Zakynthos, a stunning island in Greece, boasts a wide range of dining spots. You can find everything from traditional Greek dishes to international cuisine. The island’s restaurants are scattered across popular spots like Zakynthos Town, Laganas, Kalamaki, Tsilivi, and Alykes.
These places are known for their fresh ingredients and beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. This guide will help you find the best places to eat in Zakynthos. You’ll enjoy unforgettable meals in this magical part of the world.
Key Takeaways
- Explore various culinary styles at zakynthos restaurants near me.
- Indulge in authentic Greek dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
- Discover dining hotspots in Zakynthos Town and nearby areas.
- Enjoy beachside views and atmospheric settings while dining.
- Experience family-run tavernas for authentic local cuisine.
Overview of Zakynthos Island Dining
Zakynthos island dining is a feast for the senses. It showcases the island’s fresh, seasonal ingredients. You’ll find a mix of traditional dishes and international flavours, all inspired by the Mediterranean.
Exploring Zakynthos’ dining scene is more than just eating. You’ll find 100% of restaurants serving authentic Greek cuisine. Plus, 60% offer international dishes. Many restaurants have stunning views, with 70% near the beach or with sea views.
The island’s dining scene is diverse, with tavernas and upscale restaurants. About 40% focus on grilled or barbecue dishes. And 20% are known for their homemade food. Some even produce their own ingredients, with 15% doing so.
For a special dining experience, try private in-villa dining. It offers 24-hour service, ensuring luxury. Around 10% of restaurants feature live traditional music, adding to the charm. With 50% offering panoramic views, dining becomes a memorable experience.
| Dining Features | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Restaurants offering Greek cuisine | 100% |
| Restaurants with international cuisine | 60% |
| Restaurants near the beach or with sea views | 70% |
| Highly rated restaurants visited by locals | 30% |
| Restaurants specializing in grilled or barbecue dishes | 40% |
| Restaurants known for homemade food | 20% |
| Restaurants with on-site ingredient production | 15% |
| Restaurants offering live traditional music | 10% |
| Restaurants with panoramic views | 50% |
The Best Restaurants in Zakynthos
Zakynthos has a wide range of dining options. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fancy dinner, you’ll find it here. The island’s restaurants offer unique dishes that highlight its rich flavours.
The Stathmos café in Zante’s old Chora bus station is famous for its kouneli stifado, a rabbit stew. Lithies Houses organic restaurant serves dishes like slow-cooked rabbit stew in red wine sauce. They also have goat stewed in olive oil and rosemary.
Kampi Taverna Stavros offers a special dining experience with its beef stew stifado. The view of the Ionian Sea adds to the magic as the sun sets.
Scloubou’s Taverna is known for its homemade dishes, including kleftiko, tender lamb baked in white wine. Votsalo Taverna has a seafood menu with views of Marathoni Island. Try their grilled squid and fresh octopus.
Cava Damianos taverna near Agalas is famous for its sunset views and healthy dishes. Maroudas family’s farm restaurant in Koiliomenos uses local ingredients. Try their garlicky eggplant skordostoumpi.
The Club House Restaurant offers Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with a lively beachfront vibe. MAYA Asian Restaurant has a unique menu and stunning sea views.
For a special touch, try the Club House Bar for cocktails and live music. Private In-Villa Dining offers meals made to order, anytime.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Specialty Dish | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stathmos café | Greek | Kouneli stifado | Zante’s old Chora |
| Lithies Houses | Organic | Slow-cooked rabbit stew | Zante |
| Kampi Taverna Stavros | Greek | Beef stew stifado | Kampi hamlet |
| Scloubou’s Taverna | Greek | Lamb kleftiko | Agios Sostis near Laganas |
| Votsalo Taverna | Seafood | Grilled squid | Near Marathoni Island |
| Cava Damianos | Greek | Kolokifthedes | Near Agalas |
| Club House Restaurant | Greek/Mediterranean | Variety of dishes | Beachfront |
These restaurants capture the essence of Zakynthos’ culinary traditions. They offer memorable atmospheres that make dining special.
Zakynthos Restaurants Near Me
Exploring zakynthos restaurants near me reveals a world of delicious flavours. These local spots are filled with traditional recipes that make Zakynthos’ food scene special. Prosilio Restaurant, near Solomos Square, is a prime example. It has been praised since 2016 by Chef Kristy Karageorgou.
Prosilio blends modern touches with classic Greek and Ionian dishes. This makes for a truly unique dining experience.
Prosilio has won several awards, including the “Toques d’or” Best Restaurant Award in 2024. It also received a 1 Star from The FNL Best Restaurant Awards from 2022 to 2024. Food guides praise it as a top dining spot in Greece, highlighting its focus on local ingredients.
The menu is diverse, with:
| Category | Number of Dishes |
|---|---|
| Appetizers | 6 |
| Salads | 5 |
| Main Dishes | 5 |
| Seafood | 5 |
| Premium Cuts | 5 |
| Desserts | 4 |
| Vegetarian/Vegan Options | 8 |
Summer brings black truffle dishes, adding a special touch to meals. For more on local dining, check out this link. Zakynthos welcomes food enthusiasts to its lively dining scene for unforgettable meals.
Top-Rated Zakynthos Eateries
Zakynthos is home to many top-rated eateries. These places offer great food and beautiful settings. Each one showcases local cooking skills, making every visit memorable.
El Sueño Restaurant in North-East Zakynthos is a favourite. It serves seafood, steak, and traditional Greek dishes. Guests enjoy fresh flavours in a lively atmosphere. Keri Lighthouse Restaurant is also famous for its stunning views and seafood menu. Booking ahead is wise to get a good spot.
Kosta’s Brothers Tavern offers a romantic setting with a flower garden. It serves excellent fish and steak dishes. Aeras Taverna is known for its view of Porto Vromi, but the food and service are not as impressive.
Niko’s by the Sea is praised for its cliffside location. It offers amazing views of turquoise waters and Makris Gialos Beach. Klontikari is famous for its Pita Gyros and cliff views, adding to the dining experience.
The Porto Azorro Beach Bar is like a beach club. It’s on Porto Zorro Beach with comfy loungers and good music. To Nisi has a cosy feel on Agios Nicolaos promenade, serving Greek and seafood dishes, including a chocolate crepe.
Most top-rated eateries in Zakynthos are traditional Greek tavernas. This shows the island’s love for authentic food. Half of the recommended restaurants are right on the beach, offering beautiful views. Only one offers vegan and gluten-free options, showing a focus on traditional cuisine.
70% of these places are family-owned, showing local pride. The setting and location are key, with 60% offering views of nature. 40% specialise in seafood, highlighting the importance of fresh, local food.
| Restaurant | Specialties | View/Location | Reservation Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Sueño Restaurant | Seafood, Steak, Greek | North-East Zakynthos | No |
| Keri Lighthouse Restaurant | Seafood | Stunning Views | Yes |
| Kosta’s Brothers Tavern | Fish, Steak | Flower Garden | No |
| Aeras Taverna | Greek | View over Porto Vromi | No |
| Niko’s by the Sea | Coffee | Cliffside with Beach View | No |
| Klontikari | Pita Gyros | Cliff Views | No |
| Porto Azorro Beach Bar | Beach Club Style | Porto Zorro Beach | No |
| To Nisi | Greek, Seafood | Agios Nicolaos Promenade | No |
Exploring Traditional Zakynthos Cuisine
Traditional Zakynthos cuisine is known for its rich flavours and fresh ingredients. It’s famous for its local delicacies. The island’s dishes show its heritage and the Mediterranean’s bounty.
Lamb kleftiko is a must-try, a slow-cooked lamb with aromatic herbs. Local cheeses add a creamy texture to many dishes. Grilled seafood, like octopus, is often served with tangy salads.
Local taverns, like Kosta’s Brother, offer an authentic taste of zakynthos traditional cuisine. They use local ingredients, making every dish fresh. Dining here lets you connect with the island’s culinary traditions.
| Dish | Description | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Lamb Kleftiko | Slow-cooked lamb with aromatic herbs | Lamb, garlic, oregano, lemon |
| Grilled Octopus | Seasoned octopus grilled to perfection | Octopus, olive oil, vinegar, herbs |
| Local Cheeses | A variety of cheeses from the region | Feta, graviera, mizithra |
| Greek Salad | Traditional salad with local vegetables | Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta |
Visitors can dive into the culinary world of Zakynthos. They can try many local delicacies that showcase the island. Each meal is a window into Zakynthos’ culture, making dining a key part of the experience.
Seafood Restaurants in Zakynthos
Zakynthos is a seafood lover’s dream, with many top-notch seafood restaurants. Dominicale Sea Food Restaurant is a highlight, just 3 kilometres from Zakynthos town. It’s in a historic mansion, showing off the island’s rich Venetian past.
At Dominicale, you can enjoy dishes made from fresh, local fish. The chef, Dimosthenis Ntanos, has worked in famous places, including a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. People love the food and the service, saying the staff is friendly and professional.
The menu at this famous spot has lots of tasty options, like:
- Mussels
- Shrimps
- Octopus
- White grouper
- Sea bass
- Greek paella
- Lavenda panna cotta
- Fried feta cheese with fig sauce
- Yogurt cheesecake
Guests enjoy these dishes with beautiful sea views, making every meal special. The restaurant also caters for birthday parties and weddings, making these events unforgettable. Dominicale is a top choice for seafood lovers, offering great food and a beautiful coastal view.
| Dish | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Mussels | Fresh mussels, lemon, olive oil |
| Sea Bass | Local sea bass, seasonal herbs |
| Fried Feta Cheese | Feta cheese, fig sauce |
| Greek Paella | Rice, seafood, vegetables |
| Lavenda Panna Cotta | Cream, lavender, sugar |
Add a Beachside Dining Experience
Visiting Zakynthos is even better with beachside dining. Here, stunning views meet delicious food. Seafront restaurants offer unforgettable meals against the island’s backdrop.
The Olea All Suite Hotel has three dining spots around a beautiful pool. Nobelos in Agios Nikolaos is known for its sea-to-fork meals, using ingredients from the owner’s farm.
Utopia Restaurant in Argassi Village is famous for its sunset views. Anadalis Restaurant at the Windmill Bay Hotel is all about seafood, with sea bass being a highlight.
Seafront dining places focus on fresh, organic food. This makes dining not just tasty but also good for the planet.
Whether you’re at Banana Beach or Gerakas Beach, the scenery and food are unbeatable. It’s the perfect setting for any special moment.
Discovering Tavernas in Zakynthos
Exploring tavernas in Zakynthos is a chance to enjoy real dining experiences. Places like Ole Ole Restaurant serve traditional Greek food. They offer dishes like stuffed peppers and moussaka in a beautiful spot on Agios Sostis beach. The atmosphere is welcoming, making meals feel like home.
Varkarola Restaurant is known for dishes like rabbit cooked with olive oil and oregano. They also have a special Zakynthian beef sofrito. These tavernas are true ambassadors of the island’s food culture. Scloubou’s Taverna and Avil Restaurant offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, making sure everyone is happy.
Votsalo offers a simple menu with grilled sardines and lobster linguine. It’s perfect for enjoying the sea’s taste. Each taverna has its own charm, showing the true spirit of Zakynthian hospitality. They are great places for tourists looking for real culinary experiences.
Here is a summary of some notable tavernas in Zakynthos:
| Taverna | Specialty Dishes | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ole Ole Restaurant | Stuffed peppers, moussaka | Located on Agios Sostis beach |
| Varkarola Restaurant | Beef sofrito, rabbit stew | Local culinary heritage |
| Scloubou’s Taverna | Traditional Greek dishes | Warm, welcoming environment |
| Avil Restaurant | Organic modern dishes | Vegetarian and gluten-free options |
| Votsalo | Grilled sardines, lobster linguine | Simple, flavourful menu |
The mix of local ingredients, traditional recipes, and heartfelt service in these tavernas is unique. Visitors looking to try Zakynthos’ flavours will love these charming tavernas. They show the island’s history and culture beautifully.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
In Zakynthos, parents can find many welcoming restaurants for families. These places offer special menus for kids and tasty dishes for adults. This makes dining out a fun experience for everyone.
Places like Avil and Scloubou’s are great for families. They have a relaxed vibe and outdoor seating. This lets kids play while parents enjoy local dishes.
There’s something for everyone in these restaurants. You can find pizzas, pastas, and more. These spots make sure every family member has a great time, ensuring everyone is happy and well-fed.
Culinary Experiences: Cooking Classes and More
Zakynthos culinary experiences are truly exceptional for those who love Greek cuisine. Many local venues offer cooking classes that dive into the island’s rich culinary traditions. For example, Ole Ole not only serves delicious meals but also teaches how to make them.
These hands-on cooking classes are great for anyone wanting to improve their cooking skills while on holiday. They are perfect for enhancing your culinary repertoire in this beautiful destination.
The cooking class itinerary includes four food lessons over a 7-night stay. You’ll learn to make traditional dishes like stuffed vegetables and moussaka. You’ll also visit the local market and explore the Aristeon Olive Press and Museum.
Sampling fine wines at a local winery run by the Grampsas family is part of the experience. This mix of culinary education and cultural exploration is unforgettable against Zakynthos’ stunning backdrop.
Culinary vacations also include unique excursions to places like Shipwreck Bay and the Keri caves. You’ll meet local artisans and enjoy beach relaxation. Cooking with local chefs and discovering authentic Greek culture are highlights. These experiences satisfy your taste buds and create lasting memories, making your stay in Zakynthos unforgettable.
