Restaurants in Crete
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A
Giakoumis Taverna
This is one of our favourites among the tavernas clustered around the 1866 market side streets. There's a full menu of Cretan specialities and vegetarian options. Turnover is heavy, which means that the dishes are fresh, and you can see the meat being prepared for the grill.
reviewed
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O Zaharias
This pleasant and well-respected eatery just off the main highway on the road to Falasarna has traditional dishes such as avgokolokytho - an egg dish made with zucchini, tomato and olive oil. The large Obelix and Asterix-inspired mural was painted by the owner.
reviewed
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kantina
Right on Krios Beach - at the eastern end of Koundoura about 9km from Paleohora - there is a kantina that serves excellent and cheap Cretan food; try the kalitsounia (pastries filled with cheese or wild greens) or Sfakianes pites (pancakes) with honey.
reviewed
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Fyllo Sofies
Next to the Lion Fountain, this place does a roaring morning trade when tourists off the early boats and the post-club crowd head straight for a delicious bougatsa pastry. Try the custard version or the less-sweet myzithra cheese sprinkled with sugar.
reviewed
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Iordanis Bougatsa
Continuing the business started by his great-grandfather in 1924, Iordanis churns out endless trays of delicious creamy bougatsa (filo pastry filled with myzithra cheese sprinkled with a little icing sugar). It's opposite the bus station.
reviewed
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Liakoto
Hang out at the understated Liakoto café-bar-cum-art-gallery which has a lovely terrace overlooking the mountains and sea. Next door, you can buy local raki, herbs, organic oil and other Cretan products at the Myrovolo Wine Store & General Store.
reviewed
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D
Doloma
This unpretentious restaurant tucked behind the harbour is half-hidden amid the vines and foliage surrounding the outdoor terrace. The traditional cooking is faultless. Pick from the various trays of mayirefta (casseroles and bakes) cooked daily.
reviewed
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Kostas
Right on the beach at the eastern end, this established fish taverna decked out in classic blue and white is known for its excellent fresh fish and seafood and is always packed with locals. There's a big range of mezedes and pricey but excellent seafood.
reviewed
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Dionysos Taverna
One of the oldest tavernas in town, the popular Dionysos is known for top-grade food, particularly its excellent mayirefta. There is a good range of vegetarian dishes and grills. It has a roomy interior and tables spread across the main street.
reviewed
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To Kafeneio
Ierapetra has an excellent tradition of rakadika, relaxed evening hang-outs where a carafe of raki or wine comes with half a dozen or more tasty tid-bits, making it a good value slow dining experience. Try To Kafeneio opposite the town hall.
reviewed
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Taverna Rea
Maria does the cooking at Taverna Rea on the main street of Agios Georgios, which rustles up excellent grilled local meats (her husband is the butcher) and good-value Cretan staples. They also rent out studios above the taverna (around €30).
reviewed
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Argentina
Considered one of the best fish tavernas in the area, the classic Argentina has tables on the main road and across the street overlooking the sea. It serves seafood dishes such as octopus with olives, quality fish and there is a select wine list.
reviewed
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Piperia
Right on the beach just before town, this is one of the best restaurants in Kalyves, with a great selection of Cretan specials and seafood. The menu includes dishes made from organic produce and oil, including an exceptional organic Greek salad.
reviewed
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O Vrakas
This small street-side ouzeri (serving ouzo and light snacks) grills fresh fish alfresco in front of diners. It's unassuming and the menu is limited, but still very popular with locals. Grilled octopus with ouzo is a good choice.
reviewed
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Grammeno
For excellent traditional Cretan food it is worth the trip to Grammeno, just past the beach, about 5km west of Paleohora. The menu includes specialties like braised rooster, various wild greens, lamb in vine leaves and tender roast goat.
reviewed
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Ntoukiani
Ierapetra has an excellent tradition of rakadika, relaxed evening hang-outs where a carafe of raki or wine comes with half a dozen or more tasty tid-bits, making it a good value slow dining experience. Try the popular Ntoukiani
reviewed
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Captain Fidias
One of three fish tavernas on Sfinari beach, this place is run by the amiable Fidias and his four strapping fishermen sons. When they run out they have been known to go home and get the fish destined for their dinner out of the fridge.
reviewed
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Aouas Taverna
This family-run place on the road to the museum has a range of Cretan specialities such as herb pies and pickled bulbs, as well as tasty grills. The interior is plain but the garden courtyard is refreshing and the mezedes are good.
reviewed
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Kyma
One of the better places for fresh, local fish, Kyma is run by a fisherman: the offerings are normally from his own catch. It has a pleasant setting right on the quiet end of the beach, with a few tables outside under the trees.
reviewed
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Andonis Theodorakis
Up on the main road to Platanos is Andonis' taverna and adjacent rooms. Food is all home-cooked, village style, and they serve local fresh fish. The chicken with okra is recommended. The simple homey rooms have lovely sea views.
reviewed
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Houlis Rakadiko
For a classic local experience try this old place, which has a wide range of fine mezedes accompanied by good raki. It has no signage, but it's the second place from the corner; by day it's packed with men playing backgammon.
reviewed
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Faka
This is another of those quiet, unassuming places that doesn't dish up bland tourist fare. The cuisine is solid and genuine. Good local choices include artichokes and broad beans. There's a children's menu and small playpen.
reviewed
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Arolithos
Near Andy's Rooms, Arolithos has an extensive selection of appetisers, traditional Greek dishes such as spetsofai (sausage and pepper stew), and some creative offerings such as the grilled chicken with orange sauce.
reviewed
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Prassein Aloga
This little, rustic-style café/restaurant has excellent innovative Mediterranean food from an ever-changing menu. It has some dishes based on ancient Greek cuisine, such as pork medallions with dried fruit on wild rice.
reviewed
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Paloma
Further along from Souda on the coastal road leading to the airport, this fish taverna with classic blue chairs and chequered tablecloths is right on the sea overlooking the port. It's a pleasant walk past the cemetery.
reviewed