Cretan restaurants are renowned for their vibrant, flavorful cuisine, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients often featuring recipes passed down through generations. Many restaurants are set in picturesque locations, from rustic village squares to scenic coastal spots with stunning Mediterranean views. The island also boasts a growing number of modern, upscale dining venues that creatively blend traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. Below, you will find some of our favorite restaurants on the island.
Apiri Greek Eatery
Located in the charming little streets by Saint Minas Church, Apiri is an all-day Greek bistro serving contemporary Greek cuisine. The menu is combining traditional Cretan and Greek flavors with international cuisine. The result is mouthwatering and creatively plated dishes that can easily be shared. There is also a menu of inventive cocktails and a small but well curated wine selection.
Getting There: Heraklion, Agion Deka 5 & Kagiabi
Peskesi
Centrally located in at a restored historical mansion, Peskesi is serving up farm-to-table food since 1998 and offers a comprehensive experience that emphasizes the quality, diversity, and value of the Cretan lifestyle. Their recipes have come up from extended research in a revival of traditional cooking techniques using forgotten ingredients while incorporating modern aesthetics and functionality.
Getting There: Heraklion,Kapetan Haralabi 6-8
Hasika
Located at the old town of Rethymno, chef-owner Michalis Hasikos serves a short and concise menu with meze-style dishes that are easily shared. The outcome is gourmet Cretan cuisine which feels like a fine dining experience in an ambient, relaxed setting.
Getting There: Rethymnon,Agias Varvaras 11-13
Avli
Situated in a stunning courtyard of a 1600’s Venetian mansion, Avli is ideal for an elegant meal. The chef is staying true to Cretan roots and making use of high-quality Cretan ingredients (cheeses, herbs, olive oils) while remaining unpretentious and unfussy.
Getting There: Rethymnon, Radamathios 17
1600 Raki BaRaki
The 1600 Raki BaRaki, right across the same street, is the family’s personal version of the classic Cretan cafe (kafenion) and local meze bar (rakadiko). You will find traditional Greek food with a modern twist, beautiful colorful decor, an interesting menu and affordable prices.
Getting There: Rethymnon, Radamathios 16
Salis
Salis, an open air restaurant on the quay of the Venetian Port in Old Town Chania translates Cretan flavors in a modern way focusing on seasonal ingredients. Many ingredients come from their own organic orchards and an exceptional wine list invites slow drinking with a parade of sharing plates.
Getting There: Chania, Akti Enoseos 3
Periplous
This foodie destination, blends Cretan cooking traditions old and new in creative dishes. A harbinger of the revival of Tabakaria, the crumbling leather tanneries on the eastern outskirts of the city, offering diners a unique blend of history and gourmet cuisine.
Getting There: Chania, Vivilaki 25
Ntounias
Nestled on a slope in western Crete’s White Mountains, the rustic Ntounias taverna looks out onto scenic vistas of olive groves and mountain villages. They slow cook their dishes over wood fires and they pride themselves on putting the same love and care into their dishes that they would if cooking for their own family.
Getting There: Drakona, Chania
Written by Dimitris Papageorgiou
