Traditional flavors meet modern techniques in Rethymnos culinary scene.
Rethymno is one of the most captivating destinations of Crete, a place where tradition meets a contemporary outlook. Beyond its picturesque alleys, the Venetian harbor and vibrant cultural life, the city stands out for its gastronomy. The local cuisine, deeply rooted in Cretan tradition, is constantly evolving, with restaurants that honor the flavors of the land either through authentic recipes or through creative, modern approaches. From the courtyards of traditional mansions to the beach, we highlight 8 restaurants in Rethymno that are worth trying.
Avli
One of the citys most popular and award-winning restaurants, set in a historic 16th-century mansion. A fine-dining restaurant that has honored Cretan cuisine since 1987, Avli was created with passion by Katerina Xekalou, inspired by memories of her childhood summers in the homes courtyard. The menu is based on local products and ingredients and features flavors such as xinohondros with zucchini, mushrooms, wheat cream and herbs, traditional kalitsouni, sofegada with braised vegetables and their own ravioli. Stealing the spotlight is the olive oil bar, curated by the restaurants distinguished Executive Chef, Vasilis Leonidou. Beyond the labels available to taste, each dish on the menu is served with a different olive oil. Xanthoudidou 22 and Radamanthios, Rethymno
Hasika
In Rethymnos Old Town, Michalis Hasikos has created a small restaurant that makes the most of ingredients from the Greek land. The name Hasika comes from the chef-owners surname, but also from Asia Minor slang and means good quality, select, pure. The open kitchen fills with aromas from the flames and the small menu includes traditional flavors such as boureki with xinomyzithra, pastourmadopita, meats like rooster, lamb and selected fillets, seafood such as moussaka with octopus. A prominent place is held by the restaurants curated wine list, with varieties from small Greek producers that harmoniously complement the dishes. Agias Varvaras 11-13, Rethymno
Prima Plora
With a wonderful view of the sea, Prima Plora is among Rethymnos most popular restaurants. The venue unfolds across three levels with views toward the Fortress of Rethymno. The restaurants philosophy is based on collaborations with small producers, using pure, high-quality ingredients. The Mediterranean and Cretan diet take center stage on the menu, which includes, among other things, ceviche from fish of the day, organic dry anthotyro with green vegetables, tagliatelle with veal ragu, Ribeye Black Angus, as well as seafood. Lovers of Asian cuisine will not be disappointed as there is also their own sushi menu. Akrotiriou 4, Rethymno
1600 Raki Ba Raki
A modern take on the classic rakadiko, 1600 Raki Ba Raki has for over a decade brought together groups of locals and visitors at its tables every day. The atmosphere evokes an old grocery and the meze are imaginative, inspired by traditional Cretan cuisine. Choose your meze from its large display and from the menu, where you will find a wide variety of salt-cured delicacies, seafood, open pies with handmade dough, salads and local meats. Everything is accompanied by the essential local spirits, such as tsikoudia and raki. Arampatzoglou 17, Rethymno
7 Thalasses
By the water with views of the sunset, the restaurant7 Thalasses is a steadfast favorite in the city. Together with its Heraklion restaurant, it invites us to taste flavors straight from the sea. Chef Giorgos Michelakiss menu loves local ingredients and recipes from Crete, with seasonality as the guiding principle. With views of the blue sea you will try from fava with grilled octopus, marinated anchovies and fish soup of the day, to seafood linguine and lobster pasta. The dishes are accompanied by the updated wine list. Stamathioudaki 89, Rethymno
To Pigadi
Atmospheric and tucked away in a Venetian alley in the heart of the Old Town, Pigadi has been operating since 2003. Its stone-built courtyard, with the well taking pride of place at its center, is filled with wooden tables that create a warm setting. In the kitchen they use aromatic herbs and vegetables from their garden, together with products from local producers. Influenced by Cretan tradition and creative ideas, they serve dishes such as snails, onion pie, mushrooms stifado, lamb chops, as well as pasta with seafood. The wines come mainly from the Cretan vineyard. Xanthoudidou 31, Rethymno
Nostos
On Rethymnos beach with the sea and sunset as a backdrop, the Nostos restaurant focuses on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. With visitors from Greece and abroad, it stands out for its idyllic setting and its recipes. The menu emphasizes traditional flavors and fresh seafood, with choices such as shrimp risotto, steamed mussels and grilled sardines. Meze are not missing, such as grilled halloumi, apaki and dolmadakia. Sofokli Venizelou 73, Rethymno
Taverna Othonas
A familiar space in Rethymnos Old Town, Taverna Othonas has been operating since 1987, in the building that housed a "wine tavern" in 1930. The decor is simple and warm, with wooden chairs and paintings of old Rethymno on the walls. Authentic Cretan cuisine is reflected in the restaurants traditional recipes, which are based on the famed local olive oil and the regions authentic flavors. House specialties include lamb with artichokes, mandarin chicken fillet with wild rice, fennel pie with spinach and dolmadakia. Everything is accompanied by a wide variety of bottled wines, as well as Cretan organic wine. Plateia Titou Petychaki 27, Rethymno
