The best restaurants Héraklion

Translate the name of the restaurant as "cooking with love". In this tiny place of only a few tables, we choose our dishes in a showcase before they are brought to the table. Sofia, the owner, welcomes us in her restaurant as if we were at home. Traditional family cooking, copious and really delicious. If the place is a bit difficult to find, it is well worth the detour. Don't give up and make the small effort to find it.

Treat yourself to a sweet break on the sacrosanct Place Square which overlooks the Morosini fountain to taste local pastries: the bougatsa filled with custard cream or fresh cheese topped with sugar and cinnamon. If there are no more open tables, just sit next to the Kipkop terrace.

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.

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.

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.