Most tourists come to Zakynthos expecting amazing food everywhere.
And honestly? That’s not always the reality.
Because while the island has incredible cuisine, many visitors still end up eating in random tourist restaurants with average food, frozen seafood, or menus designed only for convenience.
So we wanted to create something different.
A guide built from places people genuinely return to. The spots locals recommend, repeat visitors remember, and food lovers quietly save before coming to the island.
Not just “popular” places.
Places actually worth eating at.
Brunch & All Day Spots
Circus All Day
If you’re looking for the kind of brunch place you’d expect in Athens, London, or Berlin, this is one of the best options in Zakynthos Town.
Located in the center of town, Circus All Day has become a favorite for travelers who want a relaxed atmosphere, quality coffee, aesthetic interiors, and proper brunch food before starting the day.
It’s especially known for:
• specialty coffee
• pancakes & eggs
• healthy brunch dishes
• relaxed all day vibe
• digital nomad friendly atmosphere
Perfect for slow mornings before exploring the island.
Address: Psaron 9, Zakynthos Town
Modern Greek & Mediterranean Dining
Peppermint Fresh Kitchen
Located in Argassi, Peppermint is one of those restaurants tourists usually discover once… and then return again before leaving the island.
The atmosphere feels modern and elegant without becoming pretentious, while the menu combines Mediterranean flavors with a more refined approach.
People love it for:
• modern Greek cuisine
• beautiful presentation
• quality ingredients
• cocktails & summer atmosphere
• elevated dining experience
Ideal for dinner after the beach or a stylish summer night out.
Address: Argassi, Zakynthos
Marlen Carrer Restaurant – Bar (Social Club)
One of the most stylish evening spots in Argassi for travelers who want dinner, cocktails, music, and atmosphere all together.
Marlen Carrer blends restaurant and social bar energy in a way that feels much more cosmopolitan than typical island dining.
Known for:
• signature cocktails
• Mediterranean-inspired dishes
• stylish social atmosphere
• summer nightlife energy
• dinner-to-drinks experience
Perfect for couples, groups, and summer evenings that slowly turn into late-night drinks.
Address: Argassi, Zakynthos
Paradosiako Restaurant
If you want to understand the difference between “tourist Greek food” and actual Greek comfort food, come here.
Located in Zakynthos Town, Paradosiako focuses on homemade recipes, local flavors, and traditional cooking that genuinely feels authentic.
It’s especially loved for:
• traditional Zakynthian dishes
• slow-cooked meats
• homemade recipes
• authentic Greek atmosphere
• warm hospitality
A proper introduction to Ionian cuisine.
Address: Komoutou 6, Zakynthos Town
Bassia Restaurant
Located in Akrotiri with beautiful sea views, Bassia offers a more elevated interpretation of Greek cuisine while still keeping strong local identity.
The atmosphere feels elegant, romantic, and very “Zakynthos summer”.
People visit for:
• modern Greek gastronomy
• seafood & Mediterranean flavors
• sunset dinners
• romantic atmosphere
• refined Greek dining experience
A perfect option for a special dinner on the island.
Address: Akrotiri, Zakynthos
Traditional Greek & Zakynthian Food
Kantouni restaurant
One of the best choices on the island for traditional homemade Greek food and cooked dishes.
This is the type of restaurant locals quietly recommend because the food feels genuinely homemade.
Famous for:
• Greek “mageirefta”
• traditional recipes
• local ingredients
• authentic taverna feeling
• comforting family-style meals
If you want the kind of food Greek families actually eat, this is a must.
Address: Logotheton 15, Zakynthos Town
Wine Tasting & Gourmet Experiences
Grampsas Estate Winery & Restaurant
If you want one truly memorable gastronomic experience in Zakynthos, this is probably it.
Located in Lagopodo among vineyards and olive trees, Grampsas Estate combines winery, wine tasting, and gourmet dining in one experience.
It’s known for:
• local Zakynthian wines
• wine tastings
• gourmet Greek cuisine
• vineyard atmosphere
• elevated food pairings
This is not just dinner.
It’s a full culinary experience built around Zakynthian gastronomy.
Address: Lagopodo, Zakynthos
Callinico Winery museum
One of the island’s best-known wineries and a great introduction to Zakynthos wine culture.
Visitors come here to experience:
• Verdea wine
• local grape varieties
• guided tastings
• Zakynthian wine tradition
A beautiful stop during a road trip around the island.
Address: Arkadii, Zakynthos
Goumas Estate Winery
A quieter, more intimate winery experience located in the village of Maries.
Compared to larger wineries, Goumas feels more personal and authentic, surrounded by nature and mountain landscapes.
Loved for:
• boutique wine experience
• local organic wines
• peaceful setting
• family-run atmosphere
Ideal for travelers looking for hidden gems away from crowded tourist areas.
Address: Maries, Zakynthos
Fresh Fish & Seafood
Fish & Show
One of those hidden seafood spots people usually discover through locals.
Simple atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and seafood that focuses more on quality than tourist presentation.
Known for:
• fresh daily fish
• seafood dishes
• authentic Greek seafood cooking
• relaxed local atmosphere
If you care about genuinely fresh seafood, this is one of the safest recommendations on the island.
Address: EO Zakynthou Keriou, Ampelokipoi
Proper Greek Souvlaki
Christos Psistaria
Sometimes after a beach day, all you want is a genuinely good Greek souvlaki.
This local favorite is known for:
• quality grilled meat
• authentic gyros
• generous portions
• local late-night vibe
Simple, affordable, and exactly the kind of place many tourists hope to accidentally find.
Address: Yfantourgion & Kalvou, Zakynthos
Italian Food Worth Trying
Bello Trattoria
Sometimes during a long holiday, you just want a break from Greek food.
Bello is one of the best Italian options on the island and has become extremely popular for couples and groups looking for something different.
Famous for:
• fresh pasta
• pizza & risotto
• authentic Italian flavors
• cozy atmosphere
Perfect for an easy summer dinner in Zakynthos Town.
Address: Xenou 1 & Lomvardou 34, Zakynthos Town
Beachside Casual Gems
La Cantina
A laid-back beachside spot ideal for relaxed summer lunches by the sea.
La Cantina has that effortless Greek summer energy people imagine before arriving in the islands.
Loved for:
• casual beach atmosphere
• easy Mediterranean dishes
• cocktails & summer vibe
• relaxed seaside experience
The kind of place where lunch slowly turns into sunset drinks.
Address: Agios Sostis, Zakynthos
Banana Casa Playa Beach Bar Restaurant
For travelers looking for the ultimate beachside summer atmosphere, Banana Casa Playa is one of the most stylish seaside spots in Zakynthos.
Combining relaxed luxury with island energy, it’s the kind of place where people arrive for coffee or lunch… and end up staying until sunset.
Known for:
• beachfront dining
• refreshing cocktails
• modern Mediterranean flavors
• aesthetic summer setting
• laid-back beach club vibe
Whether you want a slow beach day, sunset drinks, or an easy summer lunch by the sea, Banana Casa Playa captures the effortless side of Zakynthos summer perfectly.
A beautiful stop for anyone wanting to experience the island beyond the typical tourist spots.
Adress: Vasilikos, Zakynthos
One Last Thing
The best food in Zakynthos usually isn’t found in the loudest tourist streets.
It’s often hidden:
• inside villages
• in family-run kitchens
• next to vineyards
• or in places locals quietly recommend to each other.
And honestly?
Those are usually the meals you remember long after the holiday ends.
