Crete, Greece’s largest and sun-soaked island, is a paradise for food lovers seeking authentic flavors and unforgettable meals. The Crete dining scene, deeply rooted in tradition, brings together fresh, local ingredients and recipes passed down for generations. This is why each dining experience on the Island feels like a celebration of heritage and culture. And as is the case everywhere, a few dining spots stand alone.
Central to the island’s culinary identity is the Cretan Diet, known worldwide for its health benefits and simple yet flavorful dishes. All of the best gastronomy experiences you will discover below feature an abundance of olive oil, fresh vegetables, legumes, and seafood, often paired with local wines or raki. Farm-to-table ideology and traditional preparation techniques embody a way of life that intertwines food with well-being.
Peskesi
Opened in 2014, Peskesi is Crete’s most famous traditional restaurant. Set in a beautifully restored stone mansion in the heart of Heraklion, its rustic-style, exquisite service, and impeccable cuisine have earned its place among the best restaurants in Greece and worldwide. In 2019, it claimed the top spot in the Greek and Regional Cuisine category at the Restaurant 100 awards.
What makes this eatery so unique is the philosophy of owner Panagiotis Magganas. Everything about the operation of Peskesi revolves around the Cretan diet, emphasizing farm-to-table traditions that bring authentic flavors and rich aromas to every plate. The menu offers a glimpse into time-honored cooking methods, using ancient techniques to prepare the freshest dishes. The restaurant has menu options for all dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals. Some signature dishes include crispy zucchini flowers, tender goat or pork cooked on the spit, vibrant vegetable salads, shrimp platters, and flavorful pasta.
Dessert lovers are in for a treat. Choices like carob mousse, baklava, and a layered mille-feuille pastry provide a sweet ending to any meal. Drinks are just as remarkable, with offerings such as Peskesi’s signature raki, fresh herbal teas, fruit-infused beverages, and a curated selection of wines. Guests can unwind at the bar with locally crafted beer or a specialty cocktail. A favorite experience is the olive oil tasting and food pairing activities, often a highlight of any visit.
Peskesi’s dedication to fresh, sustainable ingredients stems from its own organic farm located in the picturesque hills of Charaso Village. The remote 30 acre farm is the source of 120 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs used by the chefs are Peskesi. The farm also maintains olive groves, beehives, and a collection of free-range animals. Established in 1998, the farm champions organic agriculture and offers visitors a chance to explore its grounds. At the on-site Kafeneio, guests can sample fresh products paired with a glass of traditional tsikoudia.
Peskesi is open daily from 1 PM to 2 AM, but we suggest making reservations. This is, by far, the best place Crete dining experience if you want to experience truly authentic, perfectly cooked, and served Cretan cuisine. Peskesi is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award winner. The interactive Google map below will help you find this extraordinary dining experience.
Visit the Peskesi website here, and to make reservations, you may call +30 281 028 8887
Vira Potzi
Vira Potzi offers one of Crete’s most impressive dining experiences. The restaurant is situated right on the magnificent waterfront of picturesque Ierapetra. It is famous for its delectable seafood and local specialities. This classy restaurant sits beside the historic Kales Fortress overlooking the Libyan Sea.
The chefs focus on fresh fish and seafood, blending traditional flavors with modern cooking techniques. The plates here reflect the essence of the Cretan diet while presenting memorable combinations of wine pairings. Vira Potzi also serves local craft beers and wines that enhance the local ambiance.
The thoughtfully designed restaurant features a modern interior and a soft, neutral color palette. White tones dominate the space, complemented by natural wood elements and the breathtaking blue backdrop of the ocean. Diners can expect the best of Cretan hospitality from the staff and especially from hosts Alex and George.
This is a “must eat here” restaurant recommendation, a place where you can truly feel at home. Stunning Ierapetra as a backdrop, also serves to make Vira Potzi a culinary gem. Reservations are recommended since this is a huge local favorite. Call +30 2842 028254.
Othonas Taverna
Established in 1987, Othonas is a well-known traditional taverna located in the heart of Rethymno’s old town, near Platanos Square. The restaurant sits in a historic spot where, back in 1930, the legendary “wine tavern of Damanos” once operated. At that time, an unusual practice determined the cost of a meal—guests paid according to the difference in their body weight when entering and leaving the tavern. Today, the eatery is among the finest authentic Crete dining experiences and a rare treasure.
The menu at Othonas pays homage to the culinary heritage of Crete, offering a dining experience deeply rooted in the Cretan diet. The menu features a good selection of traditional recipes crafted with locally-sourced ingredients. Guests can expect dishes inspired by timeless Cretan flavors, prepared with remarkable attention to quality and affordability.
Among the restaurant’s signature specialities are dishes such as tender lamb with artichokes, beef cooked in a clay pot, artichokes with beans, the vibrant Baxé salad featuring arugula and soft Cretan anthotyro cheese, and pork fillet with honey and walnuts. Other highlights include chicken with strawberries, the flavorful Chicken Dias infused with raki, feta, mustard, and onions, as well as crispy, olive-oil-fried potatoes. A personal favorite of mine is the Moussaka, perhaps the best in all Crete. Guests also have the opportunity to select from a curated range of fresh fish and premium meats, perfectly paired with a wide selection of bottled wines or organically-produced Cretan wine.
Desserts at Othonas deserve special attention, with favorites like the iconic “Othonas triangles” and fried banana ending meals on a sweet note. These treats are best enjoyed alongside pure Cretan raki. However, as delectable as the gastronomy here is, the experience is enhanced most by the warmth and hospitality that Crete is celebrated for.
The restaurant embodies the essence of Cretan generosity. This is one of Crete’s finest dining spots. Reservations are recommended, and if the map above does not get you to their door, just ask anyone in Old Rethymno Town. Call +30 698 103 0086.
Salis
For foodies headed to Chania, Salis Restaurant provides a truly memorable dining experience. The reviews of this establishment reflect its universal appeal and continued popularity with tourists and locals alike. The food here is of exceptional quality and the unique atmosphere and presentation more than justify the slightly higher prices.
Located right on the famous Venetian harbor, Salis is a more sophisticated venue perfect for indulging in superb gastronomy and enjoying the best wine list on the island. The menu here offers a wide variety of cuisine, from freshly crafted salads to perfectly cooked pasta and tender steaks. Standout dishes include beetroot rice, smoky caramelized carrots, duck, rib eye steak, and even their crispy fries—each receiving high praise. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list with a range of affordable yet exceptional options.
Salis offers incomparable views, wonderful gastronomy, and unrivalled service. However, the restaurant’s marquee attraction is the most extensive wine list on the Island. Enthusiasts are guided by knowledgeable sommeliers who recommend the perfect pairings to complement their meals. Salis is a consistent winner of world’s finest wine lists awards.
The restaurant emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, consistently delivering dishes that impress both in taste and value. The farm to table ideology, and all the aforementioned plusses make this another of Crete’s very finest culinary journeys. Reservations are a must here too, so visit the website or call +30 28210 43 700
Inodion
The beautiful waterfront tavernas of Sitia, which are known as rakadika, have long been central to the seaside town’s day and nightlife. And among these, Inodion stands out as a safe haven for the preservation of Lassithi gastronomy. Established in 2005 by Dimitris Garefalakis as a family-run venture, the restaurant has become a standout dining spot in the Crete region.
Garefalakis’s concept of Inodion is deeply rooted in preserving and celebrating Eastern Crete’s culinary heritage. Like the other fine restaurants in this list, Inodion uses the highest-quality local ingredients to create traditional dishes that highlight the essence of the Cretan Diet. Their barley rusks are crafted in a traditional wood-fired oven, and every dish is enriched with Sitia’s renowned extra virgin olive oil, celebrated worldwide for its quality and flavor.
Patrons can enhance their meals with a diverse selection of wines or enjoy a glass of the region’s famous tsikoudia (raki), making every visit a complete sensory experience. The restaurant has earned its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Sitia by combining pure, authentic flavors with warm hospitality.
Diners here are welcomed into a warm and charming atmosphere and often begin their meal with complimentary fresh bread and traditional spreads. The crisp Cretan salad to Dakos bread layered with fresh tomato spread, are a must, but every dish reflects the rich culinary traditions of Crete while delivering exceptional taste and quality.
Inodion ensures an authentic farm-to-table experience, honoring its commitment to showcasing the flavors and techniques that make Cretan cuisine so distinctive. This establishment should not be missed for those seeking an authentic experience at Crete restaurants.
Dimitris Garefalakis states, “The goal has always been to keep our traditions alive and share the authentic flavors of Crete with the world.” Add top-notch service, a menu rooted in tradition, and an array of perfectly crafted dishes to this noble goal. Inodion stands out as one of Crete Island’s finest culinary treasures.
To learn more or to make reservations, visit the website or call +30 698 2803 179
