Crete Restaurant Recommendations
As Greece’s largest island, it’s only fitting that Crete’s culinary offerings are as abundant as its beloved beaches and gorges. From east to west, these Crete restaurant recommendations will point you towards some unforgettable dining experiences.
Tholos Restaurant
Ag. Deka, 36, Chania 73132 – +30 282 104 6725 – Website
With multilevel seating throughout the picturesque courtyard, each landing of Tholos Restaurant is unique and beautiful. With open air seating at its finest, this stunning restaurant has its bases covered: lovely ambiance, kind staff, and great food. Try the lamb shank with a bottle of red wine, or maybe souvlaki with sparkling rose. Whichever meal you end up choosing, you’re in for a spectacular and delectable night out.
To Koutourouki
Parodos Potie, 8, Chania 73132 – +30 282 150 1990
A hidden oasis tucked away on a cobblestone alleyway and covered overhead with lush vines, To Koutourouki is a quirky gem in Chania’s old town. With colorful walls and décor, the lively atmosphere will bring you joy as well as a warm welcome. With so many interesting and wonky detailing (check out the painted murals), you’ll have visual entertainment throughout your dinner. We love the Cretan pork, beetroot risotto with lime, and zucchini balls!
Lotus Eaters Restaurant
Elounda 72053 – +30 284 104 1538 – Website
Nestled in the fishing village and overlooking the bay of Elounda, Lotus Eaters Restaurant is quiet and peaceful, sitting right on the North shore of Crete. Taking advantage of the covered patio, you’ll enjoy the coastline view while exploring the menu full of local specialties. If you think of it, you can call ahead and ask for a leg of organic lamb marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme and oregano—it will be slow roasted and ready for your reservation. That is Greek hospitality at its finest. Closed Tuesday.
Terrassa Restaurant
San Nicolò, Ellinika, 67, Elounda 72100 – +30 284 102 4695 – Website
From live music in the evenings, to the elevated patio views of the Gulf of Elounda, Terrassa Restaurant is full of character. With a menu offering fried lamb, grilled octopus, and pork shank, you’re sure to be impressed from your very first bite! Furnished in traditional Cretan style, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy dishes from the area as well as professional service. For dessert, we highly recommend the freshly baked Galaktoboureko… it’s a crowd pleaser.
Olondi Restaurant
Epar. Od. Fournis-Elountas, 0, Elounda 72100 – +30 284 104 1040 – Website
Olondi is one of those all-round great Crete restaurant recommendations. The food is delicious, fresh, beautifully presented and very reasonably priced. The wine list is great, which is not always the case in Greece. The staff at Olondi are friendly and very accommodating. However, the best part of Olondi is its setting. This restaurant is set on the tranquil waterfront of Elounda Bay; it is the perfect venue to have a casual lunch or dinner. The restaurant and its surrounding really transform into a romantic venue in the evenings, truly magical to sit at Olondi and watch the sunset over the bay.
Ferryman Taverna
Akti Olountos, Schisma Elountas, Elounda 72053 – +30 284 104 1230
Ferryman Taverna is a seaside gem so acclaimed that it attracts everyone from locals to celebrities. It’s the closest to fine dining that a taverna can get, providing a wonderful dining experience that doesn’t feel too upscale. While any of the classic main courses are superb, many of the simple-sounding starters, like their salads or sagnaki with fig jam, are not to be missed.
Featured image: © Neirfy | Dreamstime