Hersonissos might be best known for its lively beaches and nightlife, but behind the beach bars and resort bustle lies one of Crete’s most diverse dining scenes. From seaside tavernas serving grilled octopus and local wine to hilltop restaurants overlooking the bay, the best restaurants in Hersonissos cover every taste and budget. Whether you’re after fresh seafood, classic Cretan food, or a romantic sunset meal, this guide helps you eat well and feel the local flavor of northern Crete.
Where to Eat in Hersonissos
The resort stretches along several kilometers of coast, so it helps to know the main food zones before you book a table.
- Old Harbour: The postcard part of town, lined with waterfront tavernas and seafood restaurants. Great for lunch with a sea breeze or dinner with the lights reflecting on the water.
- Beach Road (Eleftheriou Venizelou): The long coastal strip filled with cafés, grill houses, and casual eateries—lively, loud, and fun.
- Anisaras Road: Just west of the center, calmer and more refined. A few resort restaurants open to the public here serve higher-end Mediterranean dishes.
- Old Hersonissos Village: A few minutes inland, this stone-paved square surrounded by family tavernas is the place to taste authentic Cretan cooking away from the crowds.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Hersonissos
Medusa Restaurant – The Harbour Classic
Location: Hersonissos Old Harbour
Style: Fresh seafood, traditional recipes
Price: €€–€€€
Medusa has been serving seafood right by the water for years and remains a top choice for both locals and visitors. Expect grilled fish, calamari, and meze with the sea almost at your feet. Service is friendly, portions generous, and sunset views unbeatable.
Try: grilled octopus, sea-bream, or shrimp saganaki.
Best for: couples and small groups who want a true harbor setting.
Palmera Seaside Restaurant – Modern Plates with a View
Location: Beachfront near the port
Style: Mediterranean fusion, seafood focus
Price: €€€
Palmera Seaside mixes contemporary presentation with local ingredients. The glass-fronted terrace faces the bay, and dishes come beautifully plated. Staff can pair wines from Crete and Santorini.
Try: tuna fillet, seafood risotto, or Cretan salad.
Best for: romantic dinners and travelers seeking modern dining.
Best Traditional Cretan Taverns
Myrtios Taverna – Family Cooking in Old Hersonissos
Location: Old Hersonissos village square
Style: Classic Cretan home cooking
Price: €€
A true family taverna where recipes pass through generations. Tables fill the cobbled square, lights hang from vines, and every dish tastes homemade.
Try: lamb with artichokes, stuffed vine leaves, or dakos salad.
Best for: families, couples, and anyone craving genuine local food.
Taverna Harakas – Hidden Gem Above the Port
Location: Hillside above Hersonissos town
Style: Rustic grill & meze
Price: €€
A short drive uphill rewards you with panoramic sea views and honest cooking. Grilled meats, local cheeses, and carafes of house wine keep both locals and tourists coming back.
Try: mixed grill platter, Cretan sausage, and oven-baked potatoes.
Best for: sunset dinners away from the main strip.
Best Hersonissos Restaurants with a View
Saradari Restaurant – Quiet Elegance by the Sea
Location: Saradari Beach area
Style: Refined Mediterranean seafood
Price: €€€
Saradari sits on a low cliff west of the port, offering one of the prettiest dining terraces in the area. The food is fresh, lightly seasoned, and beautifully served. It’s romantic without being pretentious.
Try: sea-bass fillet, lobster pasta, or mussels in white wine.
Best for: couples and anyone who loves sea views and calm surroundings.
Ya Sea Food Bar – Trendy & Breezy
Location: Central Hersonissos promenade
Style: Seafood and sushi-inspired dishes
Price: €€€
Part beach bar, part restaurant, Ya Sea blends relaxed seaside vibes with polished service. DJs sometimes play soft sets in summer evenings.
Try: seafood tacos, sushi rolls, and cold Cretan white wine.
Best for: groups or stylish evenings by the sea.
Romantic and Fine Dining Spots
The Lounge – Stylish Dining at Creta Maris
Location: Creta Maris Resort (open to public)
Style: Fine dining Mediterranean
Price: €€€€
If you want something special, The Lounge offers elegant décor and professional service. The chef highlights Cretan ingredients with modern techniques, and the wine list is impressive.
Try: slow-cooked lamb, seafood pasta, or any seasonal tasting menu.
Best for: anniversaries or honeymoon dinners.
Mythos Restaurant – Harborfront Charm
Location: Old Harbour
Style: Modern Greek with traditional touches
Price: €€€
Mythos combines a front-row harbor view with quality Greek cooking and a great cocktail list. Candles on tables, live music some nights, and friendly staff make it memorable.
Try: seafood linguine, grilled calamari, and house desserts.
Best for: sunset couples’ meals.
Family-Friendly Favorites
Coast Café & Taverna
Location: Beach Road
Style: Greek & international dishes
Price: €€
Coast is perfect for mixed groups and families who want variety—pizzas, seafood, salads, and kids’ meals. Service is quick, and the seaside setting keeps everyone happy.
Best for: easy lunches or relaxed dinners with children.
The Garden – Peaceful Courtyard Dining
Location: Near central Beach Road
Style: Cretan & Mediterranean, leafy setting
Price: €€
A charming garden restaurant away from the main noise. Warm lighting, attentive service, and generous portions make it one of the most comfortable spots in town.
Best for: families or couples seeking a quiet meal near everything.
Insider Tips for Eating in Hersonissos
- Reserve ahead in July–August for any sea-view restaurant.
- Go early (before 20:00) for calmer dinners; locals eat later.
- Ask for local wine—Cretan whites and rosés are excellent value.
- Tipping: 5–10% is appreciated but not mandatory.
- Vegetarian options: Most places offer stuffed vegetables, salads, and grilled cheeses.
- Lunch with a view: Try the harbor side between 13:00–15:00 for fewer crowds.
- Parking: Easier around Saradari and Old Hersonissos than along Beach Road.
FAQ – Best Restaurants in Hersonissos
Is Hersonissos expensive for dining?
Not necessarily. You can eat well for moderate prices if you skip resort hotel restaurants and try local tavernas.
Are restaurants open year-round?
Most operate April–October; winter has fewer options but locals’ favorites stay open.
Do restaurants take credit cards?
Yes, nearly all accept major cards, though cash is still common for small bills.
Is seafood fresh?
At reputable places like Medusa, Palmera, and Saradari, yes—caught locally and delivered daily.
Can I find vegetarian food?
Absolutely. Cretan cuisine features many vegetable and cheese dishes that are naturally vegetarian.
Final Verdict
From romantic sea-view dinners to lively harbor lunches, Hersonissos offers far more than resort buffets. The best restaurants in Hersonissos bring together warm service, authentic flavors, and that special Cretan light reflecting off the water. Whether you’re watching boats in the Old Harbour, tasting meze in Old Hersonissos village, or enjoying sunset seafood in Saradari, you’ll find that every meal captures a bit of the island’s generous spirit.
No comment