Iraklio
It's almost impossible to overstate how good Peskesi's resurrected, slow-cooked Cretan dishes are, nor the beauty of the revamped Venetian villa in which…
Must-see restaurants in Iraklio Province
Iraklio Province
George (Giorgos) was the lone local who dug in with the invading hippies in the 1970s, coining Matala's motto: 'Today is life. Tomorrow never comes.'…
Iraklio Province
After visiting the nearby Kerá Kardiotissas, stop for the view and a bite at this traditional taverna perched on a hillside corner 850m from the monastery…
Iraklio Province
At this foodie destination, market-fresh ingredients shine in flavour-intense and progressive Cretan dishes from chef Argyro Barda. The menu chases the…
Iraklio Province
Bakaliko means meeting point; traditionally, that meant kafeneio (coffee shop) and grocery shop in one. The concept has been revitalised in this lilac…
Iraklio Province
Given that the owners are Italian, it’s little surprise that your taste buds will receive a touch of Milanese flair here, three kilometres from town…
Iraklio Province
A fabulous spot housed in a former kafeneio (coffee house), this place has a buzzy vibe due to the scores of Greeks and tourists who descend on it from…
Iraklio Province
For something with a genuine bygone local flair, head one block inland from the Kalamaki beach to Yiannis, a bare-bones eatery that has been running for…
Iraklio Province
The vivacious Vivi has a knack for turning farm-fresh local produce into flavourful and creative dishes based on traditional recipes. Her philosophy is to…
Iraklio Province
Send your taste buds on a wild ride at this foodie outpost in a street off Arhanes' main square and set attractively around a garden courtyard with walnut…
Iraklio
Parasties’ owner, Haris, is genuine about serving great-quality local produce and top Cretan wines. And his passion shows in his gourmet menu of…
Iraklio Province
Past all the bars at the easternmost end of the beach, this dramatically perched, multitiered pit stop is Matala’s best seafood restaurant. It’s been in…
Iraklio
Enjoying one of the most authentic Cretan meals in town, served in this stunning home (a former music building), is a highlight of dining in Iraklio. The…
Iraklio Province
For over 20 years Manolis has been kneading dough for the hundreds of loyal clients who head here not only for the lush setting on a candlelit garden…
Iraklio
This colourful, crowd-pleasing restaurant is a true family affair: Dad oversees a massive central open fire, roasting spits of succulent lamb and pork for…
Iraklio Province
Locals will tell you To Spitiko is the best in town, but at research time it managed to run out of roast lamb and pork by 7.30pm in early May (blaming…
Iraklio Province
Kentriko is a beautiful, congenial stone kafeneio (coffee house; established 1922) on the narrow main drag. Decorated with old photos of village families,…
Iraklio
The avant-garde decor at Brillant, the fashionable culinary outpost at Lato Boutique Hotel, may almost distract you from the creatively composed, feistily…
Iraklio Province
It’s easy to be distracted by the street-facing eateries in Piskopiano and Koutouloufari, so you might walk right past this gem, at the edge of the church…
Iraklio Province
In 1982 Taverna Vasilis was the first restaurant on this beach, and the impossibly polite and generous grandsons of the original owner show you the same…
Iraklio
Escape the touristy seafood restaurants for this speciality shop, which has nabbed its own wares with proprietary fishing boats since 1926. With around 40…
Iraklio Province
Jean-Marc is a half-French, half-Italian restaurateur who learned English in Spain – and that gives him top pizza and pasta cred in these parts. Real-deal…
Iraklio Province
Vying for wine country's top table views, this beautifully set taverna at Earino villa is worth a detour if you're not staying there, offering sweeping…
Iraklio Province
West of the Malia archaeological site and just before you hit Potamos Beach, Kalyva is a bare-bones, no-nonsense beachside taverna that’s been serving…
Iraklio
With tables sprawling towards the Morosini Fountain, this is a great place to sample bougatsa (creamy semolina pudding wrapped in a pastry envelope and…
Iraklio Province
Scrumptious, fresh Mediterranean food pulls in punters for fish, salads or daily-changing meat grills, or lighter fare including soups. To top it off,…
Iraklio Province
So close to the sea that the ocean sometimes spills into the restaurant, this simple seafooder at the western end of Lendas Beach won't win any James…
Iraklio Province
A refreshing change from the run-of-the-mill waterfront tavernas, this been-here-forever family place just past the central square exudes cheer with its…
Iraklio
Those seeking a traditional Greek meal might be disappointed here, but diners looking for an ultra-contemporary experience will be happy with the modern…
Iraklio
This long-running ouzerie (place that serves ouzo and light snacks) just a stone's throw from the fish market specialises in fish – usually freshly caught…
Iraklio Province
Well away from the tourist track, sandwiched on a road between Piskopiano and Hersonisos proper, and catering to gaggles of locals – often celebrating a…
Iraklio Province
Early risers will appreciate the 7am opening of this alleyway patisserie steps from the main square. Good espresso pairs with all manner of pastries,…
Iraklio Province
Toothsome and original is this simple spot’s cooking style. Clued-in gourmets make the trip to Houdetsi from afar to dine on Roussos’ Cretan cooking,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
