Where to eat in Zakynthos: enjoy the Greek island at beachfront taverns and restaurants

Where to eat in Zakynthos

TRADITIONAL

Akrotiri Taverna – Akrotiri

Akrotiri exudes the homey atmosphere characteristic of a Greek taverna. The internal courtyard that now houses the tables is actually the garden of the grandmother's house, where the idea for the business originated. Akrotiri is still family-run; the father is in the kitchen, but occasionally, if the place is particularly crowded, he comes out to lend a hand with service. The garden is the domain of young sisters Caterina and Amanda, who move briskly but cordially between the tables, carrying a case full of mezedes, the typical appetizers to share. The dishes are therefore not only illustrated on the menu, but also presented visually, so the customer can observe and choose what to eat. Cold appetizers, such as filo pastry cheesecake, are served directly from the case, while hot ones are sent to the kitchen for processing to be delivered fresh. Traditional Greek recipes are on display: feta, tzatziki, or potatoes in yogurt as alternatives, but also Greek salad and baked eggplant. The unmissable meatballs in tomato sauce, moussaka (here in a variation with local cheese instead of the classic béchamel sauce), and warm pita bread are also popular. Speaking fluent Italian, Caterina suggests that locals often eat mezedes throughout the entire dinner. If you'd like to order a second course, Akrotiri's menu features local meats: goat and potatoes, pork tenderloin with Tabasco sauce, mushrooms, and olives, chicken or pork souvlaki. For a final treat, try frigania, the island's signature dessert, made with orange-soaked bread and a custard and almond pudding. The meal concludes with a sip of liqueur: ouzo or a homemade digestif made with cinnamon and juniper berries. Reservations are recommended due to the busy schedule.

Taverna Akrotiri, Akrotiri 291 00, Zakynthos. Tel. +30 2695 045712. FB page.

FISH

Bassia Restaurant – Akrotiri

Just before the Akrotiri tavern, in the same area, you turn onto a gently sloping country road, where the cicadas are the only sounds breaking the silence. Hidden in a garden of olive trees and lavender plants, you discover Bassia Restaurant. The garden, secluded at first glance, actually turns out to be a small raised square overlooking the sea, artfully lit and with atmospheric music that seems to come directly from the hedges that border it. At Bassia, the specialty is fish, combined with vegetables and greens grown directly by the owner. A typical dish is saganaki, such as shrimp and calamari, which are cooked in tomato sauce and served hot. Octopus and mussels are also prepared with wine. The menu offers various first courses, including linguine with sun-dried tomatoes and feta or orzotto with shrimp and scampi. Sea bass fillet and swordfish souvlaki are some of the main course options. Finally, the desserts are described verbally—we recommend the tiramisu and the millefeuille with cream and strawberries—and recommended with a glass of ouzo to pair. It's recommended to reserve a table, considering the restaurant operates in shifts for dinner.

Ristorante Bassia, Akrotiri 291 00, Zakynthos. Tel. +30 2695 025554. Website.

GOURMET

Utopia Resto – Argassi

Utopia Resto is the ideal gourmet choice for a romantic dinner, perhaps at sunset. The restaurant features a large glass-enclosed dining room and a terrace overlooking the rocks. If you prefer, you can dine right by the sea by reserving a table a few steps below the terrace, on a wooden platform at wave level. The menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine with a modern and creative twist. You can start your meal with a cocktail from the dedicated menu and enjoy an aperitif with a complimentary amuse-bouche, or indulge in some street food: mini burgers, bao buns, crab rolls, or shrimp tacos. The appetizers are a perfect introduction to dinner: sea bass ceviche, octopus carpaccio with lemon cream and confit cherry tomatoes, and caramelized squid with bacon and squid consommé. Main courses feature pasta and meat, with options including pappardelle al briam, a kind of Greek caponata with zucchini, peppers, eggplant, and feta. There's also beef tenderloin served with herb butter, and pork with onion purée, eggplant salad, and smoked bacon chutney. Desserts are generous, both in quantity and price. Treat yourself to a brownie with salted caramel ice cream, Parisian breast (for two), crème brûlée, and pineapple cake.

Utopia Resto, Epar.Od. Zakinthou – Vasilikou, Argasi 291 00, Zakinthos. Tel. +30 698 497 5606. Website.

SUNSET PLACE

Sunset Bar Summer – Porto Limnionas

On the western side of the island, above the famous Porto Limnionas cove, lies the Eté Sunset Bar. The place is poorly signposted, and you have to climb a few meters in first gear to reach it. It's a large terrace overlooking the sunset; part of the space is covered by a canopy, while other areas are bathed in sunlight, furnished with tables, cushions, ottomans, and colorful sofas. The name itself suggests that the place was designed for enjoying the sunset to the rhythm of chill music; in summer, it's best to sit down around 8:00 PM to toast the sunset with a glass of wine or a drink prepared at the open bar. For a bite to eat, Eté offers dakos, small bruschettas with tomato and xynomizithra mousse, a Greek cheese. There's also a platter of local cured meats and dairy products, as well as tartare, carpaccio, and a variety of salads. The kitchen also offers complete dishes such as a beef burger with cheddar and caramelized onions and sliced ​​pork marinated in dark beer, served with sweet potatoes.

Sunset Bar. Porto Limnionas, 290 9, Zakynthos. Tel. +30 697 741 3290. Website.

BEACH BAR

Sabbia Beach Bar – Laganas

For a beach lunch without straying too far from the sea, Zakynthos's beach bars are the perfect option. In Laganas Bay, in the south of the island, perhaps after a stop at Cameo Island, you can refuel with a cool drink and a quick snack at Sabbia Beach Bar. The establishment opens for breakfast, serving Italian coffee (Danesi), juices, and freshly squeezed juices. For lunch, the menu includes a variety of cold dishes and salads, from classic Greek and Caesar salads to heartier options, such as arugula, prosciutto, parmesan shavings, and mustard. For those seeking something more substantial, there's no shortage of burgers, filled paninis, various omelets, and club sandwiches with chicken or turkey. Toward the end of the day, the bar offers a good selection of cocktails and mocktails, non-alcoholic variations of the most popular drinks. By paying for a drink at Sabbia Beach Bar, you can enjoy free access to the sun loungers on the beach opposite.

Sabbia Beach Bar. Agios Sostis, 290 92, Zakinthos. Tel. +30 2695 052727. FB page.

COCKTAIL

Anadalis – Argassi

Anadalis is first and foremost a fine dining restaurant located a few meters past Utopia Resto, on the Argassi seafront. Being entirely outdoors, with the bar in the center of the garden, the venue features a pleasant lounge area with sofas and tables dedicated to mixology. The remaining tables are arranged on a wooden terrace that resembles a ship's deck, given the proximity to the sea, right below. Starting at 6:00 p.m., Anadalis is perfect for a sunset aperitivo, as the sun sets behind Zante Town, or an after-dinner drink with spectacular cocktails. Classic, yet sophisticated, drinks are also available: the Tiki Rum Punch, for example, is made with diplomatic rum, passion fruit puree, peach bitters, and lime.

Anadalis, Epar.Od. Zakinthou – Vasilikou, Argasi 291 00, Zakinthos. Tel. +30 2695 024810. Website.

Where to eat in Zakynthos

[Cover photo: L'été Sunset Bar]