The 20 Best Chania Restaurants | Where to Eat in Chania, Crete, Greece

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Chania, Crete is one of the best places in all of Greece for good traditional food. Here, you’ll not only find your favorite Greek dishes but also local traditional Cretan food. I just spent a month eating my way through Chania town to bring you this list of the best Chania restaurants.

One of my favorite things I discovered about Greek restaurants, in general, was their willingness to do half portions. Most Chania restaurants serve large plates, so a half salad and a half entree were typically more than enough food!

One of the things you’ll quickly notice on Chania is how late the locals eat. Dinner in Crete usually begins around 9 p.m. but can start much later. It’s not uncommon to finish dinner after midnight. Meals aren’t hurriedly consumed— they’re meant to be lingered over: multiple courses shared with friends and family over carafes of house wine. I love to eat like this!

So, below are some of the most popular spots in the area. Enjoy!

The 20 Best Chania Restaurants

Portes

Akti Papanikoli 1 // +30 2821 076261

In the month I spent in Chania, I ate at Portes more than anywhere else. The menu is full of not only classic Greek and contemporary Cretan food but also some interesting twists on those classics. The restaurant has two-tiered outdoor seating on top of its indoor restaurant dining area. If you’re in for an early dinner, ask to be seated on the upper tier, where you can catch some impressive sunset views.

Absolute must-try are the tomato fritters, stuffed zucchini flowers, grilled octopus, and fava—all favorites of mine. And don’t forget to order some house wine to enjoy with your meal. Portes has some of the best house wines of any Chania restaurant I tried.

Also, make sure to ask about any daily specials, especially their fresh fish options. While I never saw it on the menu, if the fish burger is special, you have to order it. But to be honest—you’re going to love whatever you order.

Enetikon

Zampeliou 57 // +30 2821 088270

Located in the heart of old town of Chania, this is one of the first restaurants that I discovered will do half portions. I returned several times to sample more of their menu. The friendly staff had a lot to do with my multiple visits, and by my second meal there, the waitress was treating me like a regular. She even remembers what I had previously ordered.

I suggest you try the lamb, as Enetikon is known for its roasted meat dishes. Or, like most of the beautiful restaurants on the island, you can’t go wrong ordering seafood dishes of local produce, including a dish of Cretan snails in rosemary!

For those less adventurous but still in a seafood mood, look for the steamed mussels.

Woodstock

2, Akti Papanikoli 1 // +30 2821 095772

I’m sure Woodstock also serves some great dinner, but I only ever visited them for breakfast or brunch. Their location has one of the best views of the harbor from seats overlooking the water. They also have such a good service

Options include pancakes and waffles that would be hard to resist if you’re looking to have a sweet start to your day. Also, my coffee-drinking friend said the cup he had was some of the best coffee in Chania.

If you’re more of a savory person (like me), I recommend the spinach and chicken omelet served with a side of crispy roasted potatoes.

Pulse Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant

Theotokopoulou 70 // +30 697 879 2721

My apartment was located over Pulse, so I was fortunate enough to try much of their menu. This isn’t your typical, boring vegetarian and vegan food.

The chef-owner has put lots of thought into creating interesting (but more importantly, delicious) menu items such as Portobello burgers with sushi rice buns, a mushroom risotto that my friend is still raving about months later, and this carrot lox with homemade cashew cream cheese:

Pulse serves a full menu from lunch until dinner. The restaurant is located just on the edge of the Old Town and has a casual atmosphere. It almost feels like you’re eating on the patio of a friend’s house and lends itself to long talks over wine.

Even if you think you’re not a fan of vegan or vegetarian dishes, drop in and give this place a try—I think you’ll be happily surprised.

Thalasino Ageri

Vivilaki 35 // +30 2821 051136

This was one of, if not my very favorite, dining experiences on all of Chania. You will definitely need to call ahead for a table because look at these great views:

Several times during my stay, I sat over the water enjoying a slow dinner and watching the amazing sunset while sipping on house wine. I can’t wait to go back.

The menu features a wide range of fresh seafood priced by kilo or serving. Here, you can find everything from grilled swordfish to fried shark, grilled or fried sardines, octopus, and even lobster.

This is a great place for an anniversary or birthday dinner.

Ginger Concept

Sarpaki 36 // +30 2821 057590

Ginger Concept is open all day, so you have lots of opportunities to sample their incredible menu. You can start your day there with designer toast options, including a Reuben with slices of grilled beef or smoked salmon and avocado toast with horseradish cream cheese.

The menu also features a Croque Madame made with Edam cheese, a Spanish omelet stuffed with chorizo sausage or their own version of a classic Greek breakfast.

If you prefer a lighter start to the day, you can also order yogurt or acai bowls.

Later in the day, you can visit for aperitivo to try their wide range of tapas paired with wine or a cocktail from their impressive list.

If you’re in the mood for a dinner that’s more substantial than tapas, they also offer pizzas, pasta, and even beef bourguignon.

Tamam

Zampeliou 51 // +30 2821 096080

You’ll likely pass Tamam as you’re exploring the streets of Chania’s old town. When you pass, go ahead and pop in to make a reservation, as this place fills up at quickly at night time.

The menu at Tamam is inspired by the traditional Greek Sunday dinner, meaning you’ll find traditional, homestyle meals made from high quality local ingredients.

Try the rabbit cooked in sweet wine with rosemary, basmati rice flavored with dried fruits and vegetables, or one of their several perfectly executed seafood dishes.

Their wine list features many Greek wines with a focus on bottles from Crete. Be sure to ask your waiter to recommend a bottle for your dinner.

Evgonia

Milonogianni 120 // +30 2821 059420

Evgonia is located a bit out of the way but is well worth the effort to find. This is a great place for neighborhood traditional dishes with a menu that isn’t extensive but does feature some classic Greek favorites. The portions are large—if you’re dining alone, you definitely do not need a salad, appetizer and a main. I discovered this for myself! Be sure to ask about half portions if you’re a solo diner or your table doesn’t want to split.

I’d also recommend you ask about what’s on special. The staff will happily go over the menu with you and make suggestions. I let the owner basically order for me, and in the end, I enjoyed some of the best-roasted octopus I had on the island:

The Well of the Turk

Sarpaki 1 // +30 2821 054547

Their menu describes itself as “an eclectic mix of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisine” and this description is spot on.

Here, you can find slow-cooked local lamb with preserved lemons served over couscous, shish kebabs served with an avocado and orange salad, lamb pizzas or this vegetarian moussaka.

Weather permitting, try a seat on the outdoor patio—they’re located in the quieter part of Chania’s old town, and it’s a nice place to sit and enjoy a long dinner.

Kouzina EPE (Κουζίνα ε.π.ε.)

Daskalogianni 25 // +30 2821 042391

One of my favorite places in town to try authentic, no frills homestyle Greek dishes, this restaurant features a daily changing menu of homemade selections. Kouzina is a great place for lunch or an early dinner. The meals contain local products and are prepared just as you’d expect a Greek grandmother to.

Ask the server to explain what’s available that day—they’re happy to give you a peek under the lids of pots.

My favorite was a beef chickpea dish in a tomato sauce—be sure to look for it when you visit!

Salis

Akti Enoseos 3, Chania 731 32, Greece //+302821043700

Great overall experience! Friendly and cheerful staff fluent in English, fantastic harbor view and excellent food. 

Perfect place if you want to enjoy the pleasant sea breeze and the sun kissing your face while you drink one of their organic teas.

We had an incredible light breakfast here. Rich Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, Americanos, and a fantastic pastry basket with warm, fresh bread, butter, and fabulous preserves.

The food is super tasty and of great quality, and although not strictly traditional, they end up using a lot of local materials. Sea bass, black Angus rib eye, and grilled pork steak are perfect for lunch. 

With your americano, dont hesitate to try some of their unique desserts such as “Namelaka,” “Crack Pie,” or “Apple Tart.”

Their wine list is pretty extensive too. Excellent greek local wines to pair with your lunch or dinner. 

The Five Restaurant

Akti Papanikoli 15, Chania 731 36, Greece //+302821086596 

Modern, perfectly decorated restaurant with a magnificent ocean view, ideal for visiting when the sun sets.

They serve delicious, affordable food that will make you come back for more. The staff is polite and very experienced. 

The unique flavors and details really make a difference! The Fisherman’s pasta, mushroom risotto, and strawberry dessert are definitely the highlight.

The Crete specialty, “Soutzounkakia,” is a mouthwatering delicious dish that includes roasted lamb and pork meatballs with cumin, served with yogurt and tomato sauce. 

The beef falafels, pulled pork sliders and “Pavlovlaki” (dessert) were so good that we felt sorry when the plates were finished!

Kariatis Restaurant

Katechaki 12, Old Harbour, Κατεχάκη 12. Παλαιό Λιμάνι, Chania 731 33, Greece //+302821055600

Perfect place for a family lunch or a dinner date. They play very relaxing music which will make your evening just lovely. 

This restaurant is not directly on the water, but they light everything up in the evening, so it’s super romantic. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable and extremely friendly. 

Try out the shrimp and mango, which is really well balanced without the mango overpowering the shrimp. The fixture of fruits and vegetables enhances the shrimp. 

My main course was fresh tuna with wakame, which came highly recommended by the chef; at first, I was highly skeptical, but I did not regret it. The tuna was fresh, and the wakame was well-complimented and perfectly paired with my bottle of Chardonnay. 

My lobster risotto was perfectly cooked, and the fillet steak was tender, juicy and delicious.

Kritamon Wine Restaurant

Kondilaki 38, Chania 731 31, Greece //+306979823118

Incredible Cretan restaurant with unique wine choices and tasty local food with options for both meat lovers and vegans.

Good restaurant with a pleasant, cozy atmosphere on the street, but there is a garden too. The location is excellent for breakfast or lunch. 

The wine sommelier is incredible. The wine recommendation paired perfectly with both dishes. The Cretan local white whine “Viliana” is magnificent. 

There is traditional greek and modernized greek cuisine on the menu. 

The greek “Moussaka” is a must-try dish there. A perfect mix of potatoes, eggplant and minced meat directly from the oven. Hot and delicious! 

The refreshing greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and feta cheese pairs perfectly with the pork souvlaki. 

If you are looking for heavier lunch, you should take the roasted lamb with potatoes. Unforgettable traditional Greek dish which will make you full and satisfied. 

Apostolis restaurant

Akti Enoseos 10, Chania, Crete, Greece // +302821043470

Nice, traditional Greek fish restaurant at the Chania harbor, with great views and walking distance to Chania lighthouse. The food is fresh and delicious, put together with the ambiance, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Grilled Cuttlefish is impressive, their garlic bread exceptional, and they even offer free dessert at the end of your stay. You can say that the staff has been in the business for a very long time, they are excellent and friendly, they make your stay glad that you came.

I have a lot of only good words for this place, from the first welcome to the last goodbye and everything in between.

La Bodega

59, Kountourioti 60, Chania 731 31, Greece // +306979823118

Magnificent restaurant for a romantic dinner by the water and a fantastic experience. The staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, the music is romantic, and the food is delicious. 

The salad was really fresh, and the blue crab croquettes were delicious. The stuffed Portobello mushroom had just the right amount of flavor and cheese. The Bruschetta with mozzarella and tomato was crunchy and made with fresh ingredients. 

The smoked pork and cheese omelet with some arugula and tomato is perfect for breakfast or a light lunch. The portions are not very big here like in the local tavernas, but they are perfect if you want something different than traditional. 

This cozy little restaurant, located at the Old city’s harbor, provides an excellent gastronomical experience. Highly recommend it!

Ta Chalkina

Akti Tompazi 29-30, Chania 731 32, Greece //+302821041570

Cuisine based on Traditional Cretan recipes, fresh ingredients and high-quality dishes. 

The food is delicious, with huge portions. All the ingredients are carefully picked, and the flavors are very well combined. I notice they really focus on the details. The presentation of the dishes is interesting, and the staff gives you a bit of a back story with explanations of the ingredients in some of the dishes.

The lamb chops are nice and crispy, served with potatoes of your choice (mashed, baked or fried). The slow-cooked beef is served with handmade gnocchi and Cretan creme cheese. 

From seafood, there are fresh mussels steamed with roasted almonds, shrimps with butter, garlic and oregano, seabass with fish soup sauce and the incredible octopus with olive oil and lemon. 

The “Chalkina” restaurant feels like a gastronomical trip into Cretan tradition and culture. 

Oinopiio

Chatzmichali Ntaliani 46, Chania, Crete, Greece //+302821059204

The old town, a small restaurant in the heart of Chania, with the friendliest and warmest welcome and a lot of good food.

The food is effortlessly amazing! Especially their meat. For starters, we took the stuffed wine leaves/zucchini flower, and as a main dish, we took a slow-cooked lamb and Rabbit in oregano, all of it with house wine, and all of the flavors are exquisite. 

A lot of different flavors are mixed and cooked to perfection. Our meal ended with the delicious pannacotta you get on the house when you ask for a check.

The staff is very friendly and attentive, the portions are full, and the prices are low.

Zepos Restaurant

Kountourioti 42, Chania 731 00, Greece //+302821094100

Everyone likes restaurants in a fabulous tourist location on the harbor’s waterfront. So come here for a beautiful meal and enjoy the experience.

The staff was attentive but not pushy, and their suggestions proved excellent, especially the recommendation of the Cretan white wine, which went brilliantly with my sea bass.

Treat yourself to a modern version of the greek pork gyro and enjoy the crispy meat, refreshing tzatziki and oven-baked homemade pita bread. 

There is a choice of salads, pasta, grilled meat, seafood and many more on the menu. 

For dessert, make sure you try the Tiramisu and the mouthwatering unusual ice cream topped with Bayles. 

They also have a wide choice of classic and signature cocktails, well decorated with edible flowers, tasty and refreshing. 

Adespoto Music Taverna

Sifaka, Chania 731 32, Greece // +302821051582

A cozy place a few minutes’ walk from the city center. You can sit outside or inside the beautiful garden, where you can enjoy traditional live music and experience perfect greek dishes. 

The service is polite and friendly but a little bit slow because of the crowd. Also, some of the servers are not fluent in English, but they are kind. 

I recommend the Cretan potato salad, garlic bread, tzatziki salad, vegetable croquettes and fried potato skins for starters. They are all exceptional!

For the main course, do not hesitate to try the chicken and vegetable souvlaki served with grilled pita bread, homemade fries and yogurt sauce. The kebap (meatball) with hummus, Arabian pita, cucumber and tomato salad is also worth trying. 

Overall the “Adespoto Music Taverna” is an authentic culinary experience in the center of Chania, so book a table and enjoy the parts of the old town. 

Now that I have your meals covered, check out these suggestions for my favorite bars in Chania:

Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Gavaladon 41 // +30 2821 052685

This jazz bar located in Old Town serves great drinks and large pours of wine. What else do you need to know? This became my go-to favorite place in Chania (and it didn’t hurt that it was located literally right out the front door of my apartment). I love their laid-back vibe, great music, and interesting cocktails.

Fagotto Jazz Bar

Aggelou 16 // +30 2821 071877

Several locals cited this as their favorite bar in town and the place they go to unwind. Another jazz bar, this one also serving great cocktails. You can find Fagotto tucked away behind the Maritime Museum. Fagotto also seems to be one of the bars open the latest in the surrounding area, making for a great stop on the way home for one last drink.

Although I never had the chance to try it, I heard Fagotto also serves a great breakfast as well.

FAQ

What are things to do in Chania Greece?

Visit the Maritime Museum of Crete, Go Shopping at the Market Hall, Visit the, Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Visit the Area of Tabakaria, Walk Along the Venetian Harbour, try out traditional Cretan food. 

What are the best restaurants in Crete?

Salis is definitely one of the best rated restaurants in Chania, along with La Bodega and        Apostolis restaurant. 

What are the best restaurants in Chania Town that deliver?

Salis is the only restaurant on this list that delivers food in Chania. Mostly pizza, gyro or streetfood places offer delivery here. 

What are the most popular restaurants in Chania Town?

Ta Chalina, Salis, Zepos, Adespoto Music Taverna are the most popular restaurant in town.

While in Chania, don’t miss out on activities that will help immerse yourself with the city (hurry while they’re hot!):

• Day Trip to Elafonisi Island from Chania
• Chania: Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling & Stand-Up Paddling
• The Miracle of Wine and Olive Oil: Day Tour from Chania
• From Chania: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion
• Chania: Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains

Visiting other destinations in Greece? Check out our other delicious guides:

• The 8 Best Restaurants in Athens, Greece
• The Best Walking Food Tour Of Athens
• The Top 12 Best Greek Dishes
• 10 Amazing Things To Do In Greece

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Which of these Chania best restaurants do you most want to try? Let me know in the comments section below!

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How to get to Chania?

You can book your ground and sea transportation with Bookaway, so click here to book your tickets.