Food is one of the easiest ways to understand a place. In Zakynthos and Cyprus, daily cooking reflects centuries of shared Mediterranean influences, where Greek cuisine forms the foundation and local island traditions shape the final character.
Greek cuisine is now widely recognized as one of the best in the world, often placed just behind Italian cuisine in global rankings. Its appeal lies in its simplicity: fresh vegetables, olive oil, herbs, seafood, and balanced flavours that feel both satisfying and light. In Zakynthos, this tradition blends naturally with the Ionian culinary heritage. The island has long absorbed influences from Italy, resulting in dishes that combine Greek cooking with Italian touches, often highlighting local cheeses, seafood and slow cooking techniques.
Cyprus shares the same Greek culinary roots as Zakynthos, but its cuisine also reflects the island’s long connection with the Middle East. Over time, spices, herbs, and preparation methods from neighbouring regions have shaped Cypriot cooking. The result is a cuisine that feels familiar yet distinctive, where grilled meats, vegetables, breads, olive oil, and fragrant herbs come together in balanced, satisfying dishes.
At King Jason Zante, King Jason Paphos and King Jason Protaras, these traditions are ever-present throughout the dining experience. In our buffet restaurants, Greek, Ionian, Cypriot and broader Mediterranean dishes appear regularly as part of the daily-changing menus. Guests can enjoy fresh salads, grilled meats, marinated vegetables, home-made dips and lighter options that reflect the healthy eating patterns of the wider region. Many of the flavours guests discover during their stay are rooted in the everyday cooking traditions of the islands themselves.
For something different, our theme restaurants Pisco and Haroub, offer an alternative dining experience. Their menus introduce new ideas and vibrant flavours, allowing guests to explore dishes beyond the traditional Mediterranean base while still enjoying the relaxed setting of our hotels. Both restaurants have menus which are ideal for sharing, in line with the key King Jason ethos of ‘community’.
Altogether, these dining options reflect the wider culinary philosophy of King Jason hotels: Greek foundations, local island character, fresh preparation, and a variety of influences shaped by geography and history. For many guests, discovering these flavours becomes one of the most memorable parts of their stay — no wonder then that our cuisine is mentioned regularly in online guest reviews.