Written on : 16 September 2021 By : Leah Psaromatis
Crete is not only famous for its stunning beaches, but also for its exceptional and unique cuisine. Read on to discover the best restaurants that you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Rethymnon and Heraklion, where you can get delicious authentic dishes, excellent service, and wish to come back for more!
With a playground and lively family-friendly ambiance, this is the perfect restaurant to enjoy local Cretan food with your children. Once again, this restaurant is popular with the locals, which is always a good sign when looking for something truly authentic. From their wide range of tasty traditional Cretan dishes, to their large serving sizes, and perfect family environment, there is nothing to not like here. Make sure to try the traditional Cretan snails and stuffed zucchini flowers - delicious! The tavern is located around a 5-minute drive from Rethymno centre, and has a large space for parking.
To Katsarolaki: For an authentic Cretan experience
A simple, traditional restaurant with delicious home-cooked local meals. It's not fancy, but if you are looking for an incredibly authentic Cretan lunch and mezze, this is the perfect place for you. Located on the outskirts of oldtown Rethymno, you will find many locals and not tourists eating here. Try their flavoursome saganaki cheese as a mezze, and traditional gemista as a main dish for a delicious and authentic Cretan meal that will have you running back for more!
Erganos: A traditional meal surrounded by Cretan nature
Visit Erganos, located in the centre of Heraklion, for some authentic Cretan cuisine - their variety of options won’t leave you disappointed! Make sure to order some dolmades as a mezze, and their specialty, the lamb ofto. The restaurant has a beautiful stone terrace surrounded by greenery, so you can enjoy your meal amidst the stunning Cretan nature.
Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa: For a quality meal with a picturesque view
This traditional tavern, which specialises in seafood, is the perfect place to go for a quality meal and refreshing drink after a hot morning at the beach. Located right by the stunning Fortress Fortezza, you can enjoy your Cretan meal right by the water with a scenic view of the Venetian fortress. Try their fava, shrimp saganaki, and stuffed calamari - and anything else on their menu - they are all delicious!
7 Thalasses: A seafood delight with a sea-front view
7 Thalasses restaurant, specialising in seafood dishes, is distinguished by the quality and freshness of their food. Their Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of modernity, in combination with their impressive wine list and relaxing atmosphere, make this the ideal restaurant for a memorable evening. Try their octopus tartare, squid with pistachio, carpaccio, or anything else with seafood, to enjoy an exquisite meal of excellent quality that will linger in your memory, and end the night on a sweet note with their signature crunchy mille feuille with vanilla ice cream dessert. Make a reservation and enjoy a scenic sunset with your meal, given the restaurant is only a couple metres away from the sea! There is another 7 Thalasses restaurant in Heraklion, with equally as impressive quality dishes as the one in Rethymno.
Catch a spectacular view of the city of Heraklion from the fifth floor, where the hidden Toucan is located. With lush green plants and wood furniture decorating the scenic rooftop, a tasteful and modern environment has been created that captures the essence of a rainforest. Treat yourself to a few of their wide range of appetisers, or a main course meal, and select a drink from their extensive list of cocktails and wines to sip on as you enjoy the striking panoramic view from above.
The organic restaurant is beautifully located right by the sea front, so we recommend you make a reservation for an ideal seat right by the scenic view overlooking the town of Rethymno. All the raw materials that are used in the preparation of their dishes are certified organic growth products, so rest assured, your meal will not only taste divine, but will also be of exceptional quality. Their menu offers everything from delicious Greek dishes like santorini fava with octopus, to Cretan delicacies like dry anthotiro cheese, and contemporary cuisine like fresh ceviche and sushi - everyone will be satisfied!
Located right in the centre of Old Town Rethymno, Avli is a beautifully picturesque and impressive restaurant that appears like a charming flower-filled hidden garden. Their exceptional food is inspired by Crete’s natural produce and unique local delicacies, offering traditional dishes shaped by the island's distinct cuisine, and new and exciting interpretations of Cretan cuisine. Try their ‘Crete through my eyes’ for a six-course menu bursting with Cretan flavours, along with their wine pairing for an extensive wine tasting session of locally produced Cretan wine. Don’t forget to make a reservation!
Xalavro Open Bar: For Mediterranean food with an Asian twist
This trendy stoned-walled restaurant is exceptionally situated right by the Archeological Museum of Heraklion. Their fusion menu is an eclectic selection of Mediterranean dishes enhanced with flavours of Asia, distinguishing the restaurant from others in the region. Their creative and delicate gastronomic delights will certainly satisfy your taste buds, and you will be tempted for more! Xalavro Open Bar is also renowned for its excellent selection of delicious and colourful cocktails to end the night on the perfect note.
Apiri Greek Eatery, located in the backstreets of Heraklion, is every food lover's dream. From the creative cuisine using only fresh seasonal produce, to the exclusively local meat and fish, this place will not fail to impress you! The traditional Greek dishes with unique twists of modernity and intriguing flavours are skilfully presented, and the atmosphere is buzzing. But since it is so good, don’t forget to make a reservation - you won’t want to miss out!
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