Pandesia Restaurant, Kalamaki - restaurant review

When traveling to Kalamaki, Pandesia is an absolute must do. Travelling into Kalamaki from Laganas, Pandesia is one of the first restaurants you come to. Initially run by the wonderful Leonardo, you are welcomed warmly and escorted to a table by the man himself. Although the restaurant is now run by Aris (who was just a young boy when I first met him), Leonardis is still very much front and centre. He will be the one who greets you on arrival, he will make sure you are being taken care of and he will definitely also hug you when you leave - the restaurant is known for its hospitality with friendly staff, reasonably priced food and drink and for their evening entertainment.

We have been visiting Zakynthos since around 2004, staying mainly in Kalamaki itself but even when staying in Laganas or Zante Town, maybe later in the year towards the end of the season, we will always make sure to visit Pandesia - their Greek night is such a fun evening and its worth noting that in the height of summer tables really are at a premium so I’d advise booking in advance, or getting there early and staying for the evening!

This is one of those restaurants where all of the tables are outside. There is an area in front of the steps which is kept clear for the fire dancing and plate smashing so if you really don’t want to be dragged up to dance then sit further back! It is really good fun and the kids also get an opportunity to smash plates which G used to love when she was younger. Nowadays you are more likely to find her Greek dancing after a few cocktails!

Food-wise they have an extensive menu offering all of the usual Greek fayre including zakynthian beef, moussaka, lamb chops, souvlaki, meze platters and of course, their piece de resistence, the kleftiko! Sadly Nikos no longer works at Pandesia, but to me he will always be the Kelftiko Man as he was the one who presented you with your meal, held aloft, high over his head while your dinner is on fire! He would then place your charred foil parcel in front of you, he would open it using his tongs to reveal the delicious lamb, vegetables and potatoes within - it really is quite the spectacle and the food is of course delicious!

We normally opt for the wonderful cheese pies to start with as they are one of my favorites but again, the selection of appetizers is extensive. You can choose from more traditional Greek dishes like saganaki, tzatziki and pita, olives etc or stick to a simple garlic bread or garlic mushrooms - there really is something for everyone.

Desert here in Zante is often either baklava or frygania which is particular only to Zante - I have travelled to Corfu, Rhodes and Athens and nowhere else does frygania - give it a try. It is essentially a syrup soaked cake rusk base topped with a sweet custard with cream on top, sprinkled with cinnamon. Some serve it with a fruit coulis or sprinkled with almonds but essentially it is just those 3 main layers.

Greece is also known for its wines, and here at Pandesia you will find a great selection together with cocktails, spirits, soft drinks and coffees. As this is very much a family friendly establishment, there is also a kids menu and I have to say that children are very much welcomed here.

A meal for two persons, with starter, mains and dessert plus a glass of wine each will probably cost in the region of 65euros at the most. Not bad for a full evening out including entertainment. Next to the restaurant there is a play area for the kids too, high chairs are available and just to mention that there is a slope from the street to make the restaurant accessible for strollers and wheelchair users.

I would highly recommend a visit to Pandesia - once you have been and experienced their genuine warmth and hospitality, you will return again and again.

So wherever you decide to eat in Kalamaki, enjoy!

See you soon

Tracey and Georgia xx

you can click the link below for some of our favourite excursions to do whilst visiting zakynthos!

https://www.viator.com/Zakynthos/d23524-ttd?pid=P00097143&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=favourite-zakynthos-excursions

** check out our other blogs on Kalamaki, Zante, Athens and all of our other travel adventures or head over to You Tube at Georgia Louise Travels