Amazing Villas in Crete
Delicious food is the ultimate ingredient for a happy holiday. While you embark on your Cretan culinary journey, you’ll enjoy Rethymnon’s best restaurants along the way.
Where to Eat in Rethymnon
Rethymnon is known for its excellent restaurants and taverns serving dishes made with locally grown products. Many of these dishes are created from recipes which have passed down from generation to generation. Here is a list of our local picks of the best Rethymnon restaurants.
Agreco Farm
If you are looking for a farm-to-fork experience, visit the Agreco Farm. Located in Adele, the farm exemplifies the Cretan diet.
Here you can visit a mini-zoo, learn about the centuries-old organic farming practices and savour delicious Cretan dishes accompanied by the traditional raki at the farm’s Taverna which has been awarded as the “Best Organic Restaurant in the world” by Vanity Fair. www.agreco.gr
Prima Plora
One of Rethymnon’s best restaurants is Prima Plora. Its prime location is just steps away from Fortezza Castle with a beautiful sea view. Upon entering, you will find an atmosphere of warmth and elegance.
The brilliance of Prima Plora is not just the décor but the bold flavours of creative Greek cuisine. The restaurant prides itself for using ingredients sourced from small producers that apply organic farming methods.
Start with choices like Cretan ceviche and follow with delicious mains such as honey orzo pasta with lobster. Or you can order plates of sushi rolls along with a bottle of excellent Greek white wine. www.primaplora.gr
Taverna Fantastico
The name says it all. This family-run Taverna enjoys magical panoramic views of Rethymnon and Chania. The drive here is worth it. Follow the road, which leads to Maroulas village, and you will find yourself at the highest point of the mountain. The most memorable time to visit is during sunset. Trust us, and the Cretan sunsets are something else.
Astero and her family manage the restaurant. Astero’s mother is in charge of the kitchen, and her menu always has freshly prepared dishes of the day. You can choose from a selection of traditional Cretan dishes and hearty meat dishes like beef stew.
Taverna Pyrgos
Although located further out from the centre of Rethymnon, this family-run Taverna is a must-visit if you decide to spend the day exploring the top beaches of South Rethymnon.
Set in the beautiful Cretan mountains, it is ideal visit just before sunset. The menu focuses on local ingredients, and the setting is relaxed and casual. Excellent examples of menu items include appetizers such as baked feta cheese, zucchini blossoms kolokythoanthoi and the famous Cretan dakos or koukouvagia salad. For the main course, we recommend the beef burgers biftekia, rabbit stew or the traditional snail dish Chohli bourbouristi.
Taverna Zisis
Taverna Zisis has been a popular meeting place among the locals since it opened decades ago in 1972 by grandfather Zisis and grandmother Chryssloula.
Housed in a spacious stone building with an extensive outdoor seating area and a children’s playground, Taverna Zisis prides itself for excellent service, hearty cuisine and moderate prices. The rich menu consists of around 40 different dishes all prepared based on grandmother’s Chryssoulas authentic recipes using fresh raw ingredients. Everything on the menu is exceptional, and dishes are also available for takeaway. www.taverna-zisis.gr
Have you been to any of these Rethymnon Restaurants? Any other favourites that you might like to recommend? Let us know by commenting below.