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…
Must-see restaurants in Crete
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Rethymno
Rustic, colourful and lively, this is a fantastic place to while away the evening over mezedhes (appetisers) like flavoursome grilled mushrooms with…
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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…
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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…
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Hania
This modern seafood mezedhopoleio (restaurant specialising in mezedhes) is often packed to the gills with chatty locals and tourists. Dishes straddle the…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Hania Province
The restaurant at Milia ecotourism retreat is well worth the detour for its frequently changing seasonal menu incorporating organic produce cultivated on…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Iraklio
The avant-garde decor at Brillant, the fashionable culinary outpost at Lato Boutique Hotel, may almost distract you from the creatively composed, feistily…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
