Crete is famous for its one of a kind healthy cuisine and Rethymno presents plenty of opportunities to experience the local gastronomy. Eclectic dishes praise the locally sourced products, so taste as much as you can of the fresh vegetables, pies, local cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, snails, tasty meats and fresh fish. Accompany your meals with the delicious Cretan bakery items, as well as, with the alcoholic beverage of “raki”. Alternatively, you will also find a fair number of gourmet restaurants serving Mediterranean and international cuisine plus several Italian restaurants.
Suggestions
Othonas
Traditional restaurant operating since 1987 within the old quarter of Rethymno Town. Cordial hospitality, authentic Cretan cuisine with creative touches and delicious homemade recipes containing extra virgin Cretan olive oil and quality ingredients. Order the “Othonas spaghetti” with pork and ricotta cheese, the lamb with artichokes, the chicken with apple and walnuts and the “Othonas triangles” always accompanied by an invigorating drink of Cretan “raki”. Prices start at 15 € / person (27, Petihaki Square, Old Town, Rethymno. For reservations call 0030 28310 55500 & 6932134011).
Alana
Delectable dishes served in a beautiful yard which you will discover in the heart of the old quarter. The meat used is of local, private production and you will worship it whether grilled or oven cooked. Wealthy menu of a variety of traditional Cretan dishes and delicious homemade desserts. Order the pork fillets cooked in carob honey and olive oil, the Cretan beef burger with wild herbs and spices and served with freshly cut fries, tomato and yogurt and any of the delicious pasta dishes. Open May - October. Prices start at 20 € / person (15, Salaminos street, Old Town, Rethymno, for reservations call 0030 2831027737 & 6948374330).
Prima Plora
Spacious food hall with impressive décor plus a 300 sq. meters outdoor patio overlooking the sea where you can enjoy your dinner or coffee in the view of the Cretan Sea and the Fortezza fortress. The dishes will give you a good insight into the Cretan gastronomy and they are all based on locally sourced ingredients purchased from small producers. The vegetables used in salads and dishes are organic. Delectable seafood dishes, meat, home-cooked pasta, risotto and casserole recipes will satisfy even the most demanding palates. Prices start at 25 € / person (4, Akrotiriou street, Koubies area, Rethymno. For reservations call 0030 28310 56990 & 6945170257).
photograph: Flickr_Eleanna Kounoupa
To pigadi (the well)
You will find it in your wondrous strolls within the narrow alleys of the old city where its inviting yard is dominated by the stone-built well and numerous blooming, fragrant pots of flowers. It is among the top 10 best restaurants in Rethymno if you wish to endeavor in good traditional Cretan food. Launched in 2003, the chef Haris Pavlakis also suggests a set of imaginative Mediterranean dishes. Order the traditional “boubourista snails” with fresh rosemary as an appetizer, the noodles with chicken, ouzo, fresh mushrooms and mastic and the rabbit stew which is Pigadi’s specialty. Prices start at 15 € / person (31, Xanthoudidou street, Old Town, Rethymno, for reservations call 0030 28310 27522 & 6976996570).
Erotokritos
Traditional family tavern operating since 1967 at an excellent location overlooking the Venetian port, the fishing boats and the Rethymno Lighthouse. Feel the Cretan hospitality in abundance as you dine alongside the international jet setters. Fine delicacies of the sea, fresh fish and cooked meals served in a luxurious setting and teamed with impeccable service and live Greek music. Order the Erotokritos lobster which is their specialty and also the risotto with seafood bytes. Fine wines from the cellar will complete your delectable dinner. (45, Nearchou street, Venetian port, Rethymno. For reservations call 0030 28310 51512).
