Ierapetra
Next to the Kales Fortress, this next-gen Cretan seaside tavern has an enticing menu packed with culinary twists such as grilled calamari with zucchini…
Must-see restaurants in Crete
Iraklio Province
Formerly known as Taverna Sactouris, this is the most traditional-looking spot on the plaza. It makes good salads and vegetable dishes, sometimes…
Rethymno Province
Set in a square just up from the harbour, this cafe-bistro-bar is popular with locals. Excellent breakfasts (€6 to €10) offer everything from yoghurt and…
Lasithi Province
This cheerful little restaurant on the village's main street has stone walls decorated with Cretan artefacts. The soul of the kitchen is Maria Spanaki,…
Hania Province
On the cliff overlooking the great expanse of Falasarna beach, this cafe has spectacular views from its huge lawn terrace. It offers a full range of…
Agios Nikolaos
This tiny, been-here-forever taverna in a quiet residential area has a dozen or so cheerfully painted tables across the street beneath a shady pergola and…
Hania
This hip, much-buzzed-about cafe-bar has a sweet location in an impeccably renovated 1830 customs house right in the Venetian Harbour. Grab a high chair,…
Lasithi Province
No direct sea view but Greek food with a dollop of French je ne sais quoi is what awaits at this little taverna where you can make your taste buds dance…
Hania
In the quieter eastern harbour, these well-respected spots for fresh fish and Cretan dishes are in two separate buildings away from each other. Apostolis…
Hania
This stylish, convivial taverna, part of which is in a converted Turkish bathhouse, has captured people's attention since 1982 with strong-flavoured…
Hania Province
Don’t miss the delicious baked goods at Cretan Divine Family Bakery, where friendly Angeliki serves up cookies, kalitsounia (Cretan cheese pies), homemade…
Plakias
If the picture menu doesn't get you salivating, then the aroma emanating from the charcoal grill will likely do the trick. No matter whether you grab a…
Hania Province
At this elegantly rustic beachfront spot with crushed pebbles underfoot, Jean-Luc Delfosse has forged his own culinary path in a refreshing change from…
Hania Province
At the beginning of the gauntlet of harbour-front tavernas, family-run Nikos is a reliable spot for Greek staples, grilled fish and meat, and Cretan…
Lasithi Province
This cafe and pastry shop is a Sitian institution (open since 1965) and famous for its sugar-rush-inducing galaktoboureko (custard-filled pastry),…
Plakias
This established taverna has a romantic tamarisk-shaded terrace right next to the crashing waves, and lots of interesting dishes that you won’t find…
Agios Nikolaos
Eclectic curios, wooden furniture and a fairy-tale garden make this traditional restaurant a few steps from the lake as welcoming as a hug from an old…
Agios Nikolaos
This colourful haunt has fed its feistily flavoured mezedhes menu to friends, couples and families since 2002. Rather than resting on its laurels, its…
Rethymno Province
Watch the boats bob in the port while enjoying excellent fish and homestyle food high on the terrace of this former carob warehouse. In business since…
Iraklio
In an enviable location on the beautified waterfront promenade opposite the Historical Museum, trendy Mare is great for seaside munchies (burgers, salads,…
Plakias
Normally with gyros you're given the same ol' choice: chicken or pork, but here you can fill your pitta with anything from grilled lamb and prawns to…
Hania Province
At the start of the gorge in Imbros village, friendly, family-run Porofarango has a big balcony with panoramic views of the gorge and serves good-value…
Hania Province
On the beach at the southwestern edge of Stavros, have a drink or a light meal at the Sunset Beach cafe, tucked under a huge tree with a shady timber deck…
Rethymno
In a Venetian-era building a bone toss from the fortress, chic yet chilled Castelvecchio is perfect for date night – especially if your date is a plate of…
Hania Province
Signposted down a narrow alley to the left as you come into Georgioupoli, this well-regarded taverna is run by a fishing family. You can choose from the…
Lasithi Province
Attached to the Myrtos Hotel, this high-ceilinged main-street joint offers excellent homemade food: souvlaki, mousaka, red mullet and pork chops. It's…
Iraklio Province
Near Pitsidia’s main square, low-key Mike’s is a great place to hang out in the evening and reflect on the events of the day over wine and simple but…
Lasithi Province
Attractively decorated, with its rock walls accented with colourful murals, this friendly family taverna on the main square cooks only with olive oil and…
Lasithi Province
Run by a lovely Greek-Swiss couple, this seafront tavern has a capacious terrace with cheerful purple-and-white furniture and a menu loaded with dishes…
Rethymno Province
Even after 30-plus years in business, Onar still hasn’t lost its grip on the crowd. There are plenty of other tavernas with romantic views over the port,…
Rethymno Province
This upbeat, colourful harbourside patio is a great place to relax. Meals have a creative edge – try pork with dried fruit or chicken with lavender…
Rethymno Province
The tree-shaded and flower-filled patio here offers a peaceful setting for both classic taverna fare and international cuisine. It shares space with…
Hania Province
Locals mix with in-the-know visitors at this quintessential family taverna presided over by Giannis, who’s usually ensconced behind the grill coaxing meat…
Lasithi Province
Right on the beach, this fish taverna is run by the lovely Anastasia and her fisherman husband. Come for great sunsets accompanied by well-prepared…
Hania Province
Enjoy traditional Cretan dishes like gamopilafo (lamb and stock-cooked rice) or faves like homemade pizza in this stone-built restaurant with a balcony…
Iraklio Province
This excellent Cretan chain of cafes and bakeries is a one-stop shop for those with a sweet tooth, with all manner of baklava, cakes, pastries and gelato…
Rethymno Province
Come here for the home cooking and dine on the patio hung with gourds and overflowing with flowers. You’ll likely find Maria in the kitchen stuffing…
Hania Province
In the village of Armenoi, south of the ruins at Aptera, seek out Tzitzikas for a fresh Cretan meal or a coffee on the edge of a river, under lush,…
Lasithi Province
This powder-blue, hole-in-the-wall waterfront restaurant has an interior festooned with coral and shells, and a few tables outside for tucking into…
Hania Province
This taverna is known for its fresh fish and decent Cretan specialities, such as wild snails or goat in white-wine sauce. Enjoy your meal under a shady…
