Heraklion, the largest city on the island of Crete, is known for its rich culinary traditions and delicious local cuisine. With a variety of restaurants offering traditional Cretan dishes, as well as international cuisine, Heraklion has something for every taste and budget.
Chania, located on the northwest coast of the island of Crete, is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a great shopping experience. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, handmade crafts, or high-end fashion, Chania has something for everyone.
The city’s main shopping district is located in the heart of the old town, around the historic Venetian harbor. Here you can find a variety of shops and boutiques offering traditional Cretan products, as well as international brands. The narrow streets are lined with stores selling everything from handmade jewelry to leather goods, ceramics, and woven textiles.
Chania, located on the northwestern coast of the island of Crete, is a beautiful and historic city that offers visitors a unique and memorable experience. With its rich history, picturesque harbor, and stunning beaches, Chania is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Crete.
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, offers visitors a great shopping experience with a variety of shops and boutiques. Whether you are looking for trendy fashion or traditional Cretan clothing, Heraklion has something to offer for everyone.
The city’s main shopping district, located along 25th August Street, offers a variety of international and local fashion brands. Here you can find high-end designer shops, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada, as well as more affordable options like Zara and H&M. These shops offer the latest trends in clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a bustling city with a rich history and culture, and it is also a great destination for shopping. With a variety of shops and markets offering everything from traditional Cretan products to international brands, there are plenty of options for those looking to indulge in a bit of retail therapy.
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and one of the island’s largest cities, offering visitors a wide range of activities and attractions. From exploring its ancient history to enjoying its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, there are plenty of things to do in Heraklion that will make your visit unforgettable.
One of the top things to do in Heraklion is to visit the ancient Palace of Knossos. This Minoan palace is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and is considered to be Europe’s oldest city. Visitors can explore the palace’s intricate ruins and learn about its fascinating history and culture.
Crete is a stunning island located in the southern Aegean Sea and is the largest and most populous island in Greece. There are countless reasons why you should visit Crete, from its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters to its rich history and vibrant culture.
Firstly, Crete boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. From the pink sands of Elafonisi beach to the secluded coves of Balos beach, there is a beach for every type of traveler. The island is also home to some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Europe, including the dramatic cliffs of the Samaria Gorge and the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea.
Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece, located in the southern Aegean Sea. It is a beautiful and diverse island, rich in history, culture, and natural wonders. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, Crete should definitely be on your itinerary.
Crete has something for everyone. If you’re interested in history, there are countless ancient sites to explore. The Minoan palace of Knossos is one of the island’s most famous archaeological sites, where you can see the ruins of a civilization that flourished over 3,500 years ago. The ancient city of Phaistos and the Venetian fortress of Rethymno are also worth a visit.
Chania Old Town is one of the most charming places in Crete. With its narrow Venetian streets, colourful buildings, and harbour views, it is also home to some of the best restaurants in Chania. From traditional Cretan tavernas to modern Greek cuisine, the Old Town offers food for every taste and budget.
Below is a hand-picked list of the top places to eat, each one known for great food, local ingredients, and an authentic atmosphere.
Why Chania Old Town Is a Food Lover’s Destination
Chania has a long culinary history influenced by Venetians, Ottomans, and of course, traditional Crete. Many restaurants still use local produce, seasonal herbs, extra-virgin olive oil, island cheeses, and fresh seafood caught the same day.
What makes food here special?
Local farms supply most ingredients
Many kitchens still follow old family recipes
Seafood comes from Chania’s own fishing boats
Cretan olive oil and cheese are world-class
Both casual tavernas and fine dining options exist
Best Restaurants in Chania Old Town
Tamam – Traditional Cretan Classics in a Venetian Building
Tamam is one of the most well-known restaurants in Chania Old Town. It is located on Zampeliou Street inside a restored Venetian building with stone walls and a cozy courtyard.
The menu focuses on classic Cretan dishes, such as:
Stuffed vegetables baked in the oven
Slow-cooked lamb and grilled meats
Fresh seafood with local herbs
Homemade pies with soft mizithra cheese
The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and always busy. Expect a short wait during high season.
Kouzina e.p.e. is a small restaurant on Sifaka Street known for its simple, home-style Greek cooking. With only a few tables and an open kitchen, it feels more like a family home than a restaurant.
Popular dishes include:
Moussaka with fresh vegetables
Grilled octopus with olive oil and lemon
Feta cheese pie with local honey
The food is cooked with care, using fresh produce and traditional techniques.
Chrisostomos – Rustic Cretan Food Cooked Over Wood Fire
Located on Daliani Street, Chrisostomos is a beloved Cretan taverna famous for slow-cooked dishes prepared in a wood-fired oven. The interior is rustic, with wooden tables and a relaxed atmosphere.
Signature dishes:
Dakos salad with tomatoes and barley rusk
Snails in tomato sauce with herbs
Lamb with artichokes, cooked slowly until tender
All ingredients come from farms around Chania, which keeps the flavour authentic and rich.
Salis – Modern Cretan Cuisine with a Sea View
Salis is a stylish restaurant on the waterfront, offering a modern twist on traditional Cretan food. It combines creative plates with excellent presentation and a good wine list.
Menu highlights include:
Sea bass with fennel puree
Octopus served with black lentils
Lamb with quinoa and aromatic herbs
With its elegant design and sea views, Salis is ideal for a special night out.
Thalassino Ageri – Seafood on the Edge of the Sea
Thalassino Ageri is a famous seafood restaurant located on the western edge of the Old Town. Tables are set right next to the water, creating one of the most memorable dining settings in Chania.
Recommended dishes:
Grilled octopus with vinegar and oregano
Seafood risotto with local shellfish
Lobster spaghetti for two
The fish is always fresh, supplied daily by local fishermen.
What to Eat in Chania (Local Dishes to Look For)
If you want to eat like a local, try at least one of these:
Dakos – Barley rusk topped with tomato, cheese, and olive oil
Kalitsounia – Small cheese or herb pies
Staka – Rich cream made from goat butter
Gamopilafo – Wedding rice cooked in meat broth
Sfakian pie – Thin cheese pie with honey
Cretan snails – Fried or cooked in tomato sauce
Seafood and olive oil are always excellent, especially near the harbour.
Tips for Eating in Chania Old Town
Dinner is usually late: locals eat after 8:30 PM
Most restaurants accept card, but small tavernas may prefer cash
Seafood is often priced by weight – ask before ordering
Reservations are recommended in July and August
House wine is local and usually good value
Vegetarian options are common, vegan options less so
Final Thoughts
Chania Old Town is not just one of the most beautiful places in Crete — it is also one of the most delicious. Whether you want traditional Cretan food, fresh seafood by the water, or modern Greek cuisine, there is a restaurant here for every taste.
All the places listed above offer quality ingredients, friendly service, and a true flavour of Crete. If you enjoy good food, Chania Old Town Restaurants will quickly become one of your favourite places in Greece.