MELIA FINE DINING: ZAKYNTHOS

You know you’re in for something special when your dinner comes with a view. At Melia, the fine dining restaurant of Lesante Blu Hotel in Zakynthos, it’s not just about what’s on the plate - it’s the glow of the sunset, the sea stretching out endlessly in front of you, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes you feel instantly welcome.

Chef Vasilis Kranias offers a modern Greek tasting menu that feels thoughtful and precise, yet relaxed enough for a summer evening. It’s fine dining without the stiffness - just elevated flavors and playful ideas that nod to Greek heritage.

The meal began with a trio of small bites — apple tacos, a creative take on Athenian salad, and briny freshness from crab and sea urchin.

The marinated red shrimp with saganaki sauce came next, beautifully composed with carrot, onion, and a little “virtual” cherry tomato carrying feta flavor.

But if I had to name the dish that lingered in my memory - it’s the turbot, inspired by magiritsa, the traditional Greek Easter soup. Instead of lamb offal, it came with clams, sea lettuce, and an avgolemono sauce that had a subtle brightness. The dill in the dish was a bold and unexpected touch, and it worked. A beautiful reinterpretation.

The moussaka followed — not your average taverna version, but a carefully layered plate with oxtail, eggplant, zucchini, and potato. Comforting and clever.

The seftalia, made with lamb, eggplant, goat cheese, and sweetbreads, brought a richer, more rustic note to the progression, before the dessert — a red macaron filled with almond namelaka, raspberry compote, and a bright mango sorbet - closed the evening on a refreshing note.

A quick mention for the service: absolutely on point. Nikos and Dimitris, part of the front-of-house team, were not only knowledgeable and attentive but also genuinely kind - the kind of service that makes you smile without even realizing it.

I also chose the Greek wine pairing, which turned out to be one of the more unusual I’ve tried this year. The sommelier isn’t afraid of acidity, especially in red and sweet wines - it added a real signature to the evening and kept every sip interesting. Not your classic safe pairings, and I respect that.

So, if you’re coming to Zakynthos and want a dinner where the setting stuns, the flavors surprise, and the hospitality shines - Melia is your spot. Come for the food, stay for the view.