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…
Must-see restaurants in Crete
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 Province
Locals will tell you To Spitiko is the best in town, but at research time it managed to run out of roast lamb and pork by 7.30pm in early May (blaming…
Iraklio Province
Kentriko is a beautiful, congenial stone kafeneio (coffee house; established 1922) on the narrow main drag. Decorated with old photos of village families,…
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 Province
It’s easy to be distracted by the street-facing eateries in Piskopiano and Koutouloufari, so you might walk right past this gem, at the edge of the church…
Iraklio Province
In 1982 Taverna Vasilis was the first restaurant on this beach, and the impossibly polite and generous grandsons of the original owner show you the same…
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…
Iraklio Province
Jean-Marc is a half-French, half-Italian restaurateur who learned English in Spain – and that gives him top pizza and pasta cred in these parts. Real-deal…
Iraklio Province
Vying for wine country's top table views, this beautifully set taverna at Earino villa is worth a detour if you're not staying there, offering sweeping…
Iraklio Province
West of the Malia archaeological site and just before you hit Potamos Beach, Kalyva is a bare-bones, no-nonsense beachside taverna that’s been serving…
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,…
Iraklio Province
Scrumptious, fresh Mediterranean food pulls in punters for fish, salads or daily-changing meat grills, or lighter fare including soups. To top it off,…
Hania Province
Breakfast, sandwiches and Cretan pies are served at Alpha, the community-run cafe and tourist-info office in Azogires village. It's usually staffed, but…
Iraklio Province
So close to the sea that the ocean sometimes spills into the restaurant, this simple seafooder at the western end of Lendas Beach won't win any James…
Agios Nikolaos
Commanding Olympian views of Voulismeni Lake, this cliffside eyrie in a historic building exudes romance, with exposed stone walls, linen tablecloths and…
Iraklio Province
A refreshing change from the run-of-the-mill waterfront tavernas, this been-here-forever family place just past the central square exudes cheer with its…
Iraklio
Those seeking a traditional Greek meal might be disappointed here, but diners looking for an ultra-contemporary experience will be happy with the modern…
Iraklio
This long-running ouzerie (place that serves ouzo and light snacks) just a stone's throw from the fish market specialises in fish – usually freshly caught…
Rethymno
This well-established Venetian villa serves creative Cretan food with a side of romance. Farm-fresh fare steers the menu, resulting in dishes with bold…
Iraklio Province
Well away from the tourist track, sandwiched on a road between Piskopiano and Hersonisos proper, and catering to gaggles of locals – often celebrating a…
Elounda
One of Elounda's oldest and most traditional tavernas, Marilena enchants with checked-cloth tables, decorative handicrafts and a lively atmosphere…
Hania Province
On the main roundabout in Anopoli, Platanos serves hearty lunches, and is known for its roast lamb (available most weekends in summer) and other homemade…
Iraklio Province
Early risers will appreciate the 7am opening of this alleyway patisserie steps from the main square. Good espresso pairs with all manner of pastries,…
Agios Nikolaos
Conversation flows as freely as the excellent house wine at this garage-sized taverna, where wooden doors, all evocatively weathered and cheerfully…
Hania
In an age-old stone building that used to house a hammam, and flanking a quiet square, this romantic taverna serves richly textured dishes with a strong…
Iraklio Province
Toothsome and original is this simple spot’s cooking style. Clued-in gourmets make the trip to Houdetsi from afar to dine on Roussos’ Cretan cooking,…
Hania Province
The extensive menu here features all the staples, but it’s the location and the sensational views overlooking Vrissi Beach with a backdrop of cliffs that…
Hania Province
It’s well worth the short saunter to the peninsula’s southeastern tip to sample the authentic comfort food and warm hospitality at this taverna, popular…
Rethymno Province
An excellent choice for lunch, this little taverna has a small but superb daily selection of traditional mayirefta (ready-cooked meals). There’s no menu,…
