The best restaurants Crete

A family-run taverna with a great reputation, located in the port of Plaka. It serves excellent fresh fish all year round, and you'll meet plenty of locals, which is always a sign of quality and authenticity. It's the ideal place to enjoy a Greek-style lobster worthy of the name! Excellent fried anchovies and grilled calamari seasoned with olive oil and oregano, fresh salads and more. As always with fresh fish, ask for the price per kilo before ordering, as the bill quickly rises.

Located in a beautiful stone house, the restaurant enjoys a magnificent view of the sea and the mountains. Run by Dimitri and Kostas, it is warm and offers an à la carte selection of fresh fish and seafood. A home-made cuisine prepared on a daily basis with local products that will delight those who come in search of the authenticity of Cretan, Greek and Mediterranean flavours. To taste:apaki (smoked Cretan sausage marinated in vinegar), saffron risotto, pasta with shrimps and mussels, lamb with rosemary and feta..

This establishment on Akti Tombazi, next to the former Grand Arsenal, is easily spotted by its wooden tables, spread out along the flagstone path that runs alongside the sea to the Koum Kapi district. With its motto "the history of a place is learned around a table", Chalkina offers traditional Cretan cuisine (meat pie, snails, chevron with lemon sauce, coq au vin, etc.). The restaurant is also renowned for the variety of meats on offer: organic black pork, black angus, dry-aged beef.

An excellent address, isolated and quiet, located on the old port of Kissamos. The small terrace is right on the waterfront with its moored fishing boats. The fish is extra fresh and the squid or stuffed cuttlefish are to die for! The Greek salad is fresh and well-stocked. The service is family oriented, with the grandmother at the stove and the daughter in the dining room, while the granddaughter plays with the children passing by and the many cats, attracted by the smell. A nice and pleasant interlude.

This is probably the oldest tavern in the city. Of course it serves traditional Cretan specialties cooked with local olive oil, including fresh grilled fish, the famous rosemary snails, rabbit, mussels in tomato sauce and sheep's cheese. It is a family affair with Mum in the kitchen, the son in the dining room and his brother who runs the Hotel Zafira just behind the tavern, where you can stay all year round. Deckchairs are free for restaurant and hotel guests.

On the road to Vai, 700 m before the beach, is this restaurant of Cretan cuisine. It is an old building dating from 1709, in which the families of the shepherds of the monastery of Toplou lived. It has been rebuilt without losing its authenticity and offers traditional cuisine. Try the Xigalo, a sour cream cheese served with stuffed vine leaves... And don't forget the lamb cooked in a ceramic pot with potatoes, eggplant and cheese.

A traditional restaurant for 30 years. Their mezzedes (dishes) are true masterpieces, by the taste, presentation and quality of the raw materials: fava, tzatziki, eggplant salad, grilled cheese, dried white bean salad, beetroot salad, puff pastry, cheese fritters, taramossalata (cod egg purée), stuffed vine leaves. The restaurant is large, nicely furnished in traditional Greek style, and has an olive garden with vines. The menu is in French and the service is impeccable.

A wide variety of Cretan dishes and superb views.

Situated near the springs, it occupies the old village grain mill which also contained the olive press. The setting is more than pleasant! One settles down in the saving shade of the old plane trees and one tastes excellent golden grilled meats over a wood fire or the gamopilafo (to be tasted absolutely!), the house speciality (wild goat's cheese accompanied by rice pilaf) or theanti-krysto (a kind of typical Cretan mechoui). Good choice of mezzés, too.

George Mamatzakis was a chef in major hotels (including the Hilton in Athens) before opening his own restaurant here near Agapi Beach. He offers interesting à la carte menus: fresh fish, shellfish, Greek specialities, excellent grilled meats... No particular decor, we come here for its atmosphere, the quality of the raw materials and the chef's know-how. The staff is very attentive and welcoming. Very good value for money.

This establishment is a waterfront tavern, located in the district of Nea Chora. It is a quiet place to enjoy the sunset in the early evening, while drinking a good glass of raki or ouzo, to be accompanied by one or two orders of seafood or fish. You can also enjoy some other Greek or Cretan specialties, a few of which are exclusively vegetarian and made with very fresh and tasty vegetables. For example, their bougasta is a real delight! The service is pleasant.

This typical Cretan rakadiko is located opposite the Avli Restaurant: It's his little sister… In other words, it's the more relaxed version of the great Avli, where you drink raki by sharing small dishes or mezze that are simmered on the spot before our eyes. Good alternative to eating well if you want to stay light or if Avli is complete as often in the full season. Ideal for a small traditional evening, between drinks and good dishes. Ingredients come from small local producers, most of them organic.

The best fish restaurant in the village at moderate prices and with a view. On a large and very pleasant terrace right on the waterfront, you can choose fish and local specialities in the window. Everything is very good, the dishes are generous, the service is a little slow but really friendly, the French speaking waiter takes the time to detail each dish. This allows you to contemplate the boats and the crystal clear turquoise water while having a very good time. In addition to fish, seafood and a variety of other dishes are served.

Our gastronomic favourite! Georgia starts by sitting down at your table to explain to you, in colourful French, the dishes of the day that have just come out of the oven. As you listen to her speak, you will quickly understand the care and love she brings to her kitchen. The dishes are tasty, well dosed and accompanied by seasonal vegetables. Snails with herbs, stuffed zucchini flowers, or the very tender lamb (raised by the owner) accompanied by her ratatouille, are to die for. A delight from beginning to end, as the cosmopolitan guestbook testifies...

This small tavern is located in the heart of the city, where all the products are fresh and high quality. Take a look at the small olives offered at the aperitif, order the eyes closed the mixed salad, taste the homemade French fries or the excellent pilaf and courgettes flowers (Cretan speciality). Very reasonable prices and live music almost every night.

In front of St. George's church, you can spot this charming tavern: a subdued atmosphere in an old house with a very nice shaded garden and an interior space decorated with care. Bougainvilleas, palm trees and a lot of flower pots make the evenings even more summery. You come here to eat fresh fish (more expensive per kilo) which is spread out on the pretty little caique in front of the entrance. Several dishes inspired by Greek-Cretan cuisine are also offered, as well as various dishes and salads. Perfect for a romantic dinner.

It is a former 15th century Dominican monastery renovated in 1997 and transformed into a hotel-restaurant. Here you can enjoy creative Cretan cuisine, either in the hotel's outdoor courtyard or in the magnificent interior room with exposed beams. Perfect for a romantic and gastronomic dinner. Beyond the dream setting, the menu is elaborate and out of the ordinary. The well-stocked wine cellar offers more than 150 labels. Professional and attentive staff. It's worth it for those who can!

Traditional restaurant renovated in 2013 which enjoys a beautiful view of the sea and the caves. Fish specialities, cheap and of good quality (be careful, as always for fresh fish, check the price per kilo and choose your fish before ordering, so as not to have any bad surprises when you check out!) Large terrace where live bands play live music from time to time. The place is often full in the evenings, in high season, so we recommend that you book for large tables.

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.

There is a succulent tavern inland in the village of Vafes, which can be reached via tiny winding country roads. But it's worth the effort! Here time stands still and you feel like you're deep in Crete. You will eat in the quiet stone courtyard of a recently restored old monastery. On the menu: fresh mushrooms from the region, antikristo (pieces of lamb cooked slowly around an ember), tzatziki prepared with local yoghurt, etc. Local wine in a pitcher and raki to drink in moderation!

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.

Overlooking the small fishing port of Nea Chora, Portes is a very good address for those who want to taste a cuisine made from fresh products, in a pleasant setting. Far from the hustle and bustle of the historical center, you can rediscover the classics of Greek cuisine, prepared with care and with quality above all. The service is pleasant and warm, and the sunsets add to the attraction of the place. Do not hesitate, this is an address that is very popular with the residents of the neighborhood, both locals and regular tourists

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.

Psychro has suffered from the organized tours that only go through the village at full speed... But if you have decided to rent a car to visit the Lassithi Plateau at your own pace, we advise you to have lunch or dinner at the Stavros tavern. The cuisine is simple and family-friendly and the products used come from the owners' farm. The dishes are tasty: lamb with lemon and herb sauce, soft and delicious, grilled meats, salads and various dishes, among others. Pleasant mezzanine, friendly and efficient service.

This pretty house which opens onto the small port and the beach is home to one of the best taverns in Plakias since 1949. On its large terrace shaded by large tamarisk trees, you will enjoy succulent dishes with your feet in the water. The dishes are indeed more refined than elsewhere thanks to the owner Manolis, who also works in the kitchen. Enjoy, among others, fried or grilled octopus, grilled squid, fresh fish. As everywhere, check the price per kilo of fresh fish to avoid unpleasant surprises at the time of the bill.

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.

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.

20 km from Sitia, on the quiet beach of Hiona, you'll find one of the region's most renowned tavernas. Opened in 1967, this taverna is renowned for the quality of its fresh fish, seafood and shellfish. Pasta with lobster or shrimp, seafood risotto and squid ink are just some of the specialties on offer. You can also enjoy grilled meat and other traditional dishes. The staff are very friendly. Reservations are recommended in season. Ask for the price per kilo of fresh fish.

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.

A restaurant that starts to be known for its culinary qualities, impeccable rental with breathtaking views and its warm atmosphere. A little apart from the other tourist restaurants in the region, it is to be tested for lovers of good gastronomy and panoramas. The map offers a wide selection of dishes, Cretan cuisine, but not only. For example, some of the proposals make oriental influences for a strand of originality… At sunset, it's perfect. The portions are copious.

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.

A warm welcome awaits you in this authentic tavern where you will taste the dishes of the day proposed by the owner (no menu). You won't be disappointed and the bill will delight all purses! A good address to change from the local trout and taste the famous Cretan snails! And, outside of meals, the tavern turns into a small café-ouzerie where you can meet during the day or in the evening to share a drink or coffee and discuss the day's events. A pleasant stopover if you're passing through the area.

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!).

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.

Napoleon is the restaurant not to be missed in Zakros and the oldest in the city. The owner offers traditional Cretan dishes on a daily basis, with a preference for lamb or rabbit stew. The grills are juicy (opt for lamb chops), the meat is always of excellent quality. Everything is prepared with local products from the village orchards and vegetable gardens. To vary, he also prepares good pizzas but it is better to stick to the dishes of traditional cuisine.

From its terrace on the seafront, you can admire the sea and enjoy excellent fish dishes in a decor where the white and blue tones and the furniture are traditionally respected. Attended by a relaxed clientele who love seafood, this restaurant also offers some meat dishes. It is a great place to have lunch between two dives or to enjoy a candlelit dinner. A good address, with a relaxed and warm atmosphere, just the way we like 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.

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.

A rather chic and modern Italian restaurant offering refined cuisine. Fine wine list.

Small hunger/budget, rendez-vous for a gyros. The room is very clean, the decor is modern. The restaurant has a large terrace open on the street, filled with tables and colorful chairs. Room service and sale to take.

The oldest restaurant in the city. Local and international cuisine in this somewhat déconfit place.

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 choice tavern overlooks the port of Bali, and Greek dishes are served in the shade of the beautiful terrace overlooking the bay and part of the port. As the décor attests, fish and shellfish are king here. The octopus salad is very successful, grilled squid or swordfish as well. A pleasant way to gain height and admire the sea while accompanying a glass of raki or a cold beer with some of the dishes on offer. The prices remain reasonable despite the tourist boom.

Sofia is a Cretan tavern of very high quality. Tourists based in the village use it as a canteen, as the prices are reasonable and the quality is high. The tavern also offers hearty breakfasts, with hot toast and coffee in the morning. Fruit juices are exclusively fresh! Excellent service and a pleasant location, just above the small beach with a staircase leading up to the tavern. Take the opportunity to ask about the botanical walks offered by the owner's sister-in-law.

This is the restaurant of the Caravella Hotel. It is a fish and mezze restaurant, which overlooks the sea from its blue and white front. Two brothers are the owners of the place and they are the ones who fish with their boat off Paleohora, a family tradition (as shown by the family photos in the back room). You can choose your own fish in the kitchen among other dishes, including vegetarian ones. Ask for the price per kilo in order to avoid a bad surprise at the time of the bill: fresh fish is always more expensive!

A charming couple welcomes you in this small restaurant located in the main square of the pretty village of Kritsa. Traditional Greek dishes are served here: souvlaki, mixed meat, fried meatballs, cheese puff pastry, kebabs... all accompanied by dakos (toasted bread with tomatoes, feta, oregano and Kritsa olive oil). Don't leave without tasting the stuffed vine leaf salad prepared by the boss's mother. You can also have breakfast there. The products in the kitchen and the wine are homemade. Menu in French.

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....

It's the tavern at the far end of the harbour. From its shady terrace you have a view of the bay of Mochlos. In a rather pleasant setting, all the classics of the typical Cretan tavern are on offer: several Cretan dishes of the day, fresh fish, grilled over a wood fire, seafood, shellfish, salads, fried small fish, squid or shrimp, salads and a variety of other dishes. The owners of the tavern also offer studios and apartments for rent, independent, located on the port.