantouni (alleyway) in Corfu Old Town. It felt refreshingly different from the more touristy venues, blending laid-back island vibes with a quirky, welcoming spirit.
In all honesty, I heard it through the grapevine, that this place serves fluffy japanese pancakes, so I obvously had to try them.
It is only a short 5′ walk from Old Port Square or the famous Holy Metropolitan Church of the Virgin Mary Spilaiotissa.
We visited during peak brunch time, on a hot August day, and this means we were met with a (small) queue outside Favela. The waitress was a superhero, and did her best to help as get seated as soon as possible. After a 15′ wait, we were finally on our table!
First course: The savoury brunch
I tried the bacon pancakes and some of my friends chicken pancakes (9€). Both dishes were very filling, but the highlight was the pancake butter: light, buttery, unreal.
The coffee (freddo espresso) wasn’t bad either.
Second course – Dessert time: Trying the Japanese Fluffy Pancakes
As previously mentioned, I spotted Japanese pancakes on their social media: a rare treat in Corfu that I never expected to find at a local café. The idea of those famously thick and fluffy pancakes being served up in my hometown was too intriguing to resist, so I ordered them without hesitation. When they arrived, the pancakes lived up to the hype, towering softly on the plate and offering a texture that was almost soufflé-like, airy yet satisfying. Each bite delivered a gentle sweetness and a comforting richness, setting them apart from any pancake I’d had before on the island. I will say, they had a slight egg-y smell to them, exactly like the ones I’ve had in Kyoto a few months ago.
I had the pancakes with merenda (chocolate and hazelnut spread) and pistacchio praline. They were definitely more-ish and a few bites were enough to satisfy my sweet tooth.
By the way, there is currently an additional healthier menu, with pre and post-workout meals. My friends tried the Sweet Cheat mini pancakes (8.5€) and they loved how light they tasted.
After a conclavio, we would give this visit 4.5/5 stars – deducting half a point due to the queueing.
Favela No 17 isn’t just somewhere to grab a bite, but a spot where a local can rediscover the island’s evolving food scene, connect with new tastes, and catch a glimpse of Corfu’s creative spirit. I left with a smile, already planning my next visit, to they theur infamous cocktail menu!
Enjoyed this food post? Don’t forget to check out my Old Buoy brunch review too!