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Food glorious food - restaurant suggestions

Food glorious food - restaurant suggestions

Old May 21st, 2016, 03:11 PM
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Food glorious food - restaurant suggestions

One week till take off and it's time to zero in on the really important part - where to eat! (and what if anyone has suggestions).

We will have a total of 4 nights in Athens - staying in the Plaka

then two nights in Chania

one in Heraklion

and four in Naxos.

We will probably want to keep it pretty casual for the most part - but might enjoy splurging on one or two really nice places if anyone has favorites.

so any ideas please.

and does my husband need a jacket and tie? (he is hoping not). thanks
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Old May 22nd, 2016, 10:31 AM
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In Athens:
Chocolat Royal Café (rooftop terrace!), Psarras Tavern, both near the Plaka.

For a splurge: Funky Gourmet.
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Old May 22nd, 2016, 11:11 AM
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No jackets needed, nor tie... a nice polo shirt or (if he's in Athens and wants to spiff a bit) a L-S oxford-cloth dress shirt, no tie, sleeves folded back, and the nicer trousers, not the doofy ones where the bottom half zips off (eww). Jeans will feel too hot for your holiday time period.

"Stanbr" & bride, the usual co-resource on things wonderful in Chania & Naxos, have wickedly left on their Italy-Greece ramble (I hate them), so I'll fill in with a short list: (actually they all plrobably on subject-matter threads on Trip Adv): Prices on all 3 island places very moderate

CHANIA - (NOTE: Avoid harbor eateries; have drinks there by the water, then move on to: • TAMAM on Zambeiiou (VERY popular but that doesn't mean it's bad, it's Good! - just stop by during day for a res; a "mezedes" treasure trove, make a meal of 'em if you wish, mains are good too • Best seafood place I've been is APOSTOLIS2 - walk along harbor to just past the far end • if Tam's super-full, right on same stretch is ENETIKON on Z strt, solid Greek cookery, when I've been there, lots of French (a good sign?).

HERAKLION - Hope u are staying near harborside & ferry pier. To whet appetite, walk out on Causeway to Giant Fortress, then back; at foot of Causeway is a traffic circle, right o nthe circle a glass-fronted taverna (named PSARRI?? brainfreeze). It's totally Mezedes, pile 'em high for dinner really good (fried Zucchini flowers mmmm ).

NAXOS - (ask your hotelier to mark a map with these) • TO KASTRO with terrace view over a low parapet down over town and sea - get there by 7 because it fills up. I like the Rabbit Stifado. Have paper map for hotelier to mark. Easies path is to go up steps by Margarita Jewelry on seafront row.
• NOSTRIMO HELLAS - Brand new, causing a stir; Greek food w. modern gourmet twist. No sea view but lovely setting •PETRINO TAVERNA - on back streets, Very Traditional • TAVERNA KAVOURI - If u are staying at St. G beach & just want dinner on the sands a few steps away, this is my pick; go into kitchen after your swim, see what's cooking & have them save portions of what appeals -- NIKOS right next door is good too.
-- On the Harborside Row, I usually hit The GOOD HEART or SMYRNA.

ATHENS - Lately I don't have a special "splurge" recommend because my fave spot with roof-terrace view of Parthenon last year sold out to the Devil and became a Pvt Club ... I agree PSARRA is reliable, and just because it's in all the guides doesn't mean its bad (but use Mapquest it's easy to get confused on tiny windy streets. Other assorted thoughts:
• VYZANTINO (BYZANTINO) - In Heart of Plaka is a treed-square totally surrounded by restaurants & waiters tugging at you to sit down ...but one there is worth it. THIS one often has long reserved tables for GReek groups out for a festive night; the locals know good value. Tip: for quiet, choose small tables behind the Newsstand Kiosk. For best plate, choose reliable "low & slow" oven cookery like Lamb in Lemon Sauce or Veal Stew. for 2, a shared salad, 2 oven plates, 1/2 litr house wine, under 30E.
• ACROPOLIS MUSEUM CAFE - If you're at the mus. after going "upthe hill" this is lovly glass-enclosed terrace to eat & view; and prices are Moderate.
• DIOGENES CAFE - My fave place to plunk down in the shade, put feet up, have a glass o red or a frappe, and restore. It's right behind Lysikrates Monument, under trees, but tourists overlook, others are mostly Greeks.
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Old May 23rd, 2016, 03:16 PM
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Thanks Jan and Myriam - as usual your advice is amazing and we will be sure to report back. Hope Stanbr and bride have a wonderful trip!
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Old May 23rd, 2016, 03:45 PM
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Athenian foodie here, listen carefully.
Rule number one, Athenians do not eat at Plaka. It's overrun by tourists, the only reason to go is for a walk or for an afternoon coffee at "Yiasemi".
You will eat near the Plaka, not in it. One of my favotites in the center is "Melilotos" for a more modern Greek, "Diporto" for one of the most classic Athenian tavernas (since 1887) and "Mavro Provato" which is my all time favorite.
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Old May 23rd, 2016, 06:33 PM
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Thank you Petros for true Athenian foodie advice - efkeristo
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Old May 23rd, 2016, 11:37 PM
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Hi there!

I suggest looking for restaurants located in Athens Riviera and not in the center cause this time of the year south suburbs rocks!
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Old May 24th, 2016, 06:07 AM
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Funny thing - Michael's website includes promotion for "Athens Riviera". Hmmm.
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Old May 25th, 2016, 05:12 AM
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He is not spaming. The Athenian Riviera is one of the best characteristics of Athens. It is a heaven for Athenians during the Summer, we go to its beaches, beach-bars, high-end restaurants, cool cafés, and even open air cinemas.
One of the best places to hangout is "Marina Flisvos" and the sea-front of Gylfada, one of the most hip districts of Athens. And if you have a fat wallet, go to Vouliagmeni in Asteras Beach.
And all the Riviera is connected with tram, making it ridiculously easy to visit for.
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Old May 25th, 2016, 03:20 PM
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Chania-Taman and Well of the Turk
Athens-in the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood,Kafeneio, Loukianou,26, authentic Athenian taverna away from tourist central Plaka. Walkable from Syntagma Square, although uphill.
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Old May 26th, 2016, 01:08 AM
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In Athens, nearby the new Acropolis Museum I like a lot the MANI MANI. Tasty Greek food, great red wine, good service. No jackets/ties but make a reservation first.
http://manimani.com.gr/
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Old May 26th, 2016, 04:34 PM
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Thank you Kalaharian and happy trvlr - getting hungry. will be sure to keep you posted on our adventures.
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