Cretan cuisine is based on the quality and freshness of its ingredients. It relies on the purity of taste and doesn’t use complicated sauces or lots of spices in its well-known dishes. When eating in Crete, do try the local delicacies, such as the Cretan cheeses, dakos, Cretan lamb and Sfakia pies. Olive oil often referred to as Crete’s liquid gold, herbs, honey, meat, and fish all need to be tested when you are in Crete. The beautiful scenery combined with the delicious food are all sure to make your time here a memorable one. Here are the best places to eat in Crete!
1. Tamam Restaurant in Chania town
Tamam restaurant has been open since 1982. They serve traditional Cretan cuisine, which has some Eastern influences, and the ingredients are always top quality. The building that houses the restaurant was built around 1400 BC. The restaurant also has some interesting works of art. Not only will your taste buds be in for a delight, but also your eyes!
Tamam Restaurant
Address: 49 Zampeliou Spyridonos, 73100 Chaniá, Crete, Greece
Website: Tamam Restaurant
2. Talos Restaurant in Chania town
This friendly family-owned restaurant sells traditional dishes. The prawn saganaki and octopus are recommended. The restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere and there are plenty of choices for vegetarians and vegans.
Talos Restaurant
Address: Drakonianou, 731 34 Chania, Greece
Website: Talos Restaurant
3. Peskesi Restaurant in Heraklion
One of the most noticeable things about Peskesi is the decor and authenticity of the building, which has been lovingly preserved. The restaurant has a large selection of appetizers, fish, pasta, and meat dishes. The wine list is extensive and features many well-made wines from Crete itself.
Peskesi Restaurant
Address: Kapetan Haralampi 6-8, 71202 Irákleio, Iraklion, Greece
Website: Peskesi Restaurant
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4. Zefyros Family Fish Taverna in Rethymnon
Visiting Crete and not eating fresh fish would be a missed opportunity for your taste buds! Zefyros Family Fish Taverna based in the Venetian harbor has some magnificent views on offer. The taverna has a varied menu, but of course, all of the dishes are fish based. You can try everything from salads to seafood starters, swordfish, prawns, lobster and even seafood pasta.
Zefyros Family Fish Taverna
Address: Nearhou 41, Old Harbor, 74100 Rethymno Réthymno, Rethimni, Greece
Website: Zefyros Family Fish Taverna
5. Med Cafe and Restaurant in Hersonissos
Med Cafe and Restaurant serves carefully put together dishes, with most of the ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s gardens. If you get a table on the lower-level of the outdoor section of the restaurant, you will be able to hear the waves gently lapping at the rocks beneath you. The souvlaki comes highly recommended.
Med Cafe and Restaurant
Address: 25 martiou 94, 700-14 Chersoniso, Iraklion, Greece
Website: Med Cafe and Restaurant
6. Georgia's Traditional Taverna in Kournas
If you are after lovely home cooked food mixed with a welcoming atmosphere, then a visit to Georgia’s Traditional Tavern is a must. There is a good selection of meat dishes to choose from. The lamb is recommended, as well as the eggplant for vegetarians.
Georgia's Traditional Taverna
Address: Epar. Od. Georgioupolis-Kournas Lake Kourna, Kournas, 73007 Apokoronas, Crete, Greece
Contact: +30 2825 061671
7. Cosmos in Platanias
Sitting on the first floor of Cosmos is well worth the view. You look out at the sea and there is something immediately relaxing about watching the waves. It is well worth the climb. The restaurant has a varied menu selection, from Greek plates to traditional Mediterranean cuisine to steaks and burgers.
Cosmos
Address: Upper Platanias, 731 00 Platanias, Crete, Greece
Website: Cosmos
8. Symposium Restaurant in Platanias
Symposium Restaurant has something for all tastes. It offers Mediterranean, European and Cretan cuisines. Ingredients are freshly sourced and there is plenty to choose for those who enjoy meat and fish dishes. The restaurant caters for vegetarians and those who have a gluten-free diet. Choose to sit in the restaurant or dine in their al fresco area.
Symposium Restaurant
Address: 73100 Platanias Chania, Crete, Greece
Website: Symposium Restaurant
9. The Hope To Rakadiko Tou Kamari in Elounda
The Hope to Rakadiko Tou Kamari sits on a hill, overlooking the bay. It serves traditional Cretan cuisine. Naturally, the ingredients are freshly sourced and of good quality. The grilled chicken and prawns are particularly delicious. Try the honey raki to finish off your meal.
The Hope To Rakadiko Tou Kamari
Address: Mavrikiano Nikiforou Foka, 72053 Eloúnda, Lasithi, Greece
Contact: +30 697 229 5150
Website: The Hope To Rakadiko Tou Kamari
10. Babel Bar in Elounda
This bar is in a great location and looks out onto the harbor. It is a lovely spot to sit and watch the world go by. Whether it’s a cool drink or a refreshing cocktail you are after, Babel Bar and Restaurant offers plenty of choices. They offer light snacks as well as main meals. The chips and sandwiches are recommended.
Babel Bar
Address: Akti Vritomartidos, 72053 Eloúnda, Lasithi, Greece
Contact: +30 2841 042336
Website: Babel Bar
11. Avli in Rethymnon
Avli combines traditional and modern Greek dishes and flavors. The restaurant uses great combinations of local products with traditional Greek dishes. They have a good selection of local wines to choose from. Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and escape for a couple of hours in the beautiful Cretian courtyard.
Avli
Address: Xanthoudidou 22 & Radamanthios, 74100 Rethymnon, Crete, Greece
Contact: +30 2831 058250
Website: Avli
Spoiled for choice
Crete has many restaurants, catering for all tastes. All of them pride themselves on the quality and freshness of the ingredients they use and the clean fresh tastes of their dishes. Be sure to try a variety of dishes and tantalize your taste buds!