Situated in a stunning courtyard filled with beautiful flora,
Avli in Rethymnon is a romantic and intimate restaurant with an exquisite ambience. Their tasting menu offers a taste of Crete across six well-crafted courses and is perfect for those who want to see the best this restaurant has to offer. If you aren't looking for an evening meal, Avli is also the perfect place to start the day with a balanced and delicious breakfast menu.
Based in Chania Old Town, just away from the popular harbour,
Chrisostomos has traditional charm and a menu filled with Cretan flavours and ingredients. Offering a traditional taverna feel, Chrisostomos is a popular option for tourists and locals alike. From grilled octopus to boureki and moussaka, you'll find plenty of delicious dishes that highlight the best of Cretan cuisine on the menu here. Due to its popularity, Chrisostomos is always busy, so be prepared to wait for a table, or if you want to preplan, be sure to book.
If you're looking for waterside dining, then
Ferryman Taverna
in Elounda is the place to go. Located right on the waterfront, you can enjoy amazing views and amazing dishes when you dine here. The service is fast and friendly, and from seafood to light salads, you'll be able to find something on this menu that'll excite your tastebuds. This is also a great restaurant for those enjoying a
luxury family holiday
and can offer every generation a brilliant experience.
Karnagio
is one of the busiest restaurants in Agios Nikolaos, and for good reason. Offering a wide menu of delicious dishes, you can enjoy Cretan music, Cretan cuisine and Cretan hospitality with a picturesque lake view. Karnagio prides itself on celebrating its island, and many ingredients are sourced locally from the restaurant. With popular dishes, including their impressive meat skewers, cheese balls and gyros, you'll be sure to enjoy whatever you choose to order when dining here.
Located right on the water's edge, around 500 metres from Elounda's main square,
Moon Spinners Restauran
t is the ideal location for a romantic evening meal when staying in the town. Many people choose to come to Moon Spinners Restaurant time and time again thanks to the incredible atmosphere and food on offer here. With seating on a jetty over the lake and underwater lighting illuminating the friendly fish swimming past, an evening spent here is romantic and memorable. It's the perfect place for those who are looking to celebrate an event such as a
luxury honeymoon
or an anniversary.
First opened in 1981,
Pelagos Sea Side Restaurant
is a staple on the island and offers waterfront fine dining on the south coast away from the beaten track. They proudly serve a mixture of Cretan, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, offering a unique blend of interesting and fresh flavours. Offering a Michelin-style, fine-dining experience, if you are looking to mark a significant day or celebration, Pelagos is the perfect place to dine.
Serving up farm-to-table food since 1998,
Peskesi
offers a high-end experience with fresh and delicious ingredients. The focus on sustainability is clear throughout the restaurant, from the décor to the menu. The wine and beverage selection is often well-revered, and whether you're looking for local wine recommendations or a non-alcoholic refresher, there will be something for you. Whatever you order, you can't go wrong, but be sure to try the cheesecake for dessert - many claim it to be the best they've ever tried!
Almost all of the produce at
Salis
is grown by their own farmers, and they pride themselves on putting the same love and care into their dishes that they would if cooking for their own family. Putting a modern twist on traditional Greek food, there is plenty to fall in love with on this menu. If you want to try a bit of everything, why not opt to order from the popular meze menu and enjoy a series of smaller but still delicious dishes?
Tamam's
menu is influenced by Greek and Turkish cuisine, blending these two cultures' flavours and dishes to create their menu. Tucked away in Chania's Old Town, highlights on the menu include the stuffed sardines, the range of pies, the beef with aubergine purees and the rabbit. If you can, try and get a table outside for some prime people-watching whilst you dine!
Introducing the art of slow food,
Thigaterra
seeks good, clean and fair food from production to presentation. With fresh ingredients from Greek producers, you'll be tasting the very best the country has to offer here. With a range of dishes, from sharing dishes for groups to singular dishes for one person, there are plenty of brilliant options.
Are you feeling up for something exciting? The Chef's Challenge lets you challenge the chef to cook you something. Simply talk to the restaurant up to 24 hours before your reservation and challenge them to build you the dish of your dreams, generate a flavour combination or utilise your favourite ingredient.
If you're looking to
visit Greece
on a trip, then a
luxury holiday to Crete
can be extra special. With a thousand kilometres of stunning coastline to explore dotted with perfect beaches and, of course, benefitting from the satisfying Mediterranean climate, you'll be able to enjoy R&R to the maximum. We have a selection of boutique hotels and luxury hotels on the island that are perfect for any holiday type, so whether you want to enjoy a
family holiday
or a
romantic getaway
, we can find your dream trip to this dreamy island.
As travel experts, we pride ourselves on offering the very best destination advice and recommendations. For more articles like this, check out our
luxury travel magazine.