It’s not just the stunning mountain scenery with picture-postcard villages, the spring-time carpet of wild flowers and the ancient history that make Crete such a popular destination.
The largest island in Greece is also internationally renowned for its authentic cuisine, and much of local Cretan culture revolves around it. Think unique ingredients: Local hard and soft cheeses, which almost every village produces its own variety of, wild mountain herbs, pomegranates, avocados and figs freshly harvested, thyme honey, the famous Cretan olive oil, freshly caught fish and tender lamb chops, roasted over an open fire.
There is drink too, locally brewed beers (check out this brewery , well worth a visit, on the outskirts of Chania) and raki, the clear grape schnapps available everywhere and offered in many restaurants after a meal.
And where better to sample the most authentic dishes than in a Cretan taverna!
But how to choose? With hundreds of tavernas throughout the island, and a large concentration of excellent eating places around Chania and West Crete, where to find the finest local cuisine in the most atmospheric surrounds?
If you are enjoying a villa holiday in Crete and are serious about tucking in to the best the island has to offer on your perfect trip, – help is at hand! We have tried many tavernas and restaurants in the area (it’s a hard job, but someone has to do it…), and we are more than happy to advise.
But to begin with, we have picked our favourite top 5 tavernas in Crete (in or near Chania and its Venetian harbour). Whatever you’re looking for: fish, meat, vegetarian or vegan dishes, either in town or a short walk or drive away, – we’ve got you covered.
“Kalí óreksi!” (‘bon appètit!’)
Manos Fish Taverna, Nea Chora
It’s just a ten-minute walk from the Venetian harbour in Chania to Manos Taverna in Nea Chora, but honestly, we’d walk far further for this restaurant, – it’s THAT good! Renowned principally for its freshly cooked fish dishes including delicacies such as sea-urchin and octopus, this lovely no-nonsense taverna sits opposite a fishing harbour, with no traffic and a view which guests have described, ‘like being on a film set’.
Although Neo Chora used to be a little run down, the area has in recent years been gentrified to become what is now a really ‘cool’ area with a lovely, laid-back vibe. Go for the atmosphere – stay for the fish! Oh, and portions are gigantic. No wonder it’s made our Top 5 tavernas in Crete hotlist.
Find out more about Manos Taverna
Manolis Taverna, Agia Marina Old Village
“A jewel”, “Cannot recommend highly enough”, and “The best taverna in Agia Marina!’, are just some recent customer comments about this gem of a restaurant. Serving authentic Greek dishes at incredibly reasonable prices, this family-run restaurant is a must-visit.
Top dishes include traditional Lamb Kleftiko, Tsoubleki, Moussaka, Soutzoukakia, and all at great value for money.
Although this restaurant is located off the village square, it’s eternally popular. Rest assured, it’s a table worth waiting for, in one of our Top 5 tavernas in Crete!
Find out more about Manolis Taverna
Taverna Kantouni, Nea Chora
A butcher’s shop with a taverna on the side means that the quality meats are simply cooked to perfection (usually on a BBQ), with zero food miles. Spicy sausages, grilled lambs’ liver, souvlaki, chops, steaks….you name it!
If you were to go on Trip Advisor ratings alone, this is a contender for top spot, particularly if you’re a meat-lover. Off the beaten track and unassuming it may be, but this taverna is definitely a place ‘where the locals eat’!
…and you can also get a TAKEWAY!
Find out more about Taverna Kantouni in Nea Chora, Chania.
Restaurant Ela, Chania Old town
Three minutes inland from Chania’s famous harbour is one of the most popular restaurants in town and a shoo-in for our Top 5 tavernas in Crete.
Originally a candle factory in its Venetian hey-day, the restaurant is sited in the ruins (no roof) to dramatic and highly atmospheric effect.
Serving Mediterranean dishes including fish, meat, vegetarian and vegan options, there’s also live music played regularly, which acts as a magnet for tourists and locals alike.
Find out more about Ela Taverna
Frosinis Garden Taverna
Imagine sitting under an 800-year-old olive tree in a gorgeous garden surrounded by orange trees, oleander and stunning mountain scenery. Sounds like heaven, doesn’t it?
There is a selection of daily dishes, prepared using only local organic ingredients, many sourced directly from the garden, which are roasted in traditional olive wood burning ovens or cooked in clay pots.
A place so unique that people from Chania don’t mind ‘pilgrimaging’ 20km to Neriana for an evening at Forsinis Garden, and we can confirm: If you want to experience truly authentic Cretan cuisine off the beaten track, this is more than worth the journey!
Tip: Why not combine your trip with an outing to the Cretan Charma brewery nearby?
Find out more about Frosinis Garden
We have over 40 years experience in arranging villa holidays in Crete and know the island and each area intimately. Diane, our Operations Director has lived near Chania for over 30 years and can help with your holiday once you are on the island too! If you need any more information, do get in touch. Call us on +44 1789 297705 or e-mail us at info@freelancevillas.com
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