Curated Dining Guide: Family-Run Taverns of Zakynthos
Quiet meals. Deep roots. A taste of the island’s soul.
Zakynthos rewards those who seek the slow table. These handpicked tavernas are intimate, locally loved, and run by people who still cook from memory. Come hungry, stay a while.
1. Halfway House – Tsilivi
A multigenerational haven with a farm-to-table heart.
Rooted in the 1980s and still family-run, Halfway House balances heritage with seasonality. Dine under olive-and-cream shaded verandas with a view of the Ionian. Highlights include grilled octopus and lamb glazed in citrus and honey — dishes shaped by the land, not the calendar.
Contact
Tsilivi, Zakynthos 291 00
+30 2695 024558
halfwayhousezante.com
2. Spartakos Taverna – Zakynthos Town
Sea breeze, warm bread, and a family behind every plate.
Right on the harbour, this taverna is run by Spartakos, Elena, and their sons. Fish is caught fresh, chosen by you, and grilled over olive wood. A drizzle of herb oil, a table by the boats, and the sense that nothing here is rushed.
Contact
Loukas Square, Zakynthos Town 291 00
+30 2695 044526
3. Xigia Tavern – Above Alykes
Cliffside views and daily-caught simplicity.
Perched above turquoise waters, Xigia Tavern blends local tradition with stunning calm. Owner Spiros curates the menu daily — expect bifteki rich in herbs, octopus carpaccio, and the kind of lunch that turns into afternoon. An adjacent infinity pool and shaded bar invite pre-meal stillness.
Contact
Xigia Beach Road, Alykes 291 00
+30 697 181 5609
4. Porto Limnionas Taverna – West Coast
Remote, wild, and deeply rewarding.
Down a rugged path, this taverna opens to a secret bay flanked by cliffs. Dine on the stone terrace with house wine (a family secret) and local favourites like zucchini balls and grilled squid. The golden hour here lasts longer — stay for it.
Contact
Porto Limnionas Bay, Zakynthos 290 92
+30 2695 772 072
5. Fishalida – Alykes
Barefoot, beachfront, and born from the sea.
Run by a family of fishermen, Fishalida delivers seafood with quiet pride. Red mullet seared with thyme. Mussels steamed in ouzo. Tables rest directly on the sand under palms — informal, honest, unforgettable.
Contact
Alykes Beach, Zakynthos 291 00
+30 2695 085 008
6. Kosta’s Brothers Tavern – Vasilikos
A candlelit garden where recipes are stories.
Tucked in blooming greenery, this peaceful spot is run by two brothers honouring their mother’s kitchen. Spanakopita wrapped in hand-rolled filo, slow-cooked kleftiko, and homemade baklava close the evening. Romantic, relaxed, and softly lit.
Contact
Vasilikos Village, Zakynthos 291 00
+30 2695 035 347
7. Aeras Taverna – Porto Vromi
High views. Low fuss. Food that feels real.
Set above the cliffs of Porto Vromi, Aeras keeps it simple. Family-grown vegetables become moussaka, tomatoes are stuffed with mint and rice, and the mood is easy. Come between swims or stay till sundown.
Contact
Porto Vromi Beach, Zakynthos 290 91
+30 697 419 3801
8. Keri Lighthouse Restaurant – Keri
Clifftop drama, Ionian calm.
Suspended 150 metres above the sea, this restaurant serves sunset as a side dish. Generational recipes shape prawn saganaki and swordfish souvlaki. Book early — and arrive before the light disappears.
Contact
Faros Keriou, Keri 290 92
+30 2695 043 384
Before you go
Hours can vary with season or weather. Ask us at reception if you’d like help calling ahead.
Let your appetite guide you — but let Zakynthos slow you down.
