The island’s Mediterranean diet is celebrated worldwide for its use of fresh, local ingredients like olive oil, vegetables, herbs, and seafood.
Dining in Heraklion combines these elements in a delicious array of flavors.
Must-Try Local Dishes:
Dakos: A classic Cretan dish, dakos consists of a barley rusk topped with fresh chopped tomatoes, olive oil, and myzithra cheese, sprinkled with oregano. It’s a refreshing and healthy appetizer.
Kalitsounia: These are traditional Cretan cheese pies filled with either myzithra (a soft Cretan cheese) or feta, often drizzled with honey for a sweet variation.
Moussaka: Although found all over Greece, moussaka in Crete is often made with local ingredients like Cretan olive oil and herbs, with layers of eggplant, minced meat, potatoes, and béchamel sauce.
Souvlaki and Antikristo: Cretan souvlaki is simple yet flavorful, often made with marinated pork or chicken. For a true Cretan meat experience, try antikristo, lamb slowly roasted over an open fire, a method rooted in the island’s shepherding traditions.
Chochlioi Boubouristi (Snails): A unique Cretan specialty, chochlioi are snails sautéed in olive oil, rosemary, and vinegar. They are crunchy and full of flavor, often served as a meze (small dish) with raki.
Graviera: This is one of Crete’s most famous cheeses, often served as an appetizer or grated over salads and main dishes. It has a sweet, nutty flavor, especially when aged.
Boureki: A delicious pie from Chania, made of zucchini, potatoes, cheese, and mint, baked with olive oil in a filo pastry or sometimes without pastry for a more rustic version.
Seafood: Being a coastal city, Heraklion has an abundance of fresh seafood like octopus, squid, and grilled fish, served with a splash of olive oil and lemon.
Dining in Heraklion:
The city is dotted with tavernas and restaurants, offering a blend of traditional and modern Cretan cuisine. Here are some dining recommendations:
Peskesi: This popular restaurant focuses on traditional Cretan dishes made with organic, locally sourced ingredients, offering a farm-to-table experience.
Kouzeineri: Located near the Venetian Walls, this spot mixes modern and traditional Cretan cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood.
Paralia: A seaside restaurant offering fresh fish, local wine, and incredible views of the Mediterranean.
O Chochlios: Specializing in traditional Cretan snails, this taverna is a go-to for trying unique local flavors.
Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa: Known for its relaxed ambiance and exceptional seafood, it’s a local favorite near the port.
Cretan Wine:
Heraklion is surrounded by vineyards, and local wines like Vilana (white) and Kotsifali (red) are must-tries. Many tavernas in the city serve these wines, pairing them perfectly with Cretan dishes.
Desserts:
After your meal, don’t miss out on local sweets like loukoumades (honey-soaked doughnuts), kaltsounia (sweet cheese pies), and xerotigana (fried pastry with honey).
Dining in Heraklion is a journey through Cretan culture, filled with bold flavors and fresh, wholesome ingredients, all rooted in centuries of tradition.