Published: 23 June 2025 | Updated: 7 August 2026
Chania restaurants post text on torn paper

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With seven of us travelling together in June 2025, I spent a lot of time before the trip researching the best restaurants in Chania, Crete, and pre-booking wherever I could. Many tavernas are small, and we couldn’t risk turning up and being turned away with a hungry four year old and a pregnant me craving delicious food. We were staying at Villa Giota in Nea Chora, which meant a lot of our casual spots were in that area.

I’m so glad we booked. Every single meal was good – and I mean really good. All of them were relaxed about kids, all had children’s menus, and, without exception, every evening meal ended with a complimentary dessert and a shot of raki. Here are the places we’d go back to without hesitation.

If you want to try multiple dishes in one evening, consider booking a Cretan food tour, a great way to sample local specialities.

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Walking Food Tour

Perfect if this is your first visit to Chania and you want to try a bit of everything.

View tour →

Food & Wine Evening

A relaxed evening sampling local wines and traditional Cretan dishes.

View tour →

Quick picks

If you don’t have time to read the full guide, these are the places we’d recommend straight away based on our trip:

Tamam restaurant door - Chania, Crete

Tamam

Best traditional
taverna

Ela restaurant entrance - Chania, Crete

Ela

Best for
families

Beautiful sunset view over Chania harbour with dining tables in foreground.

Pallas

Best for a
special meal

Salad at Beloni, Chania, Crete

Beloni

Best casual
lunch

What to eat in Chania

Before you sit down, it’s worth knowing what to look out for on the menu. Cretan food has its own identity. It’s heavier on local produce, with slower cooking methods and more distinct flavours than you might expect.

Moussaka on a polaroid frame

Gyros you’ll know – meat, salad and pitta – but the ones here are better than most.

Dakos is a Cretan salad with tomatoes, crumbled cheese and olive oil. It’s simple but really good.

Kalitsounia are small cheese or herb pies that are unique to Crete. It’s worth ordering if you see them.

Fresh grilled seafood is excellent right across the board, especially fish and prawns.

Moussaka is on most menus and genuinely delicious. It’s rich, filling and nothing like the versions you get at home.

Kleftiko – if you see it on the menu, order it. It’s slow cooked lamb that falls apart. We had it multiple times.

Bougatsa – a flaky pastry filled with either custard or local myzithra cheese, dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon. It’s a Cretan breakfast. Bougatsa Iordanis, a family bakery that’s been around since 1924, is the most recommended spot in the city. We didn’t make it here ourselves and I’m really gutted about that. I read about it after we had left; in fact, I have read about it a lot since. It’s a great reason to go back.

We had a tip from a local taxi driver: don’t bother ordering beef. Apparently Crete doesn’t have great cattle, and it shows on the plate. We took his word for it and didn’t order it.

Cheap eats vs special occasion restaurants in Chania

Calamari in Chania, Crete on a polaroid frame

One of the things we loved about eating in Chania is how easy it is to mix things up depending on what you feel like. Lunch was usually casual: gyros spots, bakeries, a café by the beach, and very affordable. Evenings we’d go to a more relaxed taverna, which in Chania means generous portions, good wine, and usually something complimentary at the end.

For a special occasion meal, the harbour restaurants are worth the slightly higher prices; Pallas, in particular, was one of the best meals of the trip. But even our most expensive night out was reasonable by UK standards, so don’t let the harbour front prices put you off entirely.

Where to eat in Chania: Old Town vs beyond

Chania map and view of harbour on a polaroid frame

Most of the restaurants we’d recommend are in the Old Town or around Chania harbour, but some of our favourites were actually just outside the centre, near Nea Chora, where we were based.

Don’t feel like you have to stay in the touristy areas to eat well.

Breakfast and lunch spots in Chania

Achinios Seaside Restaurant (Nea Chora)

We found Achinios by accident, walking along Nea Chora beach one morning and spotting it from the path. If you’re spending time at that beach, our Chania beaches guide covers everything you need to know about it. We stayed for breakfast, and it turned out to be one of our favourite casual spots of the whole trip. I had the Greek omelette, my daughter had chocolate and banana pancakes, and we both sat looking out at the sea while we ate. They had fresh juices, and a relaxed atmosphere. It was great for kids. It’s worth stopping at if you’re in the area.

Omelette and chocolate pancakes at Achinios in Chania, Crete on a polaroid frame

If you’re after the best restaurants in Chania near the beach, Achinios, 9Beaufort and Kertos are all worth knowing about. They’re all close to the water and covered in more detail below.

Beach House at Golden Sands (Chrysi Akti)

We found this one after a swim at Golden Sands Beach. It’s set back behind the dunes, which means it’s easy to walk past without noticing. We had club sandwiches and fresh smoothies in the shade, and there are loungers at the front if you want to make an afternoon of it. It’s a good casual lunch spot if you’re spending the day at that beach.

Beloni Caffe & Juice Bar (Kladissos Beach area)

We only discovered this one because we noticed the same waiter from Beloni serving tables further along the street; it turns out they’re connected. It couldn’t look more different. It’s bright, modern, and airy, whereas Beloni is more traditional. We went for a lighter bite, and it was really nice. They had smoothie bowls and fresh juices. It’s a nice contrast if you’ve already done Beloni and want something a bit different.

Beloni Restaurant

Salad and beloni restaurant images on a torn edge

We walked past Beloni several times before we actually went in; it doesn’t shout for attention from the outside. But it was always busy in the afternoon, mostly with locals, which eventually won us over.

We went for lunch one day, and nobody at the table had a bad meal. Between us we had bruschetta and salads. All simple dishes, done really well. It’s definitely one of those places that earns its reputation quietly.

Bello Espresso Bar

We ended up here on our last morning, killing time before our airport transfer, and it was a really nice way to finish the trip. I had a gyros which was one of the best I’d had all week, and a smoothie that I’m still thinking about now. We sat there for a while just eating slowly, which was exactly what we needed that morning when you’re in limbo.

Dinner in Chania Old Town

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Chania Old Town, the harbour area has plenty to choose from. If you’re planning to explore before dinner, our Chania Old Town guide covers everything worth seeing on foot.

Tamam – A Chania Old Town favourite

Tamam houmous and dips and little girl eating spaghetti

If you only eat at one place in Chania, make it Tamam. It’s set in a former Turkish hammam in the Old Town, which gives it a really distinctive feel. The menu is very traditional Greek, which is a good thing, but it’s also worth knowing if you’re not familiar with the dishes, as some of the descriptions don’t give much away. I nearly didn’t order the chicken legs because of that, and only went for it after spotting the plate on someone else’s table and asking the waiter. It was one of the best things I ate for the whole trip. The moussaka and lamb kebabs were brilliant too. I would pre-book – it fills up fast.

Tholos Restaurant

Tholos restaurant in Chania set inside ruins

Tholos is set in a partially ruined Venetian building with a candlelit courtyard, which feels very relaxed once you’re sitting in it. I had the lamb kleftiko wrapped in parchment, which was really tender and fell apart when I opened it, and the mushroom risotto was equally good. The staff was brilliant; dessert and raki came on the house at the end. It was one of our favourite meals of the trip.

Pallas – Harbour views and modern Greek cuisine

Pallas was our treat meal of the week, and it definitely delivered. If you have a special occasion or celebration, then this is somewhere I would recommend booking for it. We booked for 7 pm specifically to catch the sunset over the harbour, and the timing was perfect. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Chania with a harbour view, this is it. The food is modern and seafood-led. It was all beautifully presented without feeling fussy. The staff were really helpful around pregnancy-safe options too. I almost ordered something I shouldn’t have, and the waiter spotted my bump and advised me against it, which I appreciated more than I can say. And the complimentary dessert at the end was like a molten Caramac, which sounds odd but was one of the best things I ate all week. It’s pricier than most places in Chania but not by as much as you’d expect for the setting. Pre-book and ask for a harbour view table.

  • Chania best restaurants - Pallas sunset
  • Chania best restaurants - Pallas lighthouse view
  • Chania best restaurants - salmon dish
  • Chania best restaurants - Pallas from outside

Mesostrato

Mesostrato restaurant Chania front door

Mesostrato is hard to miss once you’re inside – it’s open-air, spacious, and there’s a full-grown tree coming up through the middle of the restaurant, which looks brilliant. They had singers performing on and off during the evening, which added to the atmosphere without being overwhelming. The food is traditional and hearty: grilled meats, meze, good wine. A really enjoyable night out.

Ela

Ela restaurant meze board and ruin style interior

Ela is set inside what feels like a roofless ruin. There are exposed walls, an open sky above you, and it works really well. The meze platter was brilliant, and prices are on the reasonable side for the Old Town. The standout for our four year old was the kids’ toilet, which was quirky enough that she came back to report on it to the whole table. We found it to be a really good family option.

The Well of the Turk

Well of the Turk we didn’t get to. It’s a Middle Eastern and Turkish-influenced restaurant that comes up repeatedly as a Chania favourite. It’s located in Splantzia, and they’re known for their generous portions and a good atmosphere late into the evening.

Salis

We walked past Salis several times and kept meaning to go. It sits near the harbour and has a reputation for being one of the more upmarket options in Chania, with modern Greek food and a strong wine list. It’s definitely on the list for next time.

Oinoa

Oinoa we didn’t get to. It’s a wine bar and restaurant in the Old Town with terrace seating and sea views over the bay. It comes up repeatedly as one of the best in Chania, known for beef tartare, Black Angus burger and a strong wine pairing menu. Slightly pricier than most spots on this list, but the setting alone sounds worth it for sunset. Another one for next time.

Dinner Outside Chania Old Town

Theodosi Restaurant (Halepa area)

Theodosi was our first meal in Chania, on the night we arrived, and it set the bar high for the rest of the trip. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the Nea Chora area in the opposite direction from the Old Town, with a bit of a hill on the way up, worth knowing if you’re heavily pregnant like I was, or have little legs in tow – like we did. We think it’s attached to a hotel.

Theodosi restaurant Chania - entrance and pasta dish on a polaroid frame

The sunset views from the road on the way there were stunning, though we couldn’t quite see them from our table. The seafood linguine and herb crusted lamb were both excellent. And they had alcohol free rum on the menu, which, as the only non-drinker in a group of seven, I was very excited about, and then couldn’t find anywhere else in Chania for the rest of the week.

9Beaufort (Nea Chora Beach)

I’d spotted 9Beaufort from the beach earlier in the week and made a mental note to go back. It was one of the only evening meals we hadn’t pre-booked, and we were lucky to get a table. It’s right next to where all the boats are moored, which gives it a really nice setting – you’re eating next to the water with the fishing boats just alongside. The seafood was really fresh, and the whole place felt relaxed without being too casual. It’s worth booking ahead if you can.

Kertos (Next to 9Beaufort)

Kertos restaurant, Chania, Crete, salom pasta dish and sunset over a ripped page frame

Kertos is right next door to 9Beaufort, sitting on a deck alongside the beach. It was one of the busiest restaurants we went to all week, but incredibly well run; the waiters were using walkie-talkies to coordinate, and it showed. The service was smooth despite how full it was. My salmon pappardelle was really good, our daughter was happy with mac and cheese from the kids’ menu, and we sat and watched the sunset over the beach while we ate. It was a really nice evening.

Thalassino Ageri (Tabakaria)

We didn’t eat here, but it kept coming up in our research as one of the best seafood restaurants in Chania. Thalassino Ageri is a seafront spot in the Tabakaria neighbourhood that’s been going since 1985. They serve dinner only, and it’s worth booking ahead in summer. Another one for next time.

Dessert in Chania

If you’ve got room after all that dinner, here’s the one everyone raves about for something sweet.

Sketi Glyka

Sketi Glyka is a small patisserie, a block back from the harbour that we walked past more than once and never quite made time for. If you’ve got room after dinner (or fancy an afternoon treat), it’s known for beautifully presented mini tarts, macaroons and eclairs. If you want dessert beyond the complimentary raki and sweets most tavernas send out, this is a spot many people rave about.

Restaurants in Halepa, Chania

We didn’t eat in Halepa ourselves; we were based in Nea Chora and didn’t make it over that way. But since it comes up a lot in searches and several people have asked about it, here’s what we know from research. Halepa is a quieter, more residential neighbourhood just east of the Old Town, and tends to have more local spots at lower prices than the harbour area.

Halepa Small Plates Restaurant

This is a waterfront taverna, with a good reputation for fresh seafood and generous portions in a relaxed setting.

Psitopolis Grill

A casual option which is popular with locals. It’s known for souvlaki, gyros and grilled lamb at very reasonable prices. A good shout if you want something straightforward and affordable.

Tips for finding the best restaurants in Chania

A few things we learned about eating in Chania that are worth knowing before you go.

Tips icon - calendar

If you’re looking specifically for the best restaurants in Chania Old Town, I’d recommend pre-booking where you can, especially if you’re travelling in a group or visiting in peak season. Several of the restaurants we went to were full by 7 pm, and we’d have missed out without a reservation.

Tips icon - lighthouse

The harbour front is beautiful, but the restaurants right on the water are noticeably pricier. Walking one or two streets back almost always leads to better food at better prices. Some of our favourite meals were in places we’d never have found if we’d just followed the crowds.

Tips icon - menu

Smaller tavernas with shorter, more traditional menus were consistently our best meals. If a place is trying to do everything, it usually does nothing particularly well. If the menu is in Greek first and English second, that’s usually a good sign.

Tips icon - family

And if a restaurant is busy with locals at lunchtime, make a note of it. That’s how we found Beloni.

Tips icon - food basket

If you want to pick up local produce such as olive oil, cheese, herbs and honey. Municipal Market on the edge of the Old Town is worth a wander. It’s also a good way to get a feel for what’s grown and made on the island before you start ordering it in restaurants.

Final thoughts

Whatever you eat in Chania, leave room at the end. Every evening meal we had came with complimentary dessert and a shot of raki, which felt really generous every single time.

For everything else you need to plan your trip, head to our Crete travel guide here. If you’re still deciding if Chania is worth visiting, read our is Chania worth visiting guide.

FAQ: Best restaurants in Chania

Our top picks are Tamam for traditional Greek food in the Old Town, Ela for families, Pallas for a special occasion, and Beloni for a relaxed casual lunch. Full details on all of these, plus everywhere else we ate, are below.

Tamam is consistently one of the most recommended, and we’d agree – brilliant traditional Greek food in a really distinctive setting. Pre-book; it fills up fast.

Not by UK standards. Most tavernas are very reasonable – we were spending around £30 per head for a starter, main and drinks on a typical evening. The harbour front is slightly pricier but still affordable compared to most European cities.

Yes, especially in peak season and if you’re in a group. We pre-booked almost everywhere and were glad we did – several places were full by 7pm. For smaller, more casual spots you can usually walk in, but for anything popular it’s worth reserving ahead.

Ela was our pick for families – relaxed atmosphere, good meze, reasonable prices and a kids’ toilet that became a highlight for our four year old. Most tavernas in Chania are genuinely child friendly though, with kids’ menu options and staff who are warm with little ones.

Cretan cuisine – kleftiko, fresh grilled seafood, dakos salad, moussaka and kalitsounia. Most tavernas source ingredients locally and the quality shows. Almost every evening meal ends with complimentary dessert and a shot of raki too.

Gyros spots and bakeries are great for cheap lunches. For evening meals, walking a street or two back from the harbour makes a noticeable difference to the bill without compromising on quality. Beloni near Nea Chora is a brilliant mid range option that won’t break the bank.

Yes – some of our favourite meals were outside the centre. 9Beaufort and Kertos near the boats in Nea Chora were brilliant, and Theodosi in the Halepa direction is worth the walk for the food alone. Don’t feel like you have to stay near the harbour to eat well.

No, Crete doesn’t currently have any Michelin-starred restaurants. But Pallas is the closest you’ll get to a special occasion, fine dining feel. It’s modern Greek food, harbour views, and a level of presentation that punches well above typical taverna dining.

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