Rethymnon: 7+1 delicious stops for fine dining
Rethymno, like the whole prefecture, has found in recent years its place in fine dining, daring to “gourmet” traditional flavors, to highlight raw materials, and to trust young people in the management of restaurants and the management of their kitchens.
Furthermore, the city of Rethymno reminds us of Cretan aristocracy with Venetian elements, Turkish remnant culture of the minaret, and the strong temperament of the Cretans living in the place, composing a mosaic of beauty and harmony.
Nonetheless, Crete has never left anyone complaining about the food. Take a look at 8 delicious Rethymno hangouts that offer unique gastronomic fine dining options for all tastes.
Avli Restaurant-Old Town Rethymnon Photo Credit: Avli Restaurant
Avli Restaurant
One of the best restaurants in the country, which for over 30 years, is constantly looking for and proposing exquisite dishes that go to the modern side and create traces of modern Cretan cuisine. Moreover, it is housed in one of the most beautiful Cretan-Venetian mansions of the 16th century, with an elegant interior and a beautiful courtyard. In addition, Avli also has a famous Winery, with a remarkable selection of Greek wines. Finally, It is worth trying the rabbit stew with mashed potatoes, the goat with honey and the handmade ravioli stuffed with meat cake from Chania.
Location: Old Town
Veneto Restaurant-Old Town Rethymnon Photo Credit: Veneto Restaurant
Veneto Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
Perhaps one of the best restaurants in Rethymnon and is located in the Old Town since 1997. First of all, the building, an old Venetian mansion of the 15th century, has been restored and is considered one of the top restaurants in the area. Furthermore, it is also certified by the Agro-Food Partnership of Crete with the label ‘Cretan Cuisine. Additionally, on the ground floor of Veneto is the 600-year-old stone cellar, with remarkable wines numbering more than 150 labels, coming from selected wineries from Greece and around the world. Finally, in a pebble courtyard with atmospheric lighting, you will enjoy Cretan traditional flavors that are accompanied by high gastronomy.
Location: Old Town
Petite Fleur Bistro Bar-City Center Rethymnon Photo Credit: Petite Fleur
Petite Fleur
The most elegant and romantic restaurants in Rethymnon. This is a very special place with very unique decoration located next to the port of Rethymnon. The cuisine represented by the restaurant is the Mediterranean with various creative dishes with fish and meat. More specifically from the menu, we singled out the caramelized tomato tower with halloumi and eggplant, the fresh marinated salmon “mojito style” with lime and quinoa, and the delicious Petite Fleur ravioli with fresh salmon, spinach, and parmesan flakes.
Location: City Center
1600 Raki Ba Raki-City Center Rethymnon Photo Credit: 1600 Raki Ba Raki
1600 Raki Ba Raki
A classic Cretan “rakadiko”, a place where one drinks raki and eats “meze” dishes. The best Greek products are selected daily to give the authentic local taste to the dishes. The chef marries delicacies and gives a fresh view of the fast, healthy, and delicious meze. In addition, its environment is friendly and welcoming, reminiscent of a little old grocery, traditional cafe but beyond the decoration, it wins you over with the smells that come from its kitchen. Finally, the dishes served are based on Cretan cuisine, traditional Greek recipes, and a balanced Mediterranean diet.
Location: City Center
Kapilio Restaurant-City Center Rethymnon Photo Credit: Kapilio Restaurant
Kapilio
This gastronomic destination is worth visiting and is located in the beautiful Venetian alleys of the city. The menu consists of dishes of Greek and more specifically Cretan cuisine but also Serbian dishes since the owner is of Serbian origin. At the first glance at the menu, you will notice a wide variety of deliciously cooked dishes as well as grilled dishes and pasta. However, everything comes in hearty portions and at very reasonable prices. Finally, among the dishes that the guests of Kapilios stand out are the pasta with seafood, the trout, and the yogurt soutzoukaki.
Location: City Center
Lemonokipos Restaurant-City Center Rethymnon Photo Credit: Lemonokipos Restaurant
Lemonokipos
The restaurant Lemonokipos, whose name is inspired by the garden with lemon trees, opened in 2000 in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Rethymnon, in the heart of the historic center of the city. Inspired by traditional and modern Greek and Cretan cuisine, it is one of the most popular restaurants in Rethymnon, both for the quality of the gastronomic experience it offers and for its hospitable environment. Moreover, every day they carefully select fresh local ingredients from local producers and raw materials depending on the season. Finally, the restaurant serves classic and modern dishes of Greek cuisine with a modern twist. They combine them with an updated wine list with modern labels from the Greek vineyard.
Location: Old Town
Alana Restaurant-City Center Rethymnon Photo Credit: Alana Restaurant
Alana Restaurant
The restaurant Alana offers tasty Mediterranean cuisine in the city center. In a very beautiful place, with lots of greenery, stone and stone fountains you will enjoy food with the best standards. The menu includes local fresh meats, cooked dishes, and delicious Cretan specialties. Finally, accompany with the best Greek drinks, fine wines, and complete with the most delicious Cretan sweets.
Location: City Center
Zephyros Fish Tavern-Old Town Rethymnon Photo Credit: Zephyros Tavern
Zephyros
A family business that has survived three generations with the same dedication to the quality of taste and service. Furthermore, its location is incredible! With a view of the boats at the old port, wait for your fresh fish. Large portions, mouthwatering lobster spaghetti, excellent frying techniques on seafood and small fish, unpretentious courtesy, and care for the customer. Finally, taste the divine treat baked raki and lemon ice cream sorbet for the end. There are no words to describe the heavenly taste.
Location: Old Town
Now that you know where to eat in Rethymno, contact us and we help you build up an entire itinerary full of fun experiences! Have a look at our tours here to get inspired!