Midrange
Via Marina
On the rue artisanat--the road running parallel to the marina, which you can reach by mounting the great staircase beside cafã© l'orient, and find via marina to your left--serves fantastic italian food, including an extensive pasta menu and good pizzas. try the lasagnes a la bolognaise, which is fantastic. pizzas are ok, but nothing to write home about; desserts are simply gorgeous. prices here are reasonable, as it appears to be somewhat forgotten due to its proximity to the marina, however arguably this location is much better due to the extensive people-watching and shelter from the wind. probably not a good idea for those who would be peturbed by people walking right past them eating, unless you are a couple, in which case you can sit on the balcony overlooking the marina.
U Pescadore
Place bel'ombra, beside the three-star hotel st. christophe but attached to the christophe colomb, **, offers fantastic seafood and a great location with lovely atmosphere both at night and at breakfast. the view of the citadel and sound of the sea are very relaxing, without being too exposed to the wind. this place is favoured by the locals--always a good sign--who you will see playing pã©tanques on the sand that surrounds the restaurant. make sure to play with pescadore's daft dog, benjamin benj, who is a bit of a minor celebrity due to his wanton road-crossing. he likes playing with pebbles, so throw one for him if you find one.
U Casanu
18 boulevard wilson, serves authentic corsican food and is run by a couple seemingly out of their front room; friendly service and a cosy feel only make it better. try the stufatu as a main course and fiadone for dessert but be careful how much eau de vie you put on!. prices are quite reasonable. remember to book ahead, as its small size and popularity ensure that walking in and finding a place is not likely.
Café L'Orient
Also on the marina, and distinguishable by its yellow parasols, is excellent for a pre-beach lunch. super-friendly service and banter from the two young waiters is guaranteed, and a great selection of cheap for calvi, at least food and drink including 1664 en pression is served. the low-down seats are very comfy and the view over the marina is great; especially recommended are the milkshakes deux boules de choix and the croc monsieurs 'crocs' for short. if green is your thing, the salads are also superb. l'orient is also a cybercafe, so you can either go inside and buy some time on the 8 computers or bring your laptop for wi-fi access.
Cappucino
On the marina is an efficient pizzeria distinguishable by its brown parasols. the dark parasols give it a lovely coolness in the evening, and the food is not bad though asking for the dessert menu for the first time often results in somewhat bewildered faces. the pizza sauce found on every table is probably the best in calvi. service is efficient and delivered by very french shirt-and-tie waiters, most of whom look like ex-legionnaires, though not particularly friendly, as such. enjoys a very healthy reputation with the 'boat people', who are easily distinguishable. you are likely to encounter poseurs here, though aside from its classiness and position, its reputation is somewhat befuddling.
Top end
Grand Hotel
Boulevard wilson, serves decent food at a high-price; but the view from its 8th-floor restaurant panoramique is simply amazing, and may well be worth it if you are not on a strict budget.
Hotel St. Christophe
Place bel'ombra, has a restaurant which non-guests may use though it is wise to book ahead, as every other night most guests pack the place out due to half-board agreements, though in all honesty it is probably not worth it. couples can sit on the balcony outside, enjoying a great view overlooking either the citadel or the place bel'ombra, but are subject to the elements somewhat the wind is felt most in this part of town. service is particularly english-friendly as all of the waiters and waitresses are foreign, mostly from slovakia but also from senegal and other french ex-colonies, so a good choice for those who speak no french at all.
Bar du Golfe
Is perhaps the only 'budget' restaurant on the marina, but serves honest-to-goodness french food, such as steack hachã© and pizzas!, with no frills attached. it is at the very end of the marina, so the views/happenings are not as exciting, but you can't really complain at the price. has an extensive cocktail list and seems popular with tourists and locals alike.