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…

  • George's Yard

    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.'…

  • Taverna Niki

    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…

  • 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…

  • Elia & Diosmos

    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…

  • 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…

  • Ta Kochilia

    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…

  • 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…

  • Hiona Taverna

    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…

  • 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…

  • Bakaliko

    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…

  • Taverna Casa Doria

    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…

  • David Vegera

    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…

  • Yiannis

    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…

  • Vegera

    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…

  • Kritamon

    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…

  • 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…

  • Scala Fish Tavern

    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…

  • Taverna Giorgos

    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…

  • 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…

  • Pizza Ariadni

    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…

  • O Kroustas

    Lasithi Province

    The rightly popular O Kroustas serves traditional Cretan food, including a superb lazania (twisted handmade pasta also called stroufikta) cooked in stock…

  • 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…