The history of Taverna Vardiola

The name Vardiola is derived from the Latin, meaning ‘lookout post’. 
During the 12th century in Zakynthos  ‘vardioles’, small stone constructions, roughly 30sq.m positioned along the coastline,  were occupied by sentries to guard the coastal areas from marauding pirates from neighbouring Ionion islands: Meganisi, Kalamos and Kastos.
The worst of these notorious families being the Tilevoies would invade to take Zakynthian people prisoner to sell to slavery in other parts of the world. 
When boats were spotted approaching the island the sentries would fire warning shots to inform the surrounding villages of their approach!
The fascinating history of the present restaurant Vardiola began seventy years ago when the grandfather of Kostas Gardelis the present owner opened a family run grocery and cafeteria in the area of Lithakia.
Forty years later his son opened a small family butcher’s shop and a Taverna called "The Bridge" thus named after the medieval bridge nearby which still exists. 
It was in 1997, that the present proprietor began to build over three years the present taverna Vardiola which you see today.  
The restaurant was designed and built entirely by the owner in traditional Zakynthian style.
Within the 400 year old stonework used in the construction you can see fragments of pearl and numerous markings of fossilised crustaceans and bones of Neolithic mammals which roamed the area before sea levels dropped.
Within the main dining area there are many antiques dating back to before the turn of the 20th century, some of which are personal artifacts of the owner or collected over many years. 
Tools, furniture, utensils and fascinating artifacts used in ancient times for wine production are possibly some of the only remaining pieces of their kind; preserved as a testimony to the way of life of the Zakynthian people of the past.

The restaurant is family run and aims to provide a true Zakynthian experience for diners. 
Dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes, using local produce and the best fresh ingredients and serves wine produced from grapes in the surrounding vineyards.
The taverna is surrounded by impressive ancient olive trees which are protected as a monument to nature, cypress trees and vineyards, and boasts one of the most splendid panoramic views of the National Marine Park area of Lagana Bay, the protected nesting ground of the ancient Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta. 
The owner plans to extend the facilities in the future to include traditional stone built holiday accommodation based on the architectural design of medieval monasteries, as well as swimming pools and hydro massage.

We hope you enjoy your stay.
Kostantinos Gardelis, Architect and his family welcome you to taverna Vardiola and Zakynthos.