Dining at Peskesi means tasting Crete’s rural heritage, elegantly showcased through a farm-to-table concept. Chef Christos Schoinarakis highlights local ingredients sourced directly from their farm in Harasso village, such as artfully prepared rare legumes, wild asparagus omelets, or lamb slow-cooked with askolimbrous. Housed in the stone-built mansion of Captain Polyxingis, the restaurant’s restored interiors blend tradition with sophisticated subtlety. Knowledgeable staff elevate meals further, enhancing each dish’s story. Cocktails and house-made beverages, notably Erontades sodas, complete the thoughtful menu.
Kapetan Charalampi 6-8
02Logari
In the olive groves lining the remote banks of Aposelemis River sits Logari, named aptly in Cretan dialect as a hidden treasure. The Giannakakis brothers have transformed an old farmhouse into a charmingly rustic dining spot, characterized by unfussy warmth. Here, simplicity defines the experience. From flawlessly grilled lamb chops to crispy zucchini and smoky eggplant salad. Meals are served under open skies amid natural tranquility, while welcoming service creates a genuinely relaxed atmosphere.
Aposelemis, Kato Gouves
03Scala Premium Seafood Bar
Matala’s Scala Premium Seafood Bar surprises diners with elevated seafood dishes overlooking the bay’s serene beauty. Chefs Chara Tsavolaki and Pavlos Dibiakas, supervised by Christos Lapas, deliver standout creations like marinated anchovies paired elegantly with seasonal greens, or octopus braised in wine atop rich parmesan cream. Stylish yet understated, Scala’s design emphasizes the expansive terrace, turning meals into panoramic seaside experiences. Attentive, professional service underscores the restaurant’s refined yet casual ambiance.
Matala Beach, Matala
Venture just a short 15-minute drive from Heraklion’s bustling center to discover Olive and Mint (in Greek, called Elia kai Diosmos), a charming restaurant offering authentic New Cretan cuisine. Here, you’ll find dishes prepared using fresh local ingredients and organic vegetables, ensuring a taste experience that stays true to traditional Cretan recipes while introducing contemporary twists. Olive Mint’s delightful menu evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting you to a simpler time through its culinary creations.
05Herb’s Garden
Standing atop the Lato Boutique Hotel, Herb’s Garden offers stunning panoramic views of the Venetian harbor, providing the perfect setting to savor a menu brimming with Mediterranean and local dishes. This rooftop gem is the ideal spot to enjoy fresh fish, seafood, tender meats, and refreshing seasonal salads. Enjoy your meal with a side of ouzo, raki, or a glass from their selection of Cretan wines.
06Taverna Afroditi
Taverna Aphrodite evokes nostalgia for traditional Cretan dining, snugly positioned among lush trees and flowing springs in mountainous Kato Symi. Eleftheria’s seasonal cooking embodies home-style authenticity, from zucchini fritters and delicate dolmades to slow-cooked goat paired beautifully with foraged wild greens. Diners savor meals on terraces shaded by towering plane trees, immersed in gentle sounds of nature. Hospitality here feels genuinely familial, effortlessly matching the rustic charm of the village surroundings.
Kato Symi, Viannos
077 Thalasses
Tucked away in the lush municipal park of Nea Alikarnassos, a suburb of Heraklion, 7 Thalasses (which means seven seas) provides a delightful seafood dining experience in a relaxed, summery setting. The restaurant’s enchanting atmosphere features white chairs, vibrant flowers, and expansive windows that offer a view of the lovely courtyard. Here, you can savor an innovative take on traditional dishes. Indulge in their delicious lobster spaghetti, Spanish paella, or fresh tuna fillet, paired with a glass of local wine from their meticulously chosen collection. To finish your meal, treat yourself to one of their irresistible desserts for a satisfyingly sweet finale.
08Heraklion Pagopoieion
Situated in the bustling heart of Heraklion at Agios (Saint) Titos Square, Pagopoieion (ice factory) is a unique bar-restaurant that frequently hosts art exhibitions, poetry and literature lectures, music concerts, readings, and other cultural events. Open year-round, Pagopoieion provides a cozy indoor setting in winter and relaxing outdoor seating in summer. Their diverse menu includes a variety of dishes from breakfast to dinner, as well as an extensive wine selection and delicious salads.
09Apiri Greek Eatery
Contemporary Greek cuisine shines at Apiri Greek Eatery, where Chef Stefanos Lavrenidis reimagines traditional dishes with flair. Expect imaginative pairings like char-grilled wild greens pie wrapped in earthy carob pastry or smoked sea bass delicately flavored with seaweed and sea urchin sauce. Thoughtful yet unobtrusive service complements the minimalist décor, featuring simple, contemporary interiors that subtly reflect the chef’s culinary ethos. The peaceful cobblestone street setting near Saint Minas Cathedral provides diners with a soothing respite from Heraklion’s bustling center.
Kagiampi & Agion Deka 5
10The Walls
Defying typical tennis club expectations, The Walls presents a refreshingly original gastrobistro menu crafted by chef M. Maniadakis. Dishes like crab-stuffed samosas, duck, sea bream, or indulgent potato rösti with local cheese elevate everyday dining into something truly distinctive. Meals on the veranda overlook Heraklion’s Venetian fortifications, an unexpected yet appealing contrast above nearby tennis courts. Managed warmly by siblings Katerina and Manos Maniadakis, the modern yet inviting décor complements the diverse menu effortlessly, appealing equally to locals and travelers seeking unconventional culinary delights.
Kosma Zotou 6, Heraklion Tennis Club