Best restaurants in Chania: 12 places you’ll love (2025 Guide)
Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
If you’re searching for the best restaurants in Chania, you’re in for a treat. From traditional Cretan tavernas to stylish harbour front dining, Chania’s food scene is one of the best in Crete. We ate our way through Old Town and beyond, here are the places we genuinely recommend.
If you want to try multiple dishes in one evening, consider booking a Cretan food tour, a great way to sample local specialities.
👉 Check this walking food tasting tour in Chania on Viator
👉 Check this Chania walking food and wine night tour
Where to eat in Chania: Old Town vs beyond
Most of the best restaurants in Chania are located in the Old Town and around the Venetian harbour, but some of our favourites were just outside the centre near Nea Chora and Agii Apostoli.
Nea Chora is also one of our favourite beaches, read my Chania Beaches guide here.
Breakfast and lunch spots in Chania
Achinios Seaside Restaurant (Nea Chora)
We stumbled across Achinios while walking along Nea Chora Beach and ended up having a gorgeous breakfast with a sea view. Their fresh juices were spot on, and the menu worked just as well for breakfast as for a light lunch. I had the Greek omelette (delicious), and my daughter devoured the chocolate and banana pancakes. Super laid back and well worth a visit if you’re nearby and definitely a great brunch spot in Chania. You can also read my more detailed guide on Chania beaches which includes Nea Chora. We stayed near Nea Chora, you can read my review on Villa Giota here.
Beach House at Golden Sands (Chrysi Akti)
Tucked behind the dunes, this place felt like a little secret hideaway. Perfect for a chilled lunch after a swim, we had club sandwiches and fresh smoothies while sitting in the shade. There are loungers out front if you want to stick around.
Beloni Caffe & Juice Bar (Kladissos Beach area)
A modern, airy café that’s ideal for a healthy pit stop. Think smoothie bowls, avocado toast and fresh juices, great if you’re after a lighter bite. The staff were lovely and made us feel very welcome, even with our slightly chaotic toddler in tow.
Beloni Restaurant
Part of the same brand but with a different vibe, this restaurant version of Beloni leans more into Mediterranean fusion. Their brunch is great too, refined but still relaxed. A good shout if you’re in the Nea Chora area.
Bello Espresso Bar
We spent our last morning here while waiting for our airport transfer and it ticked all the boxes, room full English breakfasts to gyros, plus smoothies and great coffee. Something for everyone, another great brunch spot in Chania.
Dinner in Chania Old Town
If you’re exploring the harbour before dinner, read my full Chania Old Town guide here.
Tamam – A Chania Old Town favourite
If you only eat at one place in Chania, make it Tamam. This Old Town favourite is set in a former Turkish hammam and serves up classic Greek dishes with big portions and big flavour. I had the chicken legs in apple and nut sauce (still dreaming about it), and we also loved the moussaka and lamb kebabs. It absolutely deserves its spot on every best restaurants Chania list.
Tholos Restaurant
Set in a bombed out Venetian building with a candlelit courtyard, Tholos strikes a balance between atmospheric and relaxed. I had the lamb kleftiko wrapped in parchment, unbelievably tender, and the mushroom risotto was equally lovely. Great staff, and dessert and raki were on the house. This definitely was near the top of my list as some of the best food in Chania Old Town.
Pallas – Harbour views and modern Greek cuisine
Pallas was a real highlight for us. We booked for 7pm and caught the sunset over the harbour, this was one of the best sunset views in Chania for us. The food is modern, seafood led, and beautifully presented. Staff were super knowledgeable, especially for me around pregnancy safe dishes. Their complimentary dessert (like a molten Caramac!) was unreal, and the cocktails were fab too. It’s a little pricier, but totally worth it. This was one of those meals we kept talking about long after we got home.
Mesostrato
Mesostrato is another open air taverna in partial ruins, complete with a tree growing through the middle. It’s spacious, with live music if you visit a little later in the evening. The food was hearty and traditional, grilled meats, meze, plenty of wine, and the whole place just felt easy going and warm.
Ela
Rustic charm meets modern touches here. The roofless building gives it a unique vibe, and it’s cosy yet spacious. Ela do a brilliant meze platter, and prices are reasonable. Bonus points for the quirky kids’ toilet, which my daughter adored making its a great family restaurant in Chania.
Dinner Outside Chania Old Town
Theodosi Restaurant (Halepa area)
This one’s a bit of a hidden gem. Set away from the bustle, Theodosi offers sweeping sea views and a peaceful atmosphere. We had seafood linguine and herb crusted lamb, both absolutely spot on. Worth a taxi or short drive from the centre.
9Beaufort (Nea Chora Beach)
A great pick near the harbour, with views of the fishing boats and water. The seafood at 9Beaufort was incredibly fresh and full of flavour. It felt elevated without being formal.
Kertos (Next to 9Beaufort)
Right next door, Kertos offered more traditional Greek dishes done simply but brilliantly. The salmon papardelle was rich and tasty, and even our daughter loved her mac and cheese from the kids’ menu. We watched the sunset from our table, which made the meal even more special.
Restaurants in Halepa, Chania
If you’re staying in Halepa, one of Chania’s quieter neighbourhoods just east of the Old Town, you’ll find a handful of excellent tavernas and local Halepa restaurants. This area has more of a laid back, residential feel, so it’s a great choice if you want to eat where the locals do rather than in the touristy centre. Many spots here serve classic Cretan dishes, fresh seafood, and homemade desserts, all at more affordable prices than the harbourfront.
Halepa Small Plates Restaurant
A romantic waterfront taverna offering fresh seafood, generous portions, and a serene seaside setting, all with rave reviews from visitors.
Psitopolis Grill
A more casual option, great for meat lovers. Known for generous portions of souvlaki, gyros, and grilled lamb at very reasonable prices. Perfect if you’re staying in Halepa and want a no fuss family meal.
Final thoughts
Chania is a foodie’s dream, whether you’re after beach brunches, rooftop cocktails or rustic taverna dinners. These were our top picks for the best restaurants in Chania, all tested by us (and mostly toddler approved!).
Wherever you eat, leave room for dessert, and don’t be surprised if a free shot of raki shows up. It’s part of the charm.
Planning your trip? Start with my complete Crete travel guide here.
FAQ: Best restaurants in Chania
More Crete related blog posts:
Villa Giota: Best Family Villa in Chania, Crete (2026 Review & Tips)
Villa Giota: Best family villa in Chania, Crete (2026 review & tips) Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. If you’re looking for a holiday in Crete with space, comfort,…
Chania Old Town: A Complete Travel Guide (History, Things to Do, Food & Walking Tour)
Chania Old Town: A complete travel guide (History, things to do, food & walking tour) Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. If you’re planning a trip to Crete and…
Chania Beaches: Best Places to Visit (Family Friendly & Practical Guide)
Chania Beaches: Best places to visit (Family friendly & practical guide) Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. If you’re planning a family holiday to Crete and searching for “Chania…
Limnoupolis Waterpark Chania: Honest Family Review & Tips (2025)
Limnoupolis Waterpark Chania: Honest Family Review & Tips (2025) Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. We visited Limnoupolis waterpark in Chania with our four year old in June 2025,…
Is Chania Worth Visiting? A Guide to Crete’s Most Charming City
Is Chania Worth Visiting? A Guide to Crete’s Most Charming City Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. If you’re wondering is Chania worth visiting, the short answer is yes,…