Heraklion restaurants: where to eat and what it costs
Heraklion is one of Greece's best food cities. Here are restaurants that keep getting recommended, and what to know before you sit down.
- A simple taverna meal costs roughly €8–14 per person, a mid-range restaurant €18–30.
- Book Peskesi (Cretan) and Ippokambos (seafood) ahead in July and August.
- There are no kosher restaurants in Heraklion; Chabad Crete can arrange meals.
Even with one day in Heraklion, plan at least one proper Cretan meal. Eat late like locals and book in season.
What makes Heraklion's food special
Cretan cooking is built on olive oil, vegetables, wild greens, local cheeses and fish. Locals eat late; the evening peak is roughly 21:00–23:00.
Restaurants worth knowing
Prices are estimates from Crete Direct and may change.
| Restaurant | Where | Style | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ippokambos | Near the Venetian harbour | Seafood | €22–35 pp |
| Peskesi | Kapetan Haralampi St | Traditional Cretan | €45–65 for two |
| Brilliant Bistro | Near Lions Square | Tasting menus | From €38 |
| Parasties | Near the Venetian Loggia | Meze and wine | €15–22 pp |
What does eating out cost?
| Type | Approx. per person |
|---|---|
| Taverna or souvlaki | €8–14 |
| Mid-range | €18–30 |
| Seafood | €35–55 |
Many places add a bread and cover charge of €0.50–1.50. A 5–10% tip is customary for good service; see tipping in Greece.
What to order
- Dakos: barley rusk with grated tomato and cheese.
- Stamnagathi: boiled wild greens with oil and lemon.
- Kalitsounia: small cheese pies.
- Graviera and other Cretan cheeses.
- Raki at the end of the meal.
Kosher food
There are no kosher restaurants in Heraklion. See Chabad Crete, kosher Shabbat in Heraklion and our Heraklion city guide.
Tips
- Book popular places in summer.
- Harbour and square-front restaurants cost more; walk a few streets inland.
- A free dessert or raki at the end is a Cretan custom.
FAQ
What is the best restaurant in Heraklion? Peskesi for Cretan cooking and Ippokambos for seafood are among the most recommended. Book in season.
How much does a meal cost in Heraklion? About €8–14 per person at a simple taverna and €18–30 mid-range, based on 2026 estimates.
Is there kosher food in Heraklion? No kosher restaurant, but kosher meals can be ordered through Chabad Crete.
Should I tip in Crete? 5–10% is customary for good service but not required.
