Ampelostrates — Restaurant in Zakynthos Municipality

Ampelostrates is a return to the place in history when time was measured in seasons. If you can’t find the beauty of eating at a table in the yard with playful kittens scrambling among chickens and well mannered dogs that roam about, then this utopia is not for you. Finding Ampelostrates is the first reward. It is easy to miss. The adventure begins with the road less traveled through the alleys and vineyard. The journey can intimidate the less adventurous. And the black chicken that greets you may disarm your expectations for the limited fare that you will find on the menu. But don’t be fooled. The rustic charm of Ampelostrates is exceeded by the quality of the food and the authenticity of the charming people running this one-in-a-million eatery. The food and the wine are cottage industry craft and high quality. Even if you are not hungry, you must experience this time warp paradox where their wine is truly among the best you will find made on Zakynthos. The family’s winemaking is led by Alecko who has studied oenology at the university in Athens. Alecko’s father, Adonis, whose name must be derived from the beauty of his soul and soft Greek spirit, and his mother, Mika, an artist with a warm smile, whose paintings adorn the walls, have nurtured creativity at every turn in their paradise as well as in their sons. Mika’s mother taught her the love of cooking. And it shows in the food. Their recipes are traditional but taken to a new level where flavor is king. They serve the best Spinach pie and Zucchini salad. If you are truly lucky, you may be able to order the rare cheese stuffed Zucchini blossoms! Giannis, the other son, is university educated and is an accomplished film maker when he is not waiting tables and serving you the family’s best recipes. Make sure to get to know him! Hopefully, when you are there, the layers of the Ampelostrates experience may include the timeless music of Jim Morrison & the Doors, or Pink Floyd singing their signature song “Time” while confusing you to wonder if you have left this life? Or maybe you have fallen into the rabbit hole on an Alice-In-Wonderland moment with this gastronomic and sensory experience where time has been warped so beautifully! If your soul is truly alive, you will be...

One of the most quiet and authentic places on the whole Island. If u mean to discover what the greek mentality and hospitality really means come to this place. It is a bit set back and not too easy to find cause the road is very small.

The estate and all its inhabitants (chicken, dogs, cats etc.) seem so happy and after that u enter the Restaurant and the first Thing is just a "wow"! A rural place in its full beauty.

The meal itself is very good (technically and tastewise) one has to order like one would eat Tapas.. We ordered 4 dishes from the menu and that was a whole lot for 2 people(the portions should totally do, if you are not that hungry do 3 and you are perfectly fine). A bottle of fresh Tabwater and some bread were included (at no cost)

As we were asking for the Bill the Boss brought us a dessert from the house and refilled our wine.

Facts:

Meal: 10/10 (try "beef in red sauce" my favourite) Atmosphere: 10/10 typically greek Hospitality: 10/10 (would have talked to the Chef much more if he understood more english)

My absolute favourite Restaurant in the Island. Dont even think about visiting, just...

Highly reccomend if tired of "the strip restaurants" This a family ran business with outside dining in a garden setting. The drive from the main road on their drive way is rough but no issue for the 🐼 car. Their cats, dogs, and chickens walk by. The animals do not beg.

We had our food is served family style. Our group was 11 adults on their big table (seats 13/14). We ordered 3 tabule salads 3 greek salads (2 to many), selection of cheese as appetizers. We order 3 potatoes, 2 spinach pies for vegees

We had their white, rose and sweet red wines. We ordered 3 sauages, 2 chicken with grapes, 3 kebabs on eggplant, and 2 meatballs on pita,

The group favorites were potaotes and spinach pies, kebabs, chicken and meatballs. We liked the wines.

See photos. Not local guide,...