Panopolis

Landside in T1 Departures, ground level, Panopolis feeds you early

On the ground floor of T1 Departures, before security, Panopolis is the main place to sort food for a group ahead of those packed Zakynthos charter lines. It sits landside in the departures hall, so you can eat with non‑flying family or stock up before you even join the check‑in queue. Being pre‑security also means you avoid the thinner airside choices in this small airport.

Menu is simple: sandwiches, salads, sweets, and pies, plus espresso‑bar staples like cappuccino and freddo. Think filled baguettes, cheese or spinach pies, and basic cakes rather than full meals. Price tier is listed as $, but reviews still call the coffee and sandwiches “airport level” compared with bakeries in town, so expect to pay a bit more than on Zakynthos’ main streets.

Panopolis usually opens with the early departures wave around morning charter times, and queues build fast when several flights bank together. Seating is limited to a handful of small tables on the departures level, and reviewers mention it gets tight when two or three package flights to the UK go out within the same hour. If you’re in a big group, plan on splitting across tables or eating on the move.

Regulars use Panopolis tactically: they grab two or three sandwiches and pastries per person, plus bottled water, then head through security so they’re not stuck with slim pickings at the gates. Several reviews specifically say they “ate here before security” to avoid long lines and higher prices airside. With a 4‑star rating, quality is described as “decent” rather than special, but reliable enough for a short‑haul flight.

Tip: buy your snacks and water here 30–40 minutes before you plan to join the security queue; it’s calmer than trying to order during the peak 2–3 flight rush at T1.