The island’s cuisine originates in the rural tradition together with the elements passed down from the Venetians. Zakynthos (aka Zante) may be one of the most touristic islands in Greece, but it has managed to preserve its traditional cuisine. The island’s rural tradition together with the elements passed down from the Venetians have created an especially rich and varied cuisine.
From the spicy ladotiri cheese (semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s milk and occasionally with the addition of goat’s milk) served with local olive oil and also added to the traditional dish “sartsa” (beef in tomato sauce) to the stuffed rabbit and the aubergines with garlic oil, Zakynthos’ cuisine is full of aromas and flavours. You’ll also find, of course, fresh fish and seafood at the coastal areas, as well as ethnic cuisines, and a lot of Italian dishes. New cooks with skills and with a creative mood, who’ve studied cooking, are slowly making their appearance in the scene in the past years, ready to tweak the tradition of Zakynthos and bring it up to date.
Prosilio
In the centre of the city, Prosilio serves modern creative Greek cuisine using local ingredients, as well as old traditional recipes. In a beautiful garden with trees, you can taste their fusion dishes that mix the Zakynthian cuisine with international flavours and techniques. On most tables you’ll see people ordering the rabbit stew dumplings, that are served on a potato foam, with onion consommé, white truffles and shimeji mushrooms. The sautéed seabass is served with courgette noodles, shells, fisherman’s stew, rye crispies and bottarga, while the tiramisu is served in a pot with chocolate soil. They have a big wine list, mostly Greek, and many of them are also served by the glass.
Info: Prosilio , A. Panton & 15, A. Latta str, Zakynthos, Tel. 0030 26950 22040
Malanos Tavern
Here you will eat the best version of the island’s traditional dishes: baked stuffed rabbit, aubergines with garlic oil, rooster in red wine, tomato sauce meatballs and anything else the owners will have cooked that day, ranging from stuffed tomatoes and baked stuffed aubergines, to boar and baked peasant chicken. Also try the fresh Zakynthos sausage and the grilled meat. If you’re looking to try the day’s specials, it’s best to visit for lunch.
Info: Malanos Tavern, 28 Agiou Athanasiou str, Zakynthos, Tel. 0030 26950 45936
Ampelostrates
This rustic tavern is located on a farm in the woods, with a vineyard, chickens, ducks and horses. At the garden of the restored stone-built house, you’ll try dishes prepared using local products: homemade cheese pies, pork in red wine, grated courgette salad with a tzatziki sauce, and their own wine prepared with grapes from their vine.
Info: Ampelostrates, Kiliomenos, Zakynthos, Tel.. 0030 6946 958790
Varkarola
Overlooking the port and the sea, you’ll taste traditional dishes while listening to a Zakynthian serenade! At first sight this appears to be aimed at tourists, but many locals eat here, and the food is honest and tasty. Try the olive oil and oregano rabbit, the beef “sofrito”, the pork knuckle and the fried courgette balls. The live music revives the Zakynthian serenades creating a warm and fun atmosphere.
Info: Varkarola, 30, Lomvardou str & Xenou, Zakynthos, Tel.0030 26950 26999
Porto Limnionas
The balcony appears to be hanging over the blue-green crystal waters. In a stunning location, the Porto Limnionas restaurant is right over the rocks and the caves of the beach of the same name. It may not be sandy, and may not be exactly a beach, but swimming in these waters is one of the best experiences on the island. At the restaurant they serve fresh fish and seafood, but also local meat. Try the octopus marinated in vinegar, the fried courgette balls and the fried calamari.
Info: Porto Limnionas, Zakynthos, Tel. 0030 26957 72072
