Where to Have the Best Breakfast in Chania, Crete

Maybe it’s because someone else is making it for us, or maybe it’s because we don’t have to rush our cuppa before heading to the office.

The truth is that there is no greater pleasure than spending a good, long hour enjoying a warm croissant while taking in the views of a stunning city like Chania.

Sure, you can have a regular breakfast buffet at your hotel. But you can also go on an inspiring adventure to learn about the local breakfast.

Traditional Breakfast in Crete

I learned a lot about Breakfast in Crete—not so much by eating it as by translating it! Yes, translation has been my lifetime profession, and I’ve translated some of the breakfast menus of many restaurants.

One of the people who taught me more about this unique meal on the island was Katerina, who owns a fantastic restaurant in Rethymnon.

Her place is well-known for its gastronomic awards but also for serving the authentic breakfast that was once common in small villages on the island…

I discuss their food here, or you can head to this link to check out this restaurant’s Breakfast menu.

On Crete and for long years, breakfast was the main and most important meal, the food men would eat before heading to the fields for a long day’s work.

It normally includes eggs cooked the Cretan way, cold cuts and meat, potatoes, and fresh cheese.

Often, it was a dish from the meal served at the previous dinner, and it was not odd to find a small glass of wine at the table, too.

Today, some very old taverns still serve stews, soup, bread, and wine for breakfast (in small villages and even in Chania’s municipal market), but the trend has slowly changed to keep up with today’s faster pace of life.

Let’s now look at some unique dishes you can try and then dive right into the best places for breakfast you’ll find in Chania!

Ginger Concept

Location: 36, Sarpaki Street, Chania – website

Fairly new in town, this is a gorgeous spot in the heart of Splantzia, one of the most traditional corners in the old town.

Here, you will find anything from traditional Cretan breakfast to more modern proposals, including juice, eggs, bacon, fresh bread, and fragrant pastries. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.

… and you can find a lot more than just breakfast, including great music (playlists are available to download on their website) and

To Artopolion

Location: 36, Karaoli Dimitriou, Chania – website

You can have your breakfast to go or sit and enjoy it on-site. This is one of the must-go places in town for the first meal of the day, it’s popular among the locals and tourists love it too.

Looking for an unforgettable experience? Then try a Cretan Croque Madame, the French classic with a local twist

Pallas

Location: 15, Akti Tombazi, Chania – website

Yes, you can have a delicious Cretan breakfast here —if you can resist the view of the impressive international breakfast plates that have made Pallas the breakfast place in town where locals love to meet every Sunday morning!

According to the legend, this unique proposal is served in one of the most beautiful historic houses in Chania, once home to Ali Pasha, one of the many Ottoman rulers of the city.

Phyllo Breakfast and Brunch

Location: 35, Kondilaki Street, Chania – website

This picturesque place is located in the heart of Chania’s old town, a top-rated breakfast restaurant.

They serve handmade fresh products; you can see how they are cooked in their open kitchen. Delicious fragrant pastries, hot and cold coffees, tasty juices… you choose!

Adami Breakfast, Brunch & Beyond

Location: 64, Portou Street, Chania – Instagram

What about a tower of freshly made pancakes with Cretan honey and fresh fruits in a picturesque old-town garden? I’m in!

This is the right place to enjoy authentic products, locally sourced in the Chania area, fresh coffee, some sunshine, and fragrant coffee. Is there any better way to kickstart the day?!

Aroma Restaurant and Bar Chania

Location: 4, Akti Tombazi, Chania – website

It is one of the classic bars for the most traditional breakfast in Chania. Including eggs, dakos, feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, fresh juice, frappe, or Greek coffee.

Another place often overcrowded on Sundays, Aroma offers incredible views of the Venetian harbor and the Lighthouse for an all-Cretan breakfast experience.

Monterno Patisserie

Location: 43 Koraka Street, 1866 Square, Chania – official website

Although plenty of Monterno Patisseries are scattered all over town, this one is fairly close to the old town and the Central Bus Station, and their coffee is simply fantastic!

Head here to try their take on chocolate eclairs, cakes, croissants, and a huge variety of traditional sweets, including kataifi, baklava, orange cake (portokalopita), and much more!

Fresh Point Juice Bar

Location: 24, Zabeliou Street, Chania – website

In my street food article, I mentioned Fresh Point Juice Bar as a great place to enjoy a glass of cold coffee, juices, sandwiches, or other homemade delicacies. This is one of the best-rated places in Chania for snacks and brunch, and—of course—it serves affordable and delicious breakfasts!

Its great location in the heart of the old town makes it a perfect place for a quick stop while exploring the pedestrian alleys!

Bougatsa Chanion

Location: 37, Apokoronou Street, Chania – website

Locals often take sides when it comes to bougatsa… and while some people swear by the freshness of Iordanis Bougatsa (mentioned above), many others cannot live with the bougatsa made by Bougatsa Chania (locally known as Bougatsa Xanion – Μπουγατσα Χανιων).

Order a cold or Greek coffee to go with it, and don’t forget to sprinkle your bougatsa with cinnamon, sugar, or both!

Feidias Cafe Bar

Location: 2, Eleftherias Square, Chania – website

The area known as Dikastiria, where the Court of Chania is located, is quite an aristocratic corner of Chania, where you will find plenty of trees, a small square, beautiful Neoclassic buildings, and some incredible coffee shops.

One is Feidias, a local favorite for morning breakfast (but also for lunch, brunch, and a late-night drink).

The Red Bicycle

Location: 25 D. Episkopou 25 and Skrydlof Street, Chania – website

Locally known as To Kokkino Podilato, this is one of the most beautiful places for breakfast in Chania, right in the heart of the pedestrian area.

Affordable prices paired with huge portions are always a winning combination. Kids love their ice creams, and the whole family will appreciate their authentic Cretan breakfast.

Papanikolakis

Location: 139, Kissamou Street, Chania – website

Leave the old town behind and reach the modern city of Chania to taste one of the favorite places for a local (and international breakfast).

Here, you will be greeted by a kind staff member ready to suggest the best dishes to start the day!

Spoiler alert: Their cakes and pastries are to die for!

Koukouvaya

Location: 1, Alexi Minoti Street, Venizelos Graves, Chania – website

Enasma Cafe

Location: Lake Agia, Chania – website

Even though it is not right in the center of Chania, this is a great place to visit if you’re heading to Omalos or plan to visit the area near Samaria Gorge, which is located more or less on your way.

As you can see, plenty of great places for a little more than a morning cup of coffee. Which one of them will you visit this summer?

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