My Top 5 Restaurant & Café Finds in Alykes and Alykanas, Zakynthos

One of my favourite things about travelling is discovering new places to eat, whether it's a hidden beachfront taverna, a cosy café serving great coffee, or a restaurant recommended by locals.

On our recent trip to Zakynthos, we spent most of our time around Alykes and Alykanas and found some absolute gems along the way.

A couple of these were familiar favourites from previous visits to the island, while others were new discoveries. Either way, they all delivered fantastic food, warm hospitality, and those unforgettable Greek holiday vibes.

Here are my top five restaurant and café finds from our latest Zakynthos adventure.

Porto Paradiso - The Perfect Holiday Start

Our first food stop came on day one after a beach walk exploring the area. Following an early start, a flight from the UK, and several hungry family members, we stumbled across Porto Paradiso, a beautiful beachfront restaurant with stunning views across the sea.

We kept things fairly simple on this visit, ordering a selection of pizzas, fresh salads, feta wrapped in filo pastry drizzled with honey, and chicken gyros. Sometimes after travelling all day, comfort food is exactly what you need, and every dish hit the spot perfectly.

Combined with the sound of the waves and the ocean views, Porto Paradiso was the ideal place to kick off our short break in Zakynthos.

Neraida – A Relaxed Beachside Breakfast Spot

The following morning took us to Alykanas and a lovely waterside café called Neraida. Set slightly back from the harbour and beach edge, it offers a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for a slow holiday breakfast.

Sitting outside at one of the rustic wooden beach tables in the morning sunshine, I finally enjoyed something I'd been missing – a proper Greek coffee. No matter how many times I try making it at home, it never quite tastes the same. Even Craig got to experience his first authentic Greek coffee.

As usual, I was the only one opting for a savoury breakfast – because that's how breakfast should be!

My Greek omelette filled with feta, olives, and peppers was exactly what I needed to start the day.

Meanwhile, Craig and the girls all chose waffles loaded with chocolate and ice cream, accompanied by smoothies. The waffles looked incredible and definitely won over the younger members of the family.

If you're looking for a mellow beachside vibe, great coffee, and a relaxed start to the day, Neraida is well worth a visit.

Paradosiako Restaurant – Traditional Greek Dining at it’s Best

That evening we headed to Paradosiako Restaurant, a recommendation from our villa owner. It wasn't completely new to me, however, as I'd visited several times during previous trips to the island.

The restaurant sits in its own spacious setting and offers a bright, airy dining room. Despite being reasonably busy when we arrived, service was excellent throughout the evening.

Naturally, Craig opted for his favourite calamari.

For the main course, our table featured a fantastic selection including beef stifado with mash, roast lamb, smoked octopus, and a carbonara for Craig's youngest. Every dish received a thumbs-up, and Craig rounded off the evening with a generous serving of banoffee dessert.

This was probably our most expensive meal of the holiday, but it was worth every penny. Even with drinks, alcohol, and multiple courses for two of us, it was still significantly cheaper than a similar meal for four would have been back home in the UK.

Akti – Sunset Views and Outstanding Greek Cuisine

Another waterfront recommendation brought us to Akti, located close to the marina and conveniently situated next door to Neraida in Alykanas.

The restaurant sits slightly elevated above the bay, offering fantastic views across the water. We visited in the early evening and were treated to a stunning sunset while dining outside.

Food-wise, this was probably my favourite meal of the entire trip.

We started by sharing a Greek platter featuring gigantes beans, keftedes, dolmades, and stifado tasters – the perfect introduction to some classic Greek flavours.

For the main course, I chose kleftiko, while Craig ordered gyros. Kenzi went for moussaka, and Ra opted for another pasta dish.

Before we'd even considered desserts, a complimentary fruit platter arrived at the table featuring banana and apple drizzled with honey. It was a lovely touch and a great example of the warm hospitality we experienced throughout the island.

Of course, that didn't stop Craig from ordering pudding afterwards!

Between the exceptional food, friendly service, and incredible sunset views, Akti easily earns a place among my top recommendations.

La Caretta - A Fantastic Final Evening

Our final recommendation comes from our last evening in Zakynthos.

Located along the main Alykanas strip amongst the bars, restaurants, and shops, La Caretta is another restaurant I'd enjoyed during previous visits to the island.

The restaurant has a beautifully decorated interior and creates a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk in.

For my final Greek feast of the holiday, I chose beef stamnas. It was a difficult decision as fresh fish was also tempting, but the rich beef dish just edged it in the end.

Craig went for a souvlaki, while Kenzi chose stifado. As a chef in training, she's rapidly becoming a fan of Greek cuisine, and I was delighted to see her fully converted by the end of the trip.

Once again, the food was excellent, making La Caretta the perfect place to enjoy our final evening meal before heading home.

Final Thoughts

Zakynthos never disappoints when it comes to food, and the Alykes and Alykanas area offers an incredible selection of restaurants, tavernas, and cafés to suit every taste and budget.

While there are plenty of other places I could recommend, these five stand out as the highlights from our recent trip.

From beachfront breakfasts and traditional Greek tavernas to spectacular sunset dining, each one offered something special and helped make our holiday even more memorable.

If you're planning a visit to Zakynthos and staying around Alykes or Alykanas, I'd happily recommend adding any of these to your holiday dining list.