Chania is a destination for those who travel with their taste buds. Its culinary scene is a vibrant mix of timeless tradition and exciting innovation, where age-old recipes are honored and new flavors are constantly emerging. This guide will lead you to the most memorable meals in the city, from rustic tavernas to modern dining rooms.
Here are the essential restaurants for your visit to Chania.
Salis
A chic and contemporary spot located in the Venetian harbor, Salis offers all-day dining with a creative twist. The menu features local ingredients in innovative dishes. Must-try items include their unique take on Cacio e Pepe with miso and the expertly prepared tuna belly. It is a perfect choice for a sophisticated meal in a beautiful setting.
Thalasino Ageri
For a truly cinematic seafood experience, Thalasino Ageri is unmatched. Set right on the water at the historic Tabakaria district, the atmosphere is as compelling as the food. Focused on the day’s fresh catch, their grilled octopus and lobster pasta are exceptional. Be sure to try their traditional “kakavia” fish soup.
Kritamon Wine Restaurant
Tucked away in the Old Town, Kritamon is a cozy haven for wine and food lovers. The welcoming atmosphere, with seating on a quiet street or in a small garden, makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed evening. The menu features well-executed classics like handmade lobster ravioli and traditional Cretan pies.
Chrisostomos
This restaurant represents the pinnacle of traditional Cretan cuisine, specializing in dishes from the Sfakia region cooked in a wood-fired oven. The wine-marinated rabbit and roasted lamb are standout dishes, full of authentic flavor. The hospitality is genuine and the experience is deeply rooted in Cretan culture.
Tamam
Dining at Tamam is a historical experience, set within a building that was a Venetian and later Ottoman bathhouse dating back to the 1400s. The menu offers Greek cuisine with Eastern influences. The rabbit cooked in sweet wine with rosemary is a classic and beloved dish.
The Five Restaurant
With modern decor and stunning views of the sea, The Five Restaurant is a great choice for a memorable meal, especially at sunset. The atmosphere is welcoming for both couples and families. Their fisherman’s pasta and soutzoukakia (spiced meatballs in sauce) are highly recommended.
Dounias
For a truly unique farm-to-table experience, venture to Dounias in the village of Drakona. This rustic restaurant is committed to traditional methods, cooking everything over open fire without electricity. The slow-cooked potatoes in olive oil and their dense, sourdough bread are legendary.
Evgonia
Evgonia is the quintessential neighborhood taverna, unpretentious and focused on quality. There is no printed menu; instead, daily catches and specials are listed on a chalkboard. This is the place for incredibly fresh fish and traditional home-style dishes like braised chicken with rice.
Miami
Housed in a distinctive art deco building from the 1950s, Miami offers a unique and globally-inspired menu. The offerings are eclectic, ranging from pizza to grilled oyster mushrooms with peanut sauce, showcasing a creative and modern approach to dining in Chania.
Matzenta Kuzina del Sol
This restaurant brings a vibrant Mexican hacienda vibe to Chania, with a unique menu that fuses Cretan ingredients with Mexican techniques. Their specialty is meat, like barbacoa goat, slow-cooked in a custom oven and served with carob tortillas.
This list offers a path to discovering the rich and diverse flavors of Chania. Each restaurant provides a different perspective on what makes Crete.
