Hi everybody,
We will be leaving for Athens, Chania and Western Crete and Oia in a few weeks. Can't believe it is almost here!!!!! Thank all of you Fodorites for advice.

I have spent soooo much time booking hotels, planes, etc. that it is finally time for the fun stuff.

Do you know any restaurants that should not be missed in any of the above cities?
I love good food but am just as interested in the overall authentic experience.
So, cheap or expensive, which are the places worthy of seeking out? An adventure in food or really good run of the mill with locals are all OK by me.

Thanks.

Yiasas Goldie:
Very near the Venetian Harbor in Chania is PORTES.
I found it on my last night in Chania in 2007
and wished I had found it earlier.
You can ask anyone on the Harbor waterfront where it is.
Excellent traditional food and neither cheap nor expensive.
Definitely try the Arni Kokkiniesto (Lamb in Red Sauce).
The Red Sauce had Clove, Cinnamon, Paprika, and Bay Leaf.
Most delicious lamb I have ever had.

Chania is fascinating. The Lighthouse at the harbor entrance is an excellent sight to see. Go to the Maritime Museum on the waterfront near the Lighthouse.
I have been to Chania twice, and it is definitely my favorite in Crete. And don't miss the sunsets while standing on the waterfront.

Kalo Taxithie (Good Travels)
Marinos

In Athens Xinos in Plaka is a fun restaurant that serves traditional food, and their stuffed lemony grape leaves are delicious. Some think it is too touristy but if you go late, you will find the local people enjoying it. Strumming musicians, etc. Not fancy, not gourmet, but, IMO, worth a meal; it's been there a long time.

Thank you for your suggestions. My mouth is watering already-especially the lamb. Both of your suggestions are on my list.

honestly didnt have a bad meal anywhere in greece

we stayed in olympia delphi athens and kalambaka and all the meals were fab!
huge portions and really good food

i really didnt need to order but just shared my friends meal - so do ask how many stuffed tomatoes you get!!! invariably each dish willbe enough to share if youre a woman travelling with a man

so many restaurants to choose from in oia - just go have a look at the views they afford-
that will whet ur appetite!

Lanejoann: I'm not sure I understand. Are there restaurants in each of those hotels with great food or all the meals you ate in Athens were great? Thanks.

Chania- Taman and Well of the Turk

Goldiept - we spent 15 days in Greece last Nov, including Athens and Oia. I did a detailed trip report which included names of all the restaurants where we ate, what we ordered and the costs. Most all were very, very good. If you click on my name, you should find the report pretty easily.

Take the funicular up Lycabettus Hill from the Kolonaki District below for drinks or a meal at Orizontes Restaurant at sunset, overlooking Athens.