Beach Restaurants in Crete That You Will Love
We all love the splendid view and would appreciate it more if the scene included the crystal clear waters of the Cretan Sea. That is why we always enjoy dinner at a gorgeous seaside restaurant to have the best of both! Thankfully, Crete is full of such places, and here I share some of my favorite ones. Are you ready? Let’s discover the best beach restaurants in Crete!
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No matter where you stay on Crete, a top-quality restaurant will always be nearby, serving fresh food with a deep taste. To prove it, here is a list of the best beach restaurants in Crete.ย
CHANIA REGION
Salis
📍 3, Akti Enosseos, Chania Town, Crete โย see the website.
Salis is a restaurant in the old Venetian harbor in Chania, right next to the water. Its identity centers around traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist. To ensure quality in its dishes, Salis uses only locally sourced ingredients. It even states the source of each ingredient in its menu.ย
Although the menu changes often, it is always full of innovative modern Greek dishes. They even make their own sweets, such as the Namelaka dessert with white chocolate, pistachio nuts, and passion fruit mousse.
Apart from delicious dishes, Salis offers fast and professional service to everyone visiting the restaurant. The servers are helpful and friendly. They take time to make food and wine recommendations while explaining everything about the menu in detail.
If you are in Chania and want the ultimate gastronomic experience, Salis is a stylish and exquisite establishment right in the heart of the city.ย
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Thalassino Ageri
📍 35, Vivilaki Street Tabakaria, Chania โย see the website.
Thalassino Ageri is one of the most romantic spots in Chania, only 2 km from the old town, on the beachfront in one of Chania’s most scenic locations, the ancient tanneries in the Tabakaria district. The restaurant specializes in fresh fish and seafood. They serve modern and gourmet Mediterranean cuisine. This restaurant is also on my list of the best places to eat in Chania.
Chalepa Mezedopolio
📍44, Agias Kyriakis Street (next to Agia Kyriaki Church), Tabakaria, Chania – see the website.
Located between the Chalepa and Tabakaria districts in Chania, this simple but gorgeous place by the sea next to the old tanneries is one of my favorite summer restaurants in Chania. They serve delicious fish dishes, fresh salads, and mezedes in a dreamy location. Get there by sunset to enjoy the beautiful views and delicious food!
Pasifaei Restaurant
📍 Konstantinos Kriaris, Palaiochora, Crete – see the website.
If you are driving on the south Cretan coast near the village of Paleochora, visiting the Pasifaei restaurant should be a priority. It is hands down the best place in the village thanks to its prime location overlooking the Libyan Sea. Because it is very close to the local port, you can see the ferries come and go as you enjoy your meal.ย
Here, you can have traditional dishes with fine-dining twists. Depending on your perspective, you can also consider them modern dishes rooted in Cretan tradition.
The ingredients and resulting dishes are of top quality, presented uniquely using lovely crockery and glassware. Everyone can notice that the chefs and their team are committed to providing top-quality, delicious, and beautifully presented food.
Next to your meal, you can also enjoy a glass of wine. Pasifaei has a wide selection of modern Greek and Cretan wines, always of high quality. Book a table as it can get busy during the summer months.ย
RETHYMNON REGION
Nostos
📍 73, Sofokli Venizelou Street, Rethymnon – see the website.
Nostos is an elegant restaurant on top of Rethymnon Beach. The view over the water and bay is unparalleled in the area. You can even notice the Fortezza castle above the port. And the food is as good as the views. The menu has dish choices for every hour of the day: You just woke up and would like a luxurious breakfast, or you want to sit down and enjoy your dinner.
Although slightly more expensive than nearby restaurants, Nostos is well worth it. The cozy atmosphere, unique views, and delicious food create the perfect setting to enjoy your meal in one of Rethymno’s most graphical locations.ย
7 Thalasses Restaurant
📍 89, Stamathioudaki Street, Rethymnon – see the website.
The restaurant, part of the Thalassa Boutique Hotel, features stunning fish platters, local specialties, and dishes with a clear Mediterranean influence. If you’re in the hint for freshness and utter quality combined with unique sea views and paired with a top wine list, then this place won’t disappoint.
7 Thalasses restaurant is next to the water so you can enjoy your meal a meter from the sea. They specialize in seafood based on the Mediterranean diet, with care for its nutritional value. You can have a wide selection of well-cooked seafood, from big fish like monkfish to shrimp saganaki, octopus with fava, or lobster linguini. There is something for everyone here.
Prima Plora ฮrganic Restaurant & Wine Bar
📍4, Akrotiriou Street, Rethymnon – see the website.
Probably one of the best seaside restaurants in Crete, Prima Plora is also my favorite when dining in Rethymnon. Especially if I’m in the mood for superb sushi! Thanks to its breathtaking location and delicious food, it is one of Rethymnon’s most unique and quality restaurants. The restaurant has incredible views of the fort and old town.
For me, this is one of the best restaurants in Rethymnon, and you shouldn’t miss a visit! It specializes in modern seafood, and most choices include fish, shells, or mollusks. They also make sure to use top-quality virgin olive oil and different spices.ย However, if you’re a meat lover, their pork ribs won’t disappoint! You must book your table in advance, sometimes days or weeks beforehand.
HERAKLION REGION
Palmera Seaside Restaurant
📍 14, Machis Kritis, (Hersonissos) Heraklion – see the website.
This beautiful seaside restaurant in the port of Hersonissos, a few kilometers east of Heraklion, is famous for preparing dishes inspired by the healthy traits of the Mediterranean diet, with locally sourced ingredients, fresh herbs, plenty of vegetables, and top-quality local olive oil. Over here, you can try some classic Greek and Cretan cuisine while enjoying the amazing sea views.
Umi Restaurant
📍 Seaside A Lifestyle Resort Hotel, Agia Pelagia (Heraklion) – see the website.
Part of the Agia Pelagia Seaside A Lifestyle Resort, this is one of the best restaurants in Agia Pelagia. Umi is an eclectic place with a unique fusion proposal combining Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.
Restaurant Creta
📍 20, Agiou Ioanni Street, Stalis (Heraklion) – see the website.
If you happen to be near the picturesque village of Stalida, visiting Restaurant Creta should be on your bucket list. This family restaurant opened in 1994 and has since served traditional Greek, Cretan, and international home-cooked specialties.
In addition to the many meat and fish options, you will also find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes and a signature cocktail menu to finish your meal. You will love the spectacular view of the bay and the local beach the most. It will feel as if you are dining in an exotic destination.
You can take a small stroll in the area. As you walk off your meal, you will appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings.
LASITHI REGION
Migomis Piano Restaurant
📍 20, Nikolaou Plastira, Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos – see the website.
Next to the central square of Agios Nikolaos and right above Lake Voulismeni is the renowned Migomis Piano Restaurant. This place has been a favorite spot for locals, celebrities, and visitors.ย First operated in 1890, Migomis Piano stands on the edge of the cliff overseeing Agios Lake.
If you enjoy dining with a view, then Migomis Piano is your match. The views are simply stunning.
This restaurant is almost always full because of its location and top-quality food. To be on the safe side, make a reservation before you visit. The cuisine is international, with a wide selection of Cretan and Greek wines.ย You will often also enjoy live piano music. The atmosphere is stylish, and the decoration elegant. Although there is no dress code, a good dress would fit the surroundings.
Ocean
📍 Seaside Plaka, Elounda – see the website.
One of the most fantastic seaside locations in Lasithi is in the Plaka village, opposite the attractive views of Spinalonga Island. Over here, you can find Ocean Plaka, a delicious restaurant famous for featuring a refined and delicious menu.
The place serves dishes with carefully selected fresh and local ingredients, enhancing their passion for Greek cuisine. And don’t be fooled by the name; you will find plenty of options featuring Cretan meat, including lamb or goat (and not just fish). The restaurant also features vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes.
Pelagos Sea Side
📍 Coriva Beach Hotel, Koutsounari, Ierapetra (Lasithi) – see the website.
Pelagos Seaside is another restaurant worth visiting near Ierapetra. It has a private beach just a few meters from the main dining area and features tables on the waterfront. Dining below the stars and by the beach certainly creates a romantic atmosphere. When you visit, taste their smoked pancetta, a dish everyone raves about!
Remember that Pelagos is a gourmet restaurant with small portions and a deep taste. As a result, it can be a bit pricey compared to other local restaurants. It is worth visiting to feel special and have a delicious lunch or dinner over a splendid view of the Libyan Sea.ย
So, where are you planning your next seaside dinner to be? Have you ever been to any of these Crete Beach restaurants?
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Top Beach Restaurants in Crete
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, Iโm Gabi โ your go-to local expert in Crete! Iโve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and Iโve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion โ guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
