Rethymnon, a charming town on the Greek island of Crete, is a food lover’s paradise. With its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty, Rethymnon offers a unique culinary experience that is sure to delight even the most discerning palate. From traditional Cretan cuisine to modern twists on classic dishes, Rethymnon’s restaurants, tavernas, and cafes serve up a diverse range of flavors and cuisines that are sure to satisfy any appetite.
Get ultimate traveler plannerAs a visitor to Rethymnon, you’ll find that the town is filled with a wide range of dining options, from cozy, family-run tavernas to modern, upscale restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a leisurely meal, Rethymnon has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Rethymnon, highlighting some of the best places to eat in this charming town.
Traditional Cretan Cuisine
Traditional Cretan cuisine is a staple of Rethymnon’s culinary scene, and there are many restaurants and tavernas that serve up authentic, homemade dishes. Here are a few of the best places to try:
The Old Town
The Old Town is a charming neighborhood in the heart of Rethymnon, filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and a variety of restaurants and tavernas. One of the best places to try traditional Cretan cuisine is at Thanassis, a cozy taverna that serves up hearty, homemade dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and grilled octopus. Another great option is Avli, a beautiful, courtyard-style restaurant that serves up a range of traditional Cretan dishes, including stews, salads, and pasta.
The Harbor
The harbor is another great place to try traditional Cretan cuisine, with many restaurants and tavernas serving up fresh seafood and local specialties. One of the best places to try is Kastro, a waterfront restaurant that serves up a range of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, lobster, and shrimp. Another great option is Seafood Restaurant, a cozy, family-run restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and local specialties like calamari and grilled octopus.
Modern Greek Cuisine
While traditional Cretan cuisine is a staple of Rethymnon’s culinary scene, the town also has a number of modern Greek restaurants that offer a range of innovative, contemporary dishes. Here are a few of the best places to try:
The City Center
The city center is a great place to try modern Greek cuisine, with many restaurants and bars serving up a range of innovative, contemporary dishes. One of the best places to try is Apogee, a trendy, upscale restaurant that serves up a range of modern Greek dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. Another great option is Barbouni, a cozy, family-run restaurant that serves up a range of traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist, including souvlaki, moussaka, and grilled octopus. (See Also: Where to Eat in Mt Dora? Top Local Favorites)
The Beach
The beach is another great place to try modern Greek cuisine, with many restaurants and bars serving up fresh seafood and local specialties. One of the best places to try is Sea Breeze, a waterfront restaurant that serves up a range of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, lobster, and shrimp. Another great option is Beach House, a cozy, family-run restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and local specialties like calamari and grilled octopus.
International Cuisine
Rethymnon is also home to a number of international restaurants that serve up a range of cuisines from around the world. Here are a few of the best places to try:
The City Center
The city center is a great place to try international cuisine, with many restaurants and bars serving up a range of dishes from around the world. One of the best places to try is La Bodeguita, a cozy, family-run restaurant that serves up a range of international dishes, including Mexican, Italian, and Greek cuisine. Another great option is The Kitchen, a modern, upscale restaurant that serves up a range of international dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.
The Harbor
The harbor is another great place to try international cuisine, with many restaurants and bars serving up a range of dishes from around the world. One of the best places to try is The Fisherman’s Wife, a cozy, family-run restaurant that serves up a range of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, lobster, and shrimp. Another great option is The Harbor Bar, a waterfront bar that serves up a range of international dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Rethymnon is also home to a number of vegetarian and vegan options, making it easy for visitors with dietary restrictions to find something to eat. Here are a few of the best places to try:
The City Center
The city center is a great place to try vegetarian and vegan options, with many restaurants and cafes serving up a range of plant-based dishes. One of the best places to try is The Green House, a cozy, family-run cafe that serves up a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Another great option is Vegetarian Restaurant, a modern, upscale restaurant that serves up a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.
The Beach
The beach is another great place to try vegetarian and vegan options, with many restaurants and cafes serving up fresh seafood and local specialties. One of the best places to try is Beachside Cafe, a cozy, family-run cafe that serves up a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Another great option is Seafood Restaurant, a waterfront restaurant that serves up a range of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, lobster, and shrimp. (See Also: Where to Eat in Santa Maria? Best Local Favorites)
Snacks and Treats
Rethymnon is also home to a number of snack and treat options, making it easy to grab a quick bite to eat or satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are a few of the best places to try:
The City Center
The city center is a great place to try snacks and treats, with many cafes and bakeries serving up a range of sweet and savory options. One of the best places to try is The Sweet Spot, a cozy, family-run bakery that serves up a range of sweet treats, including pastries, cakes, and cookies. Another great option is The Coffee Shop, a modern, upscale cafe that serves up a range of coffee drinks and snacks, including sandwiches, salads, and pasta.
The Harbor
The harbor is another great place to try snacks and treats, with many cafes and restaurants serving up a range of sweet and savory options. One of the best places to try is The Harbor Cafe, a cozy, family-run cafe that serves up a range of snacks and treats, including sandwiches, salads, and pasta. Another great option is The Ice Cream Shop, a modern, upscale ice cream shop that serves up a range of unique and delicious flavors.
Recap
Rethymnon is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional Cretan cuisine to modern twists on classic dishes, Rethymnon’s restaurants, tavernas, and cafes serve up a diverse range of flavors and cuisines that are sure to satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a leisurely meal, Rethymnon has something for everyone. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Rethymnon:
- Thanassis: A cozy taverna that serves up traditional Cretan cuisine.
- Avli: A beautiful, courtyard-style restaurant that serves up traditional Cretan dishes.
- Kastro: A waterfront restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and local specialties.
- Apogee: A trendy, upscale restaurant that serves up modern Greek cuisine.
- Barbouni: A cozy, family-run restaurant that serves up traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist.
- Sea Breeze: A waterfront restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and local specialties.
- Beach House: A cozy, family-run restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and local specialties.
- La Bodeguita: A cozy, family-run restaurant that serves up a range of international dishes.
- The Kitchen: A modern, upscale restaurant that serves up a range of international dishes.
- The Fisherman’s Wife: A cozy, family-run restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and local specialties.
- The Harbor Bar: A waterfront bar that serves up a range of international dishes.
- The Green House: A cozy, family-run cafe that serves up a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- Vegetarian Restaurant: A modern, upscale restaurant that serves up a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- Beachside Cafe: A cozy, family-run cafe that serves up a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- Seafood Restaurant: A waterfront restaurant that serves up a range of seafood dishes.
- The Sweet Spot: A cozy, family-run bakery that serves up a range of sweet treats.
- The Coffee Shop: A modern, upscale cafe that serves up a range of coffee drinks and snacks.
- The Harbor Cafe: A cozy, family-run cafe that serves up a range of snacks and treats.
- The Ice Cream Shop: A modern, upscale ice cream shop that serves up a range of unique and delicious flavors.
FAQs
What is the best way to get around Rethymnon?
Rethymnon is a relatively small town, and most of the main attractions are within walking distance. However, if you prefer to use public transportation, there are buses that run regularly throughout the town. You can also hire a taxi or take a private transfer service.
What is the best time to visit Rethymnon?
Rethymnon is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is warm and sunny. If you prefer cooler weather, the autumn months (October to November) are also a good time to visit. (See Also: Where to Eat in Denali National Park? Best Kept Secrets)
What is the best way to book a restaurant in Rethymnon?
You can book a restaurant in Rethymnon by contacting them directly or through a booking website such as Booking.com or TripAdvisor. It’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak season.
What is the best way to get to Rethymnon from the airport?
Rethymnon is located about 60 km from Chania International Airport, and there are several ways to get there. You can take a taxi, hire a private transfer service, or use public transportation. The journey takes around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the best way to get to Rethymnon from Heraklion?
Rethymnon is located about 60 km from Heraklion International Airport, and there are several ways to get there. You can take a taxi, hire a private transfer service, or use public transportation. The journey takes around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
