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To Geraki taverna is situated at the crossroads in the village of Epano Sisi and it is one of the two tavernas inside the village. The food is simple but honest. There are several appetizers, salads and omelettes, grilled meat and chicken, fried aubergines, cheese pies and vegetable pies. The bread is fresh and comes with butter.
Our verdict: a 7,5 out of 10
Vassilis Taverna - Falassarna
This taverna is located in the west of Crete, near the coastal town and the site of Falassarna. If you drive down from the mountain road, you come to a junction with various signs (such as "Big Beach"). Here you turn left instead of going to the beach, and you drive to the port of Falassarna. At a certain moment you will pass Vassilis Taverna on the right hand side, with a parking and a beautiful garden. We order the tzatziki, the Kalitsounia (spicy fried vegetables with a layer of dough around it), the grilled feta cheese and the chicken souvlaki. Everything tastes very good, but unfortunately the bread is not fresh. The location is very nice, with a nice view and the service is very friendly.
Our verdict: a 9 out of 10
Psaropoula Fish Taverna - Ferma
This is a popular restaurant with the locals. The taverna is situated at the sea side in Ferma and the service is very friendly. The atmosphere is top. They serve mainly fish dishes in the taverna.
Our verdict: an 8 out of 10
Kakkos Bay Hotel Taverna - Ferma
This small tavern which belongs to the Kakkos Bay Hotel has a limited menu of Greek dishes, but it is good, the people are very nice and it is cheap. We ordered a Greek salad, meatballs and tzatziki. Everything tastes really good. The feta cheese is very tasty and the bread fresh and crisp. We get free yoghurt with candied fruits at the end.
Our verdict: an 8 out of 10
Cafe Snackbar Domenico in Fodele
This taverna is located on the river in the main street of the village Fodele. The service is very friendly. They serve a very good Lavazza coffee with a glass of water.
Our verdict: an 8 out of 10
El Greco taverne in Fodele
The El Greco Taverna is located on the main street where you enter the village, next to the famous old tree and one of the memorials at the painter El Greco. We order an omelet special, an omelet cheese, fried zucchini and two cappuccino. Everything tastes great. There are quite a few wasps this early in October but that is quite common at that time in this green environment.
Our verdict: an 8 out of 10
Babis & Popi Taverna - Frangokastelo
Babis & Popi Taverna is indicated by a sign from the main road that runs through Frangokastelo. It is situated a little bit towards the beach. The service is friendly at this vine-covered terrace. The attentive waiter keeps looking around to see if he can be of service.
The menu is quite extensive with several types of breakfast, fish, grilled dishes, pizza and Greek specialties. We ordered a pizza tuna, lamb chops, Greek salad and tzatziki.
We get a carafe of cold water on the table. The white wine is fine, just what you can expect when you order house wine. The lamb chops were very good and well-seasoned, the fries are crispy. The pizza has a bit too thick a bottom and is loaded with cheese and tuna. A pizza with a thinner bottom and more tomato sauce would have been better. It is very filling. The tzatziki tastes good and has plenty of garlic. After dinner we get a big bottle of cold raki on the table and we end up going back home tipsy. Disadvantage: dry bread that is not in one piece, and this while there is wonderfully tasty bread forn sale in the village supermarket.
Our verdict: a 7,5 out of 10
Restaurant Blue Sky - Frangokastelo
Blue Sky Restaurant is also indicated by a sign along the main road that runs through Frangokastelo. This restaurant is not on the sea side, but at the end of a short path inland (50 meters). The food is traditional Greek. Here we had dinner twice and we tried several dishes. The wine glasses are beautiful and the bread is fresh and in one piece. The chicken from the grill is very tasty and tender and the fries are crispy. The Tzatziki, chicken nuggets and saganaki (fried cheese) are also good. I have to ask for a piece of lemon, which is normally served with saganaki. The next day we ordered the swordfish fillet, the lamb chops and the zuchinies (zucchini slices). The swordfish is in okay and the lamb chops are good as well (but at Babis just slightly better). Both nights it proves to be very difficult to get the bill. On the last night I have to even ask the (German) woman who works there three times for the bill (the last time I walked over to her and waited until we finally got it). Calculate in half an hour for this.
Our verdict: a 7 out of 10
Taverna Drosoulites - Frangokastelo
Drosoulites Taverna is located right opposite the car park and the castle of Frangokastelo. Actually it is a pity that in this place such a large and ugly building has been put down that blocks the view of the castle. The taverna lives from the unsuspecting visitors who come to see the castle during the day. The prices in the tavernas are shockingly high and you get the impression that there is really an abuse of the location of the taverna. In the evening when all the tour buses and visitors of the castle are gone, yo therefore don't see anybody in the taverna any more.
Our verdict: a 5 out of 10
Orthi Ammos Taverna - Frangokastelo
You can find this nice taverna on the waterfront near the castle of Frangokastelo (direction Orti Amos - the path runs from the castle - about 100 meter). It is a taverna wich is specialized in seafood. The owner speaks several languages, including French and English, and he is very friendly. The fish is filleted at the table by him. Besides several kinds of fish there are also a number of other dishes. It tastes very good and it is not expensive. After the meal we get free raki and grapes.
Our verdict: an 8,5 out of 10
Gavelianos Kafenion in Gavalochori
This is one of the two restaurants in the village Gavalochori, and it is rather a good one. It sits on a corner near the war memorial. The tavern looks nice with seating under large trees and surrounded by pots of plants and flowers. It can be very busy because it is locally known as a very good restaurant.
They also serve original dishes such as stuffed zucchini flowers and okra in tomato sauce. The bread is fresh and delicious and comes in 1 piece. They serve a delicious Illy coffee. The waiter was a guy from Australia who had been working in the kafenion for three years in a row, and he is very friendly, but also the other people walking around are very nice. This is a nice place to see the village life and to experience something different than in a lot of the other taverns that only focus on tourists.
Our verdict: quite good - an 8,5 out of 10
Dolphin Taverna - Georgioupoli
Club sandwiches, pancakes, crêpes, salads, pizza's, omelettes, grilled food with French fries, ice cream and pastry are a few things that are on the menu here at this taverna on the main square in Georgioupoli. The cappuccino comes in large cups and it is strong and good. The crêpes are very richly filled, tasty and cheap!
Apparently the restaurant was taken over by next door Tito's Restaurant and turned into one larger taverne.
Our verdict: a 9 out of 10
Summertime Snackbar - Georgioupoli
Situated at the beach of Georgioupoli. They serve breakfasts, coffee, omelettes, club sandwiches, pizzas, pastas and all sorts of snacks. The cappuccinos are super, the best, and the come with a glass of cold water. The French fries are crunchy, the service is good and very friendly and it is totally inexpensive. Maybe the best we have tried in Georgioupoli so far (and we have tried many more tavernas and restaurants in this village).
Also a nice view of the sea and beautiful, stylish and comfortable furniture.
Our verdict: a 9+ out of 10
Tito's Café - Georgioupoli
Tito's Café is situated on the central square in Georgioupoli. There are different kinds of breakfast, pancakes, omelettes, hamburgers, fresh orange juice and several kinds of snacks available. The Lavazza cappuccino comes without a glass of cold water. No other complaints here and like most of the taverns in Georgioupoli it is not really expensive.
Our verdict: a 7,5 out of 10
Xilino Tavern in Gouves
Xilino Tavern is situated at the seafront of Gouves and has comfortable seats. The serve food from the Greek kitchen and international kitchen, grilled dishes, breakfasts, omelettes, crepes, fish dishes, pizzas, different appetizers and snacks.
We had an English breakfast and a cappuccino here. The cappuccino tasted good and was served with whipped milk. The English breakfast had toast, jam, a sausage, one slice of bacon, 2 eggs, fried mushrooms, tomato and white beans in tomato sauce. No orange juice.
Our verdict: a 7 out of 10
The Kavousanos Taverna in Istro
The Kavousanos Taverne is situated on the main road that leads from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia and it overlooks the sea. The Greek breakfast consists of 2 x toast, 1 x jam, 1 x butter, orange juice (something you fill up with water, tasted cheap), tea or coffee. The English breakfast was a bit better with bacon & eggs, a sausage, white beans and some slices of tomato. The coffee is nescafé. Friendly people though...
Our verdict: a 6 out of 10
Kiknos Cafe Snack - Kalamaki Beach, south Crete
Kiknos Café is situated on the promenade that runs along the beach of Kalamaki. They sell simple meals and snacks, including pizza, sandwiches, yoghurt, omelettes and various types of breakfasts. We order therefore not haute cuisine but a cappuccino and a yoghurt with honey and walnuts. The coffee is good and strong, Lavazza, and comes with a bottle of water. The yoghurt is fine, but it is of course difficult to do it wrong. We are helped by a very nice girl that brings us a large plate of grapes (free) after we are finished.
Our verdict: pleasant and friendly, a 8,5 out of 10
Kalathas restaurant - Kalathas beach
The Kalathas restaurant is located on the beach of Kalathas beside the river. We order a fish, stuffed tomatoes, wine and tzatziki. The service is friendly and everything tastes great. The fries are crispy.
Our verdict: an 8,5 out of 10
Gramvousa Restaurant in the village of Kaliviani on Crete
The Gramvousa Restaurant is a large restaurant next to the church of Kaliviani, a village not far from Kissamos, on the road to Balos. There are seating areas inside, but there is also a very large terrace. The menu of the restaurant is overwhelming: there is far too much on it, making it almost impossible to make a choice. The waiter has trouble taking the order, because we need to repeat each dish three times, because I think he himself doesn't know any more what he has got on his menu.
We order the meatballs, the anthousa (stuffed zucchini flowers) and Gramvousa salad (with creamy goat cheese, potatos, tomato and onion). We immediately get a carafe with cold water on the table. All dishes look fantastic and nice, but there's not much flavour to them. Nice for a photo. The fries were not crunchy, and we are a little disappointed and not really impressed.
Our verdict: a 7 out of 10 because it looked so pretty
Medusa Restaurant in Kalives on Crete - tip from the locals
As permanent residents and regular visitors to Taverna Medusa, in Kalyves we want to share our excellent experiences. We believe that this taverne should definitely be listed as being worth a visit during your holiday. Taverna Medusa can be found at the dead end road that leads from the parking lot to the beach and the small port of Kalyves.
For the last five years this taverne has been run by Michalis & Michele Koukoumafski.
During this time, this couple has managed to give their own meaning to the concept of a "Greek taverna".
Naturally the menu is based on the authentic greek dishes such as: Mousaka, Beef Stiffado and many other dishes.
But also there are the specialities like: Bon Fillet Steaks and Lamb Kleftiko.
In this taverna all dishes are cooked only with fresh ingredients. No meat or large fish will be taken from the freezer, also the vegetables and herbs will be fresh, and so will be the home made sauses. This taverna also serves very delicious vegetarian dishes.
Large fresh fish has to be ordered at least 1 day in advance to guarantee this is fresh from the sea.
Portions are very good, at very friendly prices.
If you want to go to the beach for a day, and you have your lunch or dinner in this taverna, you are granted free use of the umbrellas and sunbeds.
Michele and Michalis are very pleased to invite you to come to their taverna in order to relax and enjoy your holidays in Kalyves.
Or as they say: every day is a wonderful day at the Taverna Medusa in Kalyves.
We hope you will have the same experience as we always have.
In the meanwhile we (webmaster Hans and his best friend Wilbert) have also had lunch here and we agree with the verdict below.
Our verdict: 8,5 out of 10 - Willem & Ivonne Bouw - Kalyves
Provlita Restaurant in Kalives on Crete
This restaurant is located on the waterfront directly on the sea in Kalives. We ordered a tzatziki (cucumber, yoghurt and garlic), cheese croquettes and a Chef Salad. The waiter was grumpy and preferred to see the customers go rather than come in. He was talking on the phone or was not to be seen. A toddler brought some stuff around. The cheese croquettes were bland and tasted like fried wallpaper glue. He also brought the wrong salad because although I clearly asked for a Chef salad he put a Greek salad on the table instead. When I brought him back to exchange it was my fault the waiter told me because I asked for Greek salad.
After waiting an eternity and inquire again the right (but disappointing) salad finally came. There were only a few pieces of cheese on it instead of parmesan cheese (according to the menu) and the promised bacon that was supposed to be in it was not to be found.
Our verdict: both the service and the food in Provlita Restaurant are awful - how low can we rate?
Taverna Akrogiali in Kalives op Kreta
Akrogiali is a (mostly) seafood restaurant on the beach of Kalives. Apart from fish there are also other dishes on the extensive menu. We order a swordfish souvlaki and a seabass (fish). The souvlaki has a small bone in it. The fish tastes good but has no butter sauce with. The fries are okay and the wine tastes good. After dinner, the waiter is nowhere to be see for a long time and therefore paying the bill takes quite some time.
Our verdict: a 7,5 out of 10
Jimmy's (Tzimis) Taverna in Kastri
This tavern is located on the road that runs along the beach of Kastri. It was a taverna where we were not expecting much and we just wanted a to eat a quick little lunch. We ordered a maxi omelette, a Greek salad and tzatziki. The food was really delicious. There were fresh herbs in the Greek salad, the tzatziki had quite some garlic in it and tasted good and the maxi omelette was absolutely huge, with crispy fries and with a delicious taste. Recommended in our opinion.
Our verdict: a 9 out of 10
Morning Star Taverna - Nektarios & Sofia - in Kastri
Taverna that is located taverna at the sea in the village of Kastri. We wanted to eat fish soup because it was advertised on the signs, but they did not have it. So we ordered a fish (dorade), a special omelette, a tzatziki, a Nektarios salad and half a liter of white wine.
The special omelette had ham, feta cheese, bacon and potato in it. In the Nektarios salad there was cabbage, carrot, cucumber, endive, tomato and feta. Everything was fine.
Our verdict: a 9 out of 10
Akrogiali Taverna - Kato Zakros
For this restaurant we made a special detour last holiday after a few hours at the beach of Xerokampos. It is a place where we have been more often and where we have had breakfasts and evening meals. The position on the beach of Kato Zakros, the kind service and the vibes are special here. The owner of the restaurant is named Nikos and he also rents out rooms at the beach.
We have stayed with him a couple of times. Since rooms are scarce in Kato Zakros maybe it is a good tip.
The food in the taverna is simple and honest Greek food, and the coffee is good. We love the special kind of fried potatos that Nikos makes and his mezes (a little bit of everything to go with your drinks).
Our verdict: an 8 out of 10
Cretan Family Tavern Nikos Platanakis - Kato Zakros
The Taverna Nikos Platanakis is located on the beach of Kato Zakros. We order a tzatziki, a Greek salad, moussaka and lamb from the oven. The service is friendly and smooth. The fries are crisp and the wine is good (retsina). The Greek salad is a bit simple. With a dressing or some herbs it would have been a little bit nicer. The rest of the food is fine.
Our verdict: a 9 out of 10
Restaurant in Kefali on Crete
Kefali is a little mountain village that you will drive through when you are on your way to the Chrisoskalitissa monastery or Elafonisi island in the southwest of Crete. It's nothing much: a few small hotels, a few very small shops which are at the same time bar, mini-market, coffee shop and taverna, and a few houses. If you are German or if you understand the language, it's worth a visit though if you want to have a good laugh. You can admire the rusty toilet door and the (I think) Minoan toilet brush of the lady with the moustache, see what special menu list they have for you and have a good laugh :)!
No verdict but we loved the sign with the menu on it
Papadakis Restaurant / Fish Tavern Kissamos
The Papadakis Restaurant is situated in the port of Kissamos and basically any time we visit Kissamos we have a bite to eat here. The service is fast and friendly and the food is good. They have salads, fish and various Greek dishes on the menu. The bread is always fresh and in 1 piece. At the end with the bill the last time they also brought us a piece of delicious pear cake with whipped cream.
Our verdict: good and with a friendly service - an 8 out of 10
Aeras Café - Kissamos
Aeras Café is situated on the lively town square near the Archaeological Museum and this is a nice place to have a drink or a cup of good coffee and see the world go by. There are tables in the sun or in the shade that you can choose from.
Our verdict: also good and with a friendly service - an 8 out of 10
Dodoni Ouzeri - Kissamos
The lovers of an ouzo should try the Dodoni Ouzeri, which is situated in the side street leading to the west from the town square of Kissamos. Here you feel one with the Greeks. The price of a small bottle of ouzo is very cheap and it comes with a free plate of "mezes" (different small things that you can eat). They have also ice cream, good coffee (Segefredo) and pastry. The toilets in Dodoni are clean. You can sit inside or take a table outside and join the locals in looking at who ever is passing by.
Our verdict: friendly people, an experience, loved it - a 9 out of 10
Café Tavern Korakas - Kissamos
Café Tavern Korakas is situated at the boulevard of Kissamos at the very end (east side) at the seashore, overlooking the beach. They serve salads, all kinds of appetizers, zucchini balls, vegetables, meat and chicken, pastas, oven dishes, grilled chicken, lamb, schnitzels, fish and deserts. The owner Katherina is a real sweetheart.
The white house wine is a good and tasty village wine with a taste of retsina. We tried the tasty cheese dip (delicious!), the saganaki (fried feta cheese), the beet roots salad (very nice), the tasty zucchini balls and the boureki (an oven dish with slices of potato and courgette and feta with a mint taste - very good).
Our verdict: friendly service, nice food - an 8 out of 10
Agato Tavern - Lousakies, Kissamos - CLOSED
The Agato Tavern is located on the outskirts of Kissamos in the village of Lousakies. There is a menu of the day. This tavern is a favourite of the locals, not only because of the food but also because of the friendliest cook of Crete, who does the cooking here and is stirring in the pans. The food is traditional Greek. We ordered several dishes. The chicken in tomato sauce was delicious, just like like the moussaka and stuffed vegetables (peppers, tomato and courgette flowers). The house wine is good and the bread is fresh and at in one piece (so not loose pieces that may have previously been on other tables).
Grapes and raki for free at the end of the dinner.
Our verdict: the most friendly service of the whole island, nice food - an 8,5 out of 10
