The island of Zakynthos is a gastronomic and scenic paradise in its own right

Seeing the island's markets is a must if you want to feel truly immersed in the culture

Zante, or Zakynthos, is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea that is famous for its beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife, and, most temptingly, its delicious history and cuisine. Zakynthos is a wonderful destination for foodies, with its abundance of delicious traditional Greek dishes, vibrant local markets selling an abundance of fresh vegetables, and several quaint eateries. Embark on a gastronomic adventure around this island with this handy guide.

Classical Recipes

Try some classic Zakynthian cuisine to get a feel for the island's culinary culture. Some of the best regional dishes include these:

A delicious meal known as sofrito is prepared by cooking thin slices of veal in a sauce that is rich with garlic, parsley, and white wine. Sides of rice or mashed potatoes are common accompaniments.

Pastitsio: Layers of pasta, minced beef, and béchamel sauce make up this hearty baked pasta meal that is reminiscent of lasagna. Many Greek homes cannot go without this filling dish.

A popular baked dish, moussaka layers eggplant, ground beef, and béchamel sauce. This recipe perfectly captures the spirit of Greek cuisine—it's tasty and satisfying.

The Ionian Islands are the birthplace of the spiciest fish stew in the world, the boudeto, which features scorpion fish and an abundance of red pepper. If you're looking for something spicy, this is it.

Locals rave about Zakynthian Chicken, a dish made with chicken, tomatoes, garlic, and a variety of spices and typically served over spaghetti. The aromas of the Mediterranean are bursting out in this meal.

Top Dining Establishments

Whether you're craving classic taverna fare or more contemporary cuisine, Zakynthos has you covered. These are a few recommendations:

In Zakynthos Town, you'll find the taverna Ladofanaro tou Farandou, famous for its traditional Greek cuisine and friendly service. Indulge in some grilled fish and sofrito.

Located in the charming town of Tsilivi, Taverna Varkarola serves you traditional Greek fare with a breathtaking view of the sea. Particularly well-liked are their filled veggies and moussaka.

Nobelos Bio Restaurant: A great option for a fancier meal in Agios Nikolaos is Nobelos. The restaurant provides an elevated spin on traditional Greek dishes using organic, locally sourced ingredients.

In a warm and inviting atmosphere, the family-run Aresti Restaurant in Keri offers mouthwatering handmade cuisine. Bourdeto and lamb kleftiko are two of their most beloved dishes.

Located in Kalamaki, Massa Mediterranean Cuisine + Bar serves up classic cuisine with a contemporary spin. Indulge in a revitalizing lunch of their fresh seafood and creative salads.

Nearby Marketplaces

Seeing the island's markets is a must if you want to feel truly immersed in the culture. You may get fresh food, local specialties, and one-of-a-kind gifts at these busy markets.

A veritable treasure mine of Zakynthos-made goods may be found at the town market. Among the many items available are cheeses, olive oil, fragrant herbs, and fresh produce. Try some of the local honey and baked goods while you're there.

You may find a more local, family-run vibe at the Anafonitria Village Market, which is close to the world-famous Navagio Beach. Handcrafted goods, regional wines, and traditional candies like mantolato (nougat) may all be found here.

If you're a fan of Kallipado Wine, you really must stop by the winery's market. Try several native grape types and buy some wines manufactured in the area. Olive oils and other gourmet goods are also available at this market.

In summary,

The island of Zakynthos is a gastronomic and scenic paradise in its own right. Immerse yourself in the island's rich culture as you sample traditional meals at quaint taverns and peruse lively local markets. No matter your level of culinary expertise or just plain old curiosity, Zakynthos is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in its mouthwatering history and friendly welcome. Gather your taste buds because you are about to go on a culinary adventure across this picturesque Greek island.