Rethymno offers a more varied culinary scene than it might seem: Cretan taverns tucked away in the narrow streets of the Venetian Old Town, contemporary restaurants featuring local island produce, seafood restaurants near the old harbor, and a few spots with a more refined atmosphere. We’ve explored several neighborhoods in the city to bring you a helpful selection, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch after visiting the Fortezza or dinner in the evening.
Check out our selection of the best restaurants in Rethymno, along with our tips and firsthand reviews.
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 Rethymno: Our 2 Favorites
Before we share our tips for choosing a restaurant in Rethymnon, here are the places we’ve tried and liked best:
- To Sefteri Restaurant: for an authentic Cretan break in a narrow street in the old town, after visiting the Fortezza.
- Taverna Popi Restaurant: To sample homemade Cretan dishes at a family-run tavern east of Rethymnon.
WHERE TO STAY IN Rethymnon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the historic center
Hotel Palazzino Di Corina – Check photos and availability
Downtown
Boutique-Hotel Pepi – Check photos and availability
By the sea
Nautilux Hotel – Check photos and availability
Our Tips for Choosing a Restaurant in Rethymnon
Do I need to book in advance?
In Rethymno, the most sought-after spots—especially those with an inner courtyard, a patio, or a sea view—are often fully booked during the high season (July–August). We recommend booking as early as possible for weekend dinners and at more upscale restaurants. For taverns in the old town, reservations are less essential outside the summer months, but it’s still a good idea to make one in the evening.
Where to eat?
- The Old Town (Venice’s historic center): the perfect place to have dinner after a stroll through the narrow streets, where you’ll find Cretan taverns and meze spots. It’s also the neighborhood with the highest concentration of restaurants, ranging from the simplest to the most upscale.
- The Old Port: a more touristy area, worth visiting if you’re looking for a fish or seafood meal with a Venetian harbor setting. Check the prices and recent reviews before sitting down.
- The waterfront: convenient if you’re staying in this area, but the selection is more limited than in the historic center.
- Adelianos Kampos (east of Rethymnon): a suburban area, worth visiting if you’re staying in that direction. Taverna Popi is located there and is worth a visit for its home-style cooking.
Where can you eat at a Cretan tavern in Rethymno?
Taverns remain the most common way to experience Cretan cuisine in Rethymnon in a simple, unpretentious setting. There, you can enjoy meze—small plates meant for sharing—stews, stuffed grape leaves, and local cheeses paired with raki, the island’s traditional grape marc brandy. Most of these spots are concentrated in the old town, often tucked away in cobblestone alleys sheltered from traffic.
To Sefteri Restaurant (a favorite of ours that we tried)
To Sefteri Restaurant is tucked away on a small alley in the old town, at 24 Fotaki Street—the kind of place you’re most likely to spot while strolling by, thanks to the colorful umbrellas marking the outdoor seating area. We discovered it while continuing our tour of the Fortezza, and that’s probably the best time to go: the restaurant is perfect for a lunch break or a casual dinner after a morning of sightseeing.
We started with dolmades—vine leaves stuffed with rice and seasoned with plenty of spices—followed by moussaka, and finished with a dessert featuring bougatsa, a pastry very common in Crete made with phyllo dough and cream, presented here in a deconstructed version. The cuisine is simple, prepared fresh daily, without any particular sophistication. What we appreciated most was the place’s understated charm: a small, family-run spot tucked away in a narrow alley, with an atmosphere that doesn’t try to impress at all costs.
Good to know before booking:
- The perfect place to stop by after visiting the Fortezza or taking a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town.
- Regular hours: Monday–Saturday, 12:00 PM–10:30 PM; closed on Sundays — please check before your visit, as hours may vary by season.
- Credit card payments accepted
- Reservations are accepted; recommended during peak season.
- Think of it as a cozy Cretan tavern, not a fine-dining restaurant.
Practical information:
- Address: 24 Fotaki, Old Town of Rethymnon.
- Restaurant type: family-run Cretan tavern.
- Outdoor seating: yes (alleyway, colorful umbrellas).
- Price range: 10 to 15€ per person, not including drinks
- Cretan specialties: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
Our selection of other taverns and meze spots
Our Travel Team has selected these spots to round out our selection of meze, Cretan dishes meant for sharing, and tavern-style ambiance.
- Hasika Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): contemporary Greek cuisine, featuring dishes to share and a more modern approach than traditional taverns, with a more contemporary vibe than traditional taverns. Perfect for a meal centered around dishes to share, in an old town setting. Details and reservations here
- Othonas Taverna Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): traditional, hearty Greek cuisine. A sure bet for enjoying local food in the old town. Details and reservations here
- To Parastratima Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): a cozy little spot tucked away in a side street, perfect for sharing Greek dishes over a glass of ouzo or tsipouro—two traditional Greek spirits, the first anise-flavored, the second sometimes flavored with anise depending on the region. Details and reservations here
- Raki Ba Raki Restaurant / 1600 Raki BaRaki (selected by our Travel Team): a deep immersion in the culture of raki and meze. Raki is a pomace brandy produced in Crete, often served with meze or at the end of a meal. A more local and friendly experience, which can get lively in the evening. Details and reservations here
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Where can you enjoy contemporary Cretan cuisine in Rethymno?
Cretan cuisine is based on well-known local ingredients: olive oil, legumes, wild herbs, cheeses such as graviera and mizithra, slow-cooked meats, and fresh fish. Several restaurants in Rethymnon put a modern spin on these classics, with a special focus on the island’s produce and Cretan wines. You’ll enjoy these spots if you’re looking for something a little more than a traditional taverna, without necessarily seeking a formal fine-dining experience.
Our selection of restaurants serving contemporary Cretan cuisine
We included these places in our selection because they specialize in Cretan products and are located in the old town.
- Avli Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): a Rethymnon institution, set in a historic Venetian setting, where you can enjoy a modern take on Cretan cuisine. Its wine cellar and shop featuring traditional products are real highlights. Details and reservations here
- Lemonokipos Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): local and Mediterranean dishes served in an inner courtyard setting beneath lemon trees, right in the heart of the old town. A great choice if you’re looking for a balance between local cuisine and a pleasant atmosphere. Details and reservations here
- Alana Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): modern takes on Cretan and Greek cuisine in a more contemporary setting, without being overly formal. A refined dining option worth exploring if Avli is fully booked. Details and reservations here
- Veneto Wine Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): “Cretan Cuisine” certification and a strong focus on Cretan wine and traditional recipes. Details and reservations here
DISCOVER Rethymnon
Where can you eat fish and seafood in Rethymno?
A coastal town on the Cretan Sea, Rethymno features an old Venetian harbor that is home to several fish and seafood restaurants. The selection also includes a few spots located right on the waterfront or just a short walk inland, offering a fresher, more local cuisine. If you’re looking for grilled fish, octopus, shrimp, or calamari, you’ll find most of your options near the harbor or along the waterfront.
Our selection of fish and seafood restaurants
We selected these restaurants based on their focus on seafood and their geographic location.
- Prima Plora Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): a beautiful setting overlooking the sea, with a focus on local, fresh, and organic ingredients. Details and reservations here
- Zefyros Fish Taverna (selected by our Travel Team): a family-run fish tavern located in the Old Venetian Port. Details and reservations here
- Achinos Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): located in a historic building in the old port. Details and reservations here
- Galini Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): a popular, highly recommended spot near the harbor. Details and reservations here
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Where can you eat with a view in Rethymno?
Restaurants with views of the sea or the Fortezza—the large 16th-century Venetian fortress that overlooks Rethymnon—are among the most popular in the city. Be sure to make a reservation, especially in the evening and during peak season, if you’d like a table on the terrace facing the sea.
- Prima Plora Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): for ocean views and a beautiful sunset, featuring cuisine made with local ingredients. Details and reservations here
- Avli Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): for a historic Venetian setting in the old town, with a focus on atmosphere rather than a sea view. Details and reservations here
- Achinos Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): for its Old Venetian Port-style decor. Details and reservations here
Where can you go for a romantic dinner in Rethymnon?
For a romantic dinner in Rethymnon, choose restaurants with an inner courtyard, a patio, or a quiet terrace in the old town. Several restaurants are housed in former Venetian mansions, which provide a naturally elegant setting without feeling too formal.
- Avli Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): for its historic Venetian setting and modern take on Cretan cuisine.
- Lemonokipos Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): for its courtyard under the lemon trees in the old town.
- Prima Plora Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): for the sunset view of the ocean.
Where can you eat with kids in Rethymno?
If you’re traveling with children, opt for taverns with outdoor seating and quick service. Greek and Cretan cuisine is well-suited for family meals: the dishes are often simple, hearty, and not very spicy. Note that it’s not uncommon in Greece for restaurants not to have a separate children’s menu, but most are happy to adjust portion sizes or serve simple dishes like pasta or grilled meats upon request.
- Taverna Poppy (a favorite of ours that we’ve tried): for a down-to-earth, family-friendly atmosphere with homemade Cretan dishes. (See further down in the article)
- Othonas Taverna Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): for a traditional, hearty taverna in the old town.
- Lemonokipos Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): fresh ingredients served in a courtyard setting, perfect for families when it’s not too hot.
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Restaurants Open on Sundays in Rethymnon
Hours vary significantly depending on the season in Rethymno: during peak season, many restaurants are open on Sundays, but hours may vary from one establishment to another. During the off-season or shoulder season, some restaurants close one or two days a week. Always check the current hours before making a reservation, especially for seasonal restaurants.
- Prima Plora Restaurant: Open Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to midnight
- Raki Ba Raki Restaurant / 1600 Raki BaRaki: Open Sundays from noon to midnight
- To Sefteri Restaurant: Closed on Sundays
- Veneto Wine Restaurant: open seasonally; open Sundays from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
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Where can you eat on a budget in Rethymnon?
For a quick or more affordable meal in Rethymnon, the narrow streets of the old town offer meze spots, shops selling Cretan pastries, and taverns with reasonable average prices. Bougatsa—a phyllo pastry filled with cream or cheese—is also a great option for a sweet or savory snack while you’re out exploring. Taverna Popi, in Adelianos Kampos, remains a family-friendly spot for an unpretentious Cretan meal.
Taverna Poppy Restaurant: the family-run tavern in Adelianos Kampos (a favorite of ours that we tried out)
Taverna Poppy—also known as Taverna Popi—is the kind of place you shouldn’t judge by its exterior. Located in Adelianos Kampos, east of Rethymnon, this roadside tavern doesn’t stand out at first glance: the facade and the photos of dishes in the window might give it a somewhat commercial feel. However, we discovered a simple, family-run tavern atmosphere there, with the son serving tables and his parents in the kitchen.
We recommend focusing on the homemade Cretan dishes rather than trying to work your way through the entire, very extensive menu, which also includes some less appealing options. We enjoyed the feta se filo—feta wrapped in crispy filo dough—the fasolakia, green beans simmered in tomato sauce, and the portokalopita, an orange cake made with filo dough served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert is definitely worth keeping in mind.
Good to know before booking:
- Located in Adelianos Kampos, east of Rethymnon—not in the old town. Useful if you’re staying or traveling in this area.
- Don’t judge by appearances: the atmosphere inside is much cozier than it seems from the road.
- Focus on the homemade Cretan and Greek dishes rather than the entire menu.
- Portokalopita is a must-try.
- Credit card payments accepted
Practical information:
- Address: Adelianos Kampos, Rethymno Prefecture (east of the city).
- Restaurant type: family-friendly tavern, serving homemade Cretan and Greek cuisine.
- Terrace: outdoor tables available.
- Price range: 15 to 20€ per person, excluding drinks
- Cretan specialties: yes — opt for homemade dishes.
- Particularly suitable for children: family-friendly atmosphere, yes.
- We recommend you book online here.
Our selection of other spots offering great value for the money
- To Parastratima Restaurant (selected by our Travel Team): a cozy little spot tucked away in a side street, perfect for sharing Greek dishes over ouzo or tsipouro—traditional Greek anise-flavored spirits. Details and reservations here
- Nyn & Aei Restaurant / Vatsiko (selected by our Travel Team): an accessible tavern with options that may be suitable for vegetarians. For details and reservations, call +30 (0) 697 853 3252.
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