Where to eat in Heraklion – Food Guide

Heraklion › Where to eat in Heraklion – Food Guide

Heraklion turns out to be a great place for Foodies. I spent a full week in this amazing city, where others usually only stay for two or three days. My main activity was: eating my way completely through all the local delicacies. I have compiled a list of the best restaurants in Heraklion and will share my insider tips for the best local restaurants with you.

The dining landscape spans from harbourfront seafood spots and tavernas to small family-run kitchens in the old town that sopurce their ingredients from the surrounding markets.

Heraklion comes with a laid-back vibe, slightly chaotic atmosphere, and diverse cuisine. The climate is very pleasant for us Central Europeans; even in winter, Heraklion offers relatively mild temperatures that never drop below 10 degrees. The city is a year-round destination that absolutely must be on your bucket list, especially when it come to food.

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SOME TIPS FOR YOUR HERAKLION TRIP

My favorite small hotels in Chania

• DOM Boutique Hotel – The nicest boutique hotel in the center of the Old Town.
• Dimargio Hotel – A stylish option in Splatzia Quarter in an old building but with modern amenities.
• Plānis Str Urban Suites by Semavί – Perfect little studio in the old town 2min walk from Peskesi. 

Peskesi – The Art of Slow Food

Thanks to a recommendation from a waiter in Heraklion old town, I discovered Peskesi. The restaurant is set back a bit from the main tourist buzz of Avgoustou Street on the west side of “El Greco Parc,” tucked away at the end of Koroneou Street. The entrance area is unassuming, but the atmosphere immediately reminded me of the deli concept—only much better!

Peskesi, founded in 2015, strives to infuse every dish with the flavours and aromas of the Greek countryside. As advocates of the Slow Food movement with only local produce, they cook using carefully selected, high-quality ingredients sourced from small Greek producers across the country. I had the local greens followed by shrimp pasta and a fantastic desert.

The place is still extremely popular so make sure to book a table. Alternatively you can stop by after 10pm when it gets more quiet. The restaurant is open 1pm to 1am every day. The tasting menu is the most complete experience. The Venetian-mansion setting is genuinely atmospheric. Lunch is available and less crowded.

• Best for: Food enthusiasts, couples, experiencing Heraklion’s top Cretan cooking
• Cuisine: Farm-to-table Cretan
• Price range: €30–50/person

🛏️ Check out Plānis Str Urban Suites by Semavί to stay right next door!

Avli Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή

What tapas are to Spain, mezede or meze for short – are to Greece. Lots of little plates piled high with all kinds of different delicacies will fill your table. That’s exactly what we like; it’s our favourite way to eat street food. It gives us the chance to try lots of different things at once.

And because that’s how the locals prefer to eat, which is why meze is just the thing for you and your stay in Heraklion. So, insider tips for Heraklion have to start with meze!

My favourite meze spot in Heraklion goes by the name “Avli Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή” which translates to “Taverna Avli”. You find the spot just at the edge of the old town close to the Venetian Walls.

Apiri Greek Eatery

Situated in the bustling heart of Heraklion at Agios (Saint) Titos Square, Apiri Greek Eatery is a unique restaurant – an unassuming Greek bistro serving modern Greek cuisine. The restaurant offers delicious, beautifully presented dishes that are also perfect for sharing. Open year-round, Apiri provides a cozy indoor setting in winter and relaxing outdoor seating in summer.

I especially enjoyed the location in a quiet side street just off the main square around near Saint Minas Cathedral where you can watch life go by in front of the church while eating. Their diverse menu includes a variety of dishes from Lunch to dinner, as well as an extensive wine selection and delicious salads.

Where to find the Best Gyros Souvlaki in Heraklion?

Hovoli

Hovoli is a souvlaki institution close to The Heraklion Archaeological Museum — the kind of place where construction workers, taxi drivers, and students queue alongside tourists for gyros, souvlaki wraps.

The souvlaki is honest, the prices are market-floor low, and the quality-to-cost ratio is the best in Heraklion.

• Best for: Budget travellers, street-food lovers
• Cuisine: Souvlaki, gyros, pies
• Price range: €5–10/person

Filia Giannari

Filia Giannari is a more off the beaten track spot that is gaining momentum slowly under street food lovers. It was recommended to me by the local barbers I went to for a hair cut at the end of my Crete road trip. There are a lot of fries in the gyros which some people might like, other not.

The portions are generous, the atmosphere signals that you clearly left the touristy path. I really enjoyed this place. To finish off your meal, there is a great bakery just opposite where you can enjoy a Greek Fredo Espresso on ice and chat a bit with the friendly owner behind the counter.

• Best for: Budget travellers, local street-food
• Cuisine: Souvlaki, gyros
• Price range: €5–10/person

Where to find the Best Bougatsa in Heraklion Crete?

Phyllosophies

Since 1922, Phyllosophies has stood proudly on Eleftheriou Venizelou Square and has earned its place as one of the most popular bakeries in Heraklion.

The bougatsa is praised by locals and visitors alike as “the best bougatsa in town.” You will find it with cheese, cream, or savoury fillings. The pastry is incredibly crispy and crumbles at the first bite to reveal the rich filling inside. In addition, you can find Constantinople-inspired sweets here, such as honey-soaked loukoumades and delicate kadaifi.

Kritikos Fournos

Kritikos Fournos came by a recommendation from the friendly girl at the front desk of Planis Street Apartments. The sourdough bakery is a multigenerational family business has become synonymous with exceptional baking in Heraklion, blending traditional Cretan heritage with a dedication to natural sourdough fermentation in spaces that buzz with activity from locals and visitors.

Don’t miss their exceptional sokolatopita (chocolate cake) and profiteroles. Savory options include Cretan cheese pies (kalitsounia), spanakopita, hearty olive-and-herb breads, and savory breakfast pastries.

Where to find authentic Greek coffee in Heraklion?

Looking for authentic Greek coffee in Heraklion? Head to Koudoumas Coffee Roasters.

Tucked away in the vibrant streets of the old town, Koudoumas Coffee Roasters is a delightful spot that embodies the essence of traditional Greek coffee culture. The charming little roastery boasts a rich 65-year history and offers visitors an authentic experience steeped in passion for coffee. The knowledgeable owner Costas shares insights into various roasting techniques, ensuring each cup reflects quality and care.