Rethymno Province
One of the most enjoyable places to experience traditional Cretan cuisine and hospitality is this vibrant taverna set among fruit trees and adjoining…
Rethymno Province
One of the most enjoyable places to experience traditional Cretan cuisine and hospitality is this vibrant taverna set among fruit trees and adjoining…
Iraklio
It's almost impossible to overstate how good Peskesi's resurrected, slow-cooked Cretan dishes are, nor the beauty of the revamped Venetian villa in which…
Rethymno Province
At the top of Kotsifou Gorge, mountainside Taverna Iliomanolis serves superb homestyle Cretan food. There’s no menu, but you’ll be invited into the…
Elounda
Clinging to a steep hillside in the ancient hamlet of Mavrikiano above Elounda, Hope has been a local fixture since 1938. The terrace where fishermen once…
Rethymno Province
In an appealing location away from Spili's touristy centre, this delightful taverna sits on the main road 500m south of town. There's no menu, so you'll…
Hania
This solitary fish taverna among the vestiges of Hania’s old tanneries in Halepa, 2km east of the centre, is one of Crete’s top restaurants. Take in the…
Rethymno Province
For honest-to-goodness farm-to-table fare, report to this upstairs terrace where home-cooked meals are served in ample portions and with big smiles…
Rethymno
Rustic, colourful and lively, this is a fantastic place to while away the evening over mezedhes (appetisers) like flavoursome grilled mushrooms with…
Hania
This cheery lunch spot gets contemporary designer flair from the cement floor and hip lighting. It wins the area's 'local favourite' hands down, by…
Hania Province
In Kalyviani village, about 6km west of central Kissamos, Gramboussa serves fine traditional Cretan cuisine in an elegantly rustic stone building set in a…
Hania
This modern seafood mezedhopoleio (restaurant specialising in mezedhes) is often packed to the gills with chatty locals and tourists. Dishes straddle the…
Rethymno Province
One of the oldest restaurants in the area, Panorama could not be more aptly named: on the shaded terrace, intoxicating views stretch towards the Libyan…
Hania Province
You can get a delicious meal at this taverna on the main street in Kournas village. Owner Andreas is known for his incredible sausages, excellent apaki …
Rethymno Province
With veggies straight from its garden and local wine from the barrel, this taverna on pint-sized Karavostasi beach offers homemade dishes that are…
Hania Province
This award-winning taverna about 10km west of Hania attracts locals and visitors for its authentic and refined Cretan cuisine. Tables fill an elegant…
Elounda
At Okeanis, the decor, menu and service blend as perfectly as the rich oven-baked lamb with garlic and sweet wine that's a top menu pick, alongside chef…
Rethymno Province
Husband-and-wife team George and Georgia serve up satisfying homestyle Cretan food at this cheerful, hopping place. Expect scrumptious oven-roasted dishes…
Iraklio
Parasties’ owner, Haris, is genuine about serving great-quality local produce and top Cretan wines. And his passion shows in his gourmet menu of…
Hania Province
The old stone taverna I Sterna tou Bloumosifi has a welcoming tree-shaded courtyard garden and is known far and wide for its excellent Cretan cuisine. For…
Agios Nikolaos
Pelagos is not for the indecisive. First you must choose whether to sit in the elegantly rustic historic house or in the romantic garden with colourful…
Iraklio
Enjoying one of the most authentic Cretan meals in town, served in this stunning home (a former music building), is a highlight of dining in Iraklio. The…
Hania Province
The restaurant at Milia ecotourism retreat is well worth the detour for its frequently changing seasonal menu incorporating organic produce cultivated on…
Rethymno Province
Set below the main road, this stylish restaurant creates delicious Cretan cuisine with panache. Dishes like chicken with honey and mustard, fig and…
Rethymno Province
This big restaurant in a modern stone house in the upper village is highly regarded for its hearty mountain fare and gracious hospitality. Local…
Rethymno
Stop by Meli for its delicious array of fresh goat's-milk ice cream, in flavours ranging from ricotta and fig to yoghurt and pomegranate to its signature…
Elounda
A design feast in a converted carob factory with rave-worthy food to match. Count the fish in the sea from tables lined up along – and above – the…
Hania Province
A local institution and community gathering spot since 1990, the Third Eye knew what to do with beetroot, quinoa and hummus long before meatless fare went…
Hania
Locals start salivating at the mention of this bakery dedicated since 1924 to making the finest bougatsa. The flaky treat, filled with sweet or savoury…
Hania Province
Whether gorge walker or hire-car driver, do not miss the chance to dine at wonderful To Skolio, about 5km east of Paleohora. The converted red-and-white…
Rethymno Province
With its sweeping pastoral views and fantastic Cretan cuisine, there's no false advertising going on with the naming of this hilltop taverna. All dishes…
Rethymno Province
This traditional taverna in the upper village has a giant charcoal grill out the front and fantastic mountain views out the back. On offer are such…
Iraklio
This colourful, crowd-pleasing restaurant is a true family affair: Dad oversees a massive central open fire, roasting spits of succulent lamb and pork for…
Iraklio
The avant-garde decor at Brillant, the fashionable culinary outpost at Lato Boutique Hotel, may almost distract you from the creatively composed, feistily…
Iraklio
Escape the touristy seafood restaurants for this speciality shop, which has nabbed its own wares with proprietary fishing boats since 1926. With around 40…
Rethymno
The place to head if you need respite from traditional Greek food, this contemporary cafe does a menu of all-day brunch fare. Expect the likes of smashed…
Rethymno
In a 14th-century manor house that doubles as a boutique hotel, Veneto oozes historic charm from every nook and cranny. The kitchen adds a contemporary…
Rethymno Province
In the upper village, Skalomata has provided sustenance to locals and travellers for about 40 years. When you peel your eyes away from the view through…
Rethymno Province
Named after Agios Pavlos' rocky peninsula that resembles a reclining dragon, this contemporary open-air cafe is all about its clifftop patio with views…
Iraklio
With tables sprawling towards the Morosini Fountain, this is a great place to sample bougatsa (creamy semolina pudding wrapped in a pastry envelope and…
Rethymno
Established in 1948, Yiorgos Hatziparaskos is one of the last traditional filo masters in all of Greece. Assisted by his wife, Katerina, and son,…