Oldest and Best Taverns in Crete

Crete hosts some of the oldest taverns, offering authentic Cretan cuisine and modern culinary techniques. The best tavernas in Crete emphasize traditional flavors, exceptional hospitality, and accessibility to diverse dietary needs. Avli Restaurant blends architecture, innovative dishes, and an extensive wine selection. Tavern of Dounias in Drakona specializes in slow food and wood-fired traditional meals with mountain views. Kritamon Restaurant in Archanes highlights traditional recipes, while Kapsaliana Village Hotel Restaurant offers refined dining in olive groves. Many of these tavernas accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. Reservations are often essential due to their popularity.

Find below a list of the oldest and best taverns in Crete.

Mylos tou Kerata. Mylos tou Kerata, one of the oldest taverns in Crete, was founded in 1960 in Platanias, 11 km from Chania, around a 14th-century Venetian water mill. It offers traditional Cretan cuisine, handmade kebabs, pork stifado, and Greek wines.
Avli Restaurant. Avli Restaurant, established in 1987 in Rethymno’s Old Town, operates in a 16th-century Venetian mansion with stone walls and a flower-filled courtyard. It serves classic and modern Cretan dishes, 460+ wines, and vegan options.
Elia & Diosmos (Olive and Mint). Elia & Diosmos, a 15-year-old family-run tavern in Skalani, is known for Minoan lamb, domestic rooster with goat cheese, and fennel-stuffed pita. It offers local wines, raki, and vegan-friendly dishes.
Tavern of Dounias. Tavern of Dounias, founded in 2004 in Drakona village, specializes in wood-fired Cretan cooking using farm-sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include lamb with honey, rabbit casserole, snails, and homemade bread infused with local herbs.
Kritamon Restaurant. Kritamon Restaurant, one of the oldest rustic taverns in Epano Archanes, offers handmade skioufichta pasta, rooster with jam pilaf, and saganaki anthotyro with carob honey. The menu features vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Kapsaliana Village Hotel Restaurant. Kapsaliana Village Hotel Restaurant, known as Elaia Bistronomie, is set in a historic stone village near Rethymno. It serves seasonal dishes like lamb with artichokes, courgette patties, galaktoboureko, and curated Cretan wines.
I Strofi tis Gefsis. I Strofi tis Gefsis, a family-run taverna in Vizari with 37 years of tradition, specializes in sizzling goat, braised rooster, lamb, and snail boumbouristi. Vegan options include stuffed vegetables and briam.
Sarandavga Cafenion. Sarandavga Cafenion, established in 1924 in Heraklion, is one of the oldest traditional cafés in Crete. It offers Cretan meze, lamb dishes, local cheeses, and a nostalgic ambiance with outdoor seating.
Skoulas Café. Skoulas Café, one of the oldest cafés in Anogia, Rethymno, features historic photographs of Cretan revolutionary struggles. It serves raki, smoked apaki, sausages, and dakos under mulberry tree shade.

1. Mylos tou Kerata

Mylos tou Kerata is one of the oldest taverns in Crete, located in Platanias, 11 km west of Chania. Mylos tou Kerata was founded by Dimitris Kavros Mylos tou Kerata in 1960 around a Venetian water mill and an old inn. Keratas, meaning “cuckold”, reflects its past as a meeting place for unfaithful spouses, with walls adorned with animal horns. The tavern features a 14th-century water mill, a courtyard with fruit trees, and traditional Cretan decor. In 1999, the Greek Tourism Organization recognized it as the finest restaurant in Crete and among the top four in Greece. Mylos tou Kerata specializes in authentic Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine, renowned for high-quality ingredients and virgin olive oil.

O Mylos tou Kerata offers traditional Cretan and Mediterranean dishes, including handmade kebabs of minced beef, pork, and lamb with pita, yogurt, chips, tomato, onion, and paprika. Pork Stifado, a slow-cooked stew with baby onions, cloves, cinnamon, orange peel, garlic, and tomatoes, is a highlight. The menu features grilled chicken, lamb, beef fillets, and Cretan meat pies. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are clearly marked. The restaurant provides an extensive selection of Greek wines, a full bar with cocktails, beer, and hard liquor, as well as coffee. All dishes use carefully selected ingredients, virgin olive oil, and traditional Cretan cooking techniques. A signature citrus fruit dessert soaked in honey water with Greek yogurt is offered as a complimentary treat.

O Mylos tou Kerata can be contacted by phone at +30 28210 6857812. The restaurant is located at PEO Kissamou Chanion 109, Platanias 730 14, Greece. It is situated 11 km from Chania in Platanias and provides on-site parking while accepting various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

2. Avli restaurant

Avli Restaurant, located in Rethymno’s Old Town at Radamathios 17, operates in a restored 16th-century Venetian mansion featuring stone walls, arches, and an open-air courtyard adorned with bougainvillea. Avli Restaurant was established in 1987, serves high-quality traditional Cretan cuisine, and offers over 460 wine labels. Guests can enjoy dining in the courtyard or indoor spaces.

The menu in Avli Restaurant includes traditional dishes such as lamb with honey and thyme, snails in tomato sauce, and gamopilafo, alongside innovative options like vegetarian risotto with mushrooms and zucchini. The restaurant accommodates dietary needs, offering vegan and vegetarian options, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Free Wi-Fi is available, while public parking is accessible nearby.

Avli is located near landmarks like Fortezza Fortress and the Venetian Harbor. It has received accolades such as the Greek Cuisine Restaurant Award (2017–2020) and the Historic Hotels of Europe Gourmet Award (2020). Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, and can be made online or by calling +30 28310 58250. Taxi services are not provided.

3. Tavern of Dounias

The Tavern of Dounias, located in Drakona village, Keramion, Nerokouros 731 00, Greece, 22 kilometers (13 miles) from Chania, is famous for authentic Cretan cuisine and traditional cooking techniques. The restaurant was established in 2004 by Stelios Trilyrakis and uses wood stoves and ovens to prepare meals with farm-sourced ingredients, including free-range meats, homegrown vegetables, and homemade wine and raki. Signature dishes include lamb with honey, rabbit casserole, snails, pilaf rice, eggplant stew, and hand-baked bread infused with local herbs. Vegan and vegetarian options feature salads, wild greens, and vegetable-based dishes.

The Tavern of Dounias is located 0,6 kilometres (0,37 miles) high on the slopes of the White Mountains. The open-air courtyard and traditional architecture provide views, while guests can observe the cooking process in clay pots over wood fires. The tavern serves lunch only and offers free parking and Wi-Fi but does not provide taxi services.

Dounias has received the “Quality Label of Cretan Cuisine” and holds a 4.5/5 TripAdvisor rating for its authenticity, food quality, and value. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +30 28210 65083. The combination of traditional food, a warm atmosphere, and mountain views makes it a standout destination.

4. Elia & Diosmos (Olive and Mint)

Olive and Mint Restaurant, known locally as Elia & Diosmos, is located at Ifigeneias 1, Skalani 715 00, Greece, 9 kilometers (5.84 miles) from Heraklion. This family-run establishment has specialized in dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients for over 15 years. Signature offerings include Minoan lamb with rosemary and honey, domestic rooster with noodles and goat cheese, and marathopita (fennel-stuffed pita). Vegan and vegetarian options are also available, such as salads with wild greens and aromatic mushrooms. The menu combines local wines, raki, and other traditional beverages.

Olive and Mint Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert in a casual, cozy setting. It provides free parking and is wheelchair accessible. Free Wi-Fi is available, although the restaurant does not offer taxi services. Reservations are recommended, especially during busy periods, and can be made by calling +30 2810 731283 or online. It has a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor based on over 300 reviews. Olive and Mint has earned a reputation for its exceptional food and welcoming atmosphere.

5. Kapsaliana Village Hotel Restaurant

The Kapsaliana Village Hotel Restaurant, known as Elaia Bistronomie, is located at Καψαλιανά 741 50, Greece. The restaurant’s signature dishes include lamb with artichokes, slow-cooked casseroles, courgette patties with mint yogurt, galaktoboureko, and chocolate olive oil mousse. Vegan and vegetarian options and a curated selection of Cretan wines and local drinks such as raki provide variety and inclusivity. Guests can dine on a terrace adorned with flowers and lanterns or indoors among stone walls and wooden beams.

The Kapsaliana Village Hotel Restaurant serves breakfast from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM with local cheeses, pastries, fruits, and homemade jams. Lunch is offered from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, and dinner is available from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with seasonal menus featuring fresh, innovative dishes. The restaurant provides free on-site parking and Wi-Fi, though taxi services are unavailable directly through the hotel.

The Kapsaliana Village Hotel Restaurant is located 12.9 kilometers (8.02 miles) from Rethymno city center and near landmarks such as Arkadi Monastery, and the restaurant is accessible by car. Reservations are recommended for dinner and can be made by calling +30 2831 083400 or via the hotel’s website.

6. I Strofi tis Gefsis

I Strofi tis Gefsis, located in Vizari, Rethymno, Crete, is a family-run taverna with over 37 years of tradition. The tavern menu features dishes like sizzling goat, fried or roasted rabbit with potatoes, braised rooster, lamb, and seasonal greens prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the owners’ garden. Signature offerings include snail boumbouristi, lamb legs with avgolemono (egg-lemon sauce), and homemade cheese and honey pies. Vegan and vegetarian options, such as stuffed vegetables and briam (a vegetable medley), cater to diverse dietary preferences. Guests can pair meals with local raki or house wine.

I Strofi tis Gefsis operates for lunch and dinner but does not serve breakfast. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available for guests. Reservations are not required but are recommended during busy times and can be made by calling +30 28330 41258. I Strofi tis Gefsis has earned a loyal following for its exceptional food quality and welcoming ambiance.

7. Kritamon Restaurant

Kritamon Restaurant, located at Politechniou 78, Epano Archanes 701 00, Greece, is 16 kilometres (9,94 miles) or 20 minutes from Heraklion, offering convenient access for visitors. Signature dishes include handmade sioufika pasta, rooster with jam pilaf, brisket with capers and chestnuts, and saganaki anthotyro with carob honey. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, such as almond salad with yogurt and mint or wild herb salads, cater to various dietary preferences.

Kritamon Restaurant’s rustic decor and lush courtyard create a cozy atmosphere for lunch, dinner, and dessert. Guests can pair their meals with local Cretan wines, raki, or herbal teas.

Kritamon offers free Wi-Fi and nearby parking but does not provide private taxi services. Renting a car is recommended for reaching Kritamon restaurant and exploring Crete, with car rental prices ranging from €20 ($21.70, £17.60) to €90 ($97.65, £79.20).

Kritamon has a 4.6-star TripAdvisor rating and is praised for culinary excellence and warm hospitality. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends or during busy periods, and can be made by calling +30 2810 753092 or through their website (kritamon.gr).

8. Sarandavga Cafenion

Sarandavga Cafenion, located at 1866 Street No. 61, Heraklion, Crete, is a historic café established in 1924. It is famous for its Cretan atmosphere, traditional dishes, and its role as a social hub for locals and visitors alike. The café is best known for its high-quality traditional Cretan food, including meze platters with local cheeses, olives, cured meats, and hearty dishes like lamb with herbs and stews. The ambiance at Sarandavga is warm and nostalgic. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with decor and outdoor seating in the market surroundings.

Sarandavga Cafenion caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian options such as stuffed vegetables and salads. However, vegan options may be limited due to the traditional nature of the menu. The café primarily serves lunch and dinner but does not provide breakfast service. Free Wi-Fi is available for guests. Parking can be challenging as it is located in the busy city center; however, public parking options are nearby. Reservations are not typically required but may be recommended during peak hours or busy tourist seasons.

9. Skoulas Café

Skoulas Café, also called “I Plateia tou Syntagmatos”, is one of the oldest and most historically significant cafés in Anogia, Rethymno, Crete. The café is decorated with photographs and newspaper clippings detailing the Skoulas family’s involvement in revolutionary struggles. Guests can enjoy local drinks like raki and light meze, including smoked apaki, sausages, and dakos with olives. Outdoor seating under the shade of mulberry trees provides a setting.

Skoulas Café focuses on beverages and light snacks rather than full meals, showcasing traditional Cretan hospitality. Vegan and vegetarian options are not prominently featured, but dishes like dakos may suit such preferences. Free Wi-Fi is available, but parking is limited to nearby public spaces due to its central location. Reservations are not necessary. For more information, visitors can contact +30 28340 31396.

What is the best food in Crete?

Crete is a culinary paradise, and its foods reflect its history and natural abundance. Some of the most famous food in Crete includes dakos, a barley rusk topped with tomato, mizithra cheese, and olive oil; gamopilafo, a celebratory rice dish cooked in meat broth; fried snails (chochlioi boubouristi), a delicacy sautéed in olive oil; kalitsounia, sweet or savory cheese pies often served with honey; and lamb with stamnagathi, a dish of tender lamb paired with wild greens. Desserts like bougatsa, a semolina custard pastry, are also iconic. This most famous food in Crete showcases the island’s reliance on fresh, local ingredients such as olive oil, herbs, goat cheese, and honey.

Do you need to rent a car to visit a tavern in Crete?

Yes, car renting is highly recommended for exploring Crete’s taverns and attractions. Public transportation is available in major cities like Heraklion and Chania. Many of the island’s best taverns are in remote villages or mountainous areas that buses don’t reach. A car rental in Crete allows you to visit hidden gems at your own pace.

Consider factors such as your budget, the size of your travel group, and the terrain you’ll be driving on, before renting a car in Crete. Compact cars are ideal for city exploration, while SUVs are better suited for mountainous roads. Check the rental company’s insurance policies to ensure comprehensive coverage without hidden fees. Booking early during peak tourist seasons is advisable to secure availability and better pricing.

Renting a car in Crete typically costs €25 ($27.20, £22) to €35 ($38.10, £30.80) per day. SUVs and luxury cars can range from €40 ($43.50, £35.20) to €100 ($108.90, £88.10) daily. Before renting a car in Crete, consider factors such as your budget, the size of your travel group, and the terrain you’ll be driving on. Compact cars are ideal for city exploration, while SUVs are better suited for mountainous roads. Booking early during peak tourist seasons is advisable to secure availability and better pricing.

Published on February 21, 2025