Showing 1-16 of 16 results
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Avli
This former Venetian villa is the place for a romantic evening out, or at least one with maximum ambience. The nouveau-Cretan-style food is superb and there ' s an idyllic garden courtyard bursting with pots of herbs, bougainvillea canopies, fruit trees and works of art. The sleek wine bar in the adjacent old stables boasts more than 400 Greek wines.
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Castelvecchio
The affable Valantis will make you really feel at home in the garden terrace of this family taverna located on the edge of the fortezza. Try the kleftiko (slow oven-baked lamb).
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Fanari
West of the Venetian harbour, this welcoming waterfront taverna serves good mezedes , fresh fish and Cretan cuisine. The bekri mezes (pork with wine and peppers) is excellent, or try the local speciality, apaki (smoked pork). The homemade wine is decent, too.
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Kanakakis
Loukoumades, the donut-like concoctions with honey and cinnamon, have been perfected by Kanakakis, just outside the Porto Guora.
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Kapilio
Popular with students, this Serb-run mezedopoleio has a mixed menu with a range of special set menus that include raki, wine salad and a main dish.
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Lemonokipos
Dine among the lemon trees in the lovely courtyard of this well-respected taverna in the old quarter. It's good, typical Cretan fare, with a decent range of vegetarian dishes and lots of tasty appetisers.
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Mona Liza
At Mona Liza, around the corner from the Loggia, Nikos Skartsilakis is legendary for his 'crema' ice cream made from sheep's milk, as well as his excellent sweets. Try the galaktoboureko (custard pastries), the walnut pie, or vrahaki , chocolate with almonds.
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Nikiforos
It may lack the atmosphere of the old town, but this traditional mayireio in the new town churns out trays of home-style cooking for hungry locals and does a decent takeaway trade.
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Othonas
The touristy-on-the-outside but decent Othonas is recommended for traditional Cretan food. It's a member of Concred and uses quality produce.
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Prima Plora
This stylish modern restaurant on the developing beachfront strip on the western side of town is worth the hike. It has an exceptional setting with tables right on the water near an old Venetian water pump with views of the fortezza. It has a sophisticated menu of top-quality seafood dishes such as prawn risotto, and uses organic vegetables.
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Samaria
Of the waterfront tavernas, this is one of the few where you ' ll see local families eating. There ' s a large range of mayirefta (casseroles), and the soups and grills are excellent.
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Taverna Kyria Maria
This good-value traditional taverna behind the Rimondi Fountain has outdoor seating and birdcages hanging from the leafy trellis. Meals normally end with a complimentary dessert and shot of raki.
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Thalassografia
This excellent mezedopoleio is the place to watch the sun set and try some fine mezedes , as well as a few pastas and more hearty meals. It's a casual place with a breathtaking setting under the fortezza, taking in views over the sea. The grilled sardines are excellent, as are the creamy mushrooms.
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Yiorgos Hatziparaskos
One of the last traditional filo masters in all of Greece, Yiorgos Hatziparaskos still makes super-fine pastry by hand in his traditional workshop. The highlight is when he throws the dough into a giant bubble before stretching it over a huge table. His wife Katerina encourages passers-by to watch the spectacle and try some of best baklava and kataifi they will ever eat.
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Zisi's
Locals swear by Zisi ' s for cheap, quality Cretan food, particularly the charcoal-grilled meats and the 25 or so daily trays of home-style dishes. It ' s a little out of town along the stretch of beachfront hotels and resorts (on right just before the Creta Palace), but is worth the trip. Kids will love the playground.
Showing 1-16 of 16 results
