The best Cretan restaurants Greece

A regulars' tavern specialising in fresh fish since 1984, but also serves delicious dishes prepared by the owner's wife and sister. Scala offers a more refined cuisine than elsewhere (and, rarely, innovative desserts), in a more intimate setting, and offers the highest panoramic terrace in Matala, perched on its small cape and closing the bay to the west. Access to the sea below is via small stairs. Beautiful view and quality dishes of the day. Booking is almost obligatory in high season, but you won't regret it.

In a small street parallel to the Paleologou, a pretty little garden under fig and lemon trees shelters this family tavern-ouzerie where you can eat for a reasonable price typical Cretan cuisine of excellent quality. An address that is especially appreciated by the locals even out of season. The secret is the ingredients that come from the owner's mountain farm. A real breath of fresh air, simple and unpretentious, but so authentic and sincere. The raki and olive oil also come from the same farm.

Theodosi is a modern restaurant on the ground floor of Hôtel Alexis. An escape Ideal for one evening away from the tourist sites from mass. Greek and Cretan creative cuisine served à la carte, we strongly recommend the chicken fillet with smoked pork and pork chops with honey and thyme. The owners had a restaurant in Vancouver, Canada for years, giving an original mix to the already carefully prepared dishes. Fresh fish on the menu and magnificent sea views as well as on the city of Hania.

In a rustic setting (stone and wood) we taste very original garlic bread and pizzas are prepared on site, with a homemade pasta. They are cooked in olive wood fire in a traditional brick oven before our eyes. Beyond the pizzas at the wood fire, traditional Cretan cuisine of quality.

The must-see Rousios farm is located high up on the Sfakia plateau at the entrance to Samaria. This is where all the ingredients served in his tavern come from, including thyme honey. Some of these products are available for purchase. This is a typical Cretan speciality tavern with a large, shaded terrace, a rustic decor and a very relaxed atmosphere. Olive-wood-fired grills, traditional dishes, fish... You'll be spoilt for choice. Wifi free of charge. Rousios also offers rooms for rent.

Located just outside Hania, in the small village of Agios Ioannis, this iconic café has been unearthed by connoisseurs of authentic Cretan cuisine. The establishment is famous for its stews, lamb chops with herbs and lemon (succulent), and various traditional vegetable dishes (stuffed tomatoes and peppers, among others). The fried potatoes are homemade... In short, all the secrets of Stella^Mpolanaki, the soul of the establishment and cook, on your plate. We'd love to go back.

Frequented by locals and, above all, students of Rethymno, this mezzedopoleio makes no concessions on the quality of the dishes offered. Located in the heart of the historical center, it is an ideal address to enjoy traditional Cretan and Greek cuisine at a very good price. Among the dishes: the Cretan brusquette, marinated anchovies, steamed mussels... Doughnuts with chocolate sauce offered generously at the end of the meal. Excellent value for money. With a little luck, you can also attend a live music evening.

On the beach of Plaka, this superb restaurant with its elaborate decoration offers an ideal setting to stay for more than just a meal. On the kitchen side, here again of the very high level. The use of fresh Naxiot and Cretan products has created a unique gastronomic place, creating a fusion cuisine of these regions. The result of this culinary originality is exquisite, the service impeccable and the setting simply magnificent facing the sea. It also has a concept store next to the restaurant for a few shopping sprees.

During your visit to Rethymnon, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a meal at Mr. Othonas, the owner of this renowned family taverna. The tastefully decorated Othonas Taverna has been serving traditional Greek and Cretan dishes prepared daily with local products for 35 years. The quality of the dishes, which remain faithful to the culinary traditions, is a reference point for the restaurant, with some innovative touches. The must: feta cheese with figs and molasses. Very friendly staff. Reservations are recommended.

If you like hiking, your steps will take you to Adravastoi, a tiny village near Palaikastro, in the Zakros region. Here you can sample Cretan cuisine in a friendly, family-run tavern: stuffed zucchini flowers and vine leaves, grilled meats, veal and lamb stews, wood-fired lamb. The owner, Mr. Yannis, is friendly and welcoming. At weekends, in high season, it's a good idea to book or call ahead to avoid unpleasant surprises.

One of the first tavernas you will find at the entrance to the sandy beach on the left, which guarantees you a splendid view of the famous caves by day and night. There is a bar on the panoramic terrace. Taste the local moussaka, cuttlefish risotto or seafood spaghetti. As for the wines, we recommend the house white wine which is very good. Dimitris is the friendly owner who speaks a little French. Relaxed atmosphere. Live music concerts. Fresh fish every day (watch out for the price per kilo!).

Akrogiali is the oldest tavern in the Kato Zakros region. Founded in 1898, it was taken over in 1991 by Nikos and his wife Tania. Since then they have been offering Cretan meals based on local products (meat, cheese, vegetables) and good fish and shellfish. At 5 meters from the beach, almost with your feet in the water, you will taste at the Akrogiali (which means "at the end of the sea") good dishes carefully prepared. The owner, Nikos, speaks French. He also owns the Athena and Coral residences where you can stay.

This is the oldest tavern in the small village of Myrtos. Its owners run the hotel, also the oldest in the village. In the morning, breakfast is served to hotel guests, but you can always have a coffee or quench your thirst... As soon as the sun goes down, the establishment transforms into a mezzedopoleio offering a variety of dishes from traditional Cretan cuisine. Evenings are often festive, with dancing and singing accompanied by Cretan musicians.

A dream decor at the Pirates of the Caribbean both inside and outside for this multi-colored, atypical restaurant. Here you feel relaxed immediately when you arrive, the view is splendid, we eat on the edge of the relaxing water. Fresh daily fish chosen in the window, but also original dishes. There is a wide selection of Cretan entries, five varieties of soups, various grills, Greek dishes… on the back of reggae music, of course. The atmosphere is so representative of Matala that we cannot miss it.

Greek-Cretan cuisine restaurant and pizzeria on the port located between Hotel Elysée and Hotel Flisvos near the water to admire the small fishing boats. Pleasant, clean and shaded terrace overlooking a small flowerbed and the small port. Nevertheless, the cuisine here is traditional: rabbit has been a speciality of the owner for twenty years. There are 5 to 6 dishes of the day in summer, including some fish dishes, snails... Fresh home-made tiramisu is systematically offered all year round. Warm welcome.

Small family tavern held by an expert in Cretan cuisine in a small courtyard planted with trees. She's on the edge of the road, but it's more quiet than on the harbor. For a quiet evening.

Family tavern owned by Nikos Platanakis. Traditional cuisine is prepared here, using melting vegetables from the garden. The owner, will make you taste the best homemade paximadi of the region. The son, who is very charming and speaks excellent French, will perhaps show you around the kitchens so that the women who officiate there will lift the lids of all the pots of the day: green beans in tomato sauce, lamb or rabbit stew....

Opened in 1965, it was the first restaurant in this place called also «fisherman's square». This was the meeting of the fishermen who were feeding fresh fish daily. At the corner of the port, recognizable with its terrace, you can easily find this family restaurant. Taste seafood specialties and fresh fish. Be careful, as always with fresh fish in Greece: check the price per kilo so you don't have a bad surprise at the time of the addition that can rise very fast.

Family tavern, by the sea, in the heart of the central port of Bali. On the two terraces you can taste dishes of Greek and Cretan cuisine. Οone comes here especially to taste the fish of the day, shellfish, fresh seafood. Lobster spaghetti, grilled sea bream, mussels, lobsters, red mullet are delicious but quite expensive. Other specialties: meats and snails. Prefer the terrace on the^1st floor overlooking the port. Check the menu for the price per kilo of fish to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Overlooking the sea at the foot of the Venetian fortress, the Thalassographia offers a splendid view and basic but good Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is housed in an old Venetian building that has recently been converted and renovated. For a meal, a coffee or a drink, the establishment is a guaranteed inspiration for your postcard break! The waterfront is trendy and enjoys a good reputation. The wind is more agitated there than anywhere else but the location, a little isolated, promises you an appreciable calm in Réthymnon.

This tavern opened its doors in the first building built in Elounda in 1906. It is a family tavern located in the town square by the sea. The locals proudly recount that Victoria Hislop, author of The Island of the Forgotten, whose plot is set on Spinalonga Island, is said to have sat there. A restaurant of fish, shellfish, fresh seafood and Greek specialties, copiously and generously served. The tavern has a varied wine list of wines from the regions of Crete and Greece.

Alla & Alla is the kind of place you'd expect to find on vacation: a friendly atmosphere, where you can eat well without breaking the bank! Take a seat on Kaillambi alley, a stone's throw from the Fontaine aux Lions, and enjoy dishes prepared with quality ingredients: the salads are fresh and the small dishes inevitably attract a glass of chilled raki. Opt for the mixed grill dish for a meat-based meal. Bulk wine is of good quality. Efficient service. On the menu, solutions for vegetable lovers too.

Established in 1978, Kri Kri is a Greek cuisine restaurant offering excellent grilled meat (especially lamb chops grilled over a wood fire), fresh fish and various mezzedes of excellent quality. From its spacious and well-shaded terrace, with a panoramic view of the picturesque bay of Ormos, you can enjoy, among other things, grilled swordfish served with steamed vegetables and lemon sauce, with 500 ml raspberry and blueberry cider. Ask for advice on local wines. Impeccable service.

Traditional Cretan cuisine from father to son since 1930. Among the most popular dishes, baked lamb with potatoes, gamopilafo (pilaf with lamb: the typical dish served at weddings in Crete). The tavern is also recommended for its grills. In season, every Saturday, from 8 pm, the Cretan evening begins with traditional dances to the rhythm of the lyre and lute. The tavern is a real folklore museum where you can also buy local products to take away. Very good address.

This restaurant serves typical Cretan dishes flavoured with the island's many herbs. The waiters are professional and will advise you very well, both on the choice of wines and on the refined dishes. We also offer meat roasted over a wood fire, slowly cooking in front of your eyes. Some dishes are covered with a bell to keep them warm but, above all, the inside is covered with herbs which, thanks to their aroma and flavour, give the meat a unique aroma and taste. Do not miss this experience, which is highly recommended.

Very popular with locals and visitors alike, people come here to enjoy the authentic flavors of top-quality raw materials: grilled meats, salads, doughnuts with vanilla ice cream... and, of course, chicken in sauce, a unique dish. Here, in the center of the village lost in nature, traditional cooking classes are given in French: contact neighbors Mireille or Pierre on +30 697 562 6830 or +30 697 99 12034.

Kertos is a fish and seafood specialty restaurant. On the promenade of Nea Chora, quietly, facing the sea, you can enjoy lunch and dinner, especially for seafood. Polite servers, good atmosphere, reasonable price: no reason not to go! In July and August you will need to think about booking because it is rare to find space, especially when you are in small group.

The Amphora restaurant has been in the harbour for about years, and it is the only one here that does not need rabatteurs. Its main quality in addition to the direct view of the port is the dishes cooked according to the ancient Cretan tradition. There's also fresh fish in everyday life, but today we've decided to taste the lemon stamnagathi lamb. The stamnagathi is a wild plant that grows on the rocks near the sea, only in Crete. It's a little dish available in the menus of other restaurants. In the plate, it looks like spinach, but the taste is different. Their famous recipe for fish soup is still kept secret; We only know that it's a broth of different fish that kaminraum with celery, olive oil and lemon. Dessert is available to all clients: it is a small glass of Greek yogurt teeming with candied grapes. A real treat and servers have lots of stories to share. Please note that there are a dozen nice rooms to rent in the hotel of the same name, just above the restaurant (see heading accommodation).

Entering Sissi from Heraklion, on the right side is this family restaurant since 1988. Greek and international cuisine at reasonable prices served in a large garden with a fountain and a playground for children. Katarina, the owner's daughter, is French-speaking and will welcome you with a friendly smile. Practical side: the bus station is just in front.

In addition to the fish and seafood that are here, there are traditional Cretan dishes, economic menus, many vegetarian dishes. Desserts and bread are freshly prepared in kitchen by the owner himself. It is copied in a beautiful setting facing the sea. You could be cooled by the downside of the servers on the terrace but the food does not disappoint. Very good value for money. It's the kind of place where you feel good and where you're happily coming back.

On the beach, this is a place not to be missed in Kato Gouves. Both beach-bar and restaurant, people come here for the lounge atmosphere that reigns all day long and that becomes more festive in the evening. At the edge of an almost private beach with comfortable deckchairs, you come for breakfast, a coffee break, lunch at noon... The sunset invites you to a romantic dinner at around 8 pm. It is an elegant place as we like them, offering a light refined cuisine, at quite reasonable prices.

This classic tavern, located on the beach in the village of Kolymbari near the port, offers very good fish with sea view. The various fried platters of small fish (anchovies) and shellfish and seafood (mussels, prawns, octopus, squid) or various grilled meats are a very good choice for a meal for two. Very good salads too, freshly cut and generously portioned. Several dishes and dishes based on the traditional Cretan cuisine, very successful. Good address.

It's a beach restaurant - the one at the far end on the right as you enter Bali. Here you can eat simple but good Cretan food, lulled by the sound of the waves. The grilled meat mix for two is recommended... but there are also homemade dishes, fresh fish and a varied menu. The dishes are carefully prepared and the food is hearty, which is not always usual in this kind of establishment. The setting is friendly and pleasant, as is the staff. Complimentary deckchairs and parasols. We'll come back to this with pleasure!

Offering full views of the Vrachasi hills, and, above all, coolness during the hottest hours, a detour to the family-run Kyvernitis taverna is a must when visiting the area. On the terrace or under the trees of the esplanade in front of the tavern, you can savour delicious Cretan and Greek dishes prepared daily, or juicy wood-fired grills. The quality of the ingredients is perfectly matched by the savoir-faire of good home cooking. Excellent value for money.

One of the best addresses in town. A good family restaurant that is dedicated to welcoming its customers at lunch and dinner, facing the sea. Excellent Cretan cuisine cooked over an olive wood fire, in an elegantly renovated setting. Different dishes of the day, usually organically grown. It is prepared with olive oil... but it is also a restaurant of meat, salads and fish. The traditional Cretan dishes are highlighted, with succulent snails, octopus and pieces of lamb. Very affordable prices. We'll be back, with pleasure.

Small family restaurant, very well situated high up to admire the splendid view of the port. Among the large choice of dishes, we enjoyed the kleftiko (oven-baked lamb with cheese and vegetables). Good classic Cretan cuisine (tarama, garlic bread, saganaki shrimps, grilled sea bream, lamb in sauce...), with a welcome like the Cretans know how to make. The staff is smiling. The traditional glass of raki and the small plate of pastries are always offered with joy at the end of the meal. There are a lot of regulars, it's relaxed.

You are bound to recognize this restaurant marked by fuchsia pink bougainvillea. It is a very pleasant establishment, in the heart of the village Pitsidia, offering traditional Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine. Under the wall trees, on the terrace, or inside, you can spend convivial moments and taste tasty dishes based on local and seasonal products. Among the dishes: baked lamb, cannelloni, baked sardines. Cretan evening with dance and music is to be expected. A good address.

In the central square of the town, a classic tavern with a wide variety of choices from the usual homemade Greek and Cretan cuisine: stews, grills, kebabs, vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, dakos, moussaka, etc. Some international dishes as well. Friendly welcome and service. Pleasant terrace shaded by mulberry trees. The establishment offers a vegetarian and even vegan menu as well as gluten-free dishes. The tavern also serves breakfast and brunch.

Distinct from the classic taverns in the surrounding area, this restaurant offers modern Cretan cuisine in a chic lounge atmosphere with a view of the blue sea. The restaurant offers quality dishes and the beach bar offers snacks and breakfasts all day long. Contemporary decoration and trendy music on the beach. Very pleasant setting for a cocktail by the sea. Slightly higher prices for this unique place in Agia Pelagia.

This tavern is well located, a little out of town, a few meters from the sea, on the peninsula to the east. You can't miss it: a small caique is in front of the entrance of the establishment! It serves traditional Greek and Cretan cuisine and fresh fish (depending on the arrival). The dishes are prepared on a daily basis. Among the specialties: kleftiko (lamb with vegetables and cheese in the oven), octopus with wine, cheese fritters, grilled lobster, sardines... You can digest on the small beach in front of the restaurant.

Nikos Zervas and his family will welcome you in this tavern in the name of the famous painter who reigns supreme here. Nikos's cuisine differs from the others by its quality and the unquestionable know-how of the owner. Cretan specialties on the menu but also Greek dishes. The grills are excellent and very juicy. You can also opt for traditional Cretan dishes prepared with care. You can relax on the terrace and in the shade of the old plane trees while tasting one of the dishes. Squeezed oranges are almost obligatory.

A good address, authentic and simple, as we like them, to taste real specialities of the country, grills, dishes and salads. The raw materials are of impeccable quality and all come from small local producers. A wood-fired oven ensures the excellent cooking of the "ofto", pieces of lamb and potatoes simmered in the oven. Succulent grilled meats: grilled lamb chops, pork chops, minced steak... At the end of the meal, yoghurt with candied fruits in a light syrup is offered to the customers.

This tavern is located within the walls of a 16th century ruin, under cool and welcoming trees. The collapsed roof of the Venezia Loggia has never been rebuilt and people now eat outdoors. During the day, the restaurant is a pleasant break in the shade of the trees, while in the evening you come to listen to live traditional music and enjoy good food accompanied by a Cretan beer or a glass of homemade wine. An establishment and a good-natured atmosphere, for a pleasant culinary moment in Hania.

This is the tavern of the Vamos association, dating from 1905! In the main room of the building was a cistern, still used today to keep drinks cool! Here you can taste local specialities cooked over a wood fire: stews, coq au vin with homemade pasta, snails, cuttlefish in tomato and fennel sauce. A wide variety of local cheeses and wines are also available. Very frequented by artists, the atmosphere becomes easily festive... Concerts are organized there some summer evenings.

Probably the most typical and original tavern in Spili. Its shady terrace, full of flowerpots, on the edge of a small alley, hides a traditional cuisine as we like it. A very pleasant place to enjoy a local cuisine, based on fresh products, served by people who love to let people discover their dishes. The nice owner, Maria, cooks good Cretan sausages with potatoes or rabbit, grilled meat, tomatoes and stuffed peppers. Ask also to taste the homemade olives!

Sitting comfortably in armchairs overlooking the sea and the port of Agios Nikolaos in the distance, you can have lunch, dinner, just a drink, or just relax on a mattress in the grass and the large soothing car-free park while being lulled by pleasant modern music. A unique place in Agios Nikolaos hidden at the back of the city with a lounge atmosphere to be tested with your eyes closed. Impeccable cleanliness everywhere. Very beautiful beach of fine golden sand.

Head towards rue 1821 and 5-10 minutes' walk from the town center, down a quiet side street, you'll discover Heraklion's cult tavern. A meeting place for students and regulars who flock here for the excellent food, the undeniable quality of the raw materials, the bulk wine and the raki. The hearty salads are perfect for sharing. Among the dishes prepared daily, according to the season: pan-fried herb tart, cockerel and meatballs in tomato sauce... We'll be back.

On a soft background of rebetiko, Hagiati is a tavern with undeniable charm that radiates in a previously somewhat dull street. In a decor that takes up the traditional Cretan codes, all in ivy and vine leaves, the atmosphere of the place stands out. Its calm will allow you to rest better than anywhere else after a day visiting the very lively Heraklion, and you will be able to enjoy a tranquility and intimacy without equal. In addition, the dishes (mezzedes and main courses on the menu) are absolutely delicious.

A traditional family tavern that has long been famous for its fish. It also offers a very varied menu of Cretan dishes. Fried anchovies, squid and prawns are recommended. Octopus and lobster pasta are also a good choice. The menu can satisfy vegans and vegetarians. The view is overlooking the sea and there is a beach below for those who wish to sunbathe (sun loungers are free). Breakfast is served. Brunch. And a few alcoholic drinks for later.

Sokaki, in Greek, means "alley" and for good reason, this tavern is located in an alley perpendicular to the beach, 50 meters from the police station. Excellent Cretan specialties, prepared in the respect of family traditions. The simmered dishes are succulent, the portions are copious and the atmosphere is that of a village tavern. Don't miss the pretty shady courtyard. Very reasonable prices. Among the personalities who have frequented this establishment is the former Greek Prime Minister Geórgios Papandreou!