We recommend exploring the local cuisine in Heraklion's best restaurants or colorful tavernas. For example, Brillant serves dozens of meat, seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as local wines. The restaurant constantly hosts interesting "seisheniya": musicians, tastings of cocktails, wines and specialties.
The Kiriakos Restaurant is a favorite among locals (we recommend the snails fried in olive oil with sea salt). At Irini Apartments Restaurant, Greek cuisine is made exclusively from local produce. On average, a meal at restaurants of this caliber costs 18-45 EUR per person.
The Ippokambos Ouzeri restaurant near the old Venetian harbor is very popular with Russian tourists in Heraklion. During the day you can order a hearty set lunch at the restaurant, and in the evening you will be offered a huge number of fish and seafood dishes. For example, especially enthusiastic reviews about this restaurant in Heraklion mention shrimp in tomato sauce, grilled octopus, sea pasta and risotto. By the way, the owner of the restaurant presents dessert to regular customers. The average bill is from 20 to 50 EUR.
The range of food in Heraklion's inexpensive restaurants and tavernas is just as good! For example, at Paralia the menu includes moussaka and zadziki, Greek salad and Cretan omelette, lamb, pork, chicken and, of course, the "highlight" - the freshest seafood! The portions are huge, and it is not uncommon for the restaurant to treat customers to ouzo (a local aniseed brandy) and dessert.
The Erganos tavern restaurant is no less popular with tourists - the staff speaks English and the menu is homemade: Cretan meat pies, pasta with cheese, smoked pork, all kinds of pastries. Prices in Heraklion's inexpensive restaurants and tavernas range from 10 to 18 EUR per person for lunch.
One of the many desserts to try in Heraklion is bugatsu (for example, at one of Heraklion's best cafes, Kirkor). It is a sweet puff pastry cake with custard, which is cut into small pieces and served sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Outopia Cafe Beer Utopia is famous for its hot chocolate and chocolate fondue, while Fillosofies is the place to go for ice cream. The list, as you can imagine, goes on and on - prices in Irklion cafes are quite affordable, starting from 5 EUR per visit.
