Zakynthos

Perched on a hillside overlooking Laganas Bay and the turtle-shaped Marathonisi islet, Votsalo Taverna has been a Zakynthian staple for nearly four decades. Recently renovated, it retains its distinctive pebble-decorated charm while offering a menu that refines traditional recipes with a contemporary touch. Diners can expect robust flavours in dishes like herb-rich homemade beef patties and freshly grilled calamari, all served with warm, homemade bread.

The Halfway House sits just a short walk from the beach in the centre of Tsilivi, serving a menu that thoughtfully blends Greek, British, and Italian influences. This fusion approach extends to the bar, which offers a selection of premium cocktails alongside its dishes.

Calypso, taking pride in preparing delicious Greek cuisine from the freshest ingredients, is one of Tsilivi's most-loved and well-established restaurants. Featuring a spacious outside terrace, the eatery has a vibrant atmosphere and outstanding service.

Waves Bar sits right on the seafront, offering direct access to the beach. It’s a relaxed spot for a buffet breakfast or a lunch of Greek specialties and snacks, with prices that won’t make a splash. As evening approaches, it transitions smoothly into a casual pub, ideal for a chilled drink with your toes practically in the water.

A go-to of Alykanas since 1978, Mantalena is a family-run taverna celebrated for its deep roots in Zakynthian tradition. The Pylarinos family cultivates its own vineyards, producing a robust house wine that perfectly complements a menu of classic Greek dishes. Specialities emerge from the charcoal grill, including succulent souvlaki and perfectly seasoned steaks, alongside daily catch of fresh local fish. Diners eat beneath a trellis heavy with grapevines in the shaded outdoor area, adding to the authentic, rustic atmosphere.

A local fixture since 1986, Paradise Taverna & Pizzeria has successfully combined its Italian roots with hearty Greek classics. Housed in a repurposed building in Alykes, its speciality remains thin-crust pizzas from a wood-fired oven, a legacy of its founding. The menu has since expanded to include robust Greek dishes like slow-cooked kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb) and rich moussaka, earning a loyal following. With a well-chosen list of Greek and international wines and views overlooking the salt lakes, the taverna maintains a consistently vibrant atmosphere, often accompanied by traditional music.

Fidelio has been a cornerstone of Alykes’ dining scene since 2010, offering a taste of authentic Zakynthian hospitality just steps from the beach. The restaurant takes pride in its farm-to-table ethos, with much of the produce sourced directly from the owners’ farm. The menu spans traditional Greek dishes, fresh seafood supplied by local fishermen, and even handmade pizzas, with thoughtful options for gluten-free and vegetarian diners. The recent addition of the Sea Breeze Cocktail Bar on the terrace provides a perfect setting for pre- or post-dinner drinks with panoramic views.