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The best restaurants in Crete -the most delicious guide!

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Famous all around the world for its gastronomy and the Cretan diet -the reason behind the islanders’ longevity- Crete is full of excellent restaurants for every taste! From cute seaside taverns to gourmet restaurants and everything in between, this island offers an abundance of dining options.

 

Keep reading to discover the best restaurants in Crete!

Read also: Crete travel guide, The best 5-star hotels in Crete

01
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Chania,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Fancy, Local, Modern, Traditional
If you’re looking for the perfect place for a romantic dinner or for celebrating a special occasion, Serenissima is a go-to. This restaurant has a refined ambiance and offers three well-curated menus (‘Earth’, ‘Sea’ and ‘Vegan’), which consist of creative dishes based on traditional Greek cuisine. It’s a must for fine-dining in Crete!
Great option for?

Serenissima restaurant is a great choice for couples, wine lovers, and chic foodies.

Why we love it?

Serenissima has an extensive wine list that includes a variety of local and international labels cherry-picked by a certified sommelier. The restaurant’s sommelier is always at your disposal to help you pick the perfect food-wine pairing!

02
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Chania,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Casual, Fancy, Local, Modern, Traditional
MonEs is technically a hotel restaurant, as it is part of the luxurious Monastery Estate hotel in Chania. With a traditional-meets-modern approach, MonEs restaurant marries the tried-and-tested Cretan cuisine with modern techniques. The result is simply irresistible! From the island’s staple dakos salad and the handmade ‘skioufikta’ pasta to fresh fish and farm-to-table meat, everything encapsulates the essence of Cretan gastronomy.
Great option for?

Sophisticated foodies, chic couples, and fine dining lovers.

Why we love it?

Do you want to bring a taste of Crete back home? MonEs restaurant produces its own extra virgin olive oil and delicious jams, which are available for purchase. Don’t miss them!

03
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Chania,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Casual, Local, Traditional
Corinna Star Restaurant lies within the premises of Corinna Mare Suites & Studios Hotel in Chania. Mediterranean influences have shaped the restaurant’s menu, which is focused on fresh, seasonal produce that comes straight from the owner’s garden. It consists of freshly caught fish, seafood, and traditional Greek dishes, like shrimp and mussel pasta, fried calamari, sea urchin, and zucchini chips. Our top tip -ask the friendly staff for wine recommendations, they’ll make sure that you pick the wine that pairs best with your food!
Great option for?

Foodies, seafood lovers, couples, and customers of Corinna Mare Hotel.

Why we love it?

If you go to Corinna Star Restaurant for a romantic dinner, opt for one of the poolside tables. The magical setting at sunset and the beautiful sea view create the perfect scenery for a romantic dinner under the stars!

04
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Chania,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Casual, Laid back, Local, Traditional
Located on the Venetian Harbor, Lithos restaurant is one of the best dining spots in the heart of Chania town. Focused on local produce and seasonality, the restaurant’s menu is a homage to traditional Cretan cooking. Although it is traditional at its core, Lithos’ cuisine has a refreshingly modern twist that combines the tried-and-tested Greek dishes with contemporary culinary trends. The result is scrumptious -from the spinach pie and the lamp casserole to the tuna tartar and the shrimp tempura, everything is a must-try!
Great option for?

Foodies, couples, Cretan cuisine lovers, and families.

Why we love it?

The location of Lithos restaurant is unbeatable! Strategically located on the Old Harbor of Chania, it boasts breathtaking views of the sunset, the sea, and the Venetian Lighthouse, which is the town’s trademark. Our top tip -be there in time for sunset and start your night with a cocktail savoring the majestic view!

05
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Chania,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Casual, Laid back, Local, Modern, Traditional
Boasting a fantastic seaside location on Papanikoli Bay, this is one of the best spots for a sunset dinner in Chania. The Five Restaurant has an innovative approach to cooking, marrying Mediterranean gastronomy with international influences. The wines are also excellent here. The Five’s extensive wine list, which is cleverly curated by the restaurant’s sommelier, includes a wide variety of Greek and international labels. Our suggestion is to order by the glass so that you get to pair a variety of different wines with your food.
Great option for?

Couples and families who want to enjoy a hearty meal by the sea.

Why we love it?

The Five Restaurant offers plenty of delicious vegan and vegetarian options. If you follow a plant-based diet, don’t miss the fava, the summer salad, the beetroot falafel, and the vegetable carpaccio!

06
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Heraklion,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Casual, Laid back, Local, Modern, Traditional
If you are a seafood enthusiast, you’re bound to love 7 Thalasses Restaurant. With a firm grounding in local cuisine, 7 Thalasses Restaurant marries the tried-and-tested Cretan dishes with international influences. Their menu is stocked with delicious seafood and freshly caught fish -you can expect dishes like fish soup, ouzo shrimps, marinated anchovy, fish carpaccio, and claw fish filet. There's also a selection of exquisite pasta and risotto dishes, including sea urchin spaghetti, house-made ravioli, and seafood risotto.
Great option for?

Seafood lovers, couples, and travelers who are in search of an excellent dining spot close to the airport.

Why we love it?

7 Thalasses Restaurant isn’t only known for its excellent seafood but also its super-tasty sushi! Don’t miss house specialties like the black Angus rib eye roll, the rainbow uramaki, and the 7 seas roll.

07
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Heraklion,  Crete,  Greece | Bar/Restaurant | Fancy, Modern
Beloved by locals and travelers in the know, Ntore Gastronomy restaurant is one of the most elegant dining spots in Heraklion Town. This place merges retro-chic interiors, a refined atmosphere, and excellent food. But there’s more to it than that: Ntore has an exquisite menu, which is based on a holistic approach to local gastronomy, focusing on organic, seasonal, and fresh produce that comes straight from the regional farmers. You can expect dishes like squid with fava cream, fish ceviche with chili sauce, beef tartare with parmesan, and sauteed prawns with carrot cream. Extra tip: Save room for the watermelon cheesecake!
Great option for?

Sophisticated vacationers, retro aesthetic lovers, and chic couples.

Why we love it?

Ntore currently has a fascinating thematic list of signature cocktails inspired by the masterpieces of Impressionist artists like Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre Auguste Renoir. Pick your favorite one and let it transport you to another era!

08
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Heraklion,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Casual, Laid back, Local, Traditional
Thigaterra, which means ‘daughter’ in Greek, is a restaurant focused on eco-gastronomy and slow food philosophy. Its cuisine is characterized by a traditional-meets-modern approach to Cretan gastronomy, emphasizing seasonality and regional provenance. Using the finest locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, Thigaterra restaurant creates a variety of delicious local classics, like ‘boureki’, a cheese pie with whole wheat crust, Cretan Dakos salad, carob pie, and grilled lamb chops. What’s more, there’s always a choice of finger-licking good desserts!
Great option for?

Eco-gastronomy lovers, families (there’s a kids menu), vegans, and vegetarians.

Why we love it?

If you want to bring some of the finest Cretan products back home with you, visit Thigaterra’s in-house grocery store! Here you’ll find a wide selection of traditional products, from extra virgin olive oil and honey to homemade pasta and legumes.

09
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Heraklion,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Casual, Laid back, Local, Traditional
Are you searching for an authentically traditional Cretan restaurant in Heraklion? Look no further than Peskesi! Housed in a renovated mansion in the heart of the town, this restaurant oozes a vintage charm that complements its nostalgic cuisine perfectly. The menu here is based on the tried-and-tested Cretan gastronomy and aims to introduce visitors to the island’s culinary tradition. Based on a farm-to-table philosophy, Peskesi collaborates with local producers and farmers to ensure the quality, sustainability, and seasonality of the ingredients, supporting, at the same time, local economy. What’s not to love?
Great option for?

Groups of friends, families, and travelers who want to taste the authentic Cretan cuisine.

Why we love it?

Do you want to dive deeper into the local agriculture culture? Then book a tour to Peskesi’s biodynamic and sustainable farm! Here you’ll get to discover over 120 fruit and vegetable varieties, centuries-old olive trees, beehives, and more. You can also take private cooking lessons, learn the ins and outs of the world-renowned Cretan diet, and be introduced to traditional cooking techniques by local housewives!

10
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Heraklion,  Crete,  Greece | Bar/Restaurant | Fancy, International, Laid back, Modern
Xalavro Open Bar is one of the hippest cocktail bars in Heraklion city center. Standing out for its innovative cocktails and exotic setting, it is loved by locals and travelers alike. So, we highly recommend that you start with a drink before enjoying a meal at Xalavro Open Kitchen, which lies right next to the cocktail bar. The delicious sibling of Xalavro Open Bar specializes in Mediterranean-Asian fusion cuisine, marrying east with west through creative and exquisitely presented dishes. It’s difficult to separate stand-out dishes, but the chicken burger, the cherry tomato salad, the pork tenderloin, and the tuna tartare are exceptional!
Great option for?

Bar hoppers, foodies, couples, and cocktail lovers.

Why we love it?

It doesn’t come as a surprise that the drinks at Xalavro are as good as the food! Their colorful cocktail menu includes house specials, like the Xalavro rum barrel, the Buenos Dias, and the Cool Off, which go particularly well with food. Cheers!

11
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Rethymno,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Casual, Fancy, Local, Modern
Prima Plora is arguably one of the best date spots in Rethymno! The scenery here is magical, as the restaurant is set right by the sea, offering panoramic views of the Fortezza castle and the glorious sunset. But, its charming setting is not the only reason Prima Plora is a popular restaurant. It's also its sustainability-focused philosophy and organic cuisine that make it stand out among other restaurants in Rethymno. Collaborating with small local producers and farmers, Prima Plora ensures the freshness and seasonality of the ingredients that go into the food it serves. The restaurant’s organic menu is stocked with delicious seafood dishes, like sea bass carpaccio, smoked eel, shrimps with ouzo, and risotto with cuttlefish ink. You can pair them with their exceptional wine list!
Great option for?

Prima Plora is a go-to for couples and honeymooners!

Why we love it?

If you are a sushi lover, don’t miss Prima Plora’s sushi menu! Using carefully sourced ingredients, like mayonnaise from organic eggs, organic Scottish salmon, and organic vegetables, the chef creates a delicious choice of sushi dishes. The Tekka maki, the Oishi roll, and the Haiko roll are must-tries!

12
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Rethymno,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Casual, Laid back, Local, Traditional
Tucked away into a quiet alley, away from the hustle and bustle of the town’s main roads, Kapilio is a hidden gem in Rethymno. Staying faithful to its roots, Kapilio focuses on the tried-and-tested recipes of Cretan gastronomy. That’s why it’s so popular with foodies in the know, who come back here again and again! Using only the finest and freshest ingredients, Kapilio’s chef creates unpretentious yet delicious dishes that will introduce you to the Cretan tradition. Our top picks are the seafood risotto, the roasted lamb, the shrimp with ouzo and lobster sauce, the steamed mussels, and the grilled beef steak with cheese and bacon. Just keep one thing in mind, though - the food at Kapilio is not for the faint-hearted!
Great option for?

Foodies, families, and groups of friends.

Why we love it?

Kapilio has a carefully curated wine list that includes a variety of Cretan wines, from fruity whites to spicy reds. Feel free to ask the attentive staff for recommendations!

13
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Rethymno,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Casual, Laid back, Local, Traditional
Housed in a renovated 1870 Venetian mansion in the heart of Rethymno, Corina Restaurant oozes an old-world charm that will transport you to another era. As for the food, it is authentically traditional! Focusing on the provenance and seasonality of the ingredients, the restaurant’s chef creates scrumptious Cretan dishes with international touches. Traditional and creative at the same time, Corina’s cuisine will introduce you to the island’s culinary scene! It’s difficult to separate the best dishes, but the chicken with champagne sauce, the organic sausage, the seafood risotto, and the fried cheese are among our favorites.
Great option for?

Families, groups of friends, and couples who want to savor an authentic Cretan meal in Rethymno city center.

Why we love it?

The delicious dishes of Corina can be paired with an excellent wine list that comprises a variety of Greek and international wines for every taste. Their house wine is also a must-order!

14
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Rethymno,  Crete,  Greece | Restaurant | Casual, Fancy, Laid back, Local, Traditional
Castelo is a quaint restaurant in the heart of Rethymno’s old town. Housed in a 3-floor stone house, this restaurant has an old-world charm that blends smoothly into the town’s nostalgic atmosphere. The beautiful environment, delicious food, and excellent service of Castelo have made it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The menu here is dedicated to traditional Greek cuisine with a creative twist and changes regularly to ensure seasonality. It includes a wide variety of hearty dishes, like minced pork dumplings, cheese balls with apricot jam, chicken with apaki, shrimp ravioli, and pork tenderloin. Yum!
Great option for?

Couples, honeymooners, and travelers who want to regain strength after sightseeing in Rethymno town.

Why we love it?

Don’t miss Castelo’s extensive wine list! There are plenty of options, but we highly recommend you opt for a Cretan wine or their house wine. If you are clueless about wine-food pairings, the restaurant’s experienced staff will help you pick the perfect wine.

15
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Rethymno,  Crete,  Greece | Bar/Restaurant | Casual, Fancy, Laid back, Modern
Achinos Restaurant arguably boasts one of the most majestic settings in Rethymno! Housed in a historic seaside building overlooking the Venetian harbor, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Achinos’ menu seamlessly blends the staples of Mediterranean cuisine and international elements with a fine-dining-meets-tradition approach. The result? Scrumptious and creative dishes made with the finest and freshest local ingredients! Some of the menu’s standouts are the Rucola salad, the zucchini chips, the grilled octopus, and the linguini with salmon and vodka.
Great option for?

Couples and honeymooners looking for the perfect spot in Rethymno for a romantic sunset date!

Why we love it?

If you want to enjoy dinner with a breathtaking view, book a table on the restaurant’s 3rd-floor terrace! Here, you’ll savor all-encompassing views of the beach, the Venetian lighthouse, the harbor, and the city while you enjoy your meal or sip on fancy cocktails. What’s not to like?

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