8 Best Restaurants in Crete, Greece

Opposite Avli, and part of the same stable, on one of Rethmynon's myriad pretty walkways, this is a modern reinvention of the classic Greek rakadiko—a place to eat small plates and drink raki. Don't assume the food is an afterthought to drinking, though, this is top-quality mezedes. Plates come thick and fast; it's food to be shared. Think imaginative Cretan tapas—sutzuki (spicy beef sausage), askolymbri (marinated hand-picked mountain greens), pastourma (crispy spiced pork cigar rolls), and hot feta with caramelized figs. It's relaxed dining, in a stylish setting reminiscent of an old grocery store, and perfect for a group of friends.

Talented pastry chef Lefteris Kokonas makes a point of only making small batches of his delicious creations, thus ensuring everything in his display cases is as fresh as possible. The 10-minute walk from the beachfront is well rewarded—this is patisserie as an art form.

On a tiny pedestrian street a block back from the harbor, sweet sorcery takes place. Extraordinary creations are offered; minitarts, macarons, and éclairs that would grace the finest Parisian patisserie. The pastries are beautifully presented and look like they belong on a Michelin-starred dessert menu. Tea and coffee is served in fine china; choose the charming interior or the alleyway tables but be prepared for serious cake envy from passersby.

Open and cool, this no-nonsense riverside café serves up waffles, pancakes, pizza, and roasted meats but it is maybe best to take a coffee and some yogurt and honey and watch the water run by.

Crumb not only serves great coffee but also the best healthy options in Heraklion. Eggs are offered in a variety of ways, alongside energy boosting drinks and fruit-laden bowls. The shaded outside tables are an ideal place to reflect and recharge before returning to the fray of the city center.

Airy blue-on-blue sofas and chairs look over the lake here, with a menu dreamed up by sweets lovers. Waffles, pancakes, and toasts are offered, but it is really all about the ice cream---up to 45 flavors are offered.

Stop into this venerable old bougatsa shop for an envelope of flaky pastry that's either filled with a sweet cream and dusted with cinnamon and sugar, or stuffed with soft white cheese. A portion of each, served warm with Greek coffee, is a real treat.

Tucked away behind the Rimondi fountain on a pretty pedestrian street, this little gem makes the best loukoumades---light and fresh doughnuts. Take one of the streetside tables, order a portion with honey and cinnamon, and ask for one of their homemade lemonades. If you want a coffee, be prepared for some theater; it is made by plunging a small pan into boiling hot sand to retain the delicate aromas.