Corfu, Greece – Zisimos 1928, a landmark café restaurant deeply intertwined with the memories and history of Corfu, has embarked on a new chapter. After nearly a century, this iconic establishment has reopened its doors at its original Liston location, aspiring to once again become a cherished gathering place for both Corfiots and visitors to the island.
A Legacy Reimagined: Zisimos 1928’s Return to the Liston
Since 1928, Zisimos has been more than just a café or a restaurant; it has been a space where generations of Corfiots have met, conversed, celebrated, and become an integral part of the city’s daily life. Its reopening signifies a commitment to preserving this rich heritage while embracing a renewed philosophy of hospitality.
The revival of Zisimos extends beyond its physical space. It embodies a dedication to maintaining a holistic approach to hospitality, characterized by white tablecloths, meticulous attention to detail, timeless aesthetics, and an ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era. This philosophy is rooted in care, authenticity, and nostalgia, valuing small details, the beauty of simplicity, and the joy of sharing moments in a place steeped in nearly a century of memories.
A Culinary Journey Through Time and Taste
The new Zisimos is an inclusive space, welcoming guests at any time of day. Whether for a morning coffee, brunch, lunch, a light meal, a glass of wine, an aperitif, dinner, or even a dessert, the establishment caters to diverse preferences. Patrons can rediscover beloved flavors, such as “Kyrios Nikos’ Variety” and the famous “Chocolatina.” Guests can also enjoy traditional dishes like “Gemista” (stuffed vegetables) or a Greek coffee under the shade of the Liston’s trees, with a view of the city’s historic arches.
The effort to revitalize Zisimos is ongoing, with continuous refinements to the menu and the space. The goal is to reintroduce elements that were once adored and to recreate a meeting point worthy of its storied past. Above all, Zisimos remains a beloved meeting place and a timeless reference point for Corfu, inextricably linked to the island’s history and collective memories.
Operational Details and Community Feedback
Zisimos operates daily, with brunch served from 08:00 to 12:00, and the kitchen remaining open from 08:00 to 23:30. For reservations, guests can call 26610 38275 or 6973001571. Updates on news, events, and live music events can be found by following Zisimos on Instagram via @zisimos1928.
However, the reopening has not been without some critical feedback from the local community. Several comments posted online expressed concerns regarding certain changes. One Corfiot, identifying as “Zisimos,” remarked on June 15, 2026, at 4:45 PM, that Zisimos never had white tablecloths and suggested bringing back old favorites like “Kyrios Nikos’ toast with salad and bakery bread, old-style mocha, cheese pie, and ouzo with meze.” The comment also criticized the saxophone player as “ridiculous” and the orange lighting as irrelevant to the space’s history.
Elena, another commenter, on June 15, 2026, at 6:56 PM, strongly urged the removal of the tablecloths, stating they were “a punch in the eye of every Corfiot” and a “lack of respect for our customs, our past, our Corfiot identity!” Similarly, “Corfiot Citizen” on June 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM, expressed preference for a quiet atmosphere for conversation over loud music and also took issue with the white tablecloths, noting they often signal higher prices. Finally, “Politis” on June 15, 2026, at 10:03 PM, contrasted Zisimos with a nearby café offering an affordable ouzo meze and advised against relying on “tablecloths and gourmet dishes” to attract Corfiots, emphasizing the need for “affordable prices and simple things for simple people.”
These comments highlight a strong sentiment among some locals for Zisimos to return to its more traditional and unpretentious roots, reflecting a desire to preserve the authentic Corfiot experience associated with the establishment.
Source: https://corfutvnews.gr/kerkyra-diasyllogiki-epitropi-emeis-tha-synechisoume-na-provaloume-ta-provlimata-tou-topou mas/
