Before we begin, one important note about our idea of the best restaurants in Plakias & Rethymno, Crete.
This list of the best restaurants in Plakias & Rethymno is purely personal. Food is taste, mood, timing — and what feels exceptional to one person might not work at all for someone else. These are places we genuinely enjoy, places we return to, and places we recommend because they feel right to us.
Not perfect. Not for everyone.
But memorable in their own way.
Plakias
Medousa ~ Plakias
Medousa is one of those places that doesn’t shout for attention — and that’s exactly why we love it.
Located just a few steps from the sea, Medousa has been around since 1991 and feels rooted in Plakias. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, especially if you sit a bit further inside, away from the street. It’s the kind of place where you can actually talk, linger, and enjoy your evening without feeling rushed.
The kitchen focuses on authentic Greek cooking, using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The menu changes regularly, depending on what’s available and at its best — something we personally appreciate a lot.Add to that a carefully chosen wine list with bottles from Crete and across Greece, and you have a restaurant that feels honest, thoughtful and quietly confident.
This is not a place for trends. It’s a place for flavour.
Myrthios
Vrisi ~ Myrthios
Vrisi sits a little higher, in the village of Myrthios, and offers more than just a beautiful setting.
What stands out here is their clear focus on quality ingredients and support for local farmers. Everything is cooked in olive oil, and the dishes feel deeply connected to Crete — not in a rustic way, but in a refined, considered one.
The flavours are clean and well-balanced, the plates thoughtful without being overcomplicated. You taste the ingredients, not the ego.
It’s a place we like to recommend when you want something a bit more elevated, without losing the soul of Cretan cooking.
Rethymno
Achinos ~ Old Harbour
Achinos is located by the old harbour, which might make some people hesitate, thinking it’s a tourist spot. It isn’t.
Yes, the setting is beautiful — but the kitchen more than holds its own. The dishes are refined, well-executed, and clearly made with attention.
If you enjoy dining by the water and still want to eat well, Achinos is a solid choice.
Hasika ~ Rethymno
Not traditional. Not subtle. And that’s exactly the point.
Hasika is bold, modern and unapologetic.
The flavours are strong, the combinations playful, and the atmosphere energetic. This is a place for people who enjoy creative cuisine and don’t mind stepping away from classic expectations.
It’s not for everyone — and that’s fine. But when it works for you, it really works.
Prima Plora ~ Rethymno
Quietly elegant, without being stiff.
Prima Plora feels calm and composed.
Beautifully plated dishes, a refined atmosphere, and a sense that everything is done with care.
Located right by the sea, the setting plays a quiet but important role in the experience. There is also a separate sushi menu, offering something a little different alongside the main dishes — a nice option if you enjoy variety within one evening.
It’s a place we like for longer evenings, when you want to settle in, take your time and enjoy a well-thought-out menu.
Cavo ~ Rethymno
Cavo is modern, stylish and confident.
The focus here is on contemporary Mediterranean flavours, good ingredients and a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
It’s the kind of place that works equally well for a long dinner or a slightly livelier evening, depending on your mood. A good choice when you’re looking for something refined but not overly formal.
A Final Thought
This list isn’t about stars, rankings or labels.
It’s about places that feel good to us — where the food, the atmosphere and the experience come together naturally.
