Where to Eat
Eating in Zakynthos is about more than just food — it’s about simplicity, seasonality, and tradition. From family-run village tavernas to seaside restaurants with sunset views, the island offers honest Greek cooking made with local olive oil, fresh vegetables, seafood, and time-honoured recipes. Some of the best meals are found off the main roads, where menus are short, flavours are bold, and nothing feels rushed. Whether you’re enjoying grilled fish by the water, slow-cooked meat dishes in the mountains, or mezze shared over wine in a village square, Zakynthos invites you to eat well, linger longer, and savour the experience as much as the meal.
To Pirounaki
If you want a meal that feels truly Zakynthian, To Pirounaki is a must. Tucked among vineyards and a lemon grove, this cash-only, locals-first taverna is the kind of place you don’t plan, you surrender to it. There’s no formal menu. You simply choose grill or fish, and the table fills with small plates of generous, home-style Greek meze until you’re completely full. The moussaka is a non-negotiable order. Expect village wine served in steel carafes, cold beers, live local music, and the kind of atmosphere that turns dinner into an experience — often ending with spontaneous dancing, Zorba-style, led by locals. All of this, usually around €25 per person plus drinks, makes To Pirounaki one of those rare places that still feels untouched, joyful, and deeply authentic.
Reservations are necessary.
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Location:
Located in the village of Lagkadakia, the countryside near Zakynthos, surrounded by vineyards and lemon groves. Best reached by car, and well worth the short drive inland.
Tip: go hungry, bring cash, and don’t rush. This is an evening experience, not a quick meal.
Madisons
​For something a little more elevated — with a lively, modern feel — Madisons Zakynthos is a favourite. It’s American-style dining done well, with great energy, excellent people-watching, and a menu that consistently delivers. The cocktails are spot on, and the wine-by-the-glass selection is one of the better ones on the island.
Standout dishes include the lamb chops, the surprisingly excellent sushi, and crowd favourites like the chimichangasand bao buns. The Greek salad also deserves special mention — slightly elevated, beautifully balanced, and one of those simple dishes that’s just done perfectly.
Dinner here is relaxed and never rushed, making it ideal for a long, social evening — reservations are highly recommended, especially in high season. And if you’re there during the day, don’t skip the cappuccino, which is arguably one of the best on the island. Madisons manages to feel polished and fun at the same time — a great change of pace while still feeling right at home on Zakynthos.
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Location:
Located right in Zakynthos Port, in Zakynthos Town. Easy to reach on foot from the town centre or by car, and perfectly positioned for dinner after a stroll along the waterfront. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.