The 7 Best Restaurants in Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of the Greek island of Crete, known for its cuisine, beaches, ancient ruins and of course, its restaurant scene. Heraklion is one of the most popular spots in the Mediterranean for a quick bite to eat, a beachside lunch or a full sit-down dinner after dark. Heraklion serves up a smorgasbord of cuisines and authentic Greek dishes, from local seafood and delicacies to their own signature twist on well-known international favourites. Whether you’re new to Heraklion and want to discover the best places to satisfy your hunger, or you’re local and are looking for your new favourite hangout spot to catch up with friends, we’ve got you covered. 

Today, we’re exploring the top 7 best restaurants in Heraklion – which eateries have the edge over the others? Why choose these places as your next local favourite and somewhere you’re more than likely to recommend to all your friends? Let’s take a deep dive into Heraklion’s lively and diverse food scene, and take a look at the top 7 best restaurants in Heraklion: 

Seafood to souvlaki: The best restaurants in Heraklion

7. Merastri

Merastri serves authentic Greek and local dishes in the comfort of a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere – here, the decor is modern and chic with exposed stone and brick walls that give it a stylish rustic edge. If you’re looking for a place where you know you can sample some excellent wine alongside your food, then look no further. 

Merastri is a simple yet exciting restaurant that deserves to be at the top of your Heraklion itinerary– it packs a mean punch in terms of flavour and presentation of each dish, and the service is world-class. What’s more, its surroundings are nothing short of stunning. What more could you ask for from a Greek restaurant?

6. Xalali 

Sophisticated plates of perfection are what you can expect from Xalali, and this spot is always bustling with both tourists and locals. Ror tourists, Xalali is an unpretentious, unassuming gem. but once you’re lucky enough to stumble upon it, you'll planning your next trip back. Serving the best Mediterranean and Greek dishes with an upmarket flare, plus several Greece’s national and top famous dishes (moussaka galore!). Xalali is one of the best places to enjoy flavourful and colourful cuisine with a unique signature twist that makes it to die for. 

5. Ippokampos

This upscale seafood restaurant is simple and unsuspecting, but certainly comes out on top when it comes to ambience, flavour, presentation and world-class service. The views of the ocean and waterfront really tie in with the whole taste of the sea, and the reviews this place has garnered across multiple outlets really proves why it deserves to be labelled as one of the best restaurants in Heraklion. The food here really is something special too– think perfectly grilled fish accompanied by expertly-prepared garnishes and sides, pasta dishes, plates piled high with mussels, squid, fresh salads, the works. 

4. Epsilon 

Using authentic wood-fired ovens, the team at Epsilon really creates something special with everything they serve. With traditional Greek cooking methods and techniques, the chefs marry flavours of the sea with flavours of the earth to create a harmony that deserves to be celebrated and shouted about. 

Taking the finest Mediterranean flavours and combining them with the best cuts of steak, the highest quality seafood and other quintessentially Greek dishes, the team at Epsilon are able to create a dining and tasting experience that is out of this world, and once that you certainly won’t want to miss out on. 

3. La Brasa 

La Brasa is hailed by many as one of the best tapas restaurants in Heraklion. And with good reason, as this small but intriguing Greek restaurant takes the best-loved flavours of the Mediterranean and Spain, and brings them to the streets of Crete’s capital. Adding a Greek flare to its international menu, La Brasa can remain authentically Greek at heart but offer taste sensations that everyone knows and loves. This charming little restaurant may be unsuspecting, but it is certainly a contender when you’re on the lookout for your new favourite local in Heraklion. 

2. Apiri Greek Eatery

A charming Greek bistro-style restaurant, Apiri offers one of the most authentic tastes of Greece to tourists, with its traditional cuisines, expertly selected wines and ever-changing menus. No matter if you’re a well-cultured foodie, a wine connoisseur, or you just so happen to have stumbled upon this restaurant, one thing’s for sure– you will be captivated not only by the atmosphere, but by the taste and quality of each dish that is put in front of you. If you’re wanting a taste of not just Greek food, but of its rich culture too, then this is the place to be. 

1. Peskesi 

Since it opened more than 10 years ago, Peskesi has aimed to provide an authentic and premium experience in what they serve to all their guests, and has done just that. We’ve put this restaurant at number 1 simply because of its charm, rustic design, magical flavours and its ethos on creating a dining experience and tastes truly not found anywhere else in Heraklion. You can expect traditional Greek and Cretan cuisine here, all served in a warm and inviting atmosphere– what we can guarantee you is that dining here is assuredly bliss.