What is the traditional food of Zakynthos?

Zakynthos has a distinct culinary tradition influenced by Venetian rule. Sofrito (beef in white wine and garlic), rabbit stifado, fresh fish simply grilled, and skordalia (garlic potato dip) are local staples. The island produces good olive oil and mandolato nougat is the main local sweet.

Is eating out expensive in Zakynthos?

Mid-range — more expensive than mainland Greece but cheaper than Santorini or Mykonos. A main course at a mid-range restaurant in Zakynthos Town costs approximately €12–20 as of 2026. The resort areas (Laganas, Tsilivi) have tourist-menu restaurants at inflated prices; the better value is in the town and the south.

Where do locals eat in Zakynthos?

Locals frequent the tavernas and ouzeries in the backstreets of Zakynthos Town, particularly around the market and Agiou Markou Square. The Bohali quarter above the town is popular for evening meals with a view. The fish restaurants in Keri village and along the south-east coast attract local families.

Are there waterfront restaurants in Zakynthos?

Yes — Zakynthos Town has a waterfront promenade with restaurants and cafes, though the best seafood restaurants are slightly off the main drag. The hamlet of Keri has waterfront fish tavernas. The Vasilikos peninsula has a handful of excellent small restaurants with sea access.

Best Restaurants in Zakynthos | The Greece Guides

Zakynthos Town (Zante Town) is the best base for eating well on the island — the resort strips of Laganas and Tsilivi have plenty of options but quality is uneven and prices reflect tourist demand rather than local standards. The town’s backstreets, the Bohali hilltop, and the quieter south coast have the more interesting food. Prices listed are approximate as of 2026.

The Zakynthos Dishes to Try

Sofrito: As in Corfu, Venetian influence shows up in Zakynthos’s version of sofrito — beef slow-cooked in white wine and garlic with plenty of parsley. Different from the Corfu version in the ratio of wine to garlic and the accompanying starch.

Rabbit stifado: Rabbit braised with pearl onions, red wine, cinnamon, and cloves — slow, sweet, and deeply flavoured. A Sunday dish found in village tavernas.

Ladotyri: A local semi-hard cheese preserved in olive oil, with a sharp flavour. Found in the market and in traditional restaurants.

Mandolato: The island’s traditional nougat made with honey, almonds, and egg whites. Available throughout the town from confectionery shops.

Fresh grilled fish: Zakynthos’s position in the Ionian means good fresh fish year-round — sea bream, sea bass, octopus, and red mullet appear on most taverna menus.

Zakynthos Town

Malanos (Agios Nikolaos Beach Road, near Zakynthos Town): A long-established taverna serving traditional Zakynthos food, popular with both locals and visitors. Sofrito, stifado, and grilled meats at approximately €13–20 per main. The courtyard setting is pleasant.

Zakanthi (Plateia Agiou Pavlou): A good central option for traditional dishes and grills. Consistently well-reviewed, mid-range prices. Mains approximately €12–18.

To Steki tou Yianni (near the central market): A local grill restaurant frequented by market workers and residents rather than tourists — souvlaki, pork chops, and lamb at very local prices (approximately €8–12 per main). The quality is directly proportional to the lack of English menus.

Waterfront promenade: The restaurants along the main waterfront serve standard Greek food at tourist prices. Views of the bay are good. Worth a coffee rather than a meal.

Bohali Quarter

The Bohali hilltop, below the Venetian castle, has several tavernas with views over the town and the Ionian Sea. This is where Zakynthos residents come for weekend evening meals.

Bohali Taverna: Traditional Ionian food with the best view from the village square — rabbit stifado, sofrito, grilled fish at approximately €15–22 per main. Arrive at sunset for the light over the bay.

Vasilikos Peninsula

The south-east peninsula has quieter, smaller restaurants catering to those staying in the area or day-tripping to the beaches.

Limni (Agios Nikolaos area): A small fish restaurant by the water on the east side of the peninsula — grilled fish and seafood at local prices, approximately €15–25 per person for a full meal.

Vassilikos Kitchen: A more contemporary option on the peninsula road serving local ingredients in modern preparations. Mains approximately €14–20.

Keri Village (South)

Keri, in the south-west, is a village with a handful of tavernas that cater primarily to Greek visitors rather than package tourists.

Ta Keria: The most recommended of the Keri options — traditional food at village prices, approximately €12–16 per main, with a shaded terrace. The grilled lamb here is a reason to drive to the south of the island.

Resort Areas — Laganas and Tsilivi

Both resort strips have long rows of restaurants serving international food (burgers, pizza, pasta) alongside tourist-adapted Greek menus. Quality is variable; prices are higher than Zakynthos Town for equivalent food. If you are staying in these areas, walk back from the main strip by one or two streets to find slightly more genuine options at better prices.

Practical Notes

Local wine: Zakynthos produces some wine — Verdea is the traditional local variety, a white wine made from a blend of indigenous grapes. Flavour profile is unusual (slightly oxidised, dry) and an acquired taste. Worth trying in a traditional taverna rather than buying a bottle blind.

Coffee: Frappe (iced instant coffee, shaken) and freddo espresso are the standard summer drinks. Both cost approximately €2–3.50 at most cafes.

Meal times: Lunch is served from around 1pm; dinner from 7pm. Greek diners typically arrive between 9pm and 10:30pm. Restaurants are usually quiet at 7:30–8pm — this is the best time for service and seating.

Best Restaurants in Zakynthos: Where to Eat in Zante