Heraklion Prefecture Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Heraklion Prefecture

April 6, 2018 Terina Blouin

Heraklion (Greek: Περιφερειακή ενότητα Ηρακλείου) is one of the four regional units of Crete. The capital is the city of Heraklion.
Things to do in Heraklion Prefecture

1. Vegera

Rethimnou - Zarou, Zaros, Crete 700 02, Greece Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$71 - HK$157 +30 697 057 9395
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 535 reviews

Vegera

We opened our grandmothers’ secret hiding places and took their recipes. By combining our experience, imagination and good feelings we have created the ideal place in Zaros for you to try and savour original Cretan recipes. Vegera was one of the first six restaurants which joined the network “Tastes of Psiloriti” in 2002. Restaurants which promote and take advantage of the Cretan diet. Our health is directly related to our diet and by taking the opportunity to eat in the Cretan way we can help ourselves to a healthier life. We are open from March to Oktomber! You are very welcome. Thank you!

Reviewed By DmD111 - Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia

We went there multiple times.
A few points to note:
* The service can be a bit slow if it is crowded, they are just not equipped for that.
* When ordering, I would recommend to order one of the dishes and one full menu. Two full menus are probably too much for anyone but two Sumo wrestlers :)
* Every single bit of the food is fresh and tastes great. The fresh trout from the local farm is also good, if you like fish. But basically, just get the main daily menu, and order any other dish from the menu - you will not be disappointed regardless of what you order. I ate a lot of things I usually prefer not to eat, that's how good the cooking was.
* The house wine is also very good.
I recommend to go there at least once if you are anywhere in the vicinity of Zaros. The experience is worth it, and you will feel good supporting their business.

2. The Red Lion Gastropub and Restaurant

96 Dimokratias | Beach Road, Malia, Crete 700 07, Greece Takeout, Parking Available, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards European, British, Greek, International, Grill, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$94 +30 2897 033803
Excellent
82%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 863 reviews

The Red Lion Gastropub and Restaurant

The Red Lion Gastropub & restaurant is located in Malia - on the beach road, 150 meters away from the main beach. It is one of the oldest (since 1999) and most popular places in Malia, with casual and relaxing environment. Well known for its excellent food and service, it is the ideal place to enjoy a wide selection of local and international draught beers, selected wines, indulgent cocktails and only premium spirits. Open all day, every day for breakfast, coffee, lunch and dinner.

Reviewed By Tom C

We would like to thanks for the atmosphere, the best crew in the world who served us, Aleksander and Aphrodite. We stayed in Greece a week but each day we visited Red Lion for dinner. All the meals we ordered were delicious. It short, everything was fu..ing awesome.

3. Paradosiaki Taverna Lithos

Mochos, Crete 70005, Greece Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Mediterranean, European, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +30 2897 061350
Excellent
87%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 453 reviews

Paradosiaki Taverna Lithos

Reviewed By Tea O

On our way from Zeus cave to the Beaches we stopped at traditional Greek place called Mochos, and decided to relax and try traditional Greek food. This restaurant was one of the highlights of our complete Crete adventure. First- owner was really friendly, got us some free rakia and cold dishes, food was perfect-main dishes were really good, but the desserts were amazing-one of the best we have eaten (especially apple pie and kadaifi). Definitely worth of stopping and enjoying Crete spirit.

4. Spyros Taverna

Epano Gouves, Gouves, Crete 70014, Greece Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +30 697 442 0937
Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Spyros Taverna

Reviewed By Rioja2 - London, United Kingdom

This place is a must visit. The food and wine are excellent plus Spyros and Debbie are both provide excellent service and are great fun. The fact that they arrange a local collection and the then drive you back to your hotel or apartment just adds that final touch.

5. Taverna Stelios

Mononaftis Beach, Agia Pelagia, Crete 715 00, Greece Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, Grill, Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast +30 281 081 1385
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 463 reviews

Taverna Stelios

Reviewed By tayloryellow - Jersey

This is one of the best greek tavernas that I have ever been to - the food is fabulous, the staff are really nice and so welcoming, they made us feel very special on my husband's 60th birthday. We visited a half a dozen times during our visit to Seaside Resort & Spa and we even took another couple who we had met at the hotel with us because we were so impressed with the food. This place is definitely worth a visit and the special touches at the end of the meal are amazing - Σας ευχαριστώ σε όλους σας

6. Divina restaurant

Divina, Kato Gouves, Gouves, Crete, Greece Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Takeout, Television European, Mediterranean, Greek, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Late Night +30 2897 041770
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 118 reviews

Divina restaurant

DIVINA CRETE FOOD - COFFEE - BAR & LIVE MUSIC EVENTS {Restaurant, bar , swimming pool area with free entrance )

Reviewed By mellonheadRugby - rugby

we were recommended the Divina by Sotiris at our apartments they only cook a small number of Lamb Cleftico we ordered it in the afternoon when we went to find the restaurant we were not disappointed it was FANTASTIC !!, the next time I tried the Beef Stifado same result but don't make the same mistake as me I ate my bread with the dip ,save it for the STIFADO !!

7. Taverna Harakas

Old Hersonissos Square, Hersonissos, Crete 700 14, Greece Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer Greek, Gluten Free Options +30 2897 021815
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 959 reviews

Taverna Harakas

Reviewed By Tom H

Of all the Tavernas in the square we are very happy that we chose this one. Friendly and attentive waiters/waitresses and an owner with a good sense of humour. Food was top quality as was the evenings entertainment of Greek dancing. A very enjoyable experience.

8. Cretan Family Restaurant

Beach road | Ag, Ioannou 90, Stalis, Crete, Greece Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Fast Food, Mediterranean, European, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +30 2897 033303
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 233 reviews

Cretan Family Restaurant

Reviewed By joe c - Bolton, United Kingdom

What else can I say except this place is as good as ever. Had a refit since last year and looks great. The family are still as friendly as ever and the food is first class. Please give it a try, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. The best food I have ever had in the Greek Islands. On a par with any restaurant that charge a lot more.

9. Taverna Krassopsyxia

Main Road, Krasi, Crete 700 05, Greece Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$94 - HK$196 +30 2897 053914
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 128 reviews

Taverna Krassopsyxia

Reviewed By Larachbeag - Dumfries, United Kingdom

On local recommendation we had a leisurely lunch here! Oh my goodness it was fabulous!! Food was wonderful, warm and friendly atmosphere - nothing to fault! We ordered several small plates to try and were given a lovely tray of free bread and cheese to try also. When we asked to pay we were advised that we needed to wait a little longer - to our utter joy the kitchen had cooked us a free dessert which was loukoumades with ice cream and honey!! Freshly made and very tasty. Would highly recommend this taverna if you have time to sit back, enjoy the food and hospitality while watching the world go by!!

10. Portego

Mochos Square, Mochos, Crete 700 05, Greece Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Greek, Mediterranean, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$94 - HK$196 +30 697 484 9194
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 239 reviews

Portego

Reviewed By LindhaJansson - Borlange, Sweden

Fresh, modern Cretan cuisine. The owner, Kostas, is an outstanding host. It doesn’t feel like a restaurant...it feels like you're invited to his home for dinner.
We’ve been there several times and we’ve never been let down. The food is excellent! Stifado, Portego salad, oven baked cheese with tomato marmalade, greek salad, baked squash-sticks (you have to try them! Our kids LOVE them…). I’m getting hungry just writing this….
Very family friendly. Listen to Kostas when he recommends food for your kids. He knows what he’s talking about… 
On Wednesdays, there’s live music on the square with Cretan dancers. Lost’s of people. I recommend you book a table in advance.
The toilets are nice. Everything is clean and spotless. Prices are low if you compare to the restaurants down in Stalis, Malia and Hersonissos.
A must go if you are in the eastern part of Crete!
We’ll definitely go next time we are on Crete.

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