10 Great Restaurants in Heraklion
Where to Eat in Heraklion and What to Try?
It’s no surprise that the establishments on this list are lauded as great restaurants in Heraklion when they take advantage of Crete’s outstanding local ingredients. Rich, creamy Cretan cheeses, succulent seafood and earthy olive oils star in a myriad of Mediterranean dishes designed with an authentic Greek-tasting experience in mind.
Our guide to the best places to eat in Heraklion caters to all types of holidaymakers with a dynamic mix of eateries. Whether you’re looking for a quaint cafe serving up legendary breakfast pastries, a chilled-out, light lunch of tortillas and hummus at an urban lounge bar or the ultimate fine-dining experience with the area’s top-quality seafood, we’ve got you covered.
1. Peskesi
A sustainable farm-to-table restaurant
Ideal para: Casais, História, Alimentação
Housed inside the restored historical mansion of sea Captain Polyxingis, stepping into the Peskesi restaurant feels like you’re entering an Ancient Greek manor for a decadent feast. Seat yourself between the atmospheric stone walls and lush greenery and prepare your appetite for the best in traditional Cretan flavours.
Peskesi prides itself in cultivating every ingredient they serve, including their own olive trees, beehives and domestic livestock. Working in tandem with top-quality local products and traditional cooking methods, the menu features delicacies such as slow-roasted goat, handmade Malaka cheese pies and an ancient Minoan baklava. After you’ve dined, consider touring the onsite farm where you can partake in a cooking workshop or olive oil tasting.
Localização: Kapetan Charalampi 6-8, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Abre: Daily from 1 pm to 2 am
Telefone: +30 28 1028 8887
Peskesi
2. Alla ki Alla
Famed for its mezze
Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna
The bright and airy Alla ki Alla is sure to make you smile. The outdoor terrace is perfect for soaking up the Greek sunshine while you dine, or you can escape the heat in the restaurant’s quaint interior with its vintage posters and checkered tablecloths. Wherever you sit, the hospitable staff will be by your side in a heartbeat, ready to recommend the day’s tasty chef’s specials.
For traditional Cretan dishes with a few modern twists, try the dakos salad, the stuffed vine leaves, called dolmadakia, or the pancetta with celeriac puree. Toast an unforgettable night with a glass of Alla ki Alla’s renowned local ouzo or raki and dance to the live music they often host.
Localização: Kagiampi 16, Iraklio 712 01, Greece
Abre: Daily from noon to 2.30 am
Telefone: +30 28 1024 0004
Alla ki Alla
3. Siga Siga
A Heraklion centre staple since 1999
Ideal para: Casais, Alimentação
Siga Siga is the perfect embodiment of Greek island life: flavoursome food with no stress. The restaurant has a homely feel thanks to family photos, the colourful mural that stretches along the back wall and its authentic Greek recipes. A stunning bougainvillea tree towers over the terrace, making it a lovely spot for romantic dates or dinner with friends.
Seafood is a big speciality at the Siga Siga, and you’ll be missing out if you don’t sample their souvlaki skewers or stuffed zucchini flowers. For a true taste of the Mediterranean, opt for the snails with rosemary. If you have a sweet tooth, we recommend the loukoumades, dripping with sticky honey and topped with roasted sesame seeds.
Localização: Minotavrou 2, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Abre: Daily from 1 pm to 2 am
Telefone: +30 28 1028 3794
Siga Siga
4. Kouzeineri
A taste of America in the Mediterranean
Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna
A steakhouse in Crete’s capital city might be an unusual concept, but Kouzeineri is proof that it’s a winning combination. The scent of premier ingredients from the world-famous American Creekstone Farms cooking in professional Josper charcoal ovens will make your mouth water as soon as you step into the rustic New York-themed dining area.
As expected, the menu is meat-heavy and stars BBQ classics such as Buffalo chicken wings, Black Angus beef burgers, pork belly ribs and stellar steaks by the kilo. Pescatarians and vegetarians aren’t neglected either. With choices like creamy mushroom risotto or baked salmon, you don’t have to be a carnivore to enjoy this steakhouse’s delicious offerings.
Localização: Agiou Titou, Iraklio 712 01, Greece
Abre: Monday–Saturday from noon to 12.30 am, Sunday from noon to midnight
Telefone: +30 28 1034 6452
Kouzeineri
5. Pagopoieion
Where the past meets the present
Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna
The Pagopoieion has a rich history peppered with intrigue and drama that will delight any audience, and this has helped to inspire authentic and unforgettable Greek and Mediterranean recipes. The salads are bright with crisp, local vegetables while the finest cuts of meat are accompanied by creamy sauces and rich herbs and spices.
Even the drinks at sleek and modern Pagopoieion are worth mentioning. A refreshing homemade lemonade with green tea, pomegranate and natural grape will help you cool off, or sample a decadent dark chocolate drink with rum as an alternative dessert.
Localização: Pl. Agiou Titou 1, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Abre: Sunday–Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm, Friday from 9 am to 3 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm
Telefone: +30 28 1022 1294
Pagopoieion
6. Amalia’s Kitchen
Your new favourite family-friendly eatery
Ideal para: Famílias, Alimentação
If you’ve just wrangled up the kids after a day on the beach and are now looking for a family-friendly restaurant to fill those hungry tummies, head to Amalia’s Kitchen. Situated next to the lovely green Theotokopoulos Park, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the best of Cretan cuisine in a relaxed setting.
You’ll find traditional Greek and Cretan dishes on the menu, as well as classic burgers, homemade fries and Tex-Mex. Aside from the incredible flavours, many of Amalia’s Kitchen’s guests rave about their gluten-free options. When coupled with generous portions, reasonable prices and friendly staff, you’ll find yourself returning again and again.
Localização: Arkoleon 3, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Abre: Daily from 11.30 am to 11.30 pm
Telefone: +30 28 1600 7600
Amalia ’s Kitchen
7. 7 Thalasses
The home of seafood delicacies
Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna, Foto
A restaurant that lives by the philosophy of the nutritious Mediterranean cuisine is 7 Thalasses, a seafood restaurant that is regularly rated as one of the best in Heraklion. Pick a seat on their wonderfully scenic terrace and peruse a menu brimming with the best, freshest seafood.
Appetisers feature shellfish and squid accompanied by organic olive oil and fragrant herbs. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to mains, but standouts include the homemade ravioli with Anthotyros cheese and gorgonzola sauce and the sauteed tuna with a pastrami crumble. A special shoutout also goes to the intricate platters of sushi on offer.
Localização: Iraklitou και, Nea Alikarnassos 716 01, Greece
Abre: Daily from 2 pm to midnight
Telefone: +30 28 1034 2945
7 Thalasses
8. 626 All Day Lounge & City Garden
A lively cafe, bar and restaurant in one
Ideal para: Alimentação, Famílias, Casais
No matter the time, 626 All Day Lounge & City Garden welcomes you to its beautiful town centre spot with a tropical coconut cocktail and a host of tempting menus. Just follow the smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling burgers along the tree-studded square of Idomeneos.
For the most important meal of the day, opt for a hearty traditional Cretan breakfast of tomatoey fried eggs with Gruyère cheese and crusty sourdough. Lunch is a casual but tasty affair with falafel tortillas and homemade hummus. We recommend taking dinner outside where the vibrant, local ambience is the perfect accompaniment to a plate of Greek paella and a glass or 2 of wine.
Localização: Idomeneos, Meramvellou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Abre: Daily from 8 am to midnight
Telefone: +30 28 1030 2926
626 All Day Lounge & City Garden
9. Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa
An authentic Greek tavern
Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna, Foto
Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa or, as they say in English, a little wine, a little sea. A good drink by the shore has long been the recipe for an idyllic holiday, and this Venetian Harbour restaurant has perfected the formula. With gorgeous views of the sea and the magnificent Koules fortress alongside the best in local and international wines, it’s no wonder that Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa is popular with both residents and tourists.
Understandably, you can expect a range of seafood options on their predominantly Mediterranean menu, including pan-fried shrimp saganaki, cuttlefish stew and colourful crab salad. If you want to try your hand at recreating some of these fantastic dishes, there’s a seafood market just across the road.
Localização: Lohagou Marineli Ioanni & Mitsotaki Square 18 Agglon, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Abre: Daily from noon to 1 am
Telefone: +30 28 1030 0501
Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa
10. Phyllosophies
A true Cretan sweet treat experience
Ideal para: Alimentação, Famílias
With over 100 years of family history, Phyllosophies claims to be the ‘master’ of authentic phyllo pastry and mouthwatering bougatsa, and we don’t see any reason to disagree with them. There are 3 locations in Heraklion, each of them serving delicate patisseries and daytime snacks made using techniques passed through the generations.
You must try their signature bougatsa, a rich custard pie made with Cretan mizithra cheese topped with honey and walnuts. It’s been a local legend since its creation and tastes so divine you’d be forgiven for wanting to sample the rest of Phyllosophies’ incredible menu, including loukumades, baklava and kataifi.
Localização: Plateia Eleftheriou Venizelou 33, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Abre: Daily from 6 am to midnight
Telefone: +30 28 1028 4774
Phyllosophies
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