The Best Bar Restaurants on Zakynthos, Greece

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In recent years, Zakynthos, or Zante, has shrugged off its reputation as a “lads on tour” destination in Greece. Now, it attracts travellers looking for a more upscale experience, complete with luxury accommodation and excellent food. The beaches are lined with a variety of bar restaurants, from laid-back barefoot taverns to sophisticated hillside cocktail joints. Here, Culture Trip has selected the best spots for enjoying lazy sunny days that start with a lunch pitstop and roll into sunset cocktails.

Located on southern Zakynthos, not far from the little working port of Agios Nikolaos, this bar restaurant occupies a great beachside location with a paved terrace overlooking the sea. The Nobelos part of the name is linked to the family who runs it, while Bio refers to their preference for organic ingredients, which are mixed with fresh seafood. It’s a stylish but homely spot with dishes cooked in wood-fired ovens. The homemade ice cream is a must-try.

It’s likely you will spot the big wooden boomerang sign outside from the sea. This laid-back family-run restaurant bar is located right on a Blue Flag beach in Tsilivi, a pretty village on the northeastern coast of the island, roughly 4km (2.5mi) from the capital Zakynthos. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; you’re welcome to stay for all three and move on to cocktails and dancing come nightfall. The chicken salad sandwich is an institution here.

This pretty and peaceful garden, in the seaside area of Kalamaki, is shaded by well-placed plants in the sun-drenched daylight hours. After the sun sinks below the horizon, it is lit up with twinkly lights and candles. Comfy outdoor snugs provide optimum privacy, while the friendly owner Nico and his family look after you. Enjoy a delicious seafood platter and Greek wine to the sound of a saxophone player before moving on to sipping drinks at the adjoining 111 cocktail bar.

A good beach bar can make for a memorable day in the sunshine. Fishalida Beach Bar, located on the sandy beach of Alykes, delivers on all counts. The owners are a local family of professional fishermen, so expect incredible simple seafood dishes and authentic Greek sides, from fresh olives to homemade bread and tzatziki with black garlic. Wash that down with a local beer or the house rosé.

You’ll find Freddie’s on the edge of the blue-tinged waters of Tsilivi Beach. The bar restaurant is open-air with uninterrupted sea views and a wraparound green lawn dotted with sunbeds that you’re welcome to use. The staff will always offer a warm welcome and a menu of delicious traditional Greek mezze plates, vibrant salads and beach staples such as burgers and pizzas for very reasonable prices. It’s also simply a great spot for a cold local beer in the sun.

First and foremost, Porto Zante offers luxury beachfront villa accommodation. However, the upscale Club House is open to non-guests and offers a menu of exquisite Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Fresh fish and lobster come from the in-house fisherman’s catch, and local herbs and organic products are grown on the restaurant’s own farm. The bar serves cocktails, from dry martinis to negronis, rare vintage spirits and local wines. Often, there’s live music. The view here is the real deal, spanning the sparkling Ionian Sea and the neighbouring island of Kefalonia.

Edging the pretty village of Tragaki on Ampoula Beach, this stylish fish tavern serves up a delicious menu of Zakynthian specialities, including kleftiko lamb, moussaka, braised beef with smoked eggplant puree, lobster spaghetti and fresh grilled fish. Enjoy with a chilled Greek white wine, a cool sea breeze and views of the blue-green Ionian Sea. Not far away are two more quiet, sandy beaches, Katragaki and Limanaki. The restaurant is open from May to October, from early morning until late at night.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Evangelos Tsirmpas.

Looking for more? Make a weekend of it, and book a stay at one of the best hotels on Zakynthos. Too pricey? These great budget hotels are a more affordable option. Best of all, you can make your booking right here on Culture Trip. There’s plenty to keep you busy during the day, too, from discovering the best things to do on Zakynthos to taking it easy and relaxing on one of the best beaches around. To top it all off, you can end your night with a delicious feast at one of these great restaurants.