Medusa Taverna in Kalyves
(update - now renamed ICARUS)

The Medusa (Icarus) Taverna is found right on the beach in the wonderful resort of Kalyves, close to Chania here on the Greek island of Crete.

Nestling between the Mistrali and Il Forna restaurants at the beach in Kalyves, close to the fishing harbour is the Medusa Taverna.

Three things are outstanding about the Icarus (formerly Medusa) Taverna in Kalyves. First they serve the best big breakfast in the village, secondly the Lamb Kleftiko is the best we've ever tasted anywhere on the Greek Island of Crete.

In fact we'd go as far as to say the Lamb Kleftiko is the best in the world!

Add to that the best carafe house red wine in Kalyves and you've got a recipe for sumptuousness.

KALYVES

Big Breakfast at the Medusa Taverna

If you love a hearty breakfast when holidaying in western Crete then head straight for the Medusa Taverna in Kalyves.

The British style sausage, bacon, baked beans, fried egg and tomato breakfast is perfectly cooked and is such good value.

For the incredibly low price – around €6 – the big breakfast comes with toast, butter and jam, tea or coffee and a huge glass of fresh orange juice.

And free sunbeds on the beach just in front of the Medusa Taverna are included in the low price.

Kleftiko

The melt in the mouth slow cooked Lamb Kleftiko is simply mouth-wateringly delicious. Cooked slowly and in paper with seasonal vegetables and potatoes and topped with melting cheese the lamb dish is truly wonderful.

Perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of herbs added, the paper wrapped lamb dish is impeccably cooked and superbly presented. It truly looks as good as it tastes and vice versa.

Red Wine at the Medusa

MEDUSA

Some of the house wines served in carafes at many tavernas and restaurants in Crete can be a little uninspiring. All are drinkable but some can be described as an acquired taste – basically the more you drink the less rough they become!

However top prize for house red wine goes to the Medusa Taverna in Kalyves. It is simply outstanding.

It's a Cabernet Sauvignon and is rich, fruity and incredibly smooth. It is served in the carafe and is incredibly good value at about €4 for a half litre.

We have eaten at the Medusa Taverna in Kalyves many times and can highly recommend it for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Top marks for atmosphere, service, choice of menu and wonderfully cooked and well presented dishes. We love the Medusa Taverna and we're sure you will too!

Here's what Jean from the UK has to say about the Medusa Restaurant in Kalyves:

"My family and I go to the Medusa Restaurant every year on our holiday. The food is always beautifully cooked and the owner and staff are very welcoming. We have always had a very enjoyable evening with plenty of good food. We shall be going back to the Medusa this year on our holidays and look forward to our evening meals."