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…
Iraklio Province
George (Giorgos) was the lone local who dug in with the invading hippies in the 1970s, coining Matala's motto: 'Today is life. Tomorrow never comes.'…
Iraklio Province
After visiting the nearby Kerá Kardiotissas, stop for the view and a bite at this traditional taverna perched on a hillside corner 850m from the monastery…
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…
Iraklio Province
At this foodie destination, market-fresh ingredients shine in flavour-intense and progressive Cretan dishes from chef Argyro Barda. The menu chases the…
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…
Lasithi Province
The oldest among several waterfront tavernas, Ta Kochilia has cooked up a storm for nearly a century and is still an excellent port of call for fanciers…
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…
Lasithi Province
One of two top-ranked tavernas at the northern end of Hiona Beach, this more upscale contender in a stone house is usually filled with patrons lusting…
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 Province
Bakaliko means meeting point; traditionally, that meant kafeneio (coffee shop) and grocery shop in one. The concept has been revitalised in this lilac…
Iraklio Province
Given that the owners are Italian, it’s little surprise that your taste buds will receive a touch of Milanese flair here, three kilometres from town…
Iraklio Province
A fabulous spot housed in a former kafeneio (coffee house), this place has a buzzy vibe due to the scores of Greeks and tourists who descend on it from…
Iraklio Province
For something with a genuine bygone local flair, head one block inland from the Kalamaki beach to Yiannis, a bare-bones eatery that has been running for…
Iraklio Province
The vivacious Vivi has a knack for turning farm-fresh local produce into flavourful and creative dishes based on traditional recipes. Her philosophy is to…
Iraklio Province
Send your taste buds on a wild ride at this foodie outpost in a street off Arhanes' main square and set attractively around a garden courtyard with walnut…
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…
Iraklio Province
Past all the bars at the easternmost end of the beach, this dramatically perched, multitiered pit stop is Matala’s best seafood restaurant. It’s been in…
Lasithi Province
Favoured by the cast of hit TV series To Nisi (look for the fading photos inside), this wood-beamed hobbit hole on the seaside promenade has a welcoming…
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…
Iraklio Province
For over 20 years Manolis has been kneading dough for the hundreds of loyal clients who head here not only for the lush setting on a candlelit garden…
Lasithi Province
The rightly popular O Kroustas serves traditional Cretan food, including a superb lazania (twisted handmade pasta also called stroufikta) cooked in stock…
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…