Hania Province
Dine on modern creative Cretan cuisine at this summer-only terrace restaurant at the Kaliviani guesthouse. Dishes are well presented and might feature…
Must-see restaurants in Crete
Iraklio Province
This relaxing taverna, housed in a historic building, is delightful for a pre- or post-dinner nip. The walls are lined with eclectic artworks and the…
Rethymno
With cascading terraces from fortress to sea, this is where locals head for dinner and unbeatable coastal views. The eclectic Mediterranean menu offers up…
Plakias
Tasos and his Belgian wife, Lisa, preside over this nautical-themed family taverna towards the far end of town. Park yourself on the colourful patio to…
Rethymno Province
This no-frills family-run fish taverna is usually packed to the gills, and for good reason: the owner himself drops his nets into the Med, so you know…
Hania Province
Part of an excellent family-run studio and apartment complex at the western end of the beach, about 1km from the fortress, this is the best place to eat…
Hania
Opposite the minaret in the Splantzia quarter, this cosy restaurant with modern country-style furniture and an appealing flower-strewn terrace sits among…
Iraklio Province
This small place adds a touch of modern Mediterranean class to Pitsidia, serving up not only a lovely outdoor setting with citrus trees and its own veg…
Elounda
Book ahead for a table with front-row vistas of Mirabello bay to complement the fresh-off-the-boat snapper, lobster, sea bream or whatever else the…
Ierapetra
Special jazzes up Ierapetra's dining scene with quality fast food served in an upbeat, contemporary setting. The menu is a reminder of the simple goodness…
Rethymno Province
The steep climb up to this family-run taverna is worth the effort for the outstanding views alone: there's a commanding outlook over the translucent…
Agios Nikolaos
Salads, toasties, ice creams, sandwiches, juices, cocktails – the menu reads like those of your average day-to-night cafe-bar, but in this upscale charmer…
Iraklio Province
The best taverna on Old Malia’s main square goes for the Crete-meets-English-B&B look, with plenty of knick-knacks and lace curtains. The nicely prepared…
Rethymno
Not your average takeaway joint, Makan is more of a designer souvlaki bar, with a contemporary-chic interior yet old-school prices. Here you can build…
Hania Province
Hidden in a pretty grapevine-shrouded courtyard off the Hania road, this charismatic restaurant specialises in traditional charcoal-grilled local meats,…
Rethymno
With a divey graffitied interior and a large menu, Mojo’s delivers some of the best burgers and hot dogs this side of the Atlantic. Try the Alabama Mama,…
Lasithi Province
Soft lighting, fine wine and delicious food are the hallmarks of a romantic night out in this al fresco–only lair wedged into an alley off the main drag…
Rethymno
For loukoumadhes (doughnut-like concoctions drizzled with honey and cinnamon), follow your nose to Gaias Gefseis. This bakery creates some of the city’s…
Rethymno Province
The flower-festooned courtyard is a great place to sit, but it’s what’s on the plate that will truly wow you. Classic Cretan recipes get a modern makeover…
Hania
A taverna tucked away from the crowds behind the harbour, Christostomos is popular with tourists and locals for its classic Cretan cuisine. Start with…
Lasithi Province
Tops among the waterfront tavernas, this rustic family place offers a recognisable array of Greek dishes, but it's the local seasonal specials that truly…
Agios Nikolaos
One of several tavernas fringing tiny Kytroplatia Beach, family-run Faros (which means lighthouse) sends signals to empty stomachs with aromas wafting…
Iraklio Province
On the main road in Peza, near Minos-Miliarakis Winery, this handsomely stone-walled taverna is a good place to rebalance your brain if you’ve…
Ierapetra
If your tummy starts rumbling while in Koutsouras, a seaside town about 25km east of Ierapetra, point the compass to this cheerful taverna in an…
Hania
Settle in at an outdoor table with sea views for some fantastic vegan dishes at meat-free Pulse, located at the western end of Firkas Fortress. The mezes…
Rethymno Province
Perched above the Venetian fountain, this scenic taverna is run by a well-regarded husband-and-wife culinary team. It has a fairly basic menu, but its…
Iraklio Province
This is as near to an oasis as you can get in Malia – garlic strings hang from the walls, and flowers and leaves drip from the garden’s lush trees. But…
Iraklio
Along the waterfront on the tourist strip, this spot is neither grand nor out of the pages of a gourmet magazine, but it was started by the owner’s…
Rethymno
Most tout-fronted tavernas in the Venetian Harbour focus on folkloric ambience rather than food quality. Owned by the amiable Stavroulaki family for half…
Iraklio
This fun cafe-bakery is a Cretan chain, and it's a dependable stop for good espresso (it opens at 6am!), baked goods, pastries and sandwiches (including…
Samaria Gorge
Perched just over the spectacular drop of Samaria Gorge, with eagles occasionally circling outside its wraparound windows, this cosy restaurant dishes up…
Hania Province
On the road to Hania, this popular taverna serving mezedhes (small dishes) is a great place for a quick, well-priced snack or meal. The friendly owners…
Hania
With its stone-arched interior, warm welcome and well-executed dishes, this is a great all-rounder in a quieter part of the old town, not far from Firkas…
Agios Nikolaos
Enjoying great views of the harbour, this effervescent restaurant, with its modern decor of exposed stone, turquoise walls and white-wood floors, offers a…
Lasithi Province
A welcoming family vibe pervades this attractive stone taverna on the waterfront that excels in its execution of dishes featuring fish and seafood, all…
Lasithi Province
Beneath a giant plane tree on the main street, Platanos is a focus of village social life and has live music on many summer evenings. Feast on reliable…
Rethymno Province
Just up from the car park at Preveli Beach, this friendly taverna is perfect for a post-beach feed. It's within a centuries-old stone building and does a…
Lasithi Province
Enjoy lovely views of the palms, the gleaming sand and the cobalt sea from the covered terrace of this waterfront restaurant serving classic Greek fare,…
Lasithi Province
The food gods have been smiling upon Kato Zakros’ oldest taverna, which does a brisk trade in fresh-off-the-boat fish and Cretan classics, all prepared…
Lasithi Province
With its stone floors, open range and tables topped with Cretan rugs, this is an atmospheric spot for dinner. Local vegetables are grown next door, and…
