Where to Eat the Best Gyro in Crete

There are little things in life we enjoy more than food. And this is especially true in Greece. People here are crazy about eating well and eating a lot.

Sometimes lunch can take hours. People tend to eat slowly and enjoy the food, especially when we’re on holiday, because… why the rush, right? 

There are little things in life we enjoy more than food. And this is especially true in Greece. People here are crazy about eating well and eating a lot.

Apart from all the fancy restaurants and traditional Greek tavernas, there are also affordable and delicious fast food options. The most popular fast food is gyros! Everyone who’s been to Greece has heard about gyros. 

Greece and Gyros go together. That is why this week’s article. Here, you can learn where to find the best gyros in Crete… Yes, anywhere on the island! No matter where you choose to stay, there will always be a nearby place where you can taste delicious Greek gyros.

Things to Know about Gyros

• Souvlaki or Gyros, depending on where in Greece you come from, are the same thing. The meat (chicken, pork, even lab) is grilled on a vertical rotisserie and cut at the moment to be served inside a pita bread-very popular in Greece).

• In addition to the grilled meat, traditional souvlaki usually includes onions and tomatoes, yogurt or tzatziki, and sometimes fries.

• You can also choose the sauce. Common choices are plain Greek yogurt (they will call it yaourti) or tzatziki. But if they don’t ask… expect yogurt.

• If a souvlaki wrap doesn’t satisfy you enough, you can also order a gyro or souvlaki dish. In this case, you’ll need to trade the “to go” comfort for a table or a bench at a souvlaki place. The gyro plate has the same ingredients as the wrap but is usually more abundant.

• Another tasty and traditional bite on the streets of Greece is kalamaki. It can be enjoyed on the go, provided you ask for it wrapped in a pita. A kalamaki is a stick (basically a skewer) with delicious chunks of grilled meat (the same varieties as with gyro).

• Kalamakia (the plural of Kalamaki) can also be served on a plate and is especially delicious, accompanied by lemon juice and yogurt.

• Does a gyro wrap tempt you? Then, picture two pita pieces of bread with all the delicious gyro ingredients and a generous amount of melted cheese—a plakotyri or skepasti. This is a perfect sandwich for when you’re hungry; more than one gyro is needed.

• Many places will serve it with a side portion of golden fries (often wedges) that can be covered in melted cheese, crispy bacon, and what locals call ros sos (yes, that should be rose sauce!), a mixture of ketchup and Greek yogurt.

Best Gyro in Heraklion

These are, in no particular order, some of the places serving the most delicious gyros in the capital of the island…

Thraka tis Plateias

📍 1, Plateia Daskalogianni, Heraklion – website

Located in the central area of Heraklion, this Greek restaurant has some of the best gyros in the city.

Because of its location, it is almost always busy, which also means the ingredients are fresh. In addition to the good food, you will also find great, quick service from the staff.

Don’t forget to ask your Gyros to come with thrakopsomo when you visit. This special kind of bread is only served in this store.

Not only are the portions generous, but the prices are also reasonable, offering great value for the quality and quantity they provide. A visit is definitely a worthwhile investment.

Cine Gyros

📍 29, Konitsis St., Herakion

Although located in a less central and touristy area, this snack bar is always busy with locals and tourists who know their way around. You can find the best gyros in the city, according to the local visitors. What’s more, your pita gyro is not limited to a standard size. You have the power to choose from a satisfying small to a hearty medium, or even a feast-worthy large! 

And the best part is that everything is inexpensive, especially if you consider the quality of the ingredients. The owner is very serious about this matter. Talking of him, he is very talkative and friendly, so don’t hesitate to start a discussion or ask for a recommendation.

O Gyros tou Giannari

📍 65, K. Manoli Mpantouva St., Heraklion – website

As its name suggests, this place has some of the finest gyros in the city. Situated in a lovely residential area, it is worth the short trip outside central Heraklion. The staff is not just friendly, they are genuinely eager to help and make any recommendations, making you feel truly welcome.

Here, you can find a great variety of gyro dishes. If you do not want the traditional version, try the chicken gyro with yogurt. No matter what you choose, the owner guarantees exceptional quality. And everything at local prices. It is, without a doubt, one of the best grills in the area. 

Cretan Family Gyros & Crepes ~ (Ο γύρος της Γης)

📍 98, Agiou Ioanni St., Stalida (Beach Road) – website

Would you like a game character to prepare your pita gyro right before you? Well, this is the closest you can get.

The owner of this small snack bar, Marios, is a true character. Always dressed like Mario from the popular game, he brings a sense of fun and familiarity to the place. His friendly nature makes you feel right at home.

You can feel the love he puts into the food itself. When it comes to eating, you can have your takeaway gyro or sit in the store and enjoy your meal. When you are done with your gyro and want a dessert, you won’t need to go far. Mario can also prepare delicious crepes within a few minutes.

Petousis

📍 38, 62 Martiron St., Heraklion

Visit Petousis for the biggest gyro in Crete! The portions here are gigantic, and the place is open almost 24/7. Their prices are very reasonable, if not low, for the quantity they offer. It is a value-for-money option.

This grill bar is located next to many beach bars and other nightclubs. This means it can get busy even during the early morning hours.

Step into Petousis and you’ll find yourself in a traditional snack bar, complete with limited seating and a cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re grabbing a quick takeaway or enjoying a meal, the experience will surely taste authentic Crete.

Best Gyro in Chania

When it comes to the best and tastiest gyros in the second most important city on the island, Chania, these are the places I recommend you visit.

Oasis

📍 4, Voloudaki St., Chania

If you want something local and authentic, look no further than Oasis. Although off the beaten track, this snack bar is always running and full of locals.

You won’t find anything more than the traditional pita gyro (or gyro wrap). According to locals and tourists alike, Oasis is The best gyro in Chania.

It is also one of the few places in Crete where you can still order a gyro for just 2 euros. The only drawback is that there are no tables to sit down and eat. It is all takeaway as it has always been. This certainly gives it a different flavor altogether.

Delish Food Streat Story

📍 32, Tsouderon St., Chania – website

Delish is located in the center of Chania, only steps from the Public Agora. It is an ideal place to stop after a shopping session in the city, to relax and fill up with delicious, fresh gyros. Make sure you try the chicken version and their salad!

Their prices are reasonable as you find a pita gyro as low as €3 to €4. In addition, there is a nice patio to sit and enjoy your meal. It is usually busy because of its location. At the same time, this also means the vegetables and meat are fresh. 

Thraka

📍 Chatzimichali Giannari 34, 📍Anagnostou Gogoni 77, Chania – website

Thraka is another popular grill bar in Chania. Here, you can find gyros and other dishes, mostly grilled. Their service is quick and their prices reasonable. The gyro itself is of good quality and is preferred by locals. 

You will enjoy the atmosphere! The store has a modern style, with elegant and sophisticated elements inside a black background. There are indoor and outdoor sitting areas. This is a perfect place for family gatherings or a day out with your friends. 

Gyropoleion 144

📍 144, Kissamou Street, Chania

As the name suggests, in this place you can find and buy (“poleion”) gyro. It is a traditional store in a local neighborhood, away from the hustle and bustle of the center of Chania. If you happen to pass by, it is worth a stop.

Best Gyro in Rethymnon

In no particular order, these are some of the top places to taste a fantastic gyro wrap when visiting Rethymnon, take a look!

Mr. Gyros

📍Adelianos Kampos, Rethymnon – website

Mr. Gyros is a grill restaurant specializing in gyros, hence its name. It’s right next to the beach. This means you can have a takeaway pita gyro while walking by the sea or simply sit down for a proper meal, enjoying the sea breeze and the beach atmosphere. 

They offer a wallet-friendly dining experience, particularly when you take into account its prime beachside location. The staff and owner, who run it as a family business, are known for their warm and welcoming nature.

There is also a kids’ room with different games and toys, so your children can entertain themselves there. It is ideal for a family meal.

Souvlaki Nikos

📍 70, Arkadiou St., Rethymno

Nikos Souvlaki is in the center of Rethymno, right in the heart of the old town. Their gyro is always fresh because of the sheer number of customers who choose to buy from this store. Locals and tourists alike come together to create a nice atmosphere. Although this place is almost always busy, the service is fast and professional.

Petrino

📍 23, Sofokli Venizelou St., Rethymno – website

Petrino is a bistro-like grill restaurant serving some of the finest gyros in the city. Although the prices are higher than the competition, the quality and service certainly make up for it.

Make sure you ask to put their special sauce inside your gyros wrap or dish. Of course, what you will love the most is no other than the location.

This gyro eatery overlooks the port, right next to the main street in town, thus offering unparalleled sea and city views. This is especially true if you choose to stay on their balcony upstairs. Although it can get crowded, it is worth the wait if you have to. 

To Parastratima

📍 12, Moskoviti St., Rethymnon – website

This cozy tavern is located in the old town of Rethymno. Although in a narrow alley, this place is known to tourists and locals alike. The atmosphere is warm and calm, away from all the noise and buzzing of the street.

An ideal place to peacefully enjoy your gyro. Speaking of which, here you can find fresh and delicious gyro wraps, their most popular dish. Finally, the staff is super polite and friendly. All in all, if you want to visit the old town, consider a stop here. 

Taverna Klimataria

📍 31, Machis Kritis Ave., Rethymno – website

This Greek restaurant is about 400 meters from the beach and offers a variety of Greek dishes. Gyros is one of them.

If you have kids and want to have gyros but you’d rather have a different dish for dinner, this is the right place that will make everyone in the family happy. There is also a kids’ area where your children can play while you enjoy dinner.

This family-run business offers quick service and friendly owners. The atmosphere is traditional Greek but with a modern twist. Sitting areas are available inside and outdoors.

Best Gyro in Lasithi

And our last region is Lasithi. These are some of the best gyro places that you can visit if you’re touring East Crete.

Karnagio

📍 24, Kon/nou Paleologou St., Agios Nikolaos – website

Karnagio is my absolute favorite restaurant in town. It serves stunning Cretan dishes that are different from what you would get anywhere else.

The portions are huge, the ingredients are local, and the prices are so convenient that waiting in line to be seated is not uncommon. This is one of the most popular places in town, so I highly suggest booking your table in advance.

Karnagio’s mezedes are creative, for instance, the hot dako is one of the most original dishes I’ve ever had. And if you pick Karnagio for a gyro wrap, you won’t be disappointed! They serve enormous, top-quality gyro wraps and gyro plates!

Spitiko Psitopolio

📍 27, Knossou St., Ag. Nikolaos – website

Only steps from the renovated Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, Spitiko Psitopolio is another grill bar where you can find and taste delicious gyros. The portions are large and the prices very reasonable. You can have your pita gyro for about €3.50. 

You also have different options for what type of Gyros you prefer. Anything from pork to grilled chicken. Finally, the service is fast and friendly.

You can feel it is a family business that caters to its customers. It is a great place for a stop-over after a shopping session in town.

>> Want other places to eat in the area? Check out the best restaurants Agios.

Al Dente

📍 3, Akti Nearchou 3, Ag. Nikolaos.

In Agios Nikolaos, Al Dente is the place for the local gyros. Although you can find other dishes too, their gyro is one of the most popular choices among the locals. 

The service is outstanding and very friendly. This is mainly thanks to Michalis, the owner. He is a fin, chatty man, always ready to recommend the next best place to go in Crete. Don’t hesitate to ask for his advice on any matter. 

GrillHouse Makis

📍 Limanaki (Seaside promenade), Makrigialos – website

In the small village of Makrigialos, GrillHouse Makis is located right next to the beach and has magnificent views. You can sit half a meter above water and enjoy your gyro with the Libyan breeze in your face.

This is one of the first places I had gyros on the island. And the good memories remain! Because of the location and quality, they are almost always full; so make sure you make a reservation or come early enough to find an empty spot. Despite that, prices are very reasonable for what they offer. If you pass by Makrigialos, it is worth the visit. 

Thraka Grill House

📍 105, Kornarou St., Sitia.

Located in the eastern part of the island, in the city of Sitia, Thraka Grill House is the place to go if you are looking for a traditional gyro.

The meat is always fresh and cooked minutes before it is on your plate. This can mean some extra time until you get the wrap, but it is worth the wait. Apart from the authentic food, you will also love the people working there. They are all very polite.

Fresco Eatery

📍 4, Omirou St., Elounda – website

Fresco Eatery serves some of the best gyros in Elounda. Their portions are large even though they are very inexpensive. It is a great value for money, especially considering that this is one of the most exclusive resorts on the island.

The store has a clear 180-degree view of the small fishing port and village in front, so you can feel the vibe of the village.

Make sure you visit when the sun has set or otherwise, it can get too hot to sit outside. In any case, you will love the two owners. They are very friendly and eager to help with any query about the village or Crete. Greek hospitality at its finest!

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