Chania Restaurants: Tavernas of Western Crete
The Chania region serves western Crete's best-known cooking, from the fish tavernas of the old Venetian harbour to the waterside restaurants of Almyrida and the mountain grills of the Apokoronas. Fresh fish, Cretan salads, raki and local yoghurt turn up across the region. This guide covers the tavernas I have eaten in around Chania, grouped by area. Hire a car to explore Crete at your own pace, covered in our Crete car hire guide.
- Region
- West Crete
- Restaurant village
- Almyrida
- Best fish
- Akrotiri beaches
- Local speciality
- Sfakia pies
Almyrida tavernas
Almyrida has one of the widest choices of tavernas in the Apokoronas, lined along the beach and in the streets behind. Most serve fresh fish, and there are options for vegetarians and even pizza. CostAnita, at the end of the beach, is my favourite in the village; I scored it 9.5 out of 10 for its large portions and friendly service. Café Patisserie Françoise, beside the diving school, serves sandwiches, omelettes, salads and a large English breakfast. Other tavernas here include Erotokritos, Lagos, Psaros and the fish taverna Thalami.
Fish tavernas of the Akrotiri beaches
The beaches of the Akrotiri peninsula are known for good fish tavernas that draw people out from Chania. At Marathi, the Patrelantonis Fish Taverna serves fresh fish beside the harbour and gets busy when the excursion boats arrive. The Kalathas restaurant sits on the beach by the river; I scored it 8.5 out of 10. Elena's Restaurant on the square at Stavros beach serves grilled fish and Greek salad, and I also scored it 8.5 out of 10. The Tersanas Taverna overlooks the bay at Tersanas beach, scored 8 out of 10.
Tavernas of the Apokoronas & north coast
The Apokoronas and the north coast keep more traditional tavernas and grills in the villages. In Kalives, the Medusa restaurant is a tip from the locals, and Provlita sits by the harbour. Vrises is famous for its yoghurt, and the Gefyra snack café stands on the square by the monument; nearby "The Vrisses Way" is known for Sfakia pies, pancakes filled with cheese and honey. At Georgioupoli, the Dolphin Taverna serves the beach village.
