Where to eat: the 50 best restaurants in Elounda

Brilliant location, right by the sea. The food is excellent, the verbena ice cream was a great final touch. The service is outstanding too. Highly recommended

Stunning location with superb, traditional greek food. The goat and calamari were a real highlight. Bar a little slow, the service was exceptionally friendly.

Visited here for our 3rd night in Elounda. Service was a bit slow, food was good and tasty. We didn't get any of the Greek treats ( shot of Raki and chocolate brownie)you normally get with other restuarants in the area. Would recommend to other guests to the area. Lovely setting right on the sea front

Best food in all of Greece. Every bite is a gastronomical pleasure. Highly recommend The owner and all the stuff are very lovely people 🩵

The food is simply excellent. Truly authentic Greek dishes. We chose to have dinner here 2 times during our holiday. I would still love to come back another time. The service is messy, but very friendly. Despite there were 5 waiters you could only order and pay at the owner guy, so the process could be definitely optimized better. But overall we had really great time there!

Best food of the holiday (and we ate at every restaurant on that strip!) We had a goat stew and the moussaka and both were phenomenal. Bread and anchovies also delicious. Superb views. This was v nearly a full 5 star review, except for the ending! The service started amazing, really friendly and attentive. But after we'd finished our mains it got . . . odd. We asked for a dessert menu that never came. So after approx 25 mins of finishing all food and drink we asked for bill. An hour later (having asked 3 or 4 more times for the bill!) they told us to stop rushing and bought us 2 more glasses of red wine and some watermelon that we think were complimentary but never saw an itemised bill. If they wanted us to stay (we wondered if it was to keep restaurant appearing busy) we'd have been very happy to but maybe this could have been handled better. We felt a bit held hostage by the end, but to be fair, we found it more amusing than annoying (never has a restaurant NOT let us pay before!) and the food and wine was delicious. But maybe don't visit if you have any after dinner plans!

Read carefully : Amazing food really the best we had in the region but… The owner is “special” he can be nice and put on a show but he is tricky. We were pushed with more than ordered dishes and eventually had to pay for everything. No bill was given only an account made by the owner which was significantly higher than expected. We felt cheated once we thought about it as we went back to the hotel. Be careful and demand to see what you ordered and the bill.

My wife and I had a fantastic dinner here on the first night of our honeymoon. I messaged ahead to let them know and they had a beautiful table reserved for us decorated for the occasion. The food, service, and atmosphere were all fantastic! They even had a gentleman playing live traditional Greek music. Recommend to anyone visiting Elounda! Thank you to Daniel and Andrea for an unforgettable experience!

That family owned restaurant is lovely and a must try.The owners are pure gems.Food is fresh well marinated. Nice comfortable seating. Would try again.

My hip mother and I had the most delicious, authentic dinner in the midst of a lot of menus with photos type places & did not sacrifice the view! You must get the zucchini chips and mussel saganaki. We loved the lamb chops and potato “chips” side too! The owner was lovely. We would recommend dining at 7 if no reservation (we got lucky since only 12 tables) or call ahead to ensure a table and get the best seat. Xo

Lovely experience, definitely feel the soul of the owners through the atmosphere to your plates. Excellent quality of fresh food.

Absolutely fabulous!!!! Firstly, the owners who are man and wife were attentive without being obtrusive, we had to compliment the lady owner who looked dazzling in her chosen outfit! The food was exceptionally good, cooked to perfection and served with a friendly approach. Nothing was too much trouble. We were made to feel special and welcomed. I will definitely be trying to recreate some of the dishes I tasted. If you're in the vicinity then please don't hesitate to sample some of the best food and service in Crete. Well done! Faultless!

Absolutely amazing! If you can find a seat! The place has been completely reserved, however Daniel made a room for us. This place will be unforgettable, the fish,un-filleted because my wife loves to do it her self. But when you can cut a chicken breast with a butter knife that falls apart! You will not find a place around here that can match it! I’m willing to bet those odds any day! An outstanding job to the wife and husband! We were attended to promptly and given the best of services! If you’re lucky enough to get a spot! I will tell you, you will not regret it!

Everything about this restaurant is outstanding. The food is amazing and the owners are so lovely which completed the whole experience. Great vibes, really nice atmosphere and amazing food. Recommend the steak and cheese cake! Thank you for everything. We’ll be back to elounda just to visit the restaurant again! ♥️♥️

Amazing restaurant right by the sea with an gorgeous view. The fish is fresh and delicious, perfectly prepared in an unusual way. The atmosphere is very relaxed and welcoming. Overall experience is totally fancy and makes you feel so good — an ideal place to enjoy a meal by the water.

Beautiful setting, chilled out music, surprisingly grumpy staff but a perfect place to watch the sun set over the excellent Houmous and Tzaziki. Updated: we made a second visit on the way back from kolokytha beach and found a warmer welcome as well as the best and generously portioned fried Calamari I have ever eaten

You will not find a better setting to eat some of the best seafood of your life. Not only is the seafood outstanding but the presentation is equally impressive. Definitely worth visiting and you will need to book a reservation in advance. Way off the beaten path and have your camera and video ready!! Try the salt crusted fish UNBELIEVABLE 😋😋😋

Traditional Greek seafood. I enjoyed the sea bream - came grilled whole with vegetables. My wife had the mushroom risotto and a Greek salad. Not fancy - very well done version of traditional and typical Greek meal. The setting is amazing!

We had great service considering the venue was full when we arrived without booking. The food was absolutely fabulous and reasonably priced. We intend to walk out there again next week before we leave the Elounder. Ali & Tim

Don’t get fooled by their great reviews (4.6 stars by the time I’m writing this). We booked a table 4 days ago. When we arrived, they told us to wait for a table to free up. They sat us down on an improvised table in the middle of the waiter’s passage in order to have a drink and wait. Nevertheless, they didn’t serve us anything to drink for 20 minutes. After speaking with other foreigners around us, we realised that they all had the same experience (like waiting for their order to be taken for over 40 minutes, even though they also booked a table). Thing is, while sitting there, waiting, we saw people arriving (all greeks) one after another, being greeted friendly, and being given a table to eat. If you’re not greek, dont go there. We ended up leaving without eating dinnner. The guys couldnt care less. This place is the opposite of the warm and welcoming hospitality Greece usually has to offer. Btw, there are dozens of better restaurants in Elounda that welcome you with the real greek (or cretan) hospitality. Food looked good from afar though. But it only « looked » good that’s why the 2 stars for food.

I had a wonderful experience , I recommend this restaurant. we had octopus, sea bream and chocolate cake.

We loved this delightful place so much, we visited it twice during our one-week stay in Elounda! The staff is extremely warm and friendly, the view and atmosphere are great, and the food is delicious and generously portioned - and all that for a very affordable price. I especially recommend their delicious, tender oyster mushrooms; I will be thinking about them until we hopefully get the chance to visit again!

Lovely little traditional greek taverna on the quiet back roads of Elounda. Friendly ex-pat owner, and real home cooked Greek food with a stunning view of the Elounda Bay that you probably won't find anywhere else. Definitely one to stop by and try

One of the best in Elounda. A warm welcome, great dishes. Stunning view. Don't think twice.

Highly recommended! Great atmosphere, super welcome and service and obviously fantastic view. The food is most excellent - very tasty and great portions 😋 thank you!!

Lovely restaurant with an amazing view. Food was fantastic, service great and excellent value. Well worth the walk up or take a taxi! Book by phone.

Really unassuming from the outside, but the view…. WOW. A handful of tables. Really intimate setting, lovely mezze menu, good quality, no fuss. It felt really special to be able to eat there. Plus the complementary raki and dessert was amazing !! If you get the chance, please visit. Worth the hike :)

The Hope is a hidden gem with great food and an unbeatable view. Among the dishes we enjoyed was the grilled Halloumi which was by far the best we’ve ever had. Urska was friendly and attentive making our experience even more enjoyable.

We tried several restaurants in our 8 day stay in Elounda but we kept gravitating back to Ergospacio with their fabulous food and attentive friendly staff. No hard sell here, no pouncing on you as you walk past, just the best service and food we have found in Elounda! The Moussaka is absolutely amazing as was every course we have eaten here over our four visits. Comfortable furniture and great views back along the seafront from their covered jetty restaurant.

Great food and great vibe! Sitting on the water with a charming romantic atmosphere. Had an assortment of staters - the beetroot was great, the smoked eggplant was so tasty & the vine leaves were the best I ever had (it’s one of my favorites so I’ve had quite a few). The slow roasted lamb is cooked in a traditional way - it was good, but not as amazing as everything else… Service was excellent, strongly recommended.

Overall over sold and under delivered. Nice grilled sardines but out of a freezer bag cheese croquettes. Great mushroom risotto but lamb chops were poor served with over stewed roast veg. For location great, for food mediocre, for price should have been much better!

Ergospasio Restaurant is absolutely the Best Restaurant in Elounda! We had an unforgettable dining experience here in Elounda, Greece. The restaurant offers a stunning sea view, incredible food, and impeccable service — truly the best we had during our entire holiday in Crete! Every dish was perfectly cooked and beautifully presented — from the fresh seafood to the traditional Greek specialties. The staff were warm, friendly, and made us feel genuinely welcome. If you’re looking for the best restaurant in Elounda with a romantic atmosphere, delicious local cuisine, and a breathtaking view, this is the place to go! Everything was just perfect — highly recommended! Thanks for having us!

Great restaurant the food overall was good the views stunning on the water friendly service and I’ll try it again

Beautiful location, chilled vibe, super friendly staff and wonderful food. The calamari was so light, beautiful sardines, marinated anchovies and Greek salad. Highly recommend and great value.

Superb food, very friendly staff and wonderful views. What is not to like? 2 days here so far and 2 nights at Ergospasio. The tables by the seafront are so picturesque. Have the slow roasted lamb… you will not be disappointed.

Tasty and nicely cooked dishes with lots of fresh ingredients. The view is great too, if seated at the front part of the balcony. It gets very busy so you will need to make a reservation in advance. The waiters were polite but overall the service was slow

Magnificent!!! I had read about this fantastic restaurant but I tried to book but it was closed! Then a local shop owner suggested we try it and gave me his card as way in! We thought it was worth a try!! May I say it was the best meal we have experienced in years!! The location : they say location location location!! The food : Out of this world!! The view : Out of this world!! The staff : Brilliant!! IF you have the chance : Go !! btw: the octopus is to die for!!

We drove past this restaurant every night on our way to our hotel from Elounda harbour and it was always busy, so we figured the food should be good, so we decided to make our own assessment of the place :) Starting with the service and the atmosphere. The waiter was very friendly and kind, and the view was absolutely gorgeous, as the restaurant is on a little hill overlooking the water. Now moving on to the food - this was hands-down some of the tastiest food we’ve had in the whole island of Crete. You could tell the ingredients were fresh and locally-sourced. You can definitely tell of the quality of a Greek restaurant by the freshly-cut fries instead of your usual frozen ones that you would get anywhere else. Everything in this restaurant was tasty and fresh fresh FRESH! Finally, we were impressed by how fair the prices were! We had a meal with 2 salads, 3 starters and a main dish with 60 euros! I would HIGHLY recommend this place, but just make sure you make a reservation for dinner!

Stunning location, delicious seafood, fantastic service special thanks to Demetrius who made our experience even better with wine recommendations and fabulous attentive service. The red snapper was amazing. Highly recommend we will return.

An excellent and exquisite fish restaurant. We booked in advance to be sure of a spot at the restaurant. On arrival we had a warm and friendly welcome and quickly shown to our table walking past a vast array of fresh fish to the lower tier of the restaurant, which had view into the bay and Elouda town in the near distance. It was at a good height above the road and the traffic did not disturb our evening. The waiters were very attentive and after seating presenter us with the catch of the day, red snapper, red mullet, sea bream and sea bass. All of a good size. The Red snapper was the choice. We had a selection of starters between us and the fish roe was succulent and the assorted mussels in white wine and fennel were very fine. The red snapper was beautifully cooked and served in olive oil and lemon juice. Absolutely delicious, rounded off with some vegetables and of course fried potatoes. To finish off a desert of Halva. A wonderful evening from start to finish, good food, good ambience and great service. I could not have asked for more.

What a delight, we stopped here for luch and had a delicious meal. The staff were very kind and accomodating with our daughter, and the service was impecable. We got some biftekia and a surprisingly good octopus moussaka! I would definitely recommend for a fancier dinner or long lunch in good company.

Slightly higher prices than other local restaurants however worth the extra. Top class food.

Stopped here for a spot of lunch whilst on a trip to spinalonga. Food was really nice and tasty and the staff were so happy and helpful. So police and couldn’t fault it. Would recommend!

This is where I discovered my love for stifado! 🫶🏼 Unfortunately, I didn't actually order it. However, my Mum did and we ended up 'sharing'! 😉 Staff were really friendly and not too 'grabby' as customers walked past perusing menus. We were allowed to look over the menu in our own time and someone came over later on to check on us. We had a seafront table with a lovely atmosphere around us and comfortable seats. We had the Greek Stifado which was fabulous and the Pork Steak which was really enjoyable and seasoned to perfection! The portions were of good size and priced competitively.

Really pretty restaurant, we had a feta to share as a starter then burger and the octopus for mains. The cocktails were a bit funky.

Incredibly friendly staff, great food and great views. You can't go wrong. They also do breakfast and brunch. A++++

We were walking past Babel, the staff were so friendly and welcoming and not pushy. We came in and felt welcome and like at home! Son had Burger and chips and said it was the best ever. Our lass had Pork steak chips and salad and said it was incredible. Daughter had Chicken nuggets 10 and chips and I had a catch of the day fresh fish, with fresh potatoes. I would Highly recommend babel. Amazing experience!

We visited last week as a family of four. The gentleman at the front desk was incredibly friendly, gave excellent advice, and was great with children. The decor was wonderful, the waiter was friendly, and the food was excellent. If we ever return to this town, we will definitely eat at this restaurant. We highly recommend it.

Great value food, not fancy but tasty and well priced family friendly menu. The decor is very stylish and the serving staff are lovely. My kids wanted to go back again after we ate there the first time so we took them back on the last night of our trip.

Overall: Food: Greek/Cretan A respectable three stars for this tourist’s favourite and much loved holiday tour group destination. The food is basic, plentiful, tasty and reasonably good value. The place was full of tourists which means the turnaround of fresh produce must be good. I would recommend the Cretan tomatoes on island bread which was very similar to its Spanish counterpart. What I liked: • Homemade French Fries which were very good • Reasonably good food • Good price point • Food seemed fresh • Busy atmosphere What I didn’t like: • Nasty cheap ketchup • Service a bit hit and miss but ok Do I recommend going? YES Will I go again? YES Was it good value? YES Price Point: $$

Lunch with Rainbow Tours and it was ok after Spinalonga everybody just wanted to eat and drink something

Nice people, very welcomimg. Food was not exactly on my taste, therefore enjoyed the fish soup, but not exactly the rest. Of corse, food is a matter of each person taste, therefore..mybe the comment is subjective. Prices are a little on the higher side, mainly like 10% higher than what I found on the other taverns in other areas. Of corse even here...is a matter of the position of the tavern. We had lunch, on the "hidden garden" side

To start off, I'd like to say that this Restaurant was a part of a tour that we took to Spinalonga so I can't review if the food was good in relation to how expensive or cheap it would normally be. The food was great eventhough it wasn't quite my taste. You might have a different experience though. We also weren't given any information about the food so I didn' t really know what we actually ate but you'll probably figure out by the pictures. The location was open under a big tent. It was also far away from the main street so it was fairly quiet. All in all a great experience and also great ambience with the greek decoration.

For a great experience just like coming home, Thanos welcomes his guests like family. They serve great traditional food at very reasonable prices. Tzatziki is always a must but I would also recommend the rabbit.

The least good restaurant we tried, it used to be a good place but it now it has become insipid. Both the moussaka and the salad were disappointing, unseasoned and not ripe. The place is well decorated but that’s all

I had an excellent seafood set here! It was pretty big for me; I had little time and couldn't finish it all, which was a shame because it was delicious. The waiters were nice and friendly) We were told that they usually cook the catch of the day.

We came here with my sister and we both tried the lamb with wine and it was soo good and tasty. Delicious and tender. The owner was sympathic and her food was one of the best we had this week. You should try this restaurant and especially this meal if you like fine meat.

I am so very glad I stopped here after visiting Spinalonga today. My meal was absolutely phenomenal. I ordered the homage shrimp tortellini and it was to die for. I ended up ordering bread during my meal to prevent myself from licking the bowl. I also had their house white wine, which was lovely. Both the front and back of house staff are welcoming, warm, and seem to care deeply about what they do. It was easily one of the best pasta dishes I have had in my life. Just fantastic. I did notice a sign advising folks to make reservations if coming for dinner. If it's known how good this place is, I imagine it's hard to get a table at night. If that the case, it's definitely well-deserved. Could not have had a better meal.

This is my most important review. It's absolutely quality food. I've been twice the lamb best I've ever had, and I am not overstating this just excellent, 12 hour cooked lamb chef only makes 10 portions per day. Second time i had the pasta out of this world. Back home I never order pasta because I make better myself, but this is next level food and an unbelievable price. Cannot recommend enough, best food in crete I've had a possibility the world really us that good.

The food was very tasty and well presented. It was a very relaxing atmosphere and we were well attended and welcomed. The food was classical Greek like a family restaurant where the grandmother cooks - very clean and simple and extraordinary tasty dishes. We will come again. Thanks for the evening.

Excellent food. Vegan/vegetarian friendly (many options which are marked as vg or vt). We had 4 Mezze for 2 persons which was almost too much. Price for one mezze is approx. 5-7,50€. Very, very delicious food. I recommend the aubergines à la mama. Unfortunately they had no raki when we visited as they make it themselves and said they don't want to buy any other because the quality's not so good. Hope you're lucky to taste their raki. If it is as good as their food, it must be stellar. :)

The best food we had in Elounda. Over several visits we had prawns in wine and cream sauce, meatballs, lamb and swordfish Thanks and her chef husband were amazing Would definitely recommend a visit

Excellent dishes, not a tourist trap like many seaside restaurants. Authentic Cretan and homemade food. Everything was delicious, from the starter to the dessert.

If Pulled up with my girl, felt like royalty the second we stepped in. They pulled out our chairs, water glasses never empty, beer flowing nonstop. Sushi clean, fresh, rolls hitting like a beat drop. They even called us a taxi after, like we had our own entourage. Bill was 65€, left 80€ because real ones show respect. With my girl by my side, this place made us feel like main characters. Samurai ain’t dinner – it’s a whole flex.. If I could give more than 5 stars, I’d drop 100.

Six stars for quality of products and for the staff. Stunning sea view over the bay of Elounda. Subdued music, relaxed atmosphere. We had a table with a beautiful view of the sea and tried to share different dishes for the table. Everything was good and the sushi was very fresh and well prepared. Our waiter was an exceptional host/waiter. He made the experience delightful. He is a true professional and just a delightful gentleman. The dessert at the end was delicious!. The bananas and ice cream were great.

Amazing sushi, beautiful view, excellent service. Nigiri was one of the best I have ever had in Europe! Staff very attentive and polite. Free dessert offered at the end. Totally recommended! Google says temporarily closed, but we found it open on the 26.07.2020 (at least as hotelguests). And it is also just in front of the restaurant Poseidon, not at the beach as it shows on the map. You have to walk or drive the way up to the hotel Royal Marmin Bay.

Wow fantastic sushi and beautiful view, the staff was great, so warm and incredible nice. Top chef , we loved visiting your beautiful restaurant

Professional service, absolutely great food and a wonderful view. Anyone who likes sushi must visit this restaurant.

Really tasty and fresh sushi. Great service! Maybe just a bit pricey..

Amazing staff, our waiter Sam was absolutely fantastic. I food was delicious and lovely venue.

Lovely food, served by the lively proprietor and host Nikos, and a treasure trove of bits and bobs adorn the interior walls to keep your eyes and imagination ticking over whilst you eat.

Nice food. Good price the owner is very amusing. Wednesday night greek night go there and enjoy.

We were a group of 7, tables re-arranged for us, service was excellent and so was the food.. We had music and the owner was getting our grandson up to dance..no easy task. Would put it on our list of places to return to.

Great place, great food, try and get there for the Greek nights, good fun.

Lovely place great food great service

Went on Greek Night.....good food and staff are mental, they set the road on fire and had everyone dancing in the middle of it

Brilliant food and Nicos is very friendly would recommend this restaurant

We had a lovely meal with really friendly hosts. The food was delicious and the setting beautiful. We enjoyed everything. One waiter was particularly funny and cheerful. Making us welcome, telling stories and making the evening special.

As a Brit, the chips alone are a reason to come as they were really delicious. Moreover, the food is fresh, the service is really good and the atmosphere is everything you would want it to be. We came twice, once for a lunch and another for dinner as we enjoyed it so much. The sharing tomohawk is great value for money and was cooked to perfection. Coupled with the great view it made for a perfect meal. Highly recommend

Dear The Olondi Team, We visited your restaurant with high hopes during our honeymoon, but unfortunately, our experience was deeply disappointing. The moussaka we were served was completely burnt and looked nothing like the photos. The fried calamari was accompanied by wilted lettuce and soft, bruised tomatoes — they clearly felt like leftovers from the day before. The Greek salad was also far from fresh: the onions had turned grey, and the peppers were soft and clearly past their prime. The seafood spaghetti was the most concerning: it was full of sand. We had been swimming all day and came with great appetite — but the delay between our appetizer and the main course was around 40 minutes, which only added to our disappointment. While drinks arrived quickly, the overall experience felt like a classic tourist trap. We quietly mentioned our concerns to an older gentleman who seemed to work there. He acknowledged that “we should fix this,” but nothing was done proactively. When we received the bill, we started sharing our feedback. A lady — possibly the manager — took notice and kindly removed the charges for the main dishes. I even told her she could include them, but she insisted not to. Still, I noticed some dishes were reheated in a microwave, which left us even more disheartened. This is not about money. It’s about how a couple on their honeymoon had their evening ruined. People come to this beautiful island having waited and saved for this moment all year. There is a responsibility in that. I truly hope your team understands how much better things could be with just a little more attention to freshness and care. We sincerely wish you take this feedback to heart. Best regards, Stefanie&Murat

had a truly lovely meal at The Olondi, a fantastic seafood restaurant right on the waterfront in Elounda. The setting was absolutely beautiful, and the entire experience was made special by the really friendly hosts. For our meal, we enjoyed some delicious seafood, with the sardines being a particular highlight, along with a fresh Greek salad and tasty cheese balls. Everything we ordered was very good, and it paired perfectly with the wine and a cool Mythos beer. Beyond the delicious food and beautiful view, the service was outstanding. We were made to feel so welcome, and one waiter in particular was funny and cheerful, sharing stories with us and making our lunch truly memorable. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment. PS. It was strong wind at the time

We had an absolutely lovely impromptu lunch here with our two children, looking directly across Elounda bay. The staff and food were exceptional - their signature dish the Lamb Olondi is spectacular. Would highly recommend.

We had a fantastic time! The owners were so welcoming, and the food was exceptional. The fish was cooked to perfection, and the calamari was amazing. Definitely recommend!

Wow what an experience overall, food was amazing Yiannis & Renata the owners fantastic service and conversation and what a setting to have dinner. A must when visiting Elounda you won’t want to miss it.

We ate here last night, had sea bream and it was lovely. The staff were fantastic, I had a poorly knee & they could not been more helpful & kind. Lovely atmosphere seated over looking the sea, great location.

First time here, spoke to owner. Very polite. Recommended sea bream or red snapper, decided on red snapper, excellent choice. Tasted delicious with roasted vegetables. Service was excellent..Recommended to others...especially family and friends 🧡

Absolutely magical – a must-visit in Elounda! 🌙✨ Dining at Moon Spinners felt like a dream. The moment we sat down by the water’s edge, we knew we were somewhere special. Every dish was incredible.The service was warm and personal, like being welcomed by old friends. It's not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that stays with you. If you’re in Crete, don’t miss this hidden gem!

Orzo risotto with shrimp was poetry. Everything was super nice. And location: amazing. As Italian, I cannot recommend to take a coffee for their price of 4.5€, this should not be allowed XD

Sometimes you just stumble across a gem on holiday and Moon Spinners was just that. We went on the first night of our holiday and had the most delicious fisherman’s pasta with a delicious Santorini wine, served perfectly chilled.. The setting was beautiful. It was so good we went back two more times. The ceviche was one of the best I have ever had and we didn’t have one bad choice. The people who work there and the manager’s are so friendly and helpful, along with the setting and food we would highly recommend you visit. It’s at the far end of the marina, do walk that far, it’s worth it.

We visited on our last day and the staff were absurdly nice!! It was something we gradually got used to in Crete- the restaurant staff, whatever the establishment, are all so genuinely welcoming and kind. The food was excellent (although we wildly over ordered), drinks good, and the setting gorgeous. It was a sunny day and we drove down the causeway afterwards for a lovely swim and snorkel. Thanks for your hospitality and friendliness- highly recommended.

Fantastic restaurant, fabulous food and amazing service. We felt at home from the moment we stepped out of the taxi - a warm welcome and led to the best table just out at the end of the jetty. We had a beautiful view - boats, calm seas (despite a windy day), fish playing in the water next to us (lit up as the sun went down). The ceviche was fresh and citrusy, the fresh fish (sea bream) was perfect 👌🏻 and the crème brûlée treat at the end of the meal, the icing on the (cake) ‘evening’. Highly recommend the asateriko (??!! Spelling … Greek wine from Santorini) 🍷 Was truly lovely and we look forward to going back! ❤️

Amazing place in Elounda. Food we had was amazing. Sushi Rainbow roll and Beef tartar were to die for. Beer is ice cold and wine is fantastic. Sitting on the water in the port just adds to the atmosphere. We have been fortunate to have experienced amazing restaurants along our travels in Greece, but this one is definitely top 5.

First visit here and food was top notch, very tasty and well presented. Will be back for more. Staff friendly and helpful. Only took photos of the starters and tucked into our mains before I thought of a picture.

Great little place very clean nicely laid out friendly staff. Mainly a watering stop as with typical July weather in Crete it's HOT! Ordered a nice ice tea 🧋and lemonade 🍋before moving onto plaka for lunch.

A beautiful setting in the harbour. We sat on the waterside and could see fish in the clear water. Service was really friendly and professional. Our food was great. I had lovely fresh sardines to start and delicious crab ravioli to follow. Great choice of local wines and drinks. A charming place and our best meal in Elounda.

The best place to eat in Elounda. Everything was perfect starting for the location, staff and the food! They have a lot of dishes, it is child friendly ( I recommend the meatballs option from the kids menu and the pizza). A must try is their hummus and eggplant salad fort starter Also they have sushi, you must try it as the fish is fresh and tasteful! The linguini with seafood are a must! Keep up the good work, as you are doing an amazing job!

I go to this restaurant every time I visit Crete. Beautiful location, almost mystical atmosphere as the sun goes down. Service is always incredible and the food is always delicious! Greek hospitality can't be matched and Vritomares is no exception. I've been eating here for 10 years and it remains my favourite restaurant in Crete still.

The best food I have had in my life! The best servers - it’s like you are at your homecoming and the family will bring delicious and (generous) portions of food every 10 minutes! I am going to come back here again the next time I’m in Greece!

Dining at this seaside tavern in Elounda was nothing short of magical. Nestled right by the water, the setting was serene and picturesque, waves gently lapping just meters away as we enjoyed our meal under the soft glow of the Cretan sun. We tried a variety of entrees and mains, each dish bursting with flavor. But the standout star of the evening? The saganaki feta with honey. The service was warm and welcoming. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Elounda!

I found this place thanks to Google and its reviews, and I regret discovering it on my last day in Elounda. The food and atmosphere are absolutely incredible. I honestly planned to take pictures of all the dishes, but realized too late — half of them were already gone. Highly recommended. Amazing service, delicious food, lovely people, and a charming spot right by the water.

A tavern in a quiet place right by the sea, where the food is really delicious. I am very picky, but in this tavern I ate the most delicious lamb in wine sauce. The tavern staff is very nice, well organized, the food is served in a relatively short time. The tavern offers various delicacies, delicious cake for free... I also really liked their raki, which I was treated to. I definitely recommend visiting.

Ate at Rakomelo twice on this holiday. It’s as good as we remember from the previous years.. Great food; attentive service; perfect location. It’s a smaller family-rub restaurant - so you don’t feel crowded. And the food is authentic - Manolis’s mother cooks it to perfection. We are looking forward to coming here again.

The best lamb chops & Crete hospitality I've experienced. Get a sunset sea view, with great house wine and Meze. Must try! Honey Raki, Feta, Calamari... All incredible!

Great view, lovely food and fantastic staff. We ate here twice, once for dinner then coming back for lunch. I highly recommend their dish Briam. Vegetarian friendly. The staff are very good with kids, which we experienced at lunchtime but in the evening recommended for a lovely couples date night. As with most restaurants in Elounda, multi-lingual staff speaking at least English, French and Greek (i'm sure they could speak more languages, but I don't understand any others haha). If we are back in the area we will return!

It was more than we expected , we order also starter a Greek salad…the dishes we asked were simple but the quality they are done were over the standard you realize with the taste, good portion, fresh, the view, this is a must if you are around… and the view with the roof is perfect for hot weathers

We had an amazing experience at Spinalogka yesterday! The food was absolutely delicious, full of flavor and so fresh. What stood out even more was the outstanding customer service – the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable. It’s rare to find such a perfect balance of great food and warm hospitality. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience!

The restaurant by the sea in Plaka is a fabulous family run restaurant as a welcome rest and recharge after visiting the island of Spinalonga. Incredible locally caught fish prepared and cooked for you with delicious salads and vegetables. A lovely atmosphere and a beautiful family mum, dad, son and daughter wonderful service and such friendly people. A definite must if you are visiting this traditional Greek village. Thank you for the end to our amazing day. We will come back. Dad was super helping us park our hire car and inviting us into your wonderful restaurant memories we will not forget. Thank you 💙

Taverna Spinalonga offers classic Greek dishes in a beautiful setting with an incredible view of the sea and the island of Spinalonga. The food is simple but tasty, made with fresh ingredients. The service was friendly. It’s a good spot to enjoy a casual meal while taking in the stunning surroundings.

Absolutely fantastic. If you are in around Plaka or Elounda, you need to try this taverna! Family run, great food with a variety of dishes, excellent house white wine and very friendly people.

This is a wonderful family-owned tavern, right on the sea. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a kind elderly gentleman with a warm smile and personally shown to our table. The service was attentive, friendly, and made us feel right at home. The food was absolutely delicious, with real authentic Greek flavors that reminded us of homemade cooking. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, creating the perfect dining experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for genuine Greek hospitality and cuisine!

Taverna Spinalonga is a wonderful place, with wonderful views, staff and food. Maria and all the staff were so friendly, welcoming, helpful, patient and attentive. We ate there twice in the handful of days we were in Plaka. Whilst it is really family friendly, a quiet table will be found for you if you want it. Lots of locals eating there too. My favourite place and I can't wait to go back one day. Thank you everyone at Taverna Spinalonga, from Hannah and Messy!

Taverna Restaurant Spinalonga, perfect food, wonderful culinary experience!!! Friendly staff, always very happy to welcome you and to share a little bit of their family hospitality with you!! Beautiful view and amazing tasty food!! Don’t skip their taramasalata. YAMAS 🍻

A late lunch drew us here. Service was quick and soon we had a pepperoni pizza and a bolognese pizza. We ordered large which was about 12 inches wide. The table next to us had sa extra large and it was much bigger. The pizzas are made fresh and cooked in a gas fired large pizza oven. The waiter was always on his phone and I had to ask twice to get a drink. Food was good and the view of the sea is great. We felt it was a good price.

Food was extremely fresh! I ended up ordering the village pizza, honestly my expectations were not the highest, but to my surprise, every bite was just as delicious as the last. My partner ordered the calamari and absolutely fell in love. Staff was very attentive and patient. Even when customers accidentally broke something, there was no anger. It was quilt resolved and a safe environment. I would eat there everyday if I could! This place will always be memorable!

Amazing food! The pizzas are so fresh and you can see them being made. Lovely atmosphere and huge selection of different foods. Great value for money and some of the tastiest food I’ve ever had. Lovely fast service, very attentive. Our waitress and waiter were lovely and made us feel very welcome.

Stopped for a late lunch after some time on Elounda beach with our daughter. Firstly, the best Pizza I have eaten in an age. We all enjoyed the atmosphere and they went the extra mile to do a really thick milkshake for our daughter. Whether you are on holiday or local I cannot recommend this wonderful establishment enough. Lastly the coldest beer on earth at just the right time. 🍺

My friends and I were looking for dinner. This was our best option. It's a pizzeria in addition to having Greek food too. We tried the pizza there and it was delicious. Mine was the spicy one. The portions were good and the prices were good. The service was quick and excellent. The location was perfect, very central and across the main parking area of the town. I highly recommend it.

The food and service here is impeccable. What a wonderful experience the staff is so kind. Loved the rocket salad absolutely delicious!!! Perfect stop at the leg of our day long tour of the area.

We are visiting Crete for 2 weeks, we have been to this restaurant every day for the last 6 days! The people who run it are absolutely lovely. They knew us as we walked past each day. They greeted us with such warmth every time they seen us. They were so humbled to have you back in their restaurant! The food! The food is absolutely stunning, truly truly a must have. Myself and my husband are here on our honeymoon and are trying our hardest to try as much as we can on this menu, the food is so fresh and well presented. You will not be disappointed when you come here. All smiles and they will do anything you want. Truly a wonderful place! Thank you!

The atmosphere and views from the restaurant were exceptional. We only stopped in for some lunch, but we wished we had time to come again and try some fish. The staff were very friendly, with personal service. We ordered salads, chips, halloumi and some baklava to finish, it was all amazing.

I last went to Giovanni's 13 years ago and it's just as spectacular as I remember. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm. The staff made us feel incredibly welcome and ensured our dining experience was perfect from start to finish. The food was fabulous, we wanted to try as much as possible and ended up have a long leisurely lunch. The views are simply breathtaking. Dining with such a stunning backdrop elevates the entire meal from wonderful to unforgettable. This restaurant isn't just a place to eat; it's a wonderful experience. If you’re looking for fantastic food, incredible service, and a truly memorable setting, this is the place to try

The view of the sea from the outside terrace is really nice and makes for a relaxing setting. Unfortunately, the food was quite disappointing in terms of taste. On the bright side, the service was good and the staff were friendly

We stumbled upon this charming restaurant by chance while exploring near the port for boat trips to the island of Spinalonga in Crete. The place was warm and welcoming, offering a huge variety of dishes. We were a group of 14, including kids, and although I didn’t take many photos, everything we tried was delicious. The service was excellent, and the breathtaking view made the experience even more special. Even in the peak of summer, the atmosphere was comfortable and enjoyable. They also had good WiFi, which was a nice bonus. Highly recommend!

My favorite restaurant in Greece. My wife and I dined here for the first time in 2011 on our honeymoon and were treated like royalty by Giovanni and his staff. Back in Crete 14 years later with our kids and it was better than we remembered. Had an amazing dinner with good friends and just can’t say enough good things about this restaurant. Thank you Giovanni for another amazing meal!

We shared a few starters that were very tasty, but the real bonus was the Sea-Bass in Salt, served magnificently and professionally!! Highly recommended!!

The outdoor seating is really very nice, and the service is excellent. The food we ordered was beautifully presented, and I have to say it was also very tasty. The roasted lamb in particular was delicious, with perfectly seasoned vegetables. The meat fell apart, and the vegetables were not overcooked. The cuttlefish were a bit chewy, and I’m used to them being more heavily battered. As everywhere in Crete, the wine was delightful — properly chilled, without ice cubes floating in the carafe. Perhaps the only thing they could improve is providing a stronger signal, so that card payments don’t have to be processed in the kitchen.

Had 3 dates with friends here, had an amazing time! Food is stunning. Staff super friendly and hospitable...

I was here with my wife. It was amazing. The food was great, we had two gyros, grilled cheese and I had a beer. After that the waiter who is actually the owner’s son brought us raki with watermelon(as a gift i think). We talked about everything that was happening now in the world and drank like old friends. I’m going to miss days like this. I don’t even know your name my friend, but I hope you will see this feedback. I promised you to comeback the next day but plans changed :( If you’re interested, you can find me on instagram andrew_potupchik

Food tastes impressively good, intense flavours. Has mousaka and dorada, both cooked slowly, feels like melting in your mouth.

We have been in Elounda for just over a week and have tried many places to eat........but the food and ambience that is Thea's is second to none!!!! Food.....AMAZING!!! Highly recommend the lamb shank and the Thea's beef Casserole......even the Spinach Pie starter was fantastic. And compliments to the warm orange cake with ice cream to finish!!! The waiter, who is Harry, the chef's son, was very attentive. Sorry we didn't take any photos of the food ..... but I'm sure you don't need to see any empty plates!!!

We were staying locally but noticed this lovely restaurant. We had a few drinks during the day in the hot sunshine met a lovely young man called Harry who served us. Impressed, we decided to have dinner later that evening. Beautiful food and lovely atmosphere well worth a visit.

Beautiful food lovely atmosphere, been 3 nights in a row and myself and mt girlfriend absolutely love it. Will certainly be visiting a few more times before we return home

The owner cooks himself a lot of dishes and is friendly and welcoming! Food is great from traditional greek positions to fish dishes! Highly recommended

If you are looking for a non touristy more local feel In Elounda then this is the place for you and worth the walk up the hill. Located above the western edge of the town with lovely views this homely small taverna has it all, great friendly service, delicious simple food and a delightful slide show depicting the history of the area. Only minor downside for us was the house red wine - not really drinkable as too sharp and vinegary if that’s a word.

It was a takeaway this time, but while waiting I noticed the beautiful atmosphere and the authenticity of this place. The food was absolutely delicious also the next day (after refrigeration), which is quite rare.

This is by far the best place to eat in Elounda. The atmosphere is really cosy (away from all the main tourist bars and restaurants) and the view on the harbour is just terrific. The food is really, really good. Best meatballs I ever tasted. And finally the staff is just super kind and super friendly. I could recommend this to anyone. Reservations recommended.

We had an amazing experience last night. The food was incredibly fresh and flavorful, every dish was a hit. Our waiter was excellent: attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. The atmosphere was a perfect 10/10, creating the ideal setting for a relaxed and memorable evening. Overall, a fantastic meal and we’ll definitely be back!

Wow ….! Taking Greek food to the next level A small jam on the cost of Crete From the view of the restaurant, the authentic decor to the Heart warming hospitality of The servers (Eric) to the freshness of the product to the amazing taste of the dishes not a single comment or mistake that I can make about my three meal course that I had. I was truly amazing Visited it twice in 3 days

Beautiful views, Beautiful restaurant, fantastic food, excellent service

Lovely quiet restaurant with a stunning view of the sea just on the edge of town. Nice to get away from the tourist trap restaurants. Would be ideal if they had a few more vegan options for main

Had a lovely meal here at Poulis in Elounda tonight. We were a party of 8 adults and one under 1yr. They accommodated us very easily outside with a high chair for the baby. Very nice red and White House wine carafes. Meals were great - mix of seafood meals, lamb kleftiko and chicken gyros. Also choice of veggie salads for the baby. Very good service and lovely atmosphere by the sea.

Best service we have had, such friendly and attentive staff. The food was nice but nothing exceptional. Seating next to the water was lovely, with a wonderful view.

Fantastic. Friendly efficient staff Food was superb Views amazing And shoals of fish nibbling on the bread you're given to throw into the crystal clear water. Stunning place to eat

“Do I even need to say more? We had a wonderful meal – even the fries were perfectly fried. Such a great atmosphere by the harbor, and the staff were incredibly friendly and made us feel right at home. We had delicious meat and fish dishes, all perfectly prepared. We’ll definitely be coming back here!”

Excellent family restaurant with a lovely view on the sea. Waiters were super kind and friendly. The plates were very generous and everything was fresh and delicious. Reasonable prices. Poulis is an outstanding choice for a romantic dinner and a perfect spot to get engaged 😍

The Klefteco is to die for my wife had sword fish which looked just has good, sorry about the photos I was hungry

If you want Traditional affordable authentic Greek sea side food with amazing view and the sound of the ocean waves MUST COME HERE. while in Elounda came to eat here more then 3 times. Prices are really great and the food is so delicious. This is a MUST!!!

Fresh, flavorful, delicious Cretan food. We shared a variety of their mezze and everything was fantastic. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Our server was very kind and friendly. Very pleasant place to sit with a view of the ocean and a fresh breeze. Additionally, everything looked spotlessly clean. Highly recommend stopping by!

Food is always perfect, traditional greek food and our family favourite in Elounda. Always a fantastic service from very friendly staff. Visited 4 times over the last 12 days and tried a few different options from the menu, everything was delicious, I would highly recommend!

Great staff and pleasant atmosphere away from the main square in Elounda. Food was really good and prices reasonable too xx

If I could give it 6 stars I would. Authentic family taverna serving great honest Greek food, probably some of the best food we had in our weeks stay without doubt. I would order multiple portions of their prawn saknagi, insanely good. Would return in a heartbeat, best lunch we had vs we are in some expensive restaurants that were not as good.

2nd night in Elounda and visited for food and drinks. Staff are friendly and attentive. We had the Greek salad, fried courgettes and lamb kleftiko, all dishes were fresh, full of flavour. Will return again whilst we are on holiday

Very nice lunch here, food was so fresh and tasty, I had the Greek salad and my wife had a Ceaser salad. Staff were friendly and no long wait for service. Definitely Recommended.

If you're looking for a gyros experience in Elounda, look no further than Vachus Taverna. This charming eatery proved to be a delightful stop for gyros. The portions were generous, ensuring you'll leave with a satisfied appetite. Vachus Taverna has spotless restrooms, which is always a pleasant surprise when dining out. In conclusion, my visit to Vachus Taverna was an absolute delight. The warm hospitality, delicious gyros, and clean facilities all contributed to a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a local or a tourist exploring Elounda, I highly recommend stopping by Vachus Taverna for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Visited here in the summer of ‘16, a most wonderful time. We were young and had the whole of our lives ahead of us. We made a trek into Elounda one afternoon, contemplating for a while about dinner options. We decided on Megaro Restaurant, and our experience couldn’t have been better. Myself, D, Heli, and Deed were greeted by the owner/manager, a very charismatic and lovely matey boy whose name escapes me nowadays. Once seated, we browsed the incredibly varied menu - we couldn’t decide! However, eventually we concluded that we will have the mixed grill, after much deliberation. The mixed grill was exquisite, plenty of meat, and excellent value for money. When it came to the end of our culinary experience, matey brought over some watermelon, shredded wheat drizzled with honey, and some Raki. It was spectacular. Once we settled the bill, matey came back over with some more Raki for us, as he said, one for the road! We bid him farewell, thanked him for a lovely evening and went to see Elounda. On our walk back, we ran into him again walking past, and sure enough, he offered us one last Raki - one for the “other” road! This is nearly 10 years ago and we still discuss that evening regularly in the lads group chat.

Great food. Very fresh seafood and amazing view. Totally recommend

One of the Top restaurant in Elonda. Excellent food Great vibes excellent welcoming . I would put more than 5 stars if there was option

Absolutely top notch from beginning we have been greeted by the owner told us about fresh fishes of the day sat us down to table and my god food was absolutely delicious Musaka Pork chops Meatballs Chicken slovaki Pork slovaki Tzatziki I mean everything made with passion even chips were home made if you in Elounda you must come here and try this beautiful place. Orange cake very very nice thank you so much for that lovely touch on the end of our lunch. I wish owner all the best 🥂

Passed by this restaurant every day and always looked busy in the evening around 8/8.30pm onwards. The staff were very friendly and polite. They all speak excellent English. We had a nice table by the seafront. We ordered two drinks, two appetisers, and two mains. As expected, most of the options are seafood. There are some items that are marked as frozen, I presume that in some of the dishes the meat or fish is frozen. The margherita pizza is from frozen, it tasted okay. We were given complimentary fruit at the end of the meal and two bits of cake, which was really tasty. You can pay by card as well as cash. They are open in the day time. There were quite a few children eating there, too, so it is family friendly. Some of the food seems quite pricey but it is seafood so probably expected. Our total came to €50 for halloumi, garlic bread, margherita pizza, beef burger, a coca cola and a peach iced tea.

Awesome food, both traditional and contemporary. Really good gluten free choice and they properly understand how to do gluten free

We truly enjoyed the 2 times we went for dinner here, concentrating on various fish starters. We tried several restaurants but this one was the best we found. Absolute topper was rhe fried anchovies. Due to the limited duration of our holiday we could only visit it twice...

we visited the place more than 4 times. Good portions of food, excellent variety of wines, the atmosphere was always amazing and the staff were more than willing to serve us! We feel more than welcome every time.

While I am writing this, I am still sitting here. Its maybe the best Tuna I have ever eat. Very good fresh food and extraordinary menue. The Service is very very good and the staff is super friendly! Thumbs up! That was really my Highlight in this Holiday! If you ever come to crete, definately eat in Paliria!

Parilia is the perfect spot for lunch when visiting Spinalonga. The food was delicious, fresh, and beautifully prepared, and the setting right next to the sea couldn’t be more relaxing. The owner was attentive, knowledgeable, and created a genuinely warm and welcoming atmosphere. A wonderful place to enjoy great food in a stunning location.

We stumbled across this beautiful restaurant whilst in Plaka. Our waiter was very nice and attentive. You have to go for seafood if you are here! Everything is fresh and caught straight from the sea. You can go in and choose which fish you would like and how it was cooked. Fantastic meal finished off with a bit of strong complimentary Raki and fruit! Amazing experience :)

We’ve been in many Mediterranean countries who are master in cooking try fish (Italy , Spain ..etc), but this way of cooking the fish with this taste I’ve never experienced… lovely experience, tasty food .

Finally found an excellent restaurant in Crete. Excellent food, great service and lovely location. I’m a foodie and can be an annoying customer, this place was fantastic on so many levels 🙏

Super. If they have special dish - gyros - you must take it. Also souteed prawns are leery and delicious. More to the restaurant side then taverna , keep in mind. Overall 10/10!

Outstanding food and service—10/10. The menu is diverse, and the staff gave excellent recommendations that truly elevated the experience. Every dish was delicious and thoughtfully prepared. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a top-quality meal.

Very friendly, made you feel welcomed. Understood about Gluten and Lactose allergies. Menu indicated GF and LF. Table service. Food was very generous and tasty. We was not rushed to finish with our meal. Very affordable meal options.

Friendly staff, fabulous food, generous portions, well priced. We loved every aspect. Pork gyros were a winner with us and our boys (and it seems most of the other diners). Such a wonderful experience, we’ll be back !

Very good greek food and friendly people. You can get greek coffee there, try is!

We ended up at the Dimitris by chance. My husband and I were on Crete for the first time and simply strolled along the promenade. There is plenty of choice of restaurants here with good menus and nice promoters. We walked past many of these restaurants that look great and ended up at Dimitris. It appealed to us straight away. The ambience is great. There are places in a small alley next to the restaurant as well as across the street under large trees. The waiter - not so much a promoter as simply attentive - approached us in a friendly manner and asked if he could help us. We sat at one of the tables in the alley and it was wonderful. Greek music played softly. We were served in an extremely friendly manner and given very good advice on our choice of dishes. The food itself was unbelievably delicious. Compared to the prices and portions of many other restaurants, the plate was well filled and the food was simply fantastic. We had garlic pita bread and tzaziki as a starter and grilled fish (catch of the day) and a tomahawks steak as a main course. Both cooked to perfection. The food was hot when we got it. The flavour was simply wonderful. We were not disappointed and will definitely be back! All in all a 12/10!

Absolutely 1st class experience. Great food (huge portions!), very friendly service and wonderful knowledge about local wines. I would thoroughly recommend.

Most amazing and fun place to sit and watch the world go by, and the CRAZY roundabout.

Fantastic experience and food, visited here several times during our 2 week stay. Consistently fantastic food with great advice on what, or not, to have. Can't recommend enough ❣️

Unfortunately we dined here on our last night which was such a shame as it was so good we would have gone again. The young lady Elefreniti that served us was just adorable 🥰 she could advise you on the menu and new everything about the food, the herbs way it was cooked and where the ingredients were sourced and the same with the wine. We loved talking to her and enjoyed our meal. I think it gets passed by because the view isn’t out to sea or harbour but I would recommend anyone to eat here for great food and exceptional staff ❤️❤️

Good food and super friendly hosts. The menu was varied, traditional dishes and plenty of other food choices. I would visit again.

Excellent environment by the sea with a great variety of seafood!! Very tasty, fresh and stylishly served!! A definite must!!

Very nice Taverna at the end of Elounda. Service was good and the food was excellent. Reasonably priced too.

Very delicious food and very nice staff! Can completely recommend and we will come back!

Lovely meal,and staff very friendly and helpful.Nice greek music too.

Popped in here for lunch and it was lovely. In my top 3 restaurants in elounda, mainly because of the service and friendly wait staff. The food was nice, and they actually bring you olive oil with your bread... Which seems to be rare. Also, no flies, and the toilets were spotless.

There was a group of us looking for a lunch venue, and we hadn't booked, so glad they made space for us. Very friendly staff. Accomodating and fast service. Food was good and came quickly. Did us take away too, which was delicious when we got home.

We had dinner at Leonidas and I highly recommend it. There are so many restaurants in Elounda and Leonidas did not disappoint. This is a local Cretan restaurant, good portion and reasonable price. The food is great. It got filled quickly at about 8PM on a weekday. Highly recommend.

Very good value for the meal. Very friendly family service. Clean restaurant.

Always a perfect meal with the most amazing friendly most welcoming staff. Always look forward to returning each year, they make our holiday special ❤️

Good food and service very reasonable prices not in the most prime location thou on the side of the road opposite the harbour. Nice touch with complimentary breads and homemade hummus and taramasalata and desert. Would return.

This is a great family run resteraunt located next to the main car park at the end of the picturesque harbour. The food is great and cooked fresh. Mum and daughter are front of house and are very freindly.

We had some bad luck with our orders, but that was half our fault! It seems like a Lovely place. The staff are friendly and we loved our bottle of wine. The pizza had sooo much cheese though! We waited a little while to be served. But it's a very busy place. ***** We went back! Perfect experience this time 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ***** Final update! : we have been here 4 times this trip! Love it. Great family run restaurant with amazing food and wine. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Amazing Pizza 🍕and lovely view The place is very cute. The restaurant is very big. There is plenty of seating. It is clean. The food is very tasty. And you can also see the sea while you are eating and if you go in the evening time, you will feel a very sweet, light and cool breeze. It is very fun.

After a hot and pleasant beach day, there is nothing more pleasant than enjoying a delicious Italian food served in this restaurant. It’s so delicious we finish to the last crumbs.

Pizza to die for, prepared in immaculate open kitchens where you can see it hand stretched. Service a bit hap hazard, but always delivered from friendly hard working staff. Easily our number one restaurant for pizzas in Elounda. We visited 5 times in two weeks which I think says it all!

A Family restaurant that elevates Italian food with love and amazing local hospitality. Maria who owns the restaurant always with a sincere smile, always remembers what I like to eat and drink ( have visited the place quite a few times). Complements to the Chef that has created a menu with local ingredients that respects all the beauties of the Italian cuisine

Day three and the best meal of the week so far by a long way

We were recommended to this restaurant. We wanted some good Italian food and sadly disappointed. Seafood pasta was over cooked…Tasted like it was boiling for 4 hours. Pork on the bone came out ice cold, clearly it was cooked and then they tried to reheat and didn’t reheat it fully. Service was ok, they didn’t take interest in how much we liked or disliked the food. It was placed on the table and that was it. Drove 30 minutes to eat there and couldn’t believe we wasted our time at this cafe they call an Italian restaurant.

Taverna Maria is a solid lunch stop. Nothing extraordinary, but definitely pleasant. It’s set back from the main strip in Plaka, so you avoid the heavy tourist vibe. The road in front does have cars, but traffic is light and not disturbing. The sea view is partial rather than wide open, but the covered terrace is airy and doesn’t feel cramped. The atmosphere is easygoing — nice lounge music, good service, a relaxed vibe. Menu is the usual for the area, but done well. I had the snails with herb oil (a bit chewy, but the oil was excellent), octopus as a main (€18 for two legs, tender with a slightly sweet sauce), and cheese croquettes that turned out far better than expected. A small but lovely touch: free grapes for dessert, straight from the place. All in all, we enjoyed a slow, late lunch here.

Absolute Gem of a find! The locals working there were incredibly kind and welcoming. Try Maria's cheesecake. It's honestly the best I've ever tasted. So light and flavoursome. The taverna is located right opposite Spinalonga Boat trips so you could pop in there for a meal after visiting the island. A definite must do. 👌

This was amazing find, friendly staff, service was excellent and the food for us 10/10. We also had a beautiful view of the tranquil sea, we were taking the ferry from Plaka to Spinalonga and decided to grab a meal, we were not disappointed I had the mussels and my gorgeous girlfriend had the stuffed and fried courgette flowers which were the best we’d ever had, Tracey is Coeliac but they new there stuff and were very helpful when going through the menu. A cold beer and a Pinot were great accompaniments to our meal we were there about 70 minutes and there were only a few tables free at lunch time which is testament to them everything was great.

great great food! good place to eat if you want to try out greek cuisine. friendly staff and pretty view of the sea. the only downsides were that the calamari were a bit fat and there were too few alcholic options to chose from. but we’re picky eaters and it didnt matter that much for us overall i reccomend the place

What an amazing tavern. The food is absolutely amazing. We tried the calamari and the lamb kleftiko. You won't regret coming here. The food is so fresh and very tasty. Staff are also extremely polite and helpful. A must visit if you go to spinalonga. The chef also said hello to us at our table which is a nice touch.

If you are in plaka. Then please try this gem out. Reasonable prices of around a tenner per starter and between 15-25 mains. But the vibe is on point and the service is super. Propper traditional taverna.

Revisited 4 years after loving this place on our honeymoon. I didn’t think it would be possible but it has got better. Super friendly staff, relaxed but stylish vibe, incredibly fresh and tasty food. The fresh fish of the day was by far the best meal we have had in Crete, but you get what you pay for at €40

Amazing food, amazing service, amazing people and a restaurant run on traditional Greek values and culture! The food is top notch even down to the olives they serve. Quality is in the driver seat. Furthermore the views are spectacular. In September, bring a jacked if you want to sit outside. 10/10

What a wonderful experience we had. The service was great: fun, comforting, full of character and professional. The food was great! All of it. And the view and generelle atmosphere was magical at sunset. A great place for a special occasion as well as a family dinner. Full recommendation & thank you for the delightful evening

Perfect atmosphere with incredible view. Great staff, very kind and professional. The food was amazing, we ate the lamb and the rabbit. Super good! And the dessert was amazing! 10/10 would recommend!

A magical place with a view that wins you from the first moment! The dish of tortellini stuffed with Cretan cheese and pine nuts was simply wonderful - rich flavour, delicate balance and a sense of home-made care in every bite. A restaurant that makes you want to come back!!!

Must go! We loved everything about this restaurant! Beautiful ambience, great food and stunning views! Our server Despina was fantastic! Already looking forward to our next visit. Thank you!

This place is something special! The food was absolutely delicious, the service couldn’t have been better, and the atmosphere was magical. A dinner I’ll never forget.

Beautiful restaurant on the edge of the mountain overlooking Elounda gulf. We went here on our last night in Crete for a fancy dinner and they did not disappoint. Despina was sassy, fun, and rightfully scolded us when we couldn’t finish our meals. Would highly recommend.

Spectacular view, trendy fitout, good service but average cocktails. Go here for the insta worthy interior and amazing views. It’s worth it, even with the average drinks.

Stunning veiws as right by the sea, the best Mojitos we have had in years and in the comfiest armchairs, served by a great and friendly waitress. Planning to live here for the remainder of my holiday.

A very good mojito served by a very nice self-assured lady. You can enjoy it while resting in an old fashioned club seat or couch - all the while enjoying the view on the bay and Spinalonga island. A treat!

Very beautiful restaurant/snack bar. Had a mojito and it was very nice, staff are friendly and the view is lovely. The decoration is also very nice.

Very friendly staff. Always greet you with a smile. The food and drinks are brilliant and the setting is a perfect way to end the day. Very quirky.

An enchanting quirky little bar, outstanding views and charming staff. We loved it so much.

Nice crepes and friendly staff. Reasonable prices and great views

Recommend this place for everyone👌 Delicious food and pleasant service

The food here was amazing! We started with hummus and grilled haloumi...they were both great! Then got a Greek salad and seafood risotto...perfect! Price was very reasonable and the patio environment was great 👍

Actually called "carob tree". We were also confused at first while looking for this place. 👍🏿super stuffed sardines , and greek salad. 👍🏿tasty prawn linguini 👍🏿sweet friendly waiter who made the above recommendations, listen to him!! 👍🏿average priced menu for the area, portions smaller than local home-cooking-restaurants in Crete so far. But fine for me !!

Nice lounge music, fast service, good food and very tasty fried feta cheese with sweet sauce. The staff is very attentive to people. Recommended!

The waiter was very friendly and fast. Food was excellent and fresh. Atmosphere was great, however a little windy that day which is quite normal I have been told. Will definitely come again

Lovely restaurant homade delicious food nice people !

Unfortunately, yesterday I made the dreadful mistake of calling for a reservation for me and my two daughters, ages 5 and 13. I was told that a table would be available in 15 minutes, so we rushed. When we got there on time, the waiter said it would take another 15 minutes, so we happily went for a walk, as these things happen in Crete, especially in August when it’s very busy. When we got back very hungry, a rude, bald middle-aged man informed us angrily that a reservation was not really made by the restaurant; "it was only a suggestion, he said in a manner that words cannot describe! I have never in my life witnessed such rudeness; my daughters were shocked! When I made an attempt to answer back, the coward ran away, shouting "I'm busy!". Of course we left! In other countries, people sue for such discriminatory treatment and win. I will never return. This place used to be a decent restaurant a few years ago but not anymore . The rude man’s problem was probably money! A mother with two young children is not considered a big spender! Just don’t go there!

Beeraki Cretan Pub was one of the highlights of our trip. The food was delicious — fresh, well-seasoned, and full of traditional Cretan flavor. They also have a beer selection, with both local brews and familiar favorites. The view from the pub is perfect for a relaxed meal or drinks as the sun sets. The staff were super friendly and made us feel really welcome from the moment we walked in. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area. Great vibes and great people.

If you're nearby, you've just got to be here (particularly at or near sunset). The craft beer (and regular beers) is great and the food delicious. Lovely warm service too.

A very warm welcome for lunch. Rolls and beeraki salad were excellent. Food is reasonably priced. Beautiful views and atmosphere.

The high rating these guys have is well deserved. They are super kind, the food and the beers are very good and the view of the Elounda bay from the terrace is amazing. I went there twice and it was great both times. Keep up the good work!

It’s a great pub with great beer amazing staff and owners and a great view also!

Some things are worth the effort! Yes, you can get an ice cold lager, overlooking the harbour. We've all wanted and deserved it. for walking along the seafront, stopping in countless gift shops, for the best/cheapest fridge magnetic! But, just take the time to walk up the hill a bit, maybe you'll choose the "Stairs of Death',or maybe, you'll opt for the 'slope of sanity', either way, make your way to this bastion of beer. All manner of grades of lager/beer/ales are available. My passion is Weiss beer. And I was in my element, drinking locally brewed wheat beer, within the hilltop view of the town. You owe yourself, and your wife, and your family, a slight incline!

We had a wonderful lunch with delicious food, great beer, warm hospitality and the view to die for! We loved BEERaki!

This is an excellent seaside tavern with fresh fish and good service. The portions are large and we ordered way too much for lunch, but we enjoyed everything. The view is exceptional. It started a little windy so we ate within the enclosed patio, which they opened up when the sun came out. The owner recommended the sea bream grilled with a lemon and olive oil. It was a wonderful, mild fish with a somewhat meaty texture. It was lightly seasoned to let the taste of the fish be the focus of the dish. The fried sardines were plentiful and served like a side of French fries. Lightly breaded, and stronger in flavor. Fried cheese was creamy with a soft cheese similar to burrata. A good bread basket, which you can decline ($€1.50 per person). A nice Greek salad with local feta. We also ate local Cretan Dakos, tomato and cheese on barley bread. After the meal they brought traditional orange cake, soaked in honey, and fresh fruit. Everyone was helpful and attentive. This is a great choice if you are in Plaka. (Note that I reserve 5 stars for the finest restaurants where you might need reservations months in advance).

Quality food with big, generous portions, and the kind of staff that treats you like a true friend, whether you order a full feast or just a salad. You’re on this gorgeous terrace right above the ocean, so it feels like private fine dining with a side of salty breeze and magic. Romantic, unforgettable, and 100% worth it.

We were recommended a rare, local fish (scorpionfish) by the owner and are so happy we took his advice! Everything was incredibly delicious and the staff were very kind and attentive. We loved our evening at Ostria!

Fab Fish restaurant, family run with the most incredible view of Spinalonga at sunset…. We were placed looking out to the sea while eating the days catch 🐟

Ordered grilled octopus and sardines. The octopus was tender and fresh. Sardines also tasty. Would recommend!

Nice atmosphere, very windy and quite tight. Authentic food. I liked the spaghetti with vegetables.

Great attention and food. The Cretan salad and the fried anchovies were really good!!

Very welcoming and friendly. Location was beautiful. Food portions were generous and tasty. We had pasta and gyros. Our feedback would be that we were quickly asked about ordering fish before we had seen the menu. After looking it was clear this was a more expensive option so this could be a problem for budget travellers. While the waiters were friendly they were not very attentive and we waited a long time to receive our bill and be told the card machine was inside if we wanted to pay by card. The bill was also a little unclear so we were not sure if a service charge had already been included I would visit again if I came back to Elounda

Lovely restaurant floating right on the seafront. Gorgeous food, great service and very friendly and helpful staff. And that very nice complimentary glass of raki fire water after our meal. Highly recommended.

Disappointing, food expensive, portions small by local comparison, apart from the youngest member of front of house staff rest were miserable, ordered lamb chops, over cooked and only two on the plate, grilled octopus well over cooked again small portion and way more expensive than other nearby restaurants Chef came out to try and explain. Should stay in the kitchen and start over at cookery school. The owner was too shy to even come and ask how our food was. Wait for food way too slow, especially as the restaurant was not even half full.

We had cod with garlic puree and fish in sauce, both dishes were fantastic, as was the fresh fruit juice. The terrace of the restaurant sways pleasantly on the waves, combined with a beautiful view and excellent food, it was a beautiful and relaxing experience. It's sad that the restaurant currently has a relatively low rating, personally I don't see a reason for it. And now I'm going to find a recipe for a fantastic garlic puree, which I saw and tasted for the first time in my life right here and I will never forget this great dish. I'm very glad that I didn't get discouraged by the lower rating on Google.

If I could give this restaurant 6 star, I would! We came here on our first night in Elounda - the gentleman outside the restaurant was so friendly and welcoming but not pushy. The food was absolutely delicious - SO many flavours and lots of variety, all of great quality and extremely tasty. Incredibly reasonably priced, especially compared with some of the restaurants in Elounda. Not to mention the beautiful view/location. If I could take the chef home with me I would! All the staff we happy, funny, and so pleased to see us - we returned over and over again throughout our stay! Would highly recommend this restaurant to anybody.

Went to have last dinner before leaving next day after holiday and had the worst restaurant experience. We had to wait for pasta and burger (kids portions) for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Staff looked miserable, customer service felt cold and we weren't welcome there. After we were ready to leave, they started apologizing and explaining, that kitchen has mixed up orders and our food will be ready in 5 min. There are plenty of better choices around.

We wanted to eat here, but decided against it. The menu looked quite good at first, prices looked fair, but we were immediately almost pushed into the restaurant. I suspect it was the owner, he was very pushy and kept touching me uncomfortably on the back and shoulder during our conversation while we looked at the menu. That's not acceptable! And it wasnt just a friendly touch, it made me feel so uncomfortable. We ended up eating at another restaurant, and when we walked past the restaurant on our way back, he made another unfriendly comment about why we hadn't eaten there. Very sexist and unpleasant behaviour. After reading the other Google reviews, we were also very glad we didn't eat there. Rather pay 5€ per person more and go somewhere else.

Absolutely the place to go for something to eat or just for a drink. Absolutely amazing view and friendly people. This is definitely now my favorite spot

This restaurant is amazing! The food is great even though it is maybe a bit on the pricey side but its totally worth it with the quantity and quality you get. The service is amazing and the waiters are super friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend! (The view is a bonus)

One of the best meals in my life. It was dreamy to be able to sit by the water and enjoy a dinner feast. Highly recommend the anchovies, sea bass carpaccio, fried zucchini, mussels, calamari, octopus and grilled whole fish. We had a freshly caught red snapper that day and it was simply amazing. Not too much seasoning as you want to taste the freshness of the seafood. Great restaurant! We ate and drank until we could barely walk.

Really good fresh food. The grilled fish was the freshest tastiest fish I have had!

Wow. Very rarely you come across a place and you think 5/5 isn't enough. This is one of those times. The food was delicious, the best we've had in Crete so far. The mezze platter had a bit of everything (veggie), and they were all excellent. We also had mussels, they were so good we soaked up the white wine and garlic sauce with bread. For our main we had the sea bass in salt, it was a real treat to watch it be at aflame, and then filleted in front of us, and it was succulent. As for ambiance, the local "wild" village cats were about, one came in and had lots of smooches before it realised we had no food and it sauntered off. I reckon the restaurant should start selling cat food ;) The view was excellent, and we felt very snug as the wind whipped outside. Last but not least the service was truly excellent, we really enjoyed speaking with the staff, and everything was super efficient. When we asked for the bill, it came promptly, with some unexpected chocolate cake dessert and ouzo. Lovely.

Amazing place. Food was excellent and perfectly described by the owner. Wine was local and well chilled ( something which hasn't happened a lot!)Views of Spinalonga and the moon rising over it was an added bonus!

We came here for a snack after visiting Spinalonga. Great view of the sea and Spinalonga from the restaurant. Friendly staff and there was a giant cat. Food were all delicious. We especially enjoyed the fried zucchini chips and we ordered a second one.

I had a truly memorable experience at this restaurant. The taramosalata was absolutely divine — incredibly flavorful with a smooth, velvety texture unlike anything I’ve ever had before. It was honestly a revelation. The seafood dolmadakia were another highlight. Every bite was rich with the fresh, delicate taste of the sea, perfectly balanced with just the right acidity to elevate the flavors. It’s rare to find such precision and depth in traditional dishes. What made the visit even more special was the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The place felt cozy, calm, and genuinely inviting — somewhere you instantly feel comfortable. The staff were exceptionally kind and attentive, always smiling and ready to help without being intrusive. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into both the food and the service. I’m already looking forward to going back. A place like this deserves all the praise it gets — highly recommended!

Dining at this restaurant in Plaka was one of the highlights of our trip. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm, attentive service that made us feel genuinely cared for throughout the evening. The setting is absolutely breathtaking. Right across the water lies Spinalonga, bathed in soft, golden lights as the sun sets - creating a view that feels almost cinematic. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger, soaking in the atmosphere as the waves gently lap the shore. Now, onto the food, which was nothing short of remarkable. The menu celebrates the best of the sea, and every dish we tried was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The fish, in particular, was outstanding! The combination of exceptional service, stunning views, and top-tier seafood makes this restaurant a must-visit in Plaka. Highly recommended!

Excellent in all regards. Is there a restaurant anywhere in Crete with a better view?

Beautiful food, beautiful people and beautiful view. My favourite was the mussel. Well priced!

Food was excellent, and the view is lovely! Very chill atmosphere and very friendly staff. Really good value for money!

My family had a wonderful experience at this restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious – every dish was full of flavor and clearly made with care. The service was friendly and professional, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for great food and a cozy place to enjoy it! If you're visiting Crete you must enjoy the food here...

The food was ok but not to our liking. The cheese plate that we ordered came together with the main course. It took some time for the food to arrive while there were not too many guests. The waiters were pleasant. The view is beautiful. Would not recommend for food.

The food was delicious and my T-bone steak (meat of the day) was very tender. The atmosphere and music was tranquil and the volume was perfect and it’s situated on a jetty. Their service was friendly and very good. We received complimentary bread and apple pie (Don’t know if it’s for every meal). One of the best meals I’ve had. The prices were very reasonable and it was great value for money.

Lovely restuarant on the sea front. Staff are responsive and nice. Had pasta and a chicken dish, nice little brownie to finish off. Will return to try more of the food on offer.

Excellent in all respects. We both had the Sea Bream but I'm nosy and looked at several other people's food. The fish was brought to the table prior to cooking and then served off the bone at the table. Unfortunately we're only in town for one night or would be back there tomorrow. Wine was great and reasonably prices. They brought out real fresh bread and oil. The 2 servers couldn't have been better. Very polite, great English (good for me as my language skills suck) and just the right level of attentiveness.

Top restaurant. Great experience! Food was fresh, delicious and the service pro 💫 Seafood risotto and beef steak were super tasty, and we also appreciated the free dessert 🙂

Good service, Mike warmly welcomed us. We were able to park at the restaurant’s parking for free. Food was very delicious and didn’t take long to arrive at the table. As the icing on the cake we even got a free dessert. Would definitely recommend!

We visited this restaurant today to celebrate my girlfriend’s 30th birthday, and everything was absolutely perfect. I had arranged in advance for a flower on the table and a birthday cake – both were beautifully prepared and made her really happy. The service was outstanding – friendly, attentive, yet not intrusive. We were treated with a smile and felt truly welcome the entire evening. The food was excellent – perfectly seasoned, beautifully presented, and just the right portion size. It’s clear they care about both the quality of the ingredients and the overall experience. A big thank you for a wonderful evening! We’ll definitely be coming back – not just for special occasions!

The food is so tasty and the service is lovely. We ate there multiple times during our stay. Highly recommend.

Don’t let the menu translated into half a dozen languages scare you off. Ordinarily I wouldn’t even venture into a place that has translated their menu into multiple languages, or had photos on their menu, but I fell into Gorgona’s and had I listened to my pre-conceived notions, I’d have deprived myself of a quality, authentic, and plainly, delicious meal. Beautifully set along the ocean with direct views of Spinnalonga, the environment, food and service was lovely!

Probably the best restaurant in Plaka! We’ve been here a few times during our week’s stay, for dinner one day, a light lunch another, and it’s become our go to place for an afternoon drink. The food is fresh and delicious. The calamari genuinely fresh, compared to most places here where it’s frozen. Fried in a lovely light batter and it just melts in the mouth. They have their own fishing boat (two I think) so get a steady supply of fresh fish which they’ll happily show you in the kitchen fridge. The staff are super friendly. The main guy is really nice, genuinely welcoming, and has a great charm to him. The main waiter is also really nice and helpful. Finally, this place seems like a proper family-run restaurant and you see them all having food together in the quiet pre-dinner slot. I’m not sure why it doesn’t have a higher rating - we’ve eaten in five or six of the Plaka places now and are staying in Cayo and this place stands out as excellent to us.

We decided to dine here on the last night of our honeymoon and we were not disappointed! A lovely family run restaurant, freshly caught fish, romantic setting by the sea, it was fab. Unfortunately I'm not a fish lover but I did enjoy the fresh calamari and my husband got his wish of having proper fresh seafood. It was also the best Pastitsio I've ever had!

Amazing fresh sea food with fabulous views over the water. We loved our dinner there so much we came back for lunch the next day. Staff very friendly and happy vibes. Everything fresh and homemade. Perfectly cooked calamari and amazing anchovies. Can’t fault it.

What can I say, an absolute pleasure to eat at this restaurant. A group of 9 of us stayed in Plaka for the week and we pretty much tried out most restaurants. This was the only one where we went back again. Spiros greeted us, he was attentive along with the rest of the team. They were accommodating to the more difficult people in the family (gluten & lactose free). There was nothing they could not do. The food was delicious ranging from the fresh fish being filleted in front of you to the beef melting stifado. At the end of both meals, we were given plenty of fresh fruit and dessert on house along with the must of RAKI! This is a great restaurant and fully recommend. Thank you for the service, the food and for being so friendly to the whole family.

We've been visiting Plaka for 6 years and always return to Gorgona to a wonderful welcome from Iannis and his great family and team.The fresh fish is superb and the Gorgona salad very special. Menu has good variety of choices and dessert of fresh fruit and cheesecake is always in included plus free Raki ! Friendly, cheery and efficient service. Gorgona serves traditional Cretan , home cooked food with friendly, cheery and efficient service. Just great being there looking over to Spinalonga sippinga glass of delicious Cretan wine

Amazing food and location. Service and staff have been amazing! Thank u! Vaggelis has been very kind, friendly and polite, thank u!

The fish was AMAZING. We had sea bream, freshly caught that day. Great great place. Very nice atmosphere and great staff, super nice and attentive. 10/10 would recommend if you are looking for great and fresh sea food and fish!!

The fish we ordered was fresh and tasty as hell, that is the bottom line. I don’t remember the type but there is a picture. The service is a bit slow, I personally didn’t liked the atmosphere of the restaurant but other people seemed to enjoy themselves.

The food was absolutely delicious; fresh, satisfying, and full of flavor. We enjoyed everything we tried. I especially love fried zucchini, and anyone looking for a really good one should definitely come here. The tzatziki was also excellent. The staff were incredibly kind and elegant. They even celebrated our holiday with us, which made it even more special. There was a young staff member who stood out with his attitude and attentiveness. I truly hope they know his value.

Absolutely delicious fish restaurant. We had a small selection of starters, including shrimp saganki, which we highly recommend. The tomato sauce alone had an incredibly good flavour. The grilled octopus and stuffed vine leaves were also very good. Very friendly and attentive service. Nicely decorated restaurant, only because of its location right next to the street, there is one star less.

The food at Nikos was outstanding! The fish was caught by the father that day and cooked by the grandmother. I love the family atmosphere. They were so patient and accommodating to my nephew’s food allergies. The setting was peaceful and idyllic in the center of Elounda. I could have eaten there every night.

We got ripped off here - charged €60 for a sea bream to share - when it very clearly said it was €22 each so should have been €44. It was by far our most expensive meal on our one week holiday. We had a beer, a sparkling water, sea bream, salad and shrimp and it cost €90. Crazy price, and the waiter did not advise anything. The food was lovely, can’t fault the freshness of the prawns and sea bream. I didn’t personally like the barley rusk but I know it’s a tradition. The place was understaffed as it filled up very quickly and the sole waiter could not accommodate everyone. Would not return based on experience. Locals smoking and blowing it into our table also turns a lot of tourists off.

Fresh & delicious🤩 the courgette croquettes were unique and full of so much flavour, the octopus was so soft and juicy, and the calamari was 10/10

We were very impressed with the quality of the food, taste of the food, and the value. We will certainly be back!

Fantastic spot in the middle of the town. Watch the world go by (all relative like) with a delicious pork or chicken gyros and a cold mythos. As good as it gets anywhere. Oh yeah, they do other stuff, pizza, burgers, sandwich, souvlaki etc, but you come here for the gyros!

There are literally no words to describe how amazing the gyros are here! You know when you see the pictures of the food on menus and adverts and then the food turns up looking sad... Not here... The pictures look amazing, but they don't do the food justice! No where near! Really nice guys, cold beer and beautiful gyros! We're going back again before we have to leave Crete and we can't wait

Huge slice of delicious pizza for 2.5 euros and the pork gyros is fantastic. Ask for the spciy sauce of you want it more spicy.

Excellent quality food at a surprisingly low price. A top quality wood fired pizza for as low as €7 is hard to beat! The garlic bread is incredible too!

Good Gyros for a small price. Fantastic view over the harbour. Very nice waiter and fast service.

Chicken Gyros was the best meal I'd had in Greece all week. Lush. Crepes are lovely but trust me. YOU MUST SHARE THEM. They are too big for 1 person to eat. Save your pennies and your bellies by sharing 1 between 2 of you. A must visit.

Such a lovely cosy place, welcoming staff and lovely food. We sat outside and it wasn't too noisy, definitely recommend the place. Big portions for a reasonable price and food is very tasty.

I've had pizzas all over the world and the Pizza Margherita I had here the other day was truly special, it was amazing! Made right before us and a taste sensation!

Great tasty food. Made to feel welcome each time we went and service was Brilliant. Fresh cooked food so be prepared to wait, but worth it. Recommend wholeheartedly

What an amazing restaurant! Best pizza in town! The place has been run since 1992 by Dimitris and now his daughter Raphaela is there too doing an amazing job! If you’re in the Elounda area, it’s a MUST.

Ariadne Restaurant is simply superb. Great, fresh-cooked locally sourced food, lovely owner, good chef, fairly priced and a nice place to spend time enjoying excellent food. Highly recommend!

We love pizza and have eaten it all over the world. My wife is a chef and we both agreed that Ariadne Restaurant served us with probably the best 🍕 pizza we have ever eaten. The hand spun and stretched pizza dough is produced with care and skill to produce an amazingly thin base, which when baked in the fired wood oven fuelled by local olive tree wood, gives the pizza an extra special taste. We had the small (approx 12") Inferno & Versuvio (Vegetarian Hot) as we love our food on the spicey side. We also had a side of perfectly seasoned scalloped potato fries which we so tasty, washed down with the superb local beer. The service from the Father (Pizza chef) and Daughter (our Server) is fantastic. We highly recommend that if you are a pizza lover you try this place whilst in Crete. You will not be disappointed! Thank you Ariadne we will be back ❤️

Had a delicious bbq pizza, village bruschetta, and chicken souvlaki here..the pizza and bruschetta was top class! friendly hosts and quick service!

They made our dinner unbelievable! Vine, views, service!!! You feel like in house of greece family! Come back again and again! Octopus was one of the best of all my trip! Very good price for this region!

Akrohoria is more than just a restaurant – it’s a place where we not only enjoyed delicious food and breathtaking views, but also found true friends that were hard to say goodbye to. The octopus was simply fantastic, one of the best we’ve ever had! Warm atmosphere, genuine hospitality, and unforgettable moments – highly recommended to anyone visiting the area.

A wonderful family owned Taverna with delicious food and a stunning view! Service is very friendly and attentive from the start. The timing was great and the food was very tasty and fresh. We absolutely loved it here. In the end, we were given many free rounds on the house of the strong local alcohol ( for the child they gave peach juice with a shot glass to involve them in the process too, which was very sweet of them) and halva with baklava. Definitely a recommended and we left very full and very happy. + an extra bonus was a sweet ginger cat, who was the first to welcome us at the entrance:)

The authentic, family-run Greek taverna in Elounda, Crete. It's known for its delicious traditional food, warm and friendly service, and a beautiful view of Mirabello Bay and Spinalonga. Key Highlights: * Atmosphere: The taverna is described as a cozy, welcoming place with a relaxed ambiance. * Cuisine: It serves traditional Cretan and Greek food, with many reviews highlighting the authenticity and high quality of the ingredients. The menu includes fresh seafood, lamb kleftiko, roast pork belly, and other classic dishes. * Service: The staff, particularly the owner/chef, are praised for being attentive, professional, and genuinely friendly. * Must-Try Dishes: Reviewers highly recommend the fresh fish of the day, grilled scampis, and the lamb kleftiko, which is described as "melt-in-your-mouth." The baklava and honey raki are also mentioned as a "superb" way to end the meal. Many diners noted that despite the restaurant sometimes looking empty, it fills up quickly, and reservations are recommended. The taverna is also known for providing free bread, dips, and a sweet treat at the end of the meal.

Delicious food, great view, super friendly staff... at moderate prices. We came there for some typical Greek food, and weren't disappointed! Definitely not the last visit during our stay. Parking is on the other side of the street, so bo worries there 😏

Cute little place that serves great local dishes. Looks family owned and staff were very happy to see us. Shoulder season so there were not a lot of people dining at around 19:30. Prices were very reasonable, compared to the resort restaurants around. Very nice scenery and views from the terrace. Would recommend if you are in the Elounda area.

The food was excellent, the octopus could have been a little more tender, otherwise everything was excellent, welcome, service, view 5/5 ⭐️

The best food we have tried in 5 days in Elounda! Amazing atmosphere, great service (all of them!) There is live music on Tuesday and Thursday. The meatballs and the artichoke salat are delicious!

Sitting here by the sea with my wife in The Rakaki Elounda, She is enjoying a nice cold carafe of wine, while I have a cold Fix... I would love to share my review with you. It is an amazing small taverna, perfect for eating, drinking and relaxing. There is an authentic Cretan cuisine. One of our favourites is the Sfakiano Yiahni recipe from Sfakia. This is a lamb dish and is delicious. Also, the Marathopita (fenel pie) and Artichokes which I learnt is an original meze that goes along with raki. The menu is small which I love, it's not touristic of 10 or more pages in 6 languages. Many locals come to The Rakaki too. To visit The Rakaki is a must... The Sign and Carafe photos are from today and the others are from a previous visit... the lamb and fenel pie...

Wonderful Cretan speciality food, married with fantastic staff and service. We truly had a fantastic experience at Rakaki. We wanted “Lamb”, and we got in two of the best lamb dishes locally. Tender, full of flavour and herbs, and a good drink and chat in a place with a lovely atmosphere - thanks to all the staff that work with a passion for the food they serve. This is traditional Greek food done perfectly.

I have seen a recent review about The Rakakis' Moussaka from a recent customer. I will be honest and say, my husband and I do not agree with the reviewers statement. As fellow UK'ers we have a preference for "piping hot" food back home. We like to see the steam and burn our mouths. However, in Greece, and many other countries also, this is not custom. The Moussaka here is especially delicious, it's not about the "heat" its about the taste, the flavours, the textures... If there is a preference of heat please just ask for your food to be heated somemore, this is preference. Preference is a different point of view to actual flavours and tastes... Don't mark down for preference, mark up for value, taste and flavour experiences. 🙂

Great atmosphere. Live greek music on Tuesday and Thursday. The food was good. But the main thing is that Theodore the host was great. Makes you feel at home. Literally! And don't forget to have the orange cake. It is amazing!

Perfect place for introverts. Friendly staff, really nice atmosphere, authentic, but not boring cuisine, highly recommended. Also, a table for two right near the seashore is calling for being romantic and tender

Lovely spot off the main road in/out of Elounda. Easily walkable from town or the elounda bay hotel complex. Friendly welcoming staff Food is fantastic with a good range from pasta and kids classics like nuggets and chips if you've fussy kids. Or the more classic Greek dishes and a great set of sea food options. We had fried anchovies and sardines the first lunch there. Then second time round fried zucchini balls and Dakos (a bit like bruschetta but with feta and olives and the dakos/rusk is kind of similar to brown bread). Then mixed grill, fresh bream and steamed muscles. Both times there was complementary raki and a pudding which was a nice touch and the raki is reallly very drinkable. Oh and the view is lovely in both directions, mountains one way, sea the other and the restaurant is surrounded by flowers and climbing plants with options to sit in the sun or shade.

Absolutely gorgeous restaurant with fresh seafood and tasty salads. We popped in walking down to Elouda from our resort and enjoyed a long, lazy 2.5 hour lunch with very good house wine. The kids were enchanted and we had a break. Win win.

This welcoming home from home traditional Greek Taverna is exceptional. The atmosphere away from the road in the middle of an olive grove with views to the sea is sooo relaxing. The food and Oh My God the lamb kleftiko are really the last thing you would wish to eat as your last meal !!! The Dolmades and Greek Salad are loverly - really salty olives :-) The local 0.5l carafe of Cretan red wine is a perfect accompianment to a superb relaxing dining experience :-) A +++, like the Greek Metaxa 12star brandy - yummy. Guess what ... Paradisos is wonderful and indeed food heaven :-)

A Taste of Paradise in Elounda Taverna Paradisos is a true hidden gem, a family-run business that has been serving guests since 1965 in the quiet, scenic area of Elounda, Crete. Located next to the ancient site of Olous, the taverna offers a peaceful escape from the main road, nestled within a lush garden surrounded by olive trees. The "temple-like structure" provides a beautiful, shaded space for dining, creating a truly tranquil and memorable atmosphere. The food at Taverna Paradisos is as delicious as a home-cooked meal, with a focus on traditional Cretan and Greek dishes. They take pride in using fresh, local ingredients, many of which are grown right in their own garden. One of their standout specialties is the great root beet salad, a dish that perfectly captures the fresh, earthy flavors of the region. The menu is extensive, offering a variety of options to suit every taste: * Starters: Classic Greek appetizers like Tzatziki, Dakos Cretan rusk, and local Wild Greens Pies. * Main Dishes: A wide selection of traditional Greek fare including Moussakas, Lamb Kleftiko, and Stifado. * Grilled Meats & Fresh Fish: A great selection of grilled meats, seafood, and fresh fish, including Grilled Octopus and Marinated Anchovies. With its beautiful surroundings, delicious home-style food, and long-standing family tradition, Taverna Paradisos offers a truly authentic and satisfying dining experience. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing meal that feels both special and welcoming.

Lovely view and friendly, efficient service. Complimentary dessert. Food was nothing special (the aubergine dip seemed to be mostly mayonnaise) and on the pricier side for this area. Nice for a drink but we wouldn't eat here again.

It was nice. But that's all really. The food was standard fare for the area. It's a lovely spot and if busier could have a good feel. Everything was fine but nothing outstanding. The portions were ok, but considering the price, it could have been more generous.

It's the first time in Crete I leave a restaurant unsatisfied. The portions are extremely small and expensive. Four grilled prawns, of small size, 20 euros! 100 grams of grilled octopus 20 euros. They don't include any sides. Beside the mere quantity, the food is also not very tasty. Not much flavours. The location is nice, but it's really not worth the abismal food experience.

Tasty, fresh, full of flavour, savory food! Every dish had different flavours on the plate, well chosen for creating an experience when you taste them. The service was perfect, they explained every dish they brought to the table, smiling; good wine recommendation. As a dessert we shared a chocolate cake very tasteful! Lovely experience! ❤️❤️❤️ If I would come back in Elounda again, I would definitely eat here one more time!

I would have given six stars if I could. This restaurant was our best discovery. Each dish was beautifully presented, explained in detail, and the taste was above imagination. They even make their own bread. And all for a really fair price. I can not explain enough the freshness of the ingredients, the incredible flavour, and the attention to detail. You could taste the love in those plates and how much they cared about them. I agree with who said that they should have a Michelin star. If this restaurant was in a more touristic area, the booking queue would be enormous. If we return to Crete, this would be a must return.

The atmosphere, the restaurant and the staff were superb! The caramelized aubergine is one of the best dishes I've ever tasted. The drinks were good and came quickly. People who had other mains were very impressed. I've taken off a star off because the fish of the day was really just average, and was disappointing. Both the presentation and the taste. The dessert that I had was also disappointing. I had ice cream and it was just average, bordering on poor. Overall though, a great restaurant, that I would highly recommend, but there are one or two dishes letting them down.

We walked around Elounda Town twice before heading in to Magali, this is certainly the best looking restaurant and the food and service matched. Firstly, we were given complimentary dish in a small bowl, some kind potato dish, absolutely lovely. My steak was cooked to perfection, my partners mentioned her Risotto was the best she has ever eaten. We had a Lemon dessert which was also incredibly good, we were a little gutted we found this place the night before leaving for home as otherwise would have been back without hesitation. Not the cheapest but you get what you pay for and what you get here, is quality food and service.

I've been to Greece 8 times and this is by far the best restaurant I've been to there. If you don't try it, then you're missing out on some of the best food in the world! We randomly found this place because the owners also run a jewelry shop nearby. We bought some jewelry and asked if they knew of any good restaurants. They told us about it, and we ended up eating there 2 nights in a row because it was so good and we had to try everything on the menu!

Absolutely insane! The best meal we have had in a long time, not just in Crete but anywhere!…and we are big foodies who love to hunt out an amazing restaurant. We could not fault the food, service or atmosphere. The caramelised aubergine was a particular highlight as was the cauliflower purée that came with the steak and the lemon meringue and fruit dessert. The staff were great at explaining the dishes and how best to experience the flavours. The price was really reasonable and if we had had this meal in London we would have expected to pay 3 times the price. Please don’t miss out on eating here whilst you are in Elounda. You won’t regret it. Especially if you are a foodie. We have enjoyed all the food in Crete but generally found it all quite similar. Magali stands out above everywhere else we have been. It is next level. X

Amazing experience from start to end. Atmosphere is very inviting and a beautiful space to be in, including the tableware. The service was impeccable as well. The menu was explained well and drinks were refilled we weren’t rushed to eat either. I had the rooster dish and it was cooked perfectly with sides that paired quite well. The desserts were absolutely delicious!

Absolutely loved The Blue Door at Phaea Blue! It's a fish taverna as it has to be. The view of the sea is breathtaking, and the staff were so friendly, spoke perfect English, and gave excellent recommendations. Honestly, everything we tried was delicious, but the highlights for me were the tarama, the lobster pasta, the fried zucchini, the marinated anchovies, and the mind-blowingly good portokalopita for dessert. The wine list is also impressive and perfectly matched the food. A wonderful dining experience – highly recommended!

Phenomenal food - very fresh, simple, tasty, and authentically Greek. The service is next level and everyone is incredibly friendly. Bonus is the view - it overlooks the sea and dining al fresco is a delight We had the catch of the day, shrimp, and tzatziki- 10/10

Romantic Restaurant by the Sea in front of the Island of Spinalonga - Crete-Food new inspired by a very good chef and Team - Thank you all for the wonderful evening 🙏👍🤩

My first experience was during night time and it was absolutely magical especially when you could see the Spinalonga Island all lit up from a distance. I also recommend dining there for lunch during the day time by the way when you can Spinalonga more clearly. The servers are very kind, generous and helpful as you don’t have to wait too long for a table even when don’t book a table although the service can be a little slow at times especially during busy hours. As for the food I totally recommend ordering the pita and the traditional white Greek bread with the cheese dip and marinated anchovies trust me you won’t regret it if you do. I also recommend the chicken thigh dish with tzatziki & French fries on the side or the shrimp saganaki in tomato sauce and feta cheese as an appetizer however be aware that the size of the shrimps are quite large so be careful not to order anything else such as a main course especially if you just want to consume a light snack. Lastly I recommend the goat milk ice cream with walnuts and honey as it is truly divine especially during the hot summer days if you want to cool down with something sweet as the taste is so amazing that it will definitely melt in your mouth. So if you ever visit Crete I definitely recommend giving this place a try based on my personal experience I will definitely visit this place again next summer.

Blue Door Taverna is simply a gem! From the moment we walked in, we felt like part of the family. The setting is so charming and authentic, right by the sea, with the most beautiful blue-and-white décor that captures the spirit of Greece perfectly. The food was absolutely divine – every dish tasted so fresh and full of flavor. The seafood was cooked to perfection, and the traditional recipes had that homemade warmth that you can’t forget. The service was equally wonderful – attentive, kind, and full of smiles, which made the whole evening feel extra special. It’s one of those places where you sit down "just for dinner" but end up lingering for hours because the atmosphere is so joyful. Truly one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had in Crete. Highly recommend! 🌿🍷🐙

The place is amazing, from the view to the food & service. Menu is on the pricier side but quality and service make up for it. Highly recommend.

My husband and I wondered into this beautiful restaurant for lunch. The waiter and waitress were very attentive, the food was beautiful (probably the best octopus we had in Crete!) and a lovely calm atmosphere on the water! A must visit.

Wonderful meal at Rusteak tonight, Joanna was so welcoming and friendly, really made us feel at home. Food was amazing, everything cooked to perfection, would highly recommend for a lovely evening 🇬🇷 ❤️

Take your time (!) to join this place and enjoy the food und the very friendly family. I had a very good time. I have ordered the shrimps as starter and the beef filet as the main dish. It was excellent. Honestly, I was surprised by the quality. The apple pie was my choice for the dessert. Also a good one. Definitely a place to eat - again. Thank you for having me as your guest.

The views on this road are incredible, I dined at every one and this restaurant does not disappoint. Incredible food definitely 5 star quality. The staff are friendly, helpful and there is a lovely atmosphere

we had grilled peppers, humus and pita as a starter. chicken rolls, burger, chicken nuggets and grilled halloumi as main course. a warm chocolate cake with some ice cream as dessert plus some greek coffee. It was all fantastic. The restaurant is colorful and lovely decorated. The service personal was friendly and we felt welcomed from the beginning. We passed that place by luck as we headed to another place. Next time we will go there just for that restaurant. A lovely place directly by the sea.

Fantastic hospitality, service and amazing food. My first choice whenever I visit Elounda. Ioanna is an amazing host, and works with her fab daughters. As for her husband: best chef ever. I regularly eat at 5* hotels and the food exceeds this!

This lovely family run restaurant turns out some impressive food with a wonderfully engaging staff and atmosphere - some of the nicest food we have had in Eloudia and well worth a visit, especially if you're looking for a nice steak, cooked experterly and with an obvious love for flavour and high end produce.

Wow, just wow! Our food, hospitality, the view, everything was perfect. My wife said the day after, not only was that the best Greek food(Godzilla pork chops)she had tasted, but that it was one of the best meals she has had in any country around the world. Keep doing what you're doing Rusteak, you're smashing it 👌