Welcome to the Heart of Cretan Cuisine!
Discover Authenticity in Every Bite
When you think of Greek cuisine, images of fresh, homemade dishes filled with vibrant flavors come to mind. In Crete, there’s a special place that embodies this authenticity like no other. Say goodbye to tourist traps with phony menus! Here, the essence of Greece comes to life, served with local warmth and care. This destination isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a cherished culinary experience you’ll want to return to time and again.
A Culinary Journey Without Menus
Imagine dining in a place where menus are non-existent and every meal is a delightful surprise! Guests of this beautiful location are treated to an array of home-cooked dishes, showcasing the freshest ingredients. You simply settle in and let the magic unfold as generous portions of food, like delicious mousaka and refreshing tzatziki, grace your table. It’s a culinary journey you won’t forget.
Meet the Warmhearted Hosts
At the center of this enchanting experience are Vivi and Irini, the beloved hosts who exude warmth and hospitality. Visitors rave about Vivi’s love-infused cooking, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like home. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted with smiles and affection, just like a cherished family gathering.
A Melting Pot of Flavors
Each meal brings forth a wide selection of traditional Cretan dishes, tailored specifically for you! One visitor described it as a paradise for foodies, where the generosity of the place ensures that you don’t leave hungry. From the first bite to the last, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Crete.
For All Taste Buds
Worried about dietary restrictions? Fear not! This culinary oasis is known for accommodating various dietary needs. Whether you’re a meat-lover or vegetarian, every visitor leaves with a satisfied palate after a unique array of plates, freshly prepared that day. Each meal is a celebration of flavors, and you’ll likely find dishes that surprise and delight you!
A Gathering Place for Friends and Family
This restaurant isn’t just about the food; it’s also about community. Guests have shared that this warm environment fosters friendships and connections. With the joyous atmosphere fueled by delicious food, it’s the perfect place to share hearty laughs, stories, and memorable moments with loved ones, making every visit special.
Keep Coming Back for More
Once you’ve tasted the bounty here, you’ll want to come back for seconds— and thirds! Travelers have shared stories of returning to this restaurant year after year, some even traveling long distances for another bite of Vivi’s mouthwatering creations. It’s not just a visit; it’s an essential part of their Cretan experience!
Affordable Indulgence
Dine with delight without breaking the bank! Many guests were astonished at the generous portions and incredibly low prices. With meals that can comfortably feed a family for a mere €60, you’ll find yourself indulging without guilt. It’s a fantastic value for a truly authentic experience.
Memorable Takeaways
What’s better than enjoying gourmet meals in-house? Taking a bit of that deliciousness with you! Guests appreciate the thoughtful gesture of packing leftovers for them, often enhanced with extra dishes to savor later. You can carry home a piece of Crete and relive those flavors long after your visit.
A Culinary Legend Among Locals
The reputation of this captivating dining spot extends beyond its borders, making it famous even in the Czech Republic! Visitors rave about the charming qualities of the host and the unparalleled quality of the food, which together create an unforgettable experience. Once you’ve dined here, it’s clear why it’s become a must-visit.
A Journey Not Just Tied to Food
Here, dining transcends mere nourishment; it becomes an experience enriched with storytelling, laughter, and genuine Cretan hospitality. Every meal served is a gesture of love from a tight-knit family who takes pride in showcasing their cultural heritage through cuisine.
Perfect for Any Meal
Whether you’re in the mood for a delightful breakfast, a hearty lunch, or an aromatic dinner, this charming location has you covered. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with incredible flavors, sets a perfect backdrop for any meal of the day.
Where Vegetarians are Kings & Queens
Vegetarians rejoice! The reviews sing praises of the endless vegetarian options that are both creative and incredibly flavorful. Diners have noted that the vegetarian dishes served here outshine anything they’ve previously enjoyed, proving that meat-free dishes can be just as extraordinary!
Celebrate Life’s Simple Pleasures
At this restaurant, the celebration of life through food, friendship, and authentic experiences is paramount. This destination stands out not just for its flavors but for the joy and community that surrounds every meal.
Join Us on This Culinary Adventure
As you plan your trip to Crete, make sure to include this gem on your itinerary. Come hungry and ready for a feast that will awaken your senses and fill your heart with wonderful memories. You’ll quickly see why this place isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience you’ll want to relive time and again!
Useful Information
Address: Zaros 35° 7′ 49.20″ N 24° 54′ 17.14″ E, 700 02, Greece
Opening hours: Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Phone: 2894 031730
Rated count: 4.8 of 505 ratings
Honestly, I have never experienced this before. In many places around Greece you will hear about authentic cuisine and places, while being just a facade for tourists. I have been about six times in Greece and this place IS the definition of greek authenticity.
No menu, just full table of fresh homemade food, served by caring and smiling grandma. The best mousaka and tzatziky I had, amongst other delicious meals. Vivi and Irini should definitely raise the prices. Moreover, they are famous (not only?) in the Czech Republic!:)
Thank you, ladies, we hope to meet you again!
The warmest and friendliest host in Crete… Vivi cooks with love and care and serves the best meal in the whole island. What a wonderful surprise to find such hospitality and generosity when we were really not at all sure what to expect from this modest looking cafe. A must visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
As soon as you sit down you are made to feel at home. The food is delicious, very typical and fresh. Portions keep coming! You eat what you are given and you happily receive it, coming back the day after and trying a whole new menu! A paradise for foodies, they are also accommodating with food restrictions. It’s a great place to meet friends and make new ones ☺️
Thank you Vivi and Athena !
I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The lady who runs the restaurant is an absolute character, and she makes some of the best food I have eaten in Crete. We stumbled upon this restaurant last year while holidaying in Crete, and, having returned to holiday in Crete again, we drove 1.5 hours just to eat her DELICIOUS food again!! My family is all vegetarian, and we had TONS brought. The way this wonderfully whacky woman works is that she will simply ask if you’re vegetarian or not, and then will start bringing over plates and plates of food. No menus, just simply whatever she has prepared that day. Trust me, whatever she has made, it will be AMAZING. We were brought even more food than we could eat, and the five of us ate for €60 total! We asked to take away our leftovers, and not only did she add to the dishes that we had left over, but even put in a new dish to take away with us! You are served very quickly, and you will undoubtedly have a brilliant experience eating here. The owner herself is an absolute legend, and the food simply can’t be beaten. As a lifelong vegetarian, I can safely say that her food was the best vegetarian food out of anywhere we have tried, and had by far the biggest range of options. Again, I cannot recommend a trip highly enough!!!!
Amazing family owned and operated restaurant. Delicious food for a great price (we often couldnt finish our meals for how much they brought out!). Make sure to swing by for dinner if youre in the area!