Ierapetra
This capacious traditional place looks just like any of Ierapetra's tourist-geared waterfront tavernas, but the quality of the home cooking and the…
Must-see restaurants in Crete
Lasithi Province
Gregarious owner Zorba, with his sailor’s roll, sea captain’s cap and bushy moustache, lays on the Greek clichés with a trowel and a wink. Bouzouki music…
Lasithi Province
Aptly named Ostria ('south wind') sits on the sea, buffeted by the breeze and blessed with unblemished views of Spinalonga. The menu yields few surprises,…
Hania
Built as a soap factory in 1650, Ela has also seen incarnations as school, distillery and cheese-processing plant and is now a charismatic roofless lair…
Iraklio Province
This friendly taverna sits right up against the crashing surf. Run by the Delakis family, it has a good selection of Greek and fusion dishes (feta burgers…
Rethymno
With its street-side ‘host’ and multilingual menus, Othonas may scream ‘tourist trap’, but it’s actually well respected for its regional fare. Menu stars…
Lasithi Province
This easy-going rakadhiko (Cretan ouzerie – place that serves ouzo and light snacks) on the main square dishes up tasty mezedhes and simple fast-food…
Hania Province
In a traditional stone building with a tree-shaded courtyard, Aristea does a menu of grilled meats, seafood, and Cretan classics such as snails, rooster…
Iraklio Province
Honest-to-goodness Greek food is a rare commodity in Hersonisos proper, which is what makes Gianna and Manos’ taverna such a find – and a long-standing…
Rethymno
Come here for pizzas piled with fresh ingredients and baked in a stone oven even the Italians would approve of. Or fill up with fresh pasta, complemented…
Hania Province
This taverna with dramatic views down the valley in Kefali village certainly lives up to its name – and then some. It serves Greek classics and grilled…
Elounda
This quick-feed stop on the main square has a lively al fresco area beside the clock tower and dishes up huge salads, pizza, gyros (meat slivers cooked on…
Ierapetra
All the expected Greek staples are accounted for on the multi-language picture menu of this classic taverna. Enjoy fetching views of the sea on the…
Hania Province
This beachside family tavern is recommended for its friendly service. It serves Greek staples as well as some Cretan specialities, such as rabbit stifadho…
Hania Province
Straightforward Cretan and Greek dishes are the order of the day at this long-standing taverna near stony Halikia Beach. Pick from what’s fresh, arrayed…
Iraklio Province
This lakefront taverna is a peaceful oasis serving Cretan specialities, and it’s just the spot for trout dishes. The starters that come out with the bread…
Hania Province
Near Georgioupoli’s central church, Arolithos has an extensive selection of appetisers and traditional Greek dishes such as spetsofaï (sausage-and-pepper…
Hania
Packed with fresh Cretan breads and sweets, this bakery gets jammed with locals, too, buying its wares or taking them out to the shaded plaza tables with…
Iraklio
Sells excellent freshly baked kalitsounia (lightly fried filled pastries) along with other traditional sweets made by a women’s cooperative.
Hania Province
Load up on fresh bread and sweet treats paired with hot or iced coffees to go, or dine in on sweet and savoury crêpes or gelato at the attached cafe.
Hania Province
Shady Lygaria, at the quieter end of Lake Kournas, makes decent traditional Greek dishes such as lamb tsigariasto (sautéed lamb).
Hania Province
This unassuming place cornering the main square serves decent souvlaki (€8), along with a range of grilled meats and the usual Greek dishes.
Hania Province
Antartis has excellent mezedhes and Cretan dishes such as staka (goat’s-milk sauce over juicy cubes of goat meat).
Hania Province
Among the row of seafront tavernas, Delfini is recommended for its fresh fish dishes and friendly service.
Hania Province
This modern fish taverna has harbour views and a range of reliable seafood dishes.
Lasithi Province
This spacious taverna on the outskirts of Tzermiado does a brisk lunchtime trade with coaches full of day trippers. At other times it's a peaceful spot…
Lasithi Province
Long-established Stavros, eye-catchingly flanked by geranium pots, and propped up by old-timers, offers al fresco seating and a menu spanning salads,…
Lasithi Province
Average Greek fare is on offer at this long-standing tourist taverna at the foot of the Dikteon Cave.
Hania Province
Run by Manolis the fisherman and his wife, Gerti, this taverna serves Manolis’ fresh catch daily. Try the tangy grilled octopus or red snapper braised…
Hania Province
Ilios is the best spot in town for fish and seafood, though it offers a full range of Cretan classics and breakfast, too. Rooms are also available.
Hania Province
Excellent mezedhes are on offer at this place set back from the beach. Order a range of small plates, like stuffed onions, and dig in.
Hania Province
About a 10-minute walk up from Agios Ioannis beach, this place caters to campers with coffee and snacks.
