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.
With seven of us travelling together in June 2025, I spent a lot of time before the trip researching the best restaurants in Chania 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 in tow. We were staying at Villa Giota in Nea Chora, which meant a lot of our casual spots were in that area.
It paid off. Every single meal was good – genuinely good, not just fine. All of them were relaxed about kids, all had children’s menu options, and without exception every evening meal ended with 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.
👉 Check this walking food tasting tour in Chania on Viator
👉 Check this Chania walking food and wine night tour
Best restaurants in Chania (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:
Best traditional taverna: Tamam
Best for families: Ela
Best for a special meal: Pallas
Best casual lunch: Beloni
Best for a relaxed Old Town dinner: Tamam
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, heavier on local produce, slower cooking methods and more distinct flavours than you might expect.
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, simple but really good. Kalitsounia are small cheese or herb pies unique to Crete, worth ordering if you see them. The fresh grilled seafood is excellent across the board, especially fish and prawns. Moussaka is on most menus and genuinely delicious – rich, filling and nothing like the versions you get at home. And if you see kleftiko on the menu, order it – slow cooked lamb that falls apart, we had it multiple times. Also worth seeking our for breakfast is 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 th emost recommended spot in the city. We didn’y 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. A great reason to go back.
One 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
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 a bit 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
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, which is 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 everythign 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. Fresh juices, relaxed atmosphere, good for kids. Worth stopping at if you’re in the area.
If you’re after the best restaurants in Chania near the beach, Achinios, 9Beaufort and Kertos are all worth knowing about. 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 out front if you want to make an afternoon of it. 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, turns out they’re connected. It couldn’t look more different though, bright, modern and airy where Beloni is more traditional. We went for a lighter bite and it hit the spot, smoothie bowls, fresh juices, that kind of thing. A nice contrast if you’ve already done Beloni and want something a bit different.
Beloni Restaurant
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. Bruschetta, salads, simple dishes done really well. 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. We sat there for a while just eating slowly, which was exactly what we needed that morning.
Dinner in Chania Old Town
If you’re looking for the best restaurs 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
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 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 all trip. The moussaka and lamb kebabs were brilliant too. Pre-book – it fills up fast.
Tholos Restaurant
Tholos is set in a partially ruined Venetian building with a candlelit courtyard, which sounds dramatic but actually feels really 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. Staff were brilliant, dessert and raki came on the house at the end. One of our favourite meals of the trip.
Pallas – Harbour views and modern Greek cuisine
Pallas was our special occasion meal and it delivered. We booked for 7pm specifically to catch the sunset over the harbour and the timing was perfect. If you’re looking for best restaurants in Chania with a harbour view, this is it. The food is modern and seafood led, beautifully presented without feeling fussy. The staff were really helpful around pregnancy safe options, 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.
Mesostrato
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 sounds like it shouldn’t work but 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 is set inside what feels like a roofless ruin – exposed walls, open sky above you, and somehow it all 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. A good family option.
The Well of the Turk
Well of the Turk we didn’t get to, a Middle Eastern and Turkish influenced restaurant that comes up repeatedly as a Chania favourite. Located in Splantzia, known for 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, modern Greek food with a strong wine list. Definitely on the list for next time.
Dinner Outside Chania Old Town
Theodosi Restaurant (Halepa area)
Theodosi was our first meal in Chania, 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 or have little legs in tow. We think it’s attached to a hotel.
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 casual. Worth booking ahead if you can.
Kertos (Next to 9Beaufort)
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, 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. 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. A seafront spot in the Tabakaria neighbourhood that’s been going since 1985. Dinner only, and worth booking ahead in summer. One for next time.
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
A waterfront taverna with a good reputation for fresh seafood and generous portions in a relaxed setting.
Psitopolis Grill
A casual option popular with locals, 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.
Pre-book 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 7pm and we’d have missed out without a reservation.
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.
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.
And if a restaurant is busy with locals at lunchtime, make a note of it. That’s how we found Beloni.
If you wan’t to pick up local produce such as olive oil, cheese, herbs and honey. Municipal Market 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 orderign 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 genuinely generous every single time.
For everythign else you need to play your trip, head to our 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
Chania Old Town: A complete travel 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. Chania Old Town was one of those places I wasn’t quite prepared for, and I say…
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. The beaches around Chania are some of the best we’ve come across…
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. We arrived in Chania on a warm June evening, seven of us…