Stifado, Seafood & Sunset Views: A Zakynthos Food Diary

There’s something about Greek food that lingers long after the plates have been cleared. Maybe it’s the slow-cooked richness of a beef stifado, the fragrant herbs wrapped into a comforting kleftico, or the unmistakable freshness of fish pulled straight from the Ionian Sea.

For me, Greek and Zakynthian cooking has always been more than just food, it’s tied deeply to family, memories, sunshine-filled evenings and a way of life centred around sharing meals together.

Having spent much of my teenage and adult life surrounded by Greek and Cypriot influences, the flavours of the Mediterranean have naturally become part of my own cooking at home.

With my dad living in a small Cypriot village and countless visits to Greece and its beautiful islands over the years, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the cuisine. The warmth of the tavernas, the generosity of the people and the incredible simplicity of the dishes all combine to create something truly special.

Our recent trip to Zakynthos reignited that love all over again. Better still, it gave me the opportunity to share it with Craig and his daughters — one of whom is currently training to be a chef — making the experience even more enjoyable as we explored the island through its food.

A Return to Familiar Flavours

Our first proper evening meal took us to a taverna in Alykes called Paradosiako, recommended by George, the owner of our villa. As soon as we arrived, it felt strangely familiar and I quickly realised I had actually eaten there several times before — although not for at least twelve years.

For the first meal of the holiday there was never really any doubt about my choice. It had to be beef stifado. Despite making it regularly at home, it never quite tastes the same as it does in Greece. Tender beef slow-cooked in a rich tomato and onion sauce infused with cinnamon, cloves and warming spices -proper comfort food at its best. Although I have to admit, choosing between that and a fresh fish dish was no easy decision, as seafood is normally my go-to whenever I’m by the sea.

Craig chose roast lamb while Kenzi bravely went for smoked octopus with potato salad to start. Naturally, I had to sample both dishes and, somehow, Craig and I mysteriously ended up helping finish the octopus too! Every bite instantly brought back those familiar Greek aromas and flavours I’ve missed so much.

To finish, Craig opted for a banoffee dessert which, although I couldn’t try it myself, certainly looked incredible.

And then there’s the coffee. Greek coffee simply never tastes the same at home, no matter how carefully I use the briki or how authentic the coffee itself is.

So throughout the trip it became a regular ritual for me — a black coffee with no sugar: ethala enan caffee sketo.

Slowly but surely, the Greek language started returning too.

Waterfront Dining in Alykanas

Our next memorable evening meal was at Akti, situated on the waterfront in Alykanas. We’d stopped there the previous morning for breakfast and coffee, so returning for dinner felt like an easy decision.

The setting alone was enough to win us over — seated outside on a raised terrace overlooking the water as the sun began to set. But thankfully the food matched the view perfectly.

This time I chose lamb kleftico, beautifully slow-cooked until it simply fell apart. Craig went for a pork gyros plate while Kenzi selected moussaka. To start, we shared a traditional Greek platter filled with many of my personal favourites: gigantes beans, dolamides, stifado, Greek sausage and meatballs. It was the perfect way for Craig and Kenzi to try a wider range of traditional dishes, especially as I’d been hoping to find a proper mezze-style dining experience similar to those we’d enjoyed in Cyprus.

Alongside the food came another holiday habit - a chilled glass of local rosé wine, which very quickly became our standard evening accompaniment.

Desserts were once again enthusiastically sampled by Craig and the girls, including a beautifully layered piece of baklava dripping in honey and nuts.

Traditional Taverna Favourites

Our final evening meal in the Alykanas area was at La Caretta, another taverna I would happily recommend to anyone visiting the island.

Choosing my meal here was almost impossible. I spent most of the evening torn between fresh fish and beef stamnas - eventually giving in to the comforting pull of the latter. Rich, hearty and deeply flavoured, it was exactly the kind of traditional Greek dish I love most.

Craig opted for chicken souvlaki while Kenzi surprised herself by ordering stifado after trying it earlier in the holiday as part of the Greek platter. It’s always lovely seeing someone discover new dishes and flavours they genuinely enjoy.

Situated directly on the main strip of shops, bars and restaurants, La Caretta is perfectly placed for anyone staying nearby and looking for authentic Greek comfort food.

Fresh Seafood and Simple Perfection

Of course, no Greek holiday would ever be complete without seafood.

One of my favourite lunches came during a visit to Tsilivi at Avli where I enjoyed some of the most incredible sardines — fresh, simply cooked and full of flavour. I also managed to convince Kenzi to try halloumi souvlaki, which thankfully turned out to be a success.

Sometimes Greek food is at its very best when it’s simplest. Fresh fish, olive oil, lemon, herbs and quality local ingredients are all that’s needed.

Why Greek Food Always Feels Like Home

What makes Greek and Zakynthian food so special isn’t just the taste - it’s the feeling that comes with it.

Meals are unhurried, shared and full of warmth.

Whether it’s a plate of slow-cooked stifado, freshly grilled seafood or a simple Greek salad enjoyed by the sea, every dish tells a story of tradition, family and hospitality.

This trip reminded me exactly why I fell in love with Greek cuisine all those years ago and why it continues to influence so much of my own cooking at home today.

Keep an eye out for more recipes, foodie recommendations and travel inspiration coming soon as part of my Destination Every Day Greece series.