An Ionian Island Finds Its Flavor: Zakynthos’ Essential Restaurants in 2025

Flow Dine & Wine Set on a gentle hillside, Flow merges comfort with contemporary flair. Plates surprise and delight; vibrant seafood tartare sings brightly with finger lime zest, and pork ragù under a comforting blanket of creamy tavla cheese. Servers effortlessly guide diners through intriguing pairings from the extensive wine cellar, adding depth to each course in a setting that feels both stylish and warmly familiar.

Tsilivi

With sophisticated surroundings with panoramic sea views, Melia elegantly balances simplicity and imagination, reflecting Zakynthos’ culinary charm. Every dish arrives beautifully composed. The Grilled Ionian Lobster with fennel, peach and orange beurre blanc is mesmerizing, and the Pastitsio with rabbit and black truffle are standouts, like all the menu well accompanied by an expertly curated wine list.

Tragaki

A hidden gem just off Zakynthos Town’s bustling heart, Prosilio provides an unexpected moment of calm, set in a chic and peaceful garden courtyard. For something very different, make sure to try the Sougo aubergines in garlic sauce with corn cream and fried eggs, and for a main our mouth watered eating the Seafood ‘Mageiritsa’ rich with artichoke lemon cream.

Zakynthos Town

Fiore feels like drifting quietly across the sea on a luxury yacht. The menu is short and satisfying, centering on dishes meant to shine. Don’t miss out on the Seafood Carbonara with mussels, calamari, crunchy breadcrumbs and beluga caviar. The locally inspired Beef Sofrito with aged vinegar is a delicious meat option Staff glide between tables, offering quiet guidance through a perfectly matched wine list, ensuring evenings linger warmly in memory.

Akrotiri

Perched dramatically above rugged cliffs, Porto Limniona invites diners to savor seafood against spectacular sea caves. The fresh fish on offer, cooked on the grill, as a stew or as a pasta and artfully seasoned, never fail to impress, and the salads are refreshing and flavorful. The stunning views of the sea below make the dining experience even more memorable.

Porto Limniona

Rustic simplicity is key at Ampelostrates, which feels like a secret gathering spot deep in the village of Koiliomenos, with friends and families gathering in a large courtyard beneath the trees to enjoy live Greek music performances. Flavors burst forth boldly in dishes like skordostoumpi, the garlic-infused eggplant that has delighted generations.

Koiliomenos

Flavor becomes a sophisticated art at this place, where how things look, taste and feel is taken very seriously. By the tranquil shoreline at Agios Nikolaos, Nobelos treats guests to sea-scented breezes and creatively prepared seafood that tells tales of the morning’s catch. Think buttery lobster simmered gently in ripe tomato sauce, and mullet cooked to a perfect crisp and served with lemon caper sauce. Each bite feels fresh, sincere, and made with a vision in mind.

Agios Nikolaos, Volimes

Perched casually above Amboula Beach, Ladofanaro makes simplicity a luxury. Charcoal-grilled seafood, ouzo-flavored shrimp saganaki and tender red bream served with oil and lemon are the key art here. In this casual yet charming seaside space, dishes emerge from the grill warm and flavorful, inviting diners to relax and stay a while. The views are spectacular and the cooling sea breeze welcome on any hot summer night.

Amboula Beach

Manalos feels like visiting a favorite relative who always cooks generously from the heart. Warm braised pork, deepened with local wine, and perfectly grilled Zakynthian sausages, lamb chops and stuffed burgers carry tradition and comfort in every bite. Warm greetings and simple pleasures make meals here a genuine delight.

Agios Athanasios 28

Under branches heavy with age-old eucalyptus leaves, Eucalyptos in the adults-only Castelli Hotel serves heartfelt ‘old’ Zakynthian dishes like slow-cooked lamb giouvetsi and aromatic beef stifado. Owner Maria warmly attends to guests, crafting dishes with ingredients plucked straight from local fields. Dining here feels serene and deeply comforting.

Agios Sostis, Laganas

At Lithies organic farm and restaurant, wholesome Greek meals unfold among lush olive groves and thriving banana trees. Fresh fish is prepared well and there are a handful of choices, but this is a meat-centric place, with many (mainly grilled) chicken, beef and pork dishes, and a popular rabbit stew. You’ll also find Greek classics like stuffed tomatoes. Each dish feels honest and earthy, made with flavorful, pure ingredients that connect you to the land.

Vassilikos

High above the cliffs of Agalas, Cave Damaianos enchants guests with twinkling lights and dreamy sunset colors painted across the horizon. Don’t miss the Crispy Rolls rustic pie stuffed with caramelized onions, pork loin fillet and veggies, and try the sea bass carpaccio for a refreshing starter. For a main, go for the Lamb Aberloulou, which is slow-cooked over vine leaves that leave a gentle smoky aroma.

Agalas

Near the Lagopodo’s vineyards, Grampsa Estate’s restaurant infuses classic Zakynthian dishes with elegant twists. The creamy and light Zakynthian Pastitsio is made with beef tail and bechamel foam, the Marinated Shrimp with avocado foam and avgotaracho, the Greek bottarga and even the beef tartare has a twist – it is flavored with the rich, spicy tomatoey soutzoukaki sauce.

Lagopodo