Personal Crete Restaurant Guide

Here's an insiders guide: our personal Crete restaurant guide. This is our brief snapshot of some of the restaurants we have visited, and which we recommend, from our time living in Crete and vacationing there.

These are personal views. Tripadvisor is a great resource for checking out restaurants wherever you are visiting in Crete, but we want to give our views on our most recommend eateries on the Island.

This is stuff you can use if you are visiting Crete for your holidays, plan to move here and fancy living near some good restaurants - or if you live here, you might want to check out some places you never knew about - it could happen!

Here are a few places we have visited or people have told us about...

Personal Crete Restaurant Guide for Agios Nikolaos, Lassithi

Zygos Taverna in Istron

We absolutely adore Zygos Taverna in Istron, Kalo Horio, just a short drive from the lively town of Agios Nikolaos in Lasithi. This little gem embodies everything we love about Cretan dining—authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family.

The star of the menu? Their spit-roasted suckling pig, slow-cooked to perfection until the skin is crispy and golden while the meat inside remains melt-in-the-mouth tender. Served alongside oven-roasted local potatoes, infused with the rich flavours of olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs, and paired with a refreshing village salad, it’s a meal that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.

But it’s not just the food that makes Zygos Taverna special. The setting is quintessentially Cretan—rustic, welcoming, and buzzing with the sound of cheerful conversation, clinking glasses, and the occasional tune from a local musician. Whether you’re dining under the pergola on a balmy summer evening or cosying up inside during the cooler months, the charm of this taverna never fades.

It’s a place where locals and visitors alike gather, not just for the food, but for the experience of true Cretan hospitality. The owners welcome you like long-lost friends, ensuring your glass of house wine or raki never runs dry and that you leave with a full belly and an even fuller heart.

More on Zygos Taverna

Personal Crete Restaurant Guide for Chania, West Crete

Astrea Restaurant – Platanias

Perched high in the old village of Platanias near Chania, Astrea Restaurant continues to captivate diners with its breathtaking views and authentic Cretan cuisine. Recent visitors have praised the diverse menu, featuring dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, and fresh seafood, all served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The combination of delectable food and panoramic vistas makes it a must-visit spot for both newcomers and returning guests.

Piperia (Now Pandesia) – Kalyves

In the charming village of Kalyves near Chania, the beloved Piperia restaurant has undergone a transformation and is now known as Pandesia. Under new ownership, Pandesia continues to serve generous portions of local Cretan dishes that have delighted patrons for years.

Diners can expect a variety of traditional meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients, maintaining the establishment's reputation for quality and authenticity.

Shells Café – Almyrida

For those craving a hearty British breakfast, Shells Café in Almyrida has been a longstanding favorite. While it changed ownership back in 2008, it has consistently maintained its reputation for serving generous and satisfying breakfasts. We encourage visitors to share their recent experiences, as firsthand accounts help keep our recommendations current and reliable.

Personal Crete Restaurant Guide for Stalis, Heraklion Prefecture

If you're planning a visit to the Stalis-Malia area in the Heraklion region, here are some dining spots we've enjoyed:

Nine Muses Taverna

Located west past the Blue Sea Hotel, Nine Muses Taverna offers a delightful breakfast experience. Known for its fresh fish and homemade traditional dishes, it's a great spot to start your day.

Mythos Restaurant

Situated right on the beach in Stalis, Mythos Restaurant provides a perfect setting for a relaxing meal at any time of day. Just step off your sunbeds and the restaurant is a few steps away on the beach. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with the soothing sounds of the sea as your backdrop.

Robin Hood

If you've been on holiday for a few days and have tried all your Cretan favourites, beat off the craving for a hearty breakfast at the Robin Hood. It's renowned for its generous portions. Beyond breakfast, it offers a relaxing environment, good food, and reasonably priced cocktails. The friendly staff and clean surroundings make it a must-visit spot in Stalis (towards the end of your trip!)

Savouring Crete: Our Personal Restaurant Picks

Crete's culinary landscape is as diverse and vibrant as the island itself. From the bustling streets of Chania to the serene shores of Stalis, there's a dining experience waiting to delight every palate. Our personal restaurant guide offers an expert and personal selection of eateries we've come to love during our time on the island.

Whether you're seeking traditional Cretan flavors, international cuisine, or a fusion of both, we hope our recommendations enhance your gastronomic journey through Crete, and give you something to think about. We encourage you to explore these establishments and discover the rich tapestry of tastes that make Crete a true food lover's paradise.