The best restaurants Crete

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.

This pretty tavern, shaded by large tamarisk trees and located a few steps from the sea, is the domain of^Mrs. Eleni. There she prepares traditional dishes, cooked as at home, with products from her garden. Among the dishes not to be missed are the melting lamb from the Ziros hills, the succulent kakavia (fish soup) or the snails with tomato and onion sauce. Fresh fish and shellfish, grilled or simmered in different sauces, are of excellent quality. Also on the menu: grilled meats and various dishes.

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.

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.

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.

There's nothing special about this fish tavern. Located at the end of the port, on a street corner towards the Neoria Moro, the terrace does not necessarily attract the customer. However, it is one of the most appreciated addresses of the locals to eat fresh fish on the port. Groups of friends meet there to share plates of grilled sardines or small fried fish and stay for hours with a string of beers and raki. It's good timing, there's no need to hurry here: the service is slow, as if it were out of tourist time, and so much the better!

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.

Settled since 1976 on the port of Agia Galini, Faros is a small traditional and family tavern as we like it. The speciality is of course fresh fish, shellfish and seafood: the menu varies according to the arrivals. The fresh fish is displayed in a special window at the entrance of the establishment: it is chosen and weighed in the presence of the customer. As always in this case, check the weight per kilo and ask how much the animal weighs before it is prepared, this will avoid unpleasant surprises.

Apiri is proof that Cretan gastronomy can evolve without losing its authentic character. This restaurant-bar, which opened its doors in 2019, already has a well-deserved reputation that extends beyond the town of Heracleion. Located on the corner of two pedestrian streets near Agia Ekaterini square, Michelin-starred chef St. Lavrenidis offers dishes bursting with flavor and fragrance. These include: spaghetti with shrimp tartar and mustard seeds, cuttlefish with pasta and fried fennel, strawberry pavlova... Extensive wine list. Quality service.

Here is a small tavern, full of charm, located in a quiet alley in Panormos where you can settle under the flowering bougainvillea. At Makis's you can't go wrong: we are on holiday and we are in Crete! We're in Crete for the quality of the meat (Makis, the boss, is the butcher next door!) and the raw materials, all coming from the surroundings of Panormos. Taste the juicy grilled meat, baked aubergines, peppers stuffed with feta cheese... For the dishes of the day, Makis invites you in his kitchen to make your choice..

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.

A walk through the picturesque streets of Pitsidia will lead you to this unexpected oasis that is the Raftis restaurant. In a green garden, perfumed by herbs and flowers, this establishment invites you to enjoy a meal, or a good glass of wine, in a quality setting, with good and remarkable cuisine. Excellent home-made pastries as well. Elaborate wine list. A very good address !

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!

The owner of this mezzedopoleio, originally from Macedonia ("perperas" means butterfly in Northern Greece), having succumbed to the charms of Crete, has been in Hania for some time and shares his love of cooking with his customers. In his establishment, a little removed from the tourist flows, you can taste very good small dishes and traditional Greek food, prepared from day to day. Sit under the wall trees and taste, among others, the best raki of Hania. Some evenings with live music, without microphones!

A simple taverna that has been located almost on the beach for 40 years. Babis & Popi offers traditional Cretan and Greek cuisine, fresh fish and a variety of dishes prepared daily with vegetables from the garden and other local ingredients. Large, cool terrace under the vines. The owners' sons also rent out a number of well-equipped rooms and studios with private, shaded inner courtyard terraces. Simple and unpretentious, air-conditioned, they overlook the beach. They are practical, clean and comfortable.

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.

Galini is a family tavern only a few metres from the beach and the tamarisk trees, offering a pleasant shady terrace in a well-kept and well-appointed space. An essential and relaxing break after a morning of bathing and beach. It is a classic tavern, offering all the usual dishes of Crete and Greece. A small group of Cretan musicians sometimes come to play in the evening. The parking is free and well protected from the sun by several muriers, for guests right on the beach. Free sun loungers are also available.

As its name suggests, it is a real meeting place in the central square of the village! Greek specialties (pastitsio, moussaka, stuffed tomatoes) are enjoyed in the shade of the pergola, the meat comes from the farm of Yorgos, the owner. He organizes live Cretan music concerts once a week, enough to discover this other traditional facet of the island, after gastronomy and agricultural products. In the plates, you will find all the classics of a Greek tavern, so no surprise there!

Very good traditional tavern located on the road leading to the beach of Sougia, a few minutes walk from the sea. Nice terrace shaded by vines and trees, on two levels, well laid out, very pleasant. One comes here for its Cretan dishes at small prices. The speciality: wild goat dishes. Consult the menu for the dishes of the day, well prepared. Good value for money. We come back to it! Also rents some rooms (from 30 € for two people), from March to mid-November.

The most curious among you will make the effort to go to the tiny fishing port of Halepa where time seems to have stopped, as in a village of yesteryear. There, facing the sea and far away, far away from the tourist crowds, you will be able to sit at this charming mezzedopoleio specialising in seafood. It's simple but so good that we can only advise you to come here. Order a dish of small fried fish to share, drizzle on a fresh raki or white wine and listen to the time go by.

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!

Located at the same address for more than 50 years, just a few steps from the city's central market, Oasis is the street food spot in Hania. A must-visit establishment, it still keeps the secret of the seasoning and marinade that makes the meats so juicy and tasty. Wrapped in a grilled pitta or in the form of a sandwich (the bread used, the other key to success!), the gyros are accompanied by a yoghurt sauce, finely chopped tomatoes, onion, all sprinkled with sweet paprika... A must-taste!

This classic seaside tavern, Chryssi Akti or Golden Beach, established in 1983, serves good local cuisine on a terrace well shaded by some old tamarisk trees, by the sea. It is a neat establishment serving both Cretan specialities and international dishes. The salads are hearty (Greek salad, tuna and avocado salad, among others). On the menu: grilled octopus or octopus with vinaigrette sauce, veal with tomato sauce and small onions, moussaka... and, of course, fresh fish grilled over a wood fire.

This fish restaurant has been popular with the locals for about 30 years: the quality and freshness of the fish have never been compromised. We expect nothing less, knowing that the tavern also serves as a fish market where you can buy the catch of the day. Still, if it has been more than 30 years that one rushes to taste fish and sea products in this family restaurant, and since a few years the quality is still upmarket. The son has taken over the stoves and is trying out a more creative cuisine, which is very successful.

This is an unpretentious traditional family tavern within the hotel of the same name. It is located on the side of the road but you can eat well for cheap. The service is nice, the menu is in French and there is a choice for all tastes, seafood and pizzas among others. The pizzas as well as the meat in foil are cooked in a wood oven. Nothing to say, you have to go there for breakfast, for lunch, for dinner... they serve all day long. In season, choose a table in the small courtyard of the tavern.

The menu of this "fusion" restaurant, which finds its inspiration in Mexico and Crete, includes revisited dishes, carefully prepared by the renowned chef D. Malandrekis according to traditional Mexican practices. The restaurant opened its doors in 2021 with the ambition of creating a unique place in Hania, and it has already become one of the best restaurants in the city. You can enjoy, among other things, delicious tacos or meats cooked with barbacoa in a banana leaf. The Margarita cocktail is really worth trying!

In the heart of the historic centre of Réthymnon, this restaurant has found a corner away from the major tourist circuit to display its tables and offer meals based on Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine. It is an excellent choice if you don't want to leave the city while having the opportunity to taste a good fried squid, fresh salads, stuffed vine leaves. The products are of remarkable freshness and quality, the managers are very friendly and very hospitable.

Petros Place is a traditional tavern that offers a very varied and good quality menu. The establishment is mostly frequented for its juicy grilled meats as well as for the gyros, the famous Greek sandwich that is a hit with the customers. The portions are copious, the staff is friendly and the service efficient... On the menu, several home-made dishes, burgers, pastas, fried calamari and shrimps, mixed salads and some stewed dishes, among others. To eat in or take away. Good quality-price ratio.

Here's a traditional café that retains its charm and authenticity. At Giortamis, regulars get together, exchange anecdotes and experiences, enjoy a warm welcome and eat very well at more-than-affordable prices. Located on Market Alley, this café often becomes a festive place, thanks to the groups of young musicians who set the mood by playing traditional Cretan music. On the menu: homemade dishes, snails, excellent sausage, yoghurt with honey and daily specials. The raki is delicious.

On the wooden terrace above the waves, the tavern owner peels her vegetables in the early morning surrounded by the regulars who come to have coffee. If you prefer seafood, Spyros, the tavern owner who speaks a little French, offers fresh fish (more expensive), shellfish and seafood. Let yourself be tempted by the grilled red mullet, with its fine and tasty flesh. On the menu, Cretan cuisine, also prepared daily and with local raw materials. Warm welcome and impeccable service.

On the edge of the St Antonio gorges, in this so quiet and secluded place, the Drimos tavern is a nice surprise, especially after a long walk. In the middle of an exuberant nature, the owners serve a typical and local cuisine of quality, prepared with good local products. Many animals are raised on site and are part of daily life. Fruits and vegetables are fresh from the owners' garden! Taste, among others, the rice pilaf, gamopilafo, this Cretan speciality (sometimes with goat), served at weddings and parties.

On the square of the beautiful church of Agios Titos, a little quiet because it is set back from the very busy street of August 25, the tavern Gero Platanos is a good solution if you feel like eating in the heart of the city, or, simply, if you feel like a coffee break, a cold beer or a glass of raki. Under the old plane trees, mezzedes and traditional Cretan dishes are served for a reasonable price. The shady terrace is a great place to be! It is ideal for children because they can play safely in the square.

Manolis, the owner, invites you to taste a typical Cretan cuisine, just above the Kotsifou canyon, in the place called Kanevos. The fame of the dishes simmered by his wife, prepared with rabbit, mutton, chicken raised on the spot and vegetables from the garden, exceeds the surrounding mountains and makes the locals flock. Prepared on a daily basis, all products are fresh and tasty. The cheese, homemade from sheep's milk, is a delight. You choose your dish in the kitchen, directly from the steaming pots of the cooker!

A tavern, the oldest in Frangokastello, set on the water's edge: the sea and the beach are the backdrop. The place is ideal for admiring, from the terrace, the magnificent sunsets. The menu is varied, you can find a bit of everything. Crowded in July and August, the place is highly touristic because there is not much choice around the famous castle. You can also stay in the rooms and studios for rent which have been tastefully renovated.

Overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mirabello, on the Ammoudi beach with its crystal blue water, you will find the Piato restaurant. Here you can enjoy a unique and creative cuisine prepared with great care and meticulously supervised by the owner, a certified sommelier. With a warm welcome worthy of the Cretans, the establishment is appreciated and frequented by a large number of locals who have opted for gastronomic cuisine. Don't forget to make a reservation as the establishment has made a name for itself in the area. Hospitality and delicacies are there for you.