A list of Chania best restaurants for the most demanding palates that will upgrade your holidays in Crete! Chania is one of the best destinations for holidays as well as for good cuisine. It is not only the Greek dishes that you will find almost everywhere. It is the Cretan traditional food which is carefully cooked with local products. Chania is definitely one of the top destinations when it comes to its gastronomy. Below you will find a list of the best restaurants In Chania, so prepare yourself for the ultimate gastronomy experience you will ever live!
The Cretan Cuisine
Cretan cuisine is a reflection of the island’s rich history and culture. It is known for its simplicity and the use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients such as olive oil, vegetables, herbs, and cheese. The cuisine is also characterized by its focus on health and nutrition, with many dishes containing nutrient-rich ingredients like legumes, wild greens, and whole grains. Some of the most popular Cretan dishes include dakos, a traditional salad made with barley rusk, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil. Other popular dishes include fresh seafood or grilled meats. It is a perfect representation of the island’s culture and an essential part of the island’s heritage.
More specific, there are so many amazing places to eat and discover the traditional cuisine and flavors. In fact, you can find international dishes, ethnic or fusion as well as high quality food. You will find it almost everywhere: at the old town of Chania, along the beaches and even in the mountainous villages of Crete. Be sure that you will not only experience the amazing cuisine, but also the hospitality of the locals.
Α gastronomical experience at the best restaurants in Chania
1. Chrisostomos Restaurant, Old Harbor of Chania
Starting with a traditional Greek restaurant which is an award winner for its high-quality food, Chrisostomos is the place where you will find original Cretan dishes cooked in the wood oven. All made with appetite and authentic Cretan products, there are so many mouthwatering dishes you should try! It is located at the heart of the old harbor in a warm ambience that you will love at the first sight. Enjoy fantastic dishes such as vegetables filled with rice (gemista in greek), yiouvetsi or beans in the wood oven while the fresh vegetables and herbs will be the highlight of every dish.
Picture by: Yoeml
2. Tamam Restaurant, Old Town of Chania
Tamam is an award-winning restaurant located in the heart of the old town of Chania. The restaurant is known for its creativity on traditional Cretan cuisine. Tamam’s menu features a wide range of seafood dishes, grilled meats and vegetarian options. The restaurant’s charming outdoor area at the scenic alleyway of the old town provides a beautiful setting for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
3. The Well of The Turk, Daliani Str Chania
Second on our list, is “The Well of the Turk” at the alleyways of the old town. Enjoy a mix of Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine that will leave you speechless. It is one of the best places to try authentic Greek dishes with daily changing menu of homemade selections. You will love the sophisticated menu as well as the relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant’s courtyard is particularly beautiful, featuring a well that is over 400 years old, from the Ottoman rule.
Picture by: user17364411
4. Thalassino Ageri, Tabakaria
If you are looking for a calm dinner next to the sea away from the city buzz, then Thalassino Ageri is the perfect restaurant for you! Located right next to the sea, you will enjoy a dinner overlooking the magical sunset and hearing the melody of the waves. The menu is modern and gourmet Mediterranean cuisine with a big selection of wines from local producers. The restaurant is located only 2 km away from Chania and it is perfect for a romantic getaway!
5. The Five Restaurant, Nea Chora
In addition, right in front of the local beach Nea Chora, there is a fancy restaurant with innovative dishes with inspiration by traditional cuisine and Greek culture. The Five Restaurants is ideal for those who seek meticulous attention to details and appreciate high quality food. The dishes are delicious and creative and match perfectly with the selection of wines they offer. Moreover, the restaurant boasts about the idyllic Seaview with the entire beach unrolling in front of you.
6. Pallas, Old Harbor
Experience high quality cuisine overlooking the Venetian Lighthouse. Specifically, Pallas is one of the restaurants that you will fall in love with. Its magical view and the setting are the cherry on top of the cake. Palls is a top-quality restaurant in the heart of the old Venetian harbor overlooking the scenic lighthouse. Apart from the spectacular views, you will enjoy gourmet cuisine with traditional and Mediterranean dishes in their best version. They always use local products and ingredients, so every single plate offers deep taste.
Pictures by: pallas_chania
7. Chalkina, Old Harbor
However, if you are looking for something that locals mostly prefer with Cretan music, Chalkina is a good choice. A traditional meze restaurant with tasty food at the old harbor of Chania. It offers a wide selection of local wines, as well as the Cretan spirit tsikoudia that matches perfectly with the delicacies. Cretan nights are occasionally organized with Cretan musicians playing traditional music.
One of the things you will notice is that Chania restaurants close late at night! The locals usually eat after their jobs and it is not uncommon to finish their dinner after midnight. The most important thing is that the food is always shared with good company making it even more tasteful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chania features the best restaurants where you can experience the magic of Cretan cuisine. It is a culinary paradise covering a wide range of taste, depending on the likings and the money you would like to spend. Whether you’re looking for traditional Cretan cuisine or modern Mediterranean dishes, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.
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