A guide to the best restaurants in Chania

North African delights at The Well of the Turk restaurant

The Well of the Turk restaurant specialises in Moroccan and other North African delicacies. Be a little adventurous and sample the unusually named ‘spicy aubergine brick’ or the ‘chicken cigars’ and you’ll be rewarded with taste sensations. For dessert, the cheesecake is sumptuous and flavoured with the delicate taste of rosewater.

Local food, great prices at Pina Leon

Situated in the Halepa neighbourhood and famous for its home-cooked Cretan dishes, Pina Leon is popular with the local lunch crowd as well as visitors. The restaurant is closed during the high tourist season but when open the food is fantastic and the prices are awesome.

Amazing seafood at Ta Neoria

Seafood is the name of the game at the harbourside restaraunt Ta Neoria. Seafood risotto is on the menu, as is white taramasalata – a refreshing change from the pink dish that’s on every restaraunt’s table. Just wander down to the harbour, grab a seat, enjoy the view of the quayside and sample this delicious food.

Eat in an ancient bath at Taverna Tamam

A converted Turkish bathhouse is the home of Taverna Tamam – hammam is the Turkish word for a bathhouse. Based in Chania‘s picturesque old town, the taverna serves Greek dishes with a Middle Eastern twist and has an extensive wine list.

Seafood with style at Thalassino Ageri

The chefs at Thalassino Ageri create culinary magic with octopus, swordfish and other seafood delights on a daily basis. Situated in Chania’s tannery ruins, the surroundings alone make many flock here. Add gastronomic treasures like squid cooked with grilled octopus and cuttlefish immersed in green olives and crushed fennel, and you have a winner.

Mix and match at Mesogiako restaurant

If you’re looking to sample lots of different Cretan and Greek dishes on your Greek island holiday then head to Mesogiako, which specialises in Mezzes – an assortment of taster dishes. The menu includes standard Greek dishes as well as more unusual choices like courgette balls accompanied with two types of cheeses. Or go for the solomakia – salmon balls with herbs.

Feed all the tastes at Soul Kitchen

Being set in the old town is about the only thing ‘olde-worlde’ about Soul Kitchen. This contemporary venue comes complete with a stylish layout and menu including stunning burgers and BBQ ribs which are perfect washed down with a beer. The restaurant also serves Cretan as well as international dishes and vegans are well catered for.

Cretan food with a touch of class at Portes restaurant

The name of this venue means ‘doors’ and, yes, they do feature as part of the decor at Portes. The unusual menu adds to the charm of the restaurant. From wild fennel pie to beef in tomato sauce with aubergine puree, the range and scope of dishes on offer is awesome.

Gastronomic dreams at Salis restaurant

Cretan food for the 21st century is the ethos at Salis restaurant. All the food is locally sourced, and the chefs produce popular Cretan dishes with a very contemporary vibe. The stuffed peppers are to-die-for and the octopus carpaccio comes highly recommended.

Modern Mediterranean food at Palazzo Almare

Handmade sausages, Cretan pizzas, as well as more exotic flavours, all feature on the menu of the harbourside Palazzo Almare. Open from early morning to late at night, the restaurant’s food is innovative and delicious, such as the mushrooms with truffle and thyme.