Which restaurants, cafes and bars do we recommend?

Bougatsa Iordanis (a cheese pie called Bougatsa, this is ALL they sell, and it's a MUST. Morning and early lunch only. Tell them you want it sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. No one should leave the island without trying it)

Phyllo (breakfast and brunch)

Kouzina EPE (lunch only, traditional fare, in the Splanzia neighborhood of the Old City)

Gyros and Souvlaki

ANY Gyro you cross paths with will be good. In Greece a Souvlaki is a kabob and a Gyro is meat from a spit sliced in pita bread )

Oasis (Nick's favorite gyro)

Thraka Souvlaki (another favorite)

Portes (in Nea Xora, a favorite restaurant, excellent Cretan fusion. On the harbor, which is pretty at lunch. Ask for Zach and tell him I sent you)

Salis (Greek fusion, on the water, known for its wines)

Pulse (Vegan/Vegetarian. Tell Suzanne or her son Nick sent you. She's a gifted chef)

Chalkina (Cretan food with live music. Frequented by locals and on the water. Terrific food - one of our favorites)

Ginger (contemporary, in a lovely courtyard that's away from fuss)

Tamam (in the oldest part of the Old Town, a former Venetian bathhouse)

Chrisostomos (award winning traditional Cretan cuisine; all of their products come from Sfakia, a region known for its food)

The well of the Turk (Middle Eastern fare)

Pallas (loud at night, great cocktails, frequented by locals; not skewed toward Cretan food but has a really nice view of the lighthouse from the second floor and roof garden)

Leventis Taverna (award winning authentic Cretan cuisine, in Stalos - overlooks a beautiful valley; lovely for lunch)

Thalassino Ageri (highly recommended for seafood and fish, on the water in Halepa, aim for sunset; call to book a table: +30 if dialing from an American phone, then 28210 51136)

Daliani Streetvin the old town has many good restaurants - all frequented by locals, including the following two:

Mesogiako restaurant (mediterranean fusion)

Throumbi sti Ladokola (for meat lovers. Have the fries as well)

In the Kalathas/Stavros area:

Irene Tavern (traditional Cretan fare) https://www.irenerestaurant.gr/el/?fbclid=IwAR3f_2fz3d5YgqDkbtP989z8Pro0x_Q7DsnxYuDjyAiST9fI2iR4RMeUmcE

Almyriki Restaurant (good seafood and Cretan fusion, in Stavros)

In the Platanias area:

Mylos tou Kerata

In the Falassarna area:

Captain Nikolas

Taverna Mouraki

In the Balos / Gramboussa area

Gramboussa Restaurant, Kaliviani

In the Paleochora area:

Old Schoolhouse Taverna / To Sxoleio

Bars / Cocktails

Fagoto Jazz Bar

The Monasteri of Karolos (on Daliani Street - amazing inner courtyard)

Sinagogi Cocktail Bar (in the oldest part of the old city)

Boheme (good for a midday coffee break in the shade)

Coffee and desserts

Koukouvagia (incredible view, get there early if you want to see the sunset, coffee/desserts/meals)

Carte Postale (next to Koukouvagia. Again, incredible view, get there early if you want to see the sunset.. Good for coffee/desserts/meals.

Istioploikos Sea Lounge (coffee/desserts/ cocktails/ meals with separate vegan menu)

The Where To Stay MAP

The Where To Stay MAP - and some nearby beaches