1. Welcome to Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή: A Cretan Culinary Gem
Nestled in the heart of Heraklion, Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή stands as a testament to authentic Cretan cuisine. This family-owned restaurant offers a personal touch that enhances your dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking genuine flavors of Greece.
2. A Family Affair: The Heart Behind the Magic
At Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή, each meal is served with love. As you enter, you’ll meet the family behind the operation: the mother, who skillfully crafts delightful dishes, the daughter, who welcomes you and explains the menu, and the father, who serves your food. This intimate atmosphere creates a warm, familial vibe that makes dining here feel like a home-cooked meal.
3. A Menu of Flavor: Authentic Cretan Delights
While the menu is in Greek, guests are greeted with the comforting assistance of the owner, who takes the time to explain each dish. From grilled shrimp and fried calamari to unique cheese and mushroom creations topped with honey and ham, the menu reflects the rich culinary traditions of Crete, providing an unforgettable dining experience.
4. Rave Reviews: A Culinary Adventure Like No Other
Don’t just take our word for it—guests rave about their experiences! One traveler described their meal at Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή as "by far my best meal in Greece," highlighting the unique, genuine experience that this hidden gem provides.
5. A Delicious Journey: Favorite Dishes Across the Board
With culinary masterpieces like Dakos, lamb chops, and clams in spicy Ouzo sauce featured on the menu, diners consistently express their satisfaction. Each dish is crafted with quality ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors, making every visit a delicious discovery.
6. Sweet Serendipity: An Inviting Finish to Your Meal
To add a cherry on top, patrons can enjoy complimentary Raki and a selection of delightful desserts at the end of their meal. From syrupy sweet pumpkin to a coconut dessert and sesame-coated nuts, the sweet endings often leave guests longing for their next visit.
7. Local Flavor: A Taste of Cretan Culture
Visitors are encouraged to explore the local wines offered by the restaurant. Though some have regrettably missed out, the overwhelming consensus is that pairing these authentic dishes with regional wines enhances the overall experience of Cretan culture.
8. An Atmosphere Unlike Any Other
The charm of Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή extends beyond its food. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, ensuring that every guest feels right at home. This unique atmosphere captivates diners, turning a simple meal into a cherished memory.
9. The Hidden Gem of Heraklion
Tucked away, this restaurant may initially appear to be a hole-in-the-wall, but the culinary magic within transforms it into a hidden gem. Tourists looking for an authentic Cretan experience often leave with newfound appreciation and satisfaction.
10. Constantly Rating 5 Stars: A Testament to Excellence
A multitude of five-star reviews not only emphasize the quality of food but also the exceptional service found at Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή. This unwavering praise speaks volumes about what you can expect when you walk through their doors.
11. Personal Touch: Making Diners Feel at Home
Many guests highlight the personalized service they receive as a standout feature. The owner’s willingness to spend time with diners, helping them navigate the menu, showcases a commitment to customer experience that can’t be found everywhere.
12. Catered to All: Ideal for Every Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious meal while exploring Heraklion, Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή caters to every kind of dining experience. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find something to love about this charming eatery.
13. Recommendations Abound: Trust the Locals
With so many satisfied diners singing its praises, the word is out: Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή is a must-visit for any culinary enthusiast. Local residents and seasoned travelers alike recommend it, adding to the allure of this quintessential dining spot.
14. Embrace the Authentic: A One-of-a-Kind Dining Experience
If you crave authenticity and want to step away from the tourist trails, dining at Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Cretan culture and cuisine.
15. Your Next Culinary Adventure Awaits
So, whether you’re a seasoned Greek traveler or a first-time visitor to Heraklion, make sure to add Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή to your itinerary. With its delightful ambiance, mouth-watering menu, and heartfelt service, it promises an exceptional culinary adventure that you won’t soon forget!
Useful Information
Address: Smirnis 31, Iraklio 712 01, Greece
Opening hours: Monday: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: Closed
Phone: 281 301 7784
Rated count: 4.9 of 1176 ratings
We had a wonderful experience at this charming, family-owned restaurant. The story behind it added to the charm: the mother does the cooking, the daughter takes the orders, and the father brings the food to your table. The menu is in Greek, but the owner graciously stayed with us to translate each dish.
The food was absolutely delicious, featuring original Cretan recipes. We had grilled shrimp, fried calamari, and cheese on mushrooms with honey and ham, all of which were outstanding.
To top it off, the owner treated us to free Raki and a selection of desserts, including orange jam, a coconut dessert, and roasted peanuts in sesame seeds. It was a delightful ending to a memorable meal. Highly recommended!
If I could give 10 stars, I would! From the moment you step in, you feel so welcomed! The menu is only in Greek so she sits down with you and explains the menu! Every dish I got was amazing! This is a must if you are in Heraklion! Thank you so much for this amazing dinner!!
The atmosphere, the food, the overall experience… By far my best meal in Greece. I felt like I needed a break from Greek food during the last stretch of my holiday but the reviews here swayed me to come, and I’m so glad I did–this was the unique, hole-in-the-wall, genuine Crete experience I didn’t know I wanted but actually needed to complete my travels and make my trip whole.
A family business with dad greeting, mum cooking and daughter translating their authentic Greek Cretan menu.
We are used to sharing platters but we Uber ordered
Food was yum
Highly recommended if you want to try authentic Cretan cuisisne. This place is a family run hidden gem in the center of Heraklion.
We went here in a working day’s late evening and the young lady patiently helped us going through the Greek written menu which we really appreciate!
Every dish was spot on and carefully prepared with quality ingredients. The entire meal was incredible in its own right! I highly recommend the Dakos, Lamb chops and the Clamps in spicy Ouzo sauce.
And of course, like many other restaurants in Crete, they offer free-of-charge Raki at the end of the exeprience with complimentary desserts. But here they go above and beyond with syrupy sweet pumpkin, a coconut dessert and sesame coated nuts and more..
They also offer a variety of local wines which unfortunately we did not try. Hopefully next time!
There are a lot of nice places to eat in Heraklion but this place was exceptionally good.