Hania Province
One of the best options for a feed in Elafonisi, family-run Glykeria offers a mix of Cretan classics, burgers, pasta and seafood, as well as sea views and…
Must-see restaurants in Crete
Rethymno
One of several tavernas right at the water’s edge below the fortress, En Plo does dependable faves like shrimp spaghetti and grilled salmon but shows its…
Hania Province
This classic taverna on the central waterfront is known for fresh fish (which you can take a look at in the kitchen before ordering) but also has plenty…
Rethymno Province
Just south of the Venetian fountain, this friendly place has a big roadside terrace, reliably good traditional cooking and a decent house red. Try the…
Ierapetra
This modern cafe is known for its good coffee and gooey loukoumadhes (honey doughnuts) along with generously stuffed fresh sandwiches, cakes and cheese…
Hania Province
On Marathi beach, this dependable seafood taverna is well regarded by locals and visitors. Lunch under the shady beachside tamarisk trees on dishes like…
Ierapetra
This ristorante with peach interior and linen-bedecked tables overlooks the big blue and offers a choice of classic Greek starters followed by wood-fired…
Lasithi Province
Both local and visiting fish fanciers flock to this charismatic taverna overlooking the petite harbour for dock-fresh piscine treats, although the big…
Lasithi Province
A taverna-kafeneio (coffeehouse) halfway along Kritzotopoula, Platanos has a pleasant setting under a giant 200-year-old plane tree and vine canopy. The…
Hania Province
Seafront in Sfinari, this simple taverna grills up the fresh catch of the day and locally grown (and some organic) produce, with tables lining the gravel…
Plakias
This unfussy restaurant by the bridge has excellent homestyle cooking; try the pork in lemon sauce with almonds. It also does its bit for the…
Hania Province
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 harbour. It…
Rethymno Province
On the shady main square, Mandolos is a well-regarded taverna. Dig into big portions of local standards like slow-cooked goat while relaxing under the…
Hania Province
Restore your energies with a cold beer and classic Greek snacks after you tackle lovely Agia Irini Gorge. From here it's another 7km walk or a €15 taxi…
Hania Province
Leventogiannis Taverna has a lovely courtyard under a giant canopy of plane trees and does a menu of grilled meats, toasted sandwiches and sometimes a…
Iraklio Province
Set on the upper slopes at the eastern end of Hersonisos, Saradari has a lot going for it: top-quality cuisine, posh factor and lovely ocean view. Write…
Iraklio Province
Head to this appealing taverna for its million-dollar sunset views over Kommos Beach and its fish and meat dishes. It’s 1.2km before/after Matala on the…
Iraklio Province
Sigelakis, slightly north of Sivas' main plaza, has a less pretty setting than some of the town's central tavernas, but it has a fabulous range of…
Lasithi Province
One of the better among the tourist-deluged pit stops below the Dikteon Cave, Taksiarhos offers the gamut of trad fare but is known for its succulent…
Hania
Locals swear by the undeniably tasty gyros (meat slivers cooked on a vertical rotisserie) and souvlaki at tiny, old-style Oasis. There are a few seats…
Iraklio Province
Overlooking the beach, down-to-earth Lions has been popular for many years and the food is better than average. It gets buzzy in the evening, making it a…
Rethymno Province
Seafood doesn’t get any fresher than at this place right at the harbour. Choose from marinated anchovies, shrimp salad or grilled fish, along with a…
Rethymno Province
Attached to the Agios Pavlos Hotel, this picturesque taverna dishes up fresh fish and Cretan standards to enjoy with stellar views of the Libyan Sea.
Lasithi Province
Serving toasties, crêpes, salads and pizza mainly to tourists in the daytime, this simple, congenial cafe-bar turns into a locals' spot for chat and shots…
Rethymno Province
With a view over Plakias, the fairly fashionable Plateia gives Greek standards a creative twist. Try chicken with okra, rabbit stifadho or one of the…
Hania Province
One of Sfinari’s excellent fish tavernas, Thalami offers the local catch in a seafront setting – perfect for taking a midday dip before your grilled fish…
Iraklio
Come here for delicious, fluffy loukoumadhes (massive ball-shaped doughnuts drizzled with honey, sesame seeds and cinnamon). One serving easily feeds two …
Iraklio Province
Of the many tavernas along the beach (all good), Delfinia is one of the snazziest, with distressed-look, whitewashed furniture. It’s highly regarded for…
Hania Province
Friendly proprietors welcome you to this tried and true Cretan taverna. The dishes take the form of outstanding country fare, and the views of the sea are…
Rethymno Province
Cool off at tree-shaded tables, with a view to the river and a stone bridge built by local monks. The food here is fresh and traditional, and the service…
Hania Province
Located at the entrance to Almyrida, this popular and atmospheric taverna serves good-value traditional cooking on a lovely shaded terrace or back covered…
Hania
This airy white-and-blue space on Nea Hora beach, to the west of town, does fabulously fresh fish and seafood, including some inspired stuffed-squid…
Rethymno Province
For a wonderful traditional lunch and astounding panoramic sea views, head to this outdoor taverna located down a small lane beyond Maroulas' Venetian…
Iraklio Province
Although you’re in the mountains, you can be certain that the fish is fresh at this family-run taverna, where you can see trout splashing in large tanks…
Rethymno Province
At the oldest taverna in town, the owner-chef will likely invite you to inspect whatever dishes are stewing in his kitchen that day before you make your…
Iraklio
The oldest among the row of tavernas vying for business in a quiet passageway off Odos 1866, Giakoumis offers myriad mayirefta (ready-cooked meals) and…
Hania Province
You’ll know Kyma by the fish tank out the front. It’s known for its seafood, supplied by the owner’s brother, and the restaurant raises its own meat. Try…
Hania Province
You'll be tempted by the lamb or other tasty meat grilling on the spit outside Taverna Progoulis, which has tables under the trees next to a pebbly dry…
Iraklio Province
One of two tavernas at Kommos Beach, about 2km north of Matala, the Caribbean-style Bunga Bunga is a funky hang-out that serves tasty, fresh organic fare…
Iraklio Province
Kamilari’s oldest taverna, this no-nonsense spot headed by the ebullient Giorgos serves tasty traditional Cretan mezedhes and a daily-changing selection…
