Enjoy the Zakynthian foods!

Culinary traditions

Greeks love to eat out, gather around the table, and savor the delicious produce and seafood that their country offers. Since every islander on the Ionian is essentially the same, each trip to the archipelago is sure to offer a wide variety of memorable dining experiences.

The strategic placement of the Ionian Islands off Greece's western shore at the foot of the Adriatic Sea has allowed them to attract trespassers, brokers, and culinary traditions. The titles and preparation methods of the dishes all have a touch of Venetian flavor. One classic pasta dish with Italian roots is pastitsio, which consists of macaroni, ragù, and béchamel. Considering the lengthy period of Ottoman domination, which had a profound effect on Greek cooking techniques and eating habits, it's no surprise that Greek food has many similarities with its Turkish neighbors. Similar to the central area, the Ionian Islands are known for its meze, which consists of several little sampling dishes. Parents are expected to bring their young children to Greek religious services. As one might assume, archipelagos are famous for their plentiful fish populations. The fisherman supply the restaurants straight from the water, often bringing their catch to the cook while moored outside. Seafood is less common but nevertheless loved on the islands because of the availability of sheep, cheese, and other locally grown veggies that make tables moan and mouths hunger in coffee cafes. Great restaurants frequently showcase the Ionian Islands, and many of them are located in ideal seaside areas, so after they've had their fill of sheep and chicken souvlaki, the kids may play on the beach! Although Greek feasting traditions are up to interpretation, the vast majority of Greeks place more value on venues with copious amounts of consistently prepared food than on those with the most posh decor or menus. Because of this, it's not surprising to discover the best food at the most strange, off-the-beaten-path places.

As a consequence of blending traditional cooking with foreign influences, the Ionian Islands offer a variety of café styles:

Unlike taverns, restaurants serve lunch and supper and usually offer a wider selection of food and wine.

The traditional Greek restaurant known as a taverna is open only at night and is usually managed by a family. The fresh seafood is the main attraction at Psare Taverna.

Psistaria, a BBQ joint popular in mountain communities, is a favorite among Greeks. On top of the roasted meats, you may also try Kokoretsi, a real Greek specialty!

Pizzeria—The indigenous cuisine of the Ionian Islands reflects the historic and pervasive Italian influence in the region. You can usually get a combination of Greek and Italian dishes at most restaurants.