Cretan Baked Fish

Cretan cooking is all about simplicity. Simple, good quality ingredients simply prepared. Nothing illustrates this better than this delicious baked fish recipe.

Immerse yourself in the essence of the Mediterranean with this tantalizing Cretan Baked Fish. A whole red snapper, kissed by fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, and drizzled in the finest olive oil, rests atop a bed of tender potatoes, sweet peas, carrots, and vibrant green beans. Wrapped in foil and baked to perfection, this dish exudes rustic simplicity, capturing the sunlit flavors of Crete with every succulent bite. A harmony of freshness and tradition, this dish promises to transport your taste buds to the shores of the Aegean.

Ingredients for Cretan Baked Fish

A delicious baked fish dish: red snapper seasoned with garlic and herbs, served with tender potatoes, peas, carrots, and green beans, all wrapped and cooked in foil.

1 kilo of fish (whole or fillet of red snapper, cod, etc)
2 cloves of garlic, sliced
½ kilo mixed vegetables (corn, and red pepper and carrot diced small)
3 medium potatoes, sliced thin
Olive Oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt, pepper

Here's What To Do

Arrange two pieces of aluminum foil opposite ways in a baking tray and put the vegetables and sliced potatoes in the centre.

Sprinkle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Next, wash and gut the fish if necessary. You can use filleted fish if you don't like bones. Carefully score the fish a couple or three times and drizzle with olive oil then put the garlic in the slits. Season with salt and pepper and lemon juice. Put the prepared fish on top of the vegetables and wrap the foil round sealing it.

The Role of Fish in the Cretan Diet

Fresh seafood display at a fish stall in Chania Market, Crete, featuring a variety of fish and shellfish arranged on ice under warm lighting.

Fish plays a starring role in the Cretan diet, and it’s no surprise why. With the island surrounded by the Mediterranean’s shimmering blue waters, fresh seafood is both plentiful and deeply woven into Cretan cuisine and culture. From simple grilled catches to hearty baked fish dishes, the Cretans know how to make the most of the sea’s bounty.

Fresh, Local, and Delicious

On Crete, fish isn’t just food—it’s a way of life. Locals often head to bustling fish markets to snag the freshest catch of the day. Popular choices like sea bream, sardines, and even red snapper are prepared with a no-fuss approach, letting the natural flavors shine. The combination of olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs is all it takes to transform a humble fillet into a Mediterranean masterpiece.

"Fish connects the Cretans to the sea, bringing its health benefits straight to their plates."

Health from the Sea

The Cretan diet is famously linked to longevity, and fish is one of the reasons why. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Whether it’s lightly grilled or served as a baked fish with fragrant herbs, seafood offers a healthy and satisfying alternative to heavier meals.

A Dish for Every Occasion

From seaside tavernas to family kitchens, fish is celebrated as both an everyday staple and a dish for special gatherings. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine, a Greek salad, and some crusty bread for a meal that feels indulgent yet wonderfully simple.

Crete’s love affair with fish isn’t just about nourishment—it’s about savoring life, one delicious bite at a time.

The Most Popular Fish Available in Crete

Crete’s coastline, kissed by the Mediterranean, is a seafood lover’s paradise. The waters around the island offer an incredible variety of fish, each with its own unique flavor and texture. From humble sardines to the more luxurious red snapper, locals and visitors alike are spoiled for choice.

If you’re dining in Crete, expect to see these common favorites:

Sardines: Small but packed with flavor, these are often grilled or marinated for a simple, healthy dish.
Sea bream (Tsipoura): A go-to option for baked fish, sea bream has a delicate, flaky texture and pairs wonderfully with herbs like oregano and thyme.
Sea bass (Lavraki): Known for its mild flavor, sea bass is versatile and a favorite for both grilling and baking.
Red snapper (Synagrida): A star of Cretan seafood cuisine, red snapper is prized for its firm texture and subtly sweet taste.

“Fresh fish here isn’t just food—it’s an experience,” said a local fisherman in Rethymno. “The sea gives us everything, and we honor that on the plate.”

The role of fish in the Cretan diet is deeply rooted in tradition. Many families will spend their mornings visiting local markets, carefully selecting the freshest catch of the day. Whether grilled, fried, or baked fish is on the menu, the simplicity of the preparation lets the natural flavors shine.

So, next time you’re in Crete, take a deep dive into the local seafood scene. From seaside tavernas to mountain village kitchens, the fish you enjoy will taste of Crete’s sea, history, and heart.

The Most Popular Fish Restaurants in Crete

Crete is a seafood lover’s dream, where fish is served fresher than a sea breeze. Across the island, you’ll find an abundance of restaurants that know how to honor the local catch. Whether you’re craving grilled sea bream, red snapper, or a perfectly seasoned baked fish, Crete’s dining spots deliver the goods.

Here are a few favorites to get you started:

Taverna Argo in Elounda: Known for its stunning waterfront views and grilled seafood, this spot specializes in the freshest catch paired with traditional Cretan sides.
Patrelantonis Fish Taverna in Almyrida: This hidden gem is famous for its red snapper and simple, honest flavors that let the fish shine.
Sunset Fish Taverna in Bali: Enjoy the sunset while savoring perfectly baked fish that comes straight from the local fishermen’s nets.

“You haven’t really tasted Crete until you’ve enjoyed fish caught that morning,” says a regular at these local gems.

The most popular fish restaurants in Crete offer more than just a meal—they’re an immersion into the island’s rich culinary traditions. Many of these spots have been family-run for generations, combining recipes passed down through the years with the freshest ingredients.

So, pull up a chair, let the sea breeze set the mood, and get ready to enjoy some of the best seafood Crete has to offer. Just remember: the simpler the preparation, the better the taste.