Must-see restaurants in Crete

  • Garden Arkoudenas

    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…

  • Peskesi

    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…

  • Taverna Iliomanolis

    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…

  • Hope

    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…

  • Taverna Sideratico

    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…

  • Thalassino Ageri

    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…

  • Taverna Nest

    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…

  • Raki Baraki

    Rethymno

    Rustic, colourful and lively, this is a fantastic place to while away the evening over mezedhes (appetisers) like flavoursome grilled mushrooms with…

  • Kouzina EPE

    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…

  • Gramboussa

    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…

  • To Maridaki

    Hania

    This modern seafood mezedhopoleio (restaurant specialising in mezedhes) is often packed to the gills with chatty locals and tourists. Dishes straddle the…

  • Taverna Panorama

    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…

  • Kali Kardia Taverna

    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 …

  • Taverna Karavostasi

    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…

  • Leventis

    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…

  • Okeanis

    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…

  • George & Georgia’s

    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…

  • Parasties

    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…

  • I Sterna tou Bloumosifi

    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…

  • Pelagos

    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…

  • Merastri

    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…

  • Milia

    Hania Province

    The restaurant at Milia ecotourism retreat is well worth the detour for its frequently changing seasonal menu incorporating organic produce cultivated on…

  • Vrisi

    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…

  • Arodamos

    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…

  • Meli

    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…

  • Ergospasio

    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…

  • Third Eye

    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…

  • Bougatsa Iordanis

    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…

  • To Skolio

    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…

  • Taverna Fantastiko

    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…

  • Taverna Aetos

    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…

  • Athali

    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…

  • Brillant/Herbs’ Garden

    Iraklio

    The avant-garde decor at Brillant, the fashionable culinary outpost at Lato Boutique Hotel, may almost distract you from the creatively composed, feistily…

  • Kannelos

    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…

  • koo koo

    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…

  • Veneto

    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…

  • Ta Skalomata

    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…

  • Sleepy Dragon

    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…

  • Phyllo Sophies

    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…

  • Yiorgos Hatziparaskos

    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,…