The best restaurants Iles grecques

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.

Unmissable when you arrive on the pier of Perissa: a very colourful restaurant, with straw umbrellas, hammocks, sofas well provided with cushions, well padded deckchairs and a lot of vegetation. We eat very well and copiously, for a very low price. In addition, the restaurant boasts of supporting fair trade and independent local producers. In any case, everything is guaranteed organic and, as far as possible, Greek. The salads are plentiful and there is also a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes here.

This is a Greek restaurant known for its particularly warm welcome. On the stove side, it will offer you a quality Greek cuisine. In the kitchen, they prepare delicious dishes, and all for a very affordable price. In short, a very good traditional address in Kamari that it would be a shame to miss. The decoration is also very pleasant, with a special mention for the walls decorated with old rural objects and the multitude of plants and flowers which bring a welcome touch of serenity to this place.

The dishes are inspired by typical Sifnos dishes, but the aim here is not to repeat the classics. With the help of his close-knit team, Alexandros is trying to reinvent and finally create the future of a traditional cuisine that lacks inventiveness. Try eggplant salad with pomegranate and feta seeds or salted cheesecake. The products are fresh and of good quality since it is Alexandros' father who grows them on his farm. He also organizes very interesting tours with tasting.

This friendly and warm tavern is always full. We come here for its family atmosphere, the service is always pleasant despite the crowds, the good homemade dishes, typical of traditional Greek cuisine and not necessarily found elsewhere: stifado, pastitsio, moussaka are in the spotlight, in other words dishes that we will reserve for the evening to avoid the digestive club at noon. Everything is delicious, the mezzedes to share are simple but fresh.

This is probably the best place in town to eat fish! In winter or autumn, you can enjoy the divine fish soup here. Otherwise, you'll have plenty of choice and probably want to come back. Fresh cod on the grill with steamed vegetables, spaghetti with prawns, half-cooked tuna served with celery purée, squid carpaccio, not to mention fresh lobster with pasta: everything is delicious! What's more, the decoration and presentation of the dishes are meticulous.

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.

After spending ten years in France in beautiful houses, 4-star hotels and other Relais & Châteaux with prestigious chefs, Nicolas Pelegrinis decided to return to the country. He has just taken over a nice establishment in Ano Mera where he proposes a very personal cuisine, 90% home-made and with seasonal products. On the menu: atypical dishes for Greece, such as his revisited bouillabaisse or his entrecote with pepper or Bearnaise sauce. All served with a very Greek generosity, in the plate as in the room.

It never stops... Open all day long from breakfast, from 10 or 11 am, to the evening with a cocktail bar. The two terraces overlook the port: perfect for a drink in front of the sunset. It serves wine and 24 different cocktails, as many letters in the Greek alphabet. Its name comes from the first three numbers on the bar codes of products made in Greece. One of the best places on the island to eat as well: all the ingredients are fresh and most of them are organic.

Excellent setting with sunset on Katapola. Located in a narrow cross-cutting street, you will see the lime-filled stone building, where local specialities have been served there for 20 years at a mild price. Taste kalogiros (eggplant with veal, cheese and tomatoes) or exohiko (crust and vegetable). From the terrace at the top you will see the Aegean Sea, the mountains or the picturesque windmills. One of the best addresses on the island. " Liotrivi "is the former olive oil manufacturer.

As far as the setting is concerned, the restaurant has a huge terrace spread over two floors. Sea view guaranteed at each plate. The music is extremely well chosen, a mix of jazz and pop in remix chill immediately pushes us to relax and our gaze is quickly lost on the incredible panoramic sea view that the Compass offers on the bay of Chora. View disturbed only by the waltz of the ferries.... which will delight the youngest.

Large sun terrace and small shaded terrace with a view worthy of a postcard. The location is ideal for exploring Greek pastries (don't miss the apple pie, local version of the apple pie). Sandwiches and small dishes.

An original and successful alternative to Greek cuisine, inspired by Panos and Spiros' travels in Asia and South America. The atmosphere is relaxed, the music and the décor are very pleasant. Their energy makes the difference, and the place is a great success even though it is located on a little frequented part of the port. We recommend the pan-fried shrimps with garlic, the chicken wings with spicy sauce, the sushis and the house cocktails like the smirk of rocket with ginger, lemongrass, spearmint and lime juice.

The magnificent shaded terrace of the Dolci overlooks the western flank of Kastro, offering the ephemeral epicurean sitting at his table a remarkable view and tranquility. Kastro is a unique place, but the jazzy atmosphere and the dominant position of the Dolci will make you discover it from a different angle, sunny, calm, soothing and of course gourmet. Salad 7 martyrs (in homage to the church of the 7 martyrs of Kastro), fresh mussels with orange sauce and flower petals, revisited pasta and risottos, or homemade ice cream.

Here is an address that you must know, on the heights of the village, with a panorama that we guess is exceptional (and we confirm that it is true). A Franco-Greek couple offers here their patatato, a specialty of goat meat and potatoes. To complete the rare hotel offer, the owners also have two rooms to rent to help out. In short, a good address for a breathtaking view, a friendly staff and a very correct meal. As a bonus, there is sometimes a very good home-made dessert. Correct prices.

Original, delicious, elegant and generous: this is perhaps one of the best tables on the island. Kalypso - Soso to her friends - is a formidable cook who opened this jewel of a restaurant in an alleyway in Naoussa, in an enchanting setting under a vine arbour, a little out of the world. The few tables under the bougainvilleas are often taken by storm, so it is advisable to make a reservation if you want to taste her cuisine which mixes Parian traditions and creativity. In the end, the result is really tasty.

Feta lamb, served in a puff pastry crust with tomatoes, peppers and aromatic herbs, is a real delight. Unless you prefer iodized specialities, in which case fresh grouper with shrimp and seafood are also worth a visit. For the record: the owner's grandfather was French ambassador to Rhodes. The welcome is impeccable and we speak French. The terrace is a must: in short, this restaurant has been a sure bet for many years.

This beach restaurant is a must in Lindos. You'll be sure to stop off here during a swimming session on the village's main beach. Deckchairs are available to guests free of charge. All the Greek classics are on offer in the kitchen, even if the tourist pressure doesn't make it a first-rate establishment. But the setting makes up for a break on the beach, if only for a drink or a coffee with your feet in the water.

The story of Broadway is the story of a man, Kostas, who left Kos in the 1970s to try his luck as a chef in Manhattan restaurants. In the 1990s, he decided to return to his native island: he founded Broadway, at the junction of American and Greek cuisine. From his experience, he withdraws this fusion, which is both creative and accessible. Since then, he has given his place in the kitchen to the younger generation, who offer a tasty, refined but uninhibited and inspired menu. It's one of Kos' best tables.

You'll need to make a reservation if you want to take advantage of this truly charming address, which is only open in the evening, in one of the narrow streets of the village of Mandraki, near Panaghia Spiliani. This is because here, attention is paid above all to the quality and freshness of the produce, far more than to the number of covers you'll be able to fit in during the season. You'll discover delicious Greek and Mediterranean cuisine based on local produce, to be enjoyed in the lovely garden at the back of the house. The menu is more refined and sophisticated than most tavernas.

Large outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the port and the monuments of the old town, Greek traditional music, typical dishes made from seafood products, Marios and Cristos welcome you with professionalism. French menu.

Perched high in the olive hills, this restaurant offers a splendid setting. Good food, panoramic views and a sunset guarantee great photos. The cuisine is refined and reasonably priced. Beef with tomato sauce and penne, simmered lamb with baby vegetables and duck with orange sauce are sumptuous. Vegetarian dishes are also available. The wine is top quality and the service impeccable. There's not much to complain about at this establishment, widely acclaimed by locals and tourists alike!

A very good address for Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Giovanni and his team try to keep the dishes authentic, simply prepared but always very tasty. Pizzas, pastas and seafood are on the menu, with a little luck you can try the pasta al nero di seppia, a delicious dish with squid ink. The place is charming at the end of the Spianada square and its large kiosk offering a view of the old fort and the marina below. If you miss the cucina italiana , this is the place to come and eat.

In summer, its lush courtyard is one of the most pleasant places on the island. This establishment, open all year round, is worth a visit. Surrounded by olive trees and in the shade of three eucalyptus trees, you can taste specialities from the Ionian Sea. Beautiful menu with many corfiote dishes, originating from the neighbouring island, such as sofrito (beef and garlic sauce), bourdeto (fish in red sauce) and pastitsada (chicken and beef in sauce with pasta), but also dishes specific to Paxos such as tsilichourdopita, a pie with lamb giblets...

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.

Elia's luxury resort consists of a hotel and an excellent restaurant overlooking the beach. You'll find quality dishes, such as excellent sea bream carpaccio and vegan options. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available on the beach for a heavenly swim and the beach bar is known for its delicious cocktails. Finally, if you fall in love with the place, the 5-star hotel offers 11 rooms and 23 minimalist suites with character, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Here it is spacious and relaxing!

In the maze of the Kastro - a veritable labyrinth - you can find this restaurant by following the signs and above all your instincts and the indications of passers-by. In the evening, the inner courtyard has a very special atmosphere, calm and romantic, with candles and jazzy music. Impeccable service, a warm welcome, attention to detail, and above all gastronomy have made the place one of our favourites. The traditional Greek cuisine rubs shoulders with the originality of the chef, and you can order very good wines to accompany the meal.

A local atmosphere for this Greek family tavern sheltered under trees and vineyards. Local cuisine without claims at very affordable prices. Also ask for the dishes of the day. Vegetarian dishes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live music in the evening.

Run by three young people (Nikos, Vagelis and Mariana) who want to give Mykonos a different image by offering farmhouse hospitality with produce from their vegetable garden and wine from their vineyard. The wines are organic in white, red and rosé, pleasant in the mouth, fruity and mineral. Don't hesitate to pair them with a bit of local cheese and honey from the farm. Restaurant open until 4 p.m., to be reserved in season. Bicycle tours available on site and vineyard tours at 2pm and 4pm.

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.

Sometimes you have to pass all the taverns from the center and go to the end of the bay to find such a good restaurant. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, it enjoys a splendid view of the sea and the city of Tinos. Local products are smoked and grilled, always prepared with the least fat possible, which is valuable when you spend some time in Greece… Try the roasted sardines, it's the specialty of the house, and the fish soup. Beautiful wine list that can also be taken by glass.