Good food is part of the travel experience! Heraklion is brimming with great dining options, from Cretan taverns in the small squares of the old town to elegant restaurants serving innovative cuisine and contemporary cafés. We dined at several restaurants in the Cretan capital and were won over by the richness of the cuisine, from farm-fresh ingredients to olive oil-based desserts.
In this article, you’ll find the restaurants we tried during our trip, as well as a selection of additional spots we’ve chosen for their reputation, location, or unique concept.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Best Restaurants in Heraklion: Our Top 4 Picks
Before we share our tips for choosing a restaurant in Heraklion, here are the places we’ve tried and liked best:
- Peskesi Restaurant: for a taste of Cretan cuisine—the best meal of our trip.
- Xalali Restaurant: a traditional tavern on a small square in the old town.
- Manili Bistrot Restaurant: for a more elegant Cretan dinner in a beautiful setting.
- Tiny Rebels Café: for a healthy break or a vegan brunch.
WHERE TO STAY IN Heraklion
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Downtown
GDMMegaron Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Near Ammoudara Beach, west
Paralos Lifestyle Beach Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Inland
Manili Boutique Suites & Villas – See prices, photos and availability
Our tips for choosing a restaurant in Heraklion
Do I need to book in advance?
In Heraklion, we recommend making reservations at the most popular restaurants, especially during peak season. Be sure to check the hours on Sundays and during the off-season, as they may vary. We also recommend checking out the daily specials and seasonal ingredients: Cretan cuisine is deeply rooted in the local terroir.
Where to eat?
- Old Town: perfect for a more relaxed experience, in a small square or a cozy indoor venue.
- Waterfront and harbor: great for appetizers, seafood, and the view, but often more touristy and sometimes noisy. Check for wind exposure before choosing a terrace.
- Rooftops and high vantage points: a great option for a dinner with a panoramic view, especially overlooking the harbor and the Koules Fortress.
For families, check the available space, noise levels, hours, and how straightforward the menu is. And if you’re looking for a more local experience, don’t just stick to the restaurants in the harbor: instead, ask for Cretan specialties like stamnagathi, apaki, dakos, Cretan cheeses, stuffed zucchini flowers, bougatsa, or olive oil.
Where can I eat Cretan specialties in Heraklion?
To experience traditional Cretan cuisine, look for taverns and restaurants that feature local specialties: stamnagathi, apaki, dakos, Cretan cheeses, stuffed zucchini flowers, yogurt, and olive oil.
Peskesi Restaurant (a favorite we tried)
The best meal of our stay in Heraklion was undoubtedly the one at Peskesi Restaurant. Some of the ingredients come from the farm associated with the restaurant, and the menu lists the origin of the ingredients as well as the distances they traveled. We started with a tasting of olive oil—the Terra Creta vintage, which was delicious—followed by a cocktail made with traditional herbs from the farm. For the starter, smoked eel, followed by two standout dishes: slow-cooked lamb served with traditional yogurt and a goat cheese skewer with stamnagathi. You can finish, as we did, with the semolina cake with olive oil and orange, a very traditional dessert.
The menu also includes fascinating historical details about the dishes, turning the meal into a true exploration of Cretan cuisine. We also appreciated the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability: food waste is taken back to the farm to be turned into compost. For dessert, we sampled a sweet, aromatic grape-based liqueur flavored with herbs from the garden. An ideal spot if you want to understand the Cretan terroir—and not just enjoy a good meal. Enjoy your meal!
Good to know before you book:
- Reservations recommended in high season.
- The menu provides details about the origin of the ingredients and the history of the dishes.
- Perfect for a comprehensive introduction to Cretan cuisine.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown, a 10-minute walk from Agios Minas Cathedral
- Restaurant type: traditional Cretan cuisine, featuring produce from the restaurant’s own farm.
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €20 and €40 per person, excluding drinks
- Cretan specialties: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended here
Xalali Restaurant (a favorite we tried)
Next, we headed to Restaurant Xalali, a traditional tavern located on a small square in Heraklion’s old town—a very pleasant setting for a quiet dinner. We had the best Greek salad of our entire trip there. For starters, we thoroughly enjoyed the leek and smoked Cretan cheese pastries as well as the zucchini fritters served with yogurt. For the main course, the chicken with Cretan cheese is a perfect example of this local cuisine—accessible and generous. You can pair your meal with a glass of Moschofilero, an aromatic Greek white wine we chose, before finishing with a tiramisu-style banoffee.
Good to know before you book:
- A friendly atmosphere in a small square in the old town.
- Perfect for sampling simple, hearty Cretan cuisine.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Old Town of Heraklion.
- Type of restaurant: traditional Cretan tavern.
- Outdoor seating: tables in a small plaza; availability varies by season.
- Price range: between €15 and €25 per person, excluding drinks
- Cretan specialties: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: to be confirmed.
- Book here
Our selection of other restaurants featuring Cretan specialties
To round out our list of tried-and-true spots, here are a few Cretan taverns and restaurants that caught our attention for their culinary approach and the quality of their food.
- Thigaterra Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): we were won over by this spot’s Slow Food philosophy, which focuses on local ingredients, local producers, and seasonal fare—all served in a traditional Cretan tavern. See details here
- Erganos Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): Here you can enjoy rustic, home-style Cretan cuisine. See details here
- Athali Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): another charming spot for a family-friendly, traditional dining experience, where you can enjoy lunch or dinner surrounded by climbing plants in a restaurant made entirely of wood. See details here
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Where can you dine for a more elegant experience in Heraklion?
Heraklion also has more upscale restaurants that put a modern spin on Cretan cuisine or offer a creative take on Greek cuisine. These spots are perfect for a more intimate dinner or a special evening out.
Manili Bistrot Restaurant (a favorite we tried)
Part ofthe Manili Boutique Suites & Villas (located a bit off the beaten path), Manili Bistrot is open to everyone. We were immediately charmed by the setting: exposed stone walls, soft lighting, and beautiful solid-wood tables. The lovely staff served a meal where everything was delicious. We started with a cocktail made with Chios mastiha liqueur, crafted from the aromatic resin of the mastic tree—a rare spirit derived from the natural gum of the mastic tree, a species that grows only in this region of Greece. Here you’ll find a modern take on Cretan cuisine, refined without losing its connection to the local terroir.
For appetizers, we enjoyed zucchini flowers stuffed with rice and served with traditional Cretan yogurt, followed by a traditional chicken soup that was incredibly tender and full of umami flavor. For the main courses, there was a feta salad dressed with vinegar, olive oil, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, as well as a slightly reimagined Cretan lettuce salad. To finish, the Greek yogurt ice cream with glyko stafyli—candied fruit—left us with a very fond memory.
Good to know before you book:
- A restaurant affiliated with a hotel but open to the public.
- Perfect for a special evening or a more intimate dinner.
- Reservations recommended in high season.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Ano Archanes, a 10-minute drive from Mount Juktas and a 20-minute drive from downtown
- Restaurant type: modern take on Cretan cuisine, elegant setting.
- Price range: €10–€35 per person, excluding drinks
- Cretan specialties: yes, with a modern twist.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended here
Our curated selection of creative and contemporary spots
Heraklion’s dining scene isn’t limited to taverns: some restaurants serve a more contemporary take on Greek or Cretan cuisine. We’ve selected them for their creative approach, their ambiance, or their local reputation.
- Apiri Greek Eatery (selected by our Travel Team): creative, colorful, and contemporary cuisine , offering a nice alternative to traditional taverns. See details here
- Sir Papafigos Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): a beautiful, recently opened contemporary restaurant that’s creative and offers gourmet-quality cuisine. See details here
- Spora Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): a new, creative restaurant offering beautiful, gourmet, and refined dishes in an intimate setting. See details here
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Where can I eat healthy or have brunch in Heraklion?
For a lighter snack between sightseeing stops, or for breakfast or brunch, Heraklion also has modern cafés that offer a change of pace from traditional taverns.
Tiny Rebels Café (a favorite we tried)
With its unique style, Café Tiny Rebels is a super cute vegan vintage café, perfect for a light break between sightseeing stops. The menu features specialty coffee, healthy hot chocolate, and dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. We tried the “Oh My Guac” avocado toast and the “Scrambled Eggs Open Toast,” made with silken tofu prepared like scrambled eggs: simple but delicious dishes.
The drinks won us over, too. You might also want to treat yourself to a Soft Queen cookie with your coffee. It’s not a traditional Cretan tavern, but a modern, health-conscious spot—perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Good to know before you book:
- Perfect for breakfast, a simple brunch, or a coffee break.
- A vegan menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- A good alternative to traditional taverns.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown, a 10-minute walk from the Natural History Museum of Crete
- Restaurant type: vegan café, brunch, healthy.
- Patio: yes, small
- Price range: €5 to €15 per person, excluding drinks
- Cretan specialties: no, contemporary plant-based cuisine.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations can be made here
Where can I eat fish and seafood in Heraklion?
The restaurants we’ve reviewed mainly specialize in Cretan cuisine, healthy dining, or bistronomic fare. In addition, several restaurants consistently stand out in our searches for seafood.
- 7 Thalasses Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): a great spot to enjoy fish and seafood, a 10-minute drive from downtown (or a 30-minute walk). Beautiful setting in Nea Alikarnassos, near the waterfront. See details here
- Ippokampos Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): a popular ouzeri on the waterfront, a 5-minute walk from the Fortress, known for its meze and lively atmosphere, though it can get quite touristy at times. It’s a simple, lively spot rather than a hidden gem. See details here
Where can you eat with a view in Heraklion?
Restaurants with a view are among the most popular in Heraklion. Some offer panoramic views of the harbor or the Koules Fortress. Be sure to make a reservation, especially for sunset, and check for wind exposure along the waterfront.
- Herbs’ Garden Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): for the view of the harbor and the Koules Fortress, located near the Archaeological Museum. See details here
- Ippokampos Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): for a lively seaside atmosphere, just a 5-minute walk from the Fortress. It’s a great spot for meze and a vibrant vibe, though it can get quite touristy at times. It’s a simple, lively option rather than a hidden gem. See details here
- Kastella Seafood Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): for a simple, friendly meal by the sea at sunset, with a view of the fortress. See details here
Where can I go for a romantic dinner in Heraklion?
For a romantic dinner, we recommend choosing more intimate settings, small squares in the old town, or restaurants with a view of the sunset.
- Manili Bistrot (a favorite we tried): for its stone interior, soft lighting, and more intimate atmosphere.
- Herbs’ Garden Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): for the sunset view.
- Xalali Restaurant (a favorite we tried): for the tranquility of a small square in the old town.
Where can you eat with kids in Heraklion?
If you have children, check the available space, noise level, hours, and how straightforward the menu is before choosing a table. Quick stops for bougatsa or pastries can also be a good option between visits.
- Xalali Restaurant (a favorite of ours that we’ve tried): for simple, hearty Cretan dishes; check the seating area.
- Kirkor Bakery & Pastry Shop (selected by our Travel Team): for a quick sweet or savory treat, try the bougatsa, a traditional Greek pastry.
- Café Phyllosophies (selected by our Travel Team): for traditional pastries that are easy to share, right across from the Morosini Fountain. See details here
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Restaurants open on Sundays in Heraklion
Hours may vary depending on the season in Heraklion. Always check the opening hours before booking, especially on Sundays and during the off-season.
- Peskesi Restaurant: Hours vary by season.
- Xalali Restaurant: Hours vary by season.
- Tiny Rebels Café: Hours vary by season.
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Where can I eat quickly or on a budget in Heraklion?
For a simpler meal, look for places that serve bougatsa, filo pastries, or a healthy snack. It’s also a good option if you’re visiting Heraklion for the day.
- Kirkor Bakery & Pastry Shop (selected by our Travel Team): a historic institution known for its bougatsa, best enjoyed as a gourmet stop rather than a traditional restaurant.
- Café Phyllosophies (selected by our Travel Team): This spot stands out for its pastries and quick bites—a great, affordable, and local option.
- Tiny Rebels Café (a favorite we tried): for specialty coffee, avocado toast, or a cookie in a super cute vegan setting.
FAQ: Where to Eat in Heraklion
Where can I eat Cretan food in Heraklion?
We particularly enjoyed Restaurant Peskesi, which sources its ingredients from its own farm, and Restaurant Xalali, a traditional tavern in the old town. For a modern take on traditional cuisine, we recommend Restaurant Manili Bistrot.
Do you need to make reservations at restaurants in Heraklion?
We recommend making reservations at the most popular venues, especially during peak season. Also, be sure to check the hours on Sundays and during the off-season, as they may vary.
Where can I eat at the port of Heraklion?
Ippokampos Restaurant is a popular spot on the waterfront for meze, with a lively but sometimes noisy and touristy atmosphere. Herbs’ Garden Restaurant, on the other hand, stands out for its view of the harbor and the Koules Fortress.
Where can I try a bougatsa in Heraklion?
Kirkor Bakery & Pastry Shop is a historic institution known for its bougatsa (a traditional Greek sweet pastry), perfect for breakfast or a sweet or savory snack. Café Phyllosophies is the perfect complement to this stop for pastries and filo dough, located across from the Venetian fountain (Morosini), adorned with four lions in the historic center.
Are there any vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Heraklion?
Yes, we tried Café Tiny Rebels, a vegan vintage café that serves specialty coffee and healthy dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. We loved the avocado toast and the silken tofu toast with scrambled egg-style topping.
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