Best Restaurants
Giannikos Tavern
Giannikos Taverna is a traditional Cretan restaurant, a heritage from father to son throughout 3 generations, since 1880. The tradition that is bonded with the restaurant is well maintained until today. Enjoy a delicious meal, taste our local delicacies, enjoy your coffee or a refreshing drink under the shade of the trees of Prines square! All our dishes are homemade with virgin olive oil, fresh meat and vegetables from our farm. Just taste it! Address: Palaia Ethniki Odos Rethynnou-Chanion, Prines, Rethymnon, Crete 741 00, Greece Telephone: +30 693 707 3998
Veranda Tavern
As the building is right next to the road (as are the other tavernas) the main eating areas are indoors with a large enclosed, eponymous, veranda at the rear, overlooking the garden and a view towards the coast. Whilst the service isn't as enthusiastic as elsewhere the staff are very friendly (although smoking behind the bar isn't a great advert) and helpful. Worth a visit. Address: Palaia Ethniki Odos Chanion Rethimnou, Prines, Rethymnon, Crete 74100, Greece Telephone: +30 2831 401219
Olive Tavern
The Olive Restaurant in Prines Rethymnon is the perfect choice for those looking for a good tavern with delicious food. All dishes are cooked entirely with pure Cretan products and in accordance with traditional recipes. Olive is a traditional tavern in a traditional setting with extremely welcoming hosts. The restaurant's menu includes Cretan traditional salad, traditional lamb and burgers. In addition to the above, those who have visited Olive have to say about the delectable shrimp pasta, the cooked lamb in tomato sauce and the roast chicken. Everyone talks about the relaxing atmosphere and well-cooked food at very affordable prices. Address: Prines, Rethimnou, Rethymnon, Crete 741 00, Greece Telephone: +30 697 270 7579
Goules Tavern
The Goules Taverna in Goulediana, south of Rethymnon, has been called one of the best tavernas on Crete. 'Some of the all-inclusive resorts along the coast,' he said, 'buy their moussaka from China. They pay less than €3.50 per kilo, and you can make a lot of moussaka from one kilo. Even some tavernas who advertise 'traditional Cretan cuisine' buy their meat from Lidl.' That was not the case at Goules, whose menu included dishes like rooster and rabbit, which means the meat is fresh and local, the recipe a family one. Another good sign was that one beer on offer was from Brink's, a craft brewery in Rethymnon making a small but impressive range of organic beers. At a price of €3 a bottle, it cost the same as more familiar names like Fix and Mythos. Address: Goulediana, Rethymnon, Crete 74100, Greece Telephone: +30 698 366 1503
Nostos Restaurant
Nostos Restaurant is located on the beach road in the town of Rethymnon. At Nostos you will find a wide variety of Greek dishes, many of the them based on well-known Greek recipes. What makes Nostos special is its chef, Mihalis Harisis, whose inspiration has created unique tastes with fresh ingredients. The menu of Nostos includes soups, salads, appetizers, meat dishes, young lamb and goat dishes, as well as seafood dishes. There is an excellent wine list with carefully selected Greek wines and the people of Nostos will gladly help you to choose the right wine to accompany your meal. Address: Sofokli Venizelou 73, Rethymnon, Crete 74133, Greece Telephone: +30 2831 040829
Nyn & Aei Tavern
Great food from a small restaurant at the end of a narrow street. Make a reservation to make sure you get a table outside. Τhis is a popular restaurant and in order to get a table you will need to get there as soon as possible after 7 pm. Between 8 and 8.30 there will be people waiting for an empty table - however if you have been early you will not be rushed. It is an absolute delight. Address: 38 Tzane Bouniali, Rethymnon, Crete 74131, Greece Telephone: +30 698 012 4540
Castelo Tavern
There's so much more to this place than first appears. The staff were lovely, friendly but not pushy; Quantity of portions just right and so much more refined and flavorsome. The prices are reasonable for what you are getting, and the staff are attentive and friendly. Give this place a visit. Address: Rethymno 27, Arabatzoglou str, Rethymnon Crete 74100, Greece Telephone: +30 2831 050567
Pagona’s Place
Pagona runs the front of the house with a deft touch; usually by the time diners leave, they feel like they have a new BFF in Crete. Pagona's mother is the force behind this straightforward taverna's kitchen and she sends out a steady stream of traditional meze (appetizers) and grilled dishes that are simple but bursting with flavor. Among the specialties are baked feta with peppers, scrumptious meatballs and chicken in tomato sauce, but take Pagona's advice on what to order: she'll steer you towards what's freshest that day. Many nights there is live music. Address: Nikaias 2 Platanes Rethymnon Crete 741 00, Greece Telephone: +30 698 603 2480
The Well
From 2003 until today, the courtyard is being utilized as a restaurant, earning within a few years its place amongst the top 10 best restaurants of Crete by the international tourist guide Rough Guide. The restaurant has participated in three contests of Traditional Cretan Cuisine in the last three years and has won twice the golden and once the silver medal. Address: 31 Xanthoudidou | Old Town, Rethymnon Crete 741 00, Greece Telephone: +30 2831 027522
Zefyros
The location at the Venetian Harbor, the quality of the food, the great service, and the reasonable prices all add up to one thing: Fight your way past con-men and lesser kitchens to Zephyros for an extraordinary seafood meal! Address: Nearchou 41 | 74100, Rethymnon, Crete 74100, Greece Telephone: +30 2831 028206