Set on the waterfront in Zakynthos Town, Panas is considered one of the best restaurants on the island, known for its exceptional fresh fish and traditional Zakynthian recipes. The elegant harbourside setting makes it ideal for romantic dinners.
Panas Restaurant is regarded as one of the finest dining addresses on Zakynthos, occupying a prominent harbourfront position in Zakynthos Town with uninterrupted views over the busy marina and the Ionian beyond. The kitchen's strength lies in its handling of fresh fish and seafood, sourced daily from local fishing boats that work the rich waters between Zakynthos and the Peloponnese coast. The whole fish — sea bream, sea bass, and red mullet — are priced by weight at the market rate and arrive simply grilled with lemon and the island's own olive oil, which allows the quality of the ingredient to speak directly. Octopus is a recurring highlight, marinated and chargrilled to a satisfying char while remaining tender. Kokkinisto, a classic braised meat dish cooked slowly in tomato and wine, and skordalia — the sharp garlic and potato purée native to Greek island cooking — represent the heartier, land-facing side of the menu. The dining room is elegant and suited to romantic dinners; white tablecloths, ambient lighting, and a front row of tables directly on the harbour wall make for one of the most atmospheric settings in Zakynthos Town. A solid Greek wine list covers the main appellations, including wines from the Ionian island of Kefalonia. Service is polished. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner throughout the summer months, particularly on weekends when the harbourside fills quickly.
Good to know
- Hours
- 1PM-11PM daily
- Reservations
- Recommended
Location
Harbour Front, Zakynthos Town, 29100
37.7907, 20.8960 View on map
Highlights
- Prime harbourfront position in Zakynthos Town with sea views from the dining room and terrace tables
- Daily fresh fish priced by weight from local Ionian fishing boats — sea bream, sea bass, red mullet
- Chargrilled octopus marinated to tender perfection, a house signature
- Elegant, romantic dining room suited to special-occasion dinners on Zakynthos
- Solid Greek wine list with coverage of Ionian and mainland appellations
Tips for visiting
- Ask the server which whole fish arrived that morning — the freshest catch is always the best choice.
- Book a harbour-wall table in advance; these are the most requested and fill first on summer evenings.
- The skordalia makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled fish — order it as a side rather than a starter.
- Lunch service is quieter than dinner and offers the same menu at a more relaxed pace.
- Prices for whole fish are set by weight; confirm the approximate cost per kilo before ordering to avoid surprises.
Accessibility
Panas Restaurant is on the Zakynthos Town harbourfront at street level with flat access from the waterside promenade. The interior dining room is step-free. Outdoor harbour-wall tables may involve a small kerb step; the restaurant team can assist guests with mobility requirements.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Panas Restaurant open for lunch as well as dinner?
Yes — Panas opens from 1 p.m. daily and runs through to 11 p.m. Lunch is a quieter alternative to the busy dinner service in peak season.
What type of cuisine does Panas serve?
Panas focuses on fresh Greek seafood and traditional Zakynthian recipes. The menu features whole fresh fish, octopus, kokkinisto (braised meat), and classic Greek sides including skordalia.
How should visitors book a table at Panas?
Reservations can be made by telephone at +30 26950 26346. Booking is recommended for dinner throughout the summer, particularly on weekend evenings when the harbourfront is at its busiest.
Are fish dishes priced by weight at Panas?
Yes — whole fresh fish are priced by the kilogram at the market rate. Servers can advise on the approximate weight of each fish before the order is confirmed.