Your guide to the best restaurants in Chania

Crete is the ultimate food-lovers paradise, with a variety of impressive dishes and flavours that are renowned for their outstanding quality and freshness not only in Greece, but also around the world. 

Read on to discover where you can eat the finest authentic Greek dishes and Cretan specialties, all while experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals. 

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For a typical Cretan meal and experience

Thalassino Ageri: For the ones who love seafood 

Enjoy a slow dinner, sipping on your house wine, while you watch the sunset over the beautiful sea at ‘Thalassino Ageri’. The menu offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, where you can find anything from octopus, grilled swordfish, and even fried shark. Ask for the fresh catches of the day, and make sure to try their fresh grilled octopus! Reserve a table to enjoy your meal with a scenic view right by the water.  

Vivilaki str 35 Tabakaria, Chania 731 33, Crete
+30 2821 051136
https://www.thalasino-ageri.gr/en/

Portes: Greek and Cretan cuisine with an interesting twist

Located right by the marina, ‘Portes’ is definitely a restaurant you should visit while in Chania.  The menu includes not only delicious Greek and Cretan classic dishes, but also some interesting twists on those that you will certainly enjoy. If you get there for an early dinner, you may even be able to sit on the upper tier where you can catch an impressive view of the sunset with your meal. Make sure to try their house wines and ask about their daily specials, especially their fresh fish options! 

Akti Papanikoli 1, Chania 731 31, Crete
+30 2821 076261

Salis: Not your average taverna

Close to the restaurant ‘Pallas’, is the restaurant ‘Salis’. Nestled by the harbour, ‘Salis’ restaurant has a great view of the waterfront. This elegant restaurant offers a seasonal menu using exclusively sourced local farm ingredients to create modern innovative Mediterranean dishes with beautiful presentation. If that already doesn’t sound good enough, they have amazing desserts and are open from morning till night. Try their salted caramel mousse for dessert - you won’t regret it! 

Akti Enoseos 3, Chania 731 32, Crete
+30 2821 043700
https://www.salischania.com/ 
 

For a unique experience and fantastic meal

Dounias: A meal from the past 

Lost in the countryside, Dounias restaurant is widely considered the best one in Chania for slow-cooked traditional Cretan food. A visit here is more than just a meal, it is an experience. Cooking is done using local products, most of which are sourced from the restaurant owner's farm, using only fire and no electricity. Watch your meal be prepared in the traditional Cretan way, with wooden ovens and stoves, and clay pots on fire. This is truly a unique and unforgettable experience that is definitely worth the 40-minute detour.  Also, make sure to try their delicious Cretan-style snails! 

Drakona, Chania 731 00, Crete
+30 2821 065083
https://www.ntounias.gr/?lang=el 

Adespoto: For lovers of music

Adespoto is a picturesque tavern located in the centre of Chania,  offering delicious traditional food, as well as homemade wine and raki; A Cretan favourite! After being destroyed by a bomb during the war, the beautiful stone building has been reconstructed with minimal changes, reflecting the rich history of Crete. Enjoy an exquisite authentic meal here while the talented musicians perform traditional Greek music!

Corner of Sifakia & Despotaki Melchisedek, Chania 73100, Crete  
+30 2821 051582 
https://www.adespotochania.gr/en/

To Pigadi tou Tourkou: For a taste of Cretan history

To Pigadi tou Tourkou (‘The Well of the Turk’) is located in a quaint area near old town Splantzia, known for its labyrinth of picturesque narrow streets. This restaurant is unique in Chania, offering dishes that combine flavours from Greece, Turkey, and Middle Eastern cuisine, reflecting the historical ethnic quarter of Splantzia where the Turkish population of Crete once thrived. Make sure to try their slow-cooked local lamb with lemon couscous, as well as their aubergine meatballs! 

Sarpaki 1, Chania 731 00, Greece
+30 2821 054547
https://welloftheturk.gr/

For a fancier meal

Blue: Enjoy fresh Cretan food and juicy steak with a unique view

If you love Mediterranean cuisine, delicious steak, and amazing views, ‘Blue’ is the place for you. Located a short 20-minute walk from the centre of Chania, ‘Blue’ restaurant is away from the busy town centre, and has a stunning view of the royal blue sea. Enjoy the spectacular view while you eat the flavoursome Greek and Cretan dishes- you will not be disappointed! 

El. Venizelou 142, Chania 731 33, Greece 
+30 2821 059198 
https://www.bluerestaurantchania.com/

Theodosi: For a meal with a view from above

Beautifully situated on the top of a hill near the centre of Chania, ‘Theodosi’ restaurant offers creative Greek and Cretan cuisine with excellent presentation, using fresh local products. The large outdoor patio offers a gorgeous view of the sea and city, so you can enjoy the view while savoring delicious dishes and a fine selection of wine. Don’t forget to make a dinner reservation, and make sure you try their delicious signature dishes!

Paparigopoulou, Chania 731 00, Crete
+30 2821 090526
https://theodosirestaurant.com/

Restaurant Pallas: Breakfast, lunch and dinner with choice

‘Pallas’ restaurant, located on the coast of one of the most beautiful parts of Chania, stands out for its modern and distinctive style. Their menu includes a variety of dishes, from classic Mediterranean dishes using traditional Cretan products, to tasty pasta with carefully chosen products from Italy. You are spoilt for choice! The restaurant is open all day, so you can grab a coffee and breakfast at their stylish bar to avoid the summer heat. If you are not an early bird, you can enjoy a romantic meal with a glorious sunset and breeze on the rooftop, but make sure you make reservations! 

Akti Tompazi 15, Chania 731 00, Crete
+30 28210 45688
https://www.pallaschania.gr/en/

If you enjoy your food, don’t hesitate a trip to Crete! You will definitely fall in love with Chania, the locals, and their delicious cuisine.

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