Ampelostrates, Where the Vineyard Leads to the Table in Zakynthos | Review
On an island as popular as Zakynthos, often associated with nightlife and crowds, it can feel nearly impossible to find a meal that’s rooted in tradition, authentic to the island, and every bit as appealing as the surroundings.
During our time here, one recommendation kept coming up again and again: Ampelostrates. Locals, seasonal workers, and even different generations swore it was among the best meals on the island — some went so far as to call it the best Greek food they’d ever had.
Naturally, we had to try it for ourselves. We planned an early dinner while exploring the countryside, curious to see if all the praise lived up to reality. What we found was more than a restaurant. It was an experience that blended food, place, and tradition into something unforgettable.
The Setting
Ampelostrates sits on the edge of Koilomenos, a village in southwestern Zakynthos surrounded by vineyards and countryside views. The name itself translates to “vineyard paths” or “the way through the vineyards,” which is fitting, as the drive in takes you past rows of grapevines before arriving at the rustic stone-built taverna.
Founded in 2007 by Zakynthian local Antonis Maroudas, Ampelostrates began as both a farm and traditional mezze-style tavern, created to share high-quality local foods with visitors and islanders alike. Today, they also produce their own wine from the surrounding vineyards, something we were especially excited to try.
The Meal
We arrived right at opening time, around 5 p.m., and were seated immediately. The courtyard felt less like a restaurant and more like stumbling into a small Greek village that hasn’t been overrun by tourism. It had a warm, lived-in atmosphere that instantly set the tone.
In true mezze fashion, we ordered a handful of small plates to share along with a bottle of the house wine. The first to arrive was a local spinach pie with herbs, a fried dough pastry stuffed with feta, spinach, and fragrant greens. The dough had a texture almost like a donut, soft yet substantial, and it was easily one of the most memorable bites. The French fries, though simple, stood out as well — the potatoes tasted fresh from the ground, earthy and full of flavor.
The aubergine kebab turned out to be the most unique dish of the evening, with thin slices of grilled aubergine layered with spiced minced meat and topped with a cooling yogurt-cream sauce dusted in chili. Maria gravitated toward the meatballs in tomato sauce, a hearty, comforting classic done right. But for me, the highlight was the chicken with mushrooms and grape syrup. Juicy marinated chicken and earthy mushrooms were brought together by a sweet, house-made grape syrup, creating a combination of flavors that felt both traditional and inventive.
The wine, produced from the restaurant’s own vineyards, tied everything together. Crisp and balanced, it had just enough depth to complement the range of dishes without overwhelming them.
Ampelostrates may not have been the single most memorable meal of my life, but it was without a doubt the best meal I had in Zakynthos. Between the vineyard setting, the traditional flavors, and the quality of ingredients, it’s a place that feels like stepping back into rustic Greece.
If you’re visiting Zakynthos and want an experience that goes beyond the beaches and nightlife, make your way to Koilomenos. Ampelostrates is worth the trip — and worth reserving a table.
