To taste Crete’s most authentic side, visit the island’s east side! In the region of Lasithi, you can find unique family-run tavernas and restaurants that still serve homemade dishes that—in many cases—you can directly pick from the kitchen!
Read on to find the best restaurants in Agios Nikolaos, the capital of Lasithi, and some hidden pearls in other important towns in the region… Bon appétit!
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Best Agios Nikolaos Restaurants – Lasithi, Crete
Cretan cuisine has started to receive more and more recognition abroad. Thankfully, you do not need to be in any big city in Crete to enjoy an authentic Cretan meal.
There are plenty of restaurants and taverns all around the island. This post talks about the most popular restaurants in East Crete.
The main and more trendy restaurants in Lasithi are in Agios Nikolaos. However, since I first published this guide, this list has changed. This is because some local restaurants have changed names or closed permanently.
This is the most updated source for finding the best restaurant in Agios Nikolaos. I have also added and updated the restaurants in other towns in Lasithi. Take a look!
Where to Eat in Agios Nikolaos
In no particular order, these are some of the best restaurants, tavernas, and eateries in Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the Lasithi region. They are great places where to eat!
Al Dente
- Location: Akti Nearchou 3, Ag. Nikolaos
One popular place to eat in Agios Nikolaos is Al Dente, located near the small sandy beach of Ammos. This restaurant serves various Greek food, from traditional stone-oven pizzas to gyros and burgers. The portions are quite generous.
The owner and staff are also friendly, chatty, and eager to help you however you like. Feel free to ask them for suggestions! Overall, Al Dente is meant to exceed your expectations of a typical Greek restaurant.
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Karnagio
(My Favorite Restaurant in Agios Nikolaos!)
- Location: Kon/nou Paleologou 24, Ag. Nikolaos – website.
Overlooking the tiny sea lake of Voulismeni at the heart of Agios Nikolaos, Karnagio restaurant is a lovely spot to try local specialties and authentic Greek food. Its owners go a long way to use only Cretan ingredients when available: anything from olive oil and honey to sea salt and fresh fish.
Tourists and locals alike appreciate this concept of using local ingredients, which has earned Karnagio a good reputation in the area. The food is tasty and fresh, and the atmosphere is unique. The dining area is just a few meters from the water and offers a spectacular view of the village.
Piato – Homemade Creative Cuisine
- Location: Minoos 5, Ag. Nikolaos – website.
Near Ammoudi Beach, in Agios Nikolaos, Piato is a classy restaurant where you can find innovative Cretan meals. Their renowned chef and team of cooks frequently update the menu to offer various creative dishes. They base their menu on traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist.
Next to the delicious food, the service is also of top quality, as one might expect of such a restaurant. In addition, the owner is friendly and professional, and he can make the correct wine recommendations for your meal. From the first moment to the last, your visit here will be a memorable experience.
Pelagos
- Location: Stratigou Koraka 11, Agios Nikolaos – website.
Pelagos is a beautifully decorated restaurant with a lovely outdoor terrace. Its ambiance is relaxing and calm. It is a perfect place to enjoy your meal, be it fresh fish or one of the more traditional Cretan dishes. However, seafood pasta is the most popular dish in Pelagos. The chef and the cooks generally know how to deliver exceptional results.
If you also consider the excellent service by the staff, you start to understand why this restaurant is one of the most visited places in Agios Nikolaos.
>> Do you want to have fun in Agios without spending much? Here are the best free things to do in Agios Nikolaos.
Paradosiako
- Location: Themistokleous 1-9, Ag. Nikolaos – website.
Again, in the heart of Agios Nikolaos, a few hundred meters away from Pelagos, Paradosiako is a typical Greek tavern surrounded by water in front of the local port. In Greek, paradosiako means traditional, and this says it all about this local restaurant. Here, you can find any popular and traditional Greek dish, from moussakas and pastitsio to fresh fish and gyros.
The menu’s specialty is galaktoboureko, a handmade custard sweet. Your visit here will be a unique opportunity to order a few little dishes, or “mezedes,” as the Greeks call them, and enjoy the local raki. The view over the small islet in front of the restaurant will make the food taste even better!
Fysalida Wine Bistro
- Location: Kon/nou Paleologou, Ag. Nikolaos – website.
For a more modern restaurant in Agios Nikolaos, visit Fysalida, a wine restaurant in the village’s heart. Here, you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed setting with chilled-out vibes and quality music. The menu is unique, with some atypical Greek dishes and a wide selection of wines. In addition, the servers are professional and very attentive.
They will even bring you a free side plate for your wine. Most importantly, if you cannot choose which bottle of wine to go for, the waiters are knowledgeable and can help you make the right choice.
Migomis Piano Restaurant
- Location: Nikolau Plastira 20, Ag. Nikolaos – website.
If you are looking for elegant and tasty fine dining, this restaurant in Agios Nikolaos might be the place for you. Charming atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious dishes… do you need anything else? Some best-sellers include sauteed salmon (in the photo) and shrimp risotto.
Sweets deserve a special mention, especially the fantastic honey mousse with walnut cake. The location is romantic, opposite the lake, and the views are amazing.
Basilico Ristorante
- Location: Akti Atlantidos 3, Ag. Nikolaos – website.
Featuring amazing sea views opposite Mirabello Bay and only steps from the port, this central restaurant in Agios Nikolaos serves delicious Italian cuisine with Greek influences and classic Greek dishes such as moussaka or pastitsio.
Basilico is famous for its pizzas and seafood and has earned excellent online reviews for its fresh cuisine and affordable prices. The restaurant takes pride in its very Greek wine list.
Best Restaurants in Other Lasithi Towns and Villages
If you’re traveling around Lasithi, check out the following regional restaurants. They are real gems for finding delicious local food!
Ergospasio, Elounda
- Location: Akti Oloundos, 5, Elounda, Lasithi – website.
Located in a dreamy location above the sea, Ergospasio is one of the best restaurants in Elounda. Its menu features Mediterranean flavors created from the finest Greek products. Fresh seafood is a staple in this venue, a former carob processing factory.
The relaxing vibe close to the sea makes it the perfect place to enjoy their interesting wine selection as you enjoy the sunset behind the sea.
Kanali Restaurant, Elounda
- Location: Seaside, Elounda, Lasithi – website.
Located about 10 minutes from the center of the village, this is a good place in Elounda to savor fresh seafood. They offer a la carte dining and a fixed fish menu to share that includes different starters, a mixed seafood platter, and the catch of the day. Perfect if you want to try a bit of everything.
The location overlooks the sea and is the ideal romantic place to dine as the sun sets on Spinalonga Island.
Ōkeanís Bistro, Elounda
- Location: Akti Poseidonos 7, Elounda, Lasithi – website.
It is one of the most popular restaurants in town, known for serving traditional Cretan food with a modern twist. To find a table, you need to book ahead of time.
The place is known for serving the best beef stifado in the region. However, I recommend trying their pasta dishes, tender grilled octopus, and a Greek classic: moussakas.
Samurai Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Elounda
- Location: Royal Marmin Bay (Hotel), Elounda, Lasithi – website.
Located in one of Elounda’s most prestigious hotels, the Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel, this restaurant differs from the usual affordable Greek taverna. However, enjoying fresh fish and sushi is a worthy experience.
If you enjoy Japanese food, this place won’t disappoint you! Here, you’ll discover some seriously drool-worthy sushi—fish so fresh it’s flown in from Vancouver! A world-famous chef leads the kitchen team and manages to set a unique mood for a special evening. Don’t let this delicious experience pass you by.
Marilena Restaurant, Elounda
- Location: Akti Poseidonos, Elounda, Lastihi – website.
Marilena Restaurant is a cozy, family-owned spot serving delicious Greek and Cypriot cuisine since 1977. The place is ideal for unwinding and enjoying tasty food.
The restaurant is nestled in the charming fishing village of Elounda. It is the right spot in town to indulge in a leisurely lunch or a cozy dinner on the front terrace for prime people-watching. You can also slip away to the peaceful garden, shaded by beautiful grapevines.
Tasting tip: Don’t miss the Psarosoupa Marilena, Marilena’s signature fish soup! If you prefer a fresher option, then check out the Salata Thalassinon, a Mediterranean seafood salad with octopus, squid, mussels, tuna and prawns
Miliaras Taverna, Latsida Village
- Location: Agios Antonios road, Epar.Od. Latsidas – Lasithi – website.
Sometimes, even dining by the sea can get boring. Thankfully, Crete is full of villages in the mountains or hidden places, where you can also find incredible restaurants.
Milaras is one such place, 8 kilometers west of Agios Nikolaos. This family-owned business offers some of the most delicious and authentic dishes in Crete… and some say in Greece! If you are a meat lover, remember to try the local goat. After all, one of the specialties of the restaurant is goat spaghetti.
Those who love more traditional tastes should try their meat skewers. At the same time, those seeking unique experiences should look at the picture! However, because of its popularity, Milaras is usually busy with locals and tourists. So remember to get in early to find an empty table.
Platanos, Kritsa Village
- Location: Kritsotopoulas, Kritsa, Ag. Nikolaos – website.
Located in the center of the village Krista, Platanos is a picturesque tavern in a green environment. The outdoor seating area is full of trees and offers a nice view of the main street. You can enjoy your meal while watching the locals come and go. It is a lovely spot to see life in a typical mountainous village in Crete.
The menu offers traditional Greek dishes, desserts, and drinks. There is also a wide selection of meat and vegetarian options. Finally, Platanos is the place to go even during the hottest summer day. The trees and altitude mean the dining area is always cool and shaded. All in all, Platanos is a lovely spot to enjoy your lunch or dinner.
Elia Restaurant, Agkathia Village (Palekastro)
- Location: Agkathia, Palekastro, Sitia – Lasithi – website.
There is always a great place to eat nearby, wherever you are in Crete. Elia Restaurant is a testimony to that. Located in the most eastern part of Crete, in the tiny village of Agkathia, Elia is a traditional Greek restaurant you want to visit if you are near or spending a day on the paradisiac beaches of Chiona or Kouremenos.
Apart from the standard menu and plates, there are daily specials that you can see in the kitchen before you order! Quality and taste are always superb and guaranteed. You can notice the dedication and love the owners put into this restaurant.
They even use their self-produced olive oil, which you can taste or purchase. In short, Elia should be among your first options if you want to taste authentic Cretan food.
Inodion, Sitia
- Location: El. Venizelou 157, Sitia – Lasithi – website.
In the northeastern part of Crete, in the seaside village of Sitia, Inodion is the local place to go if you are looking for quality Greek food. This is a great place to stop after visiting the Palm Tree Beach of Vai, a few minutes from Sitia.
Here, you can choose a wide variety of traditional Greek dishes made with care by the dedicated cooking team. The owner and staff are also very professional and attentive, eager to provide the best possible service to you and your company. If you want, you can ask them for any meal or place recommendations. They are extremely talkative and friendly. You will notice that from the first moment.
Mitsakakis, Sitia
- Location: Kon/nou Karamanli 6, Sitia – Lasithi – website.
A hundred meters away, right in front of the port of Sitia, Mitsakakis is another popular place for sweets. There are tables beside the water, overlooking the harbor and its calm waters, where you can sit for a coffee and one of the many sweets featured on the menu.
You want to try the homemade galaktoboureko with soft custard and a flakey pastry. Or pick a dish of the best loukoumades in town! Even if it is not for a full dinner, you can visit Mitsakakis and enjoy some fresh sweets over coffee.
Aposperitis, Sitia
- Location: El. Venizelou 167, Sitia – Lasithi – website.
In front of the port of Sitia, Aposperitis is an ideal restaurant to dine while watching the lovely harbor view. Their menu is based on traditional Greek cuisine with an element of freshness and innovation. The difference and uniqueness of this place can be seen, especially in the decoration.
Apart from the delicious food, the service here is outstanding. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, who will always go the extra mile to please you. After your first visit, you will want to come back—it is that good!
Cretan House (Kritiko Spiti), Sitia
- Location: Kon/nou Karamanli 10, Sitia – Lasithi – website.
Cretan House is what the name suggests: a place to summarize and showcase the beauty of Crete. There are three main reasons you will fall in love with that restaurant in Sitia: delicious food, warm hospitality, and incredible scenery. It is indeed a miniature of the entire Crete.
If that is not enough, the portions in Cretan House are particularly generous. Even the pricing is better than the competition. In short, you cannot but love Cretan House, just as you love Crete.
Napoleon Restaurant, Ierapetra
- Location: Str. Samouil 26, Ierapetra – Lasithi – website.
Always on the beachfront, Napoleon is another authentic, local Cretan restaurant located on the old Port near the ancient fortress. This Ierapetra tavern features a wide variety of Greek dishes.
There is even a rotating menu with daily specials. Hence, you can taste fresh and unique food every time you visit. In addition, the service is fast and professional. Above all, the view of Tamerici Beach and the sea is breathtaking. It is an ideal place to enjoy fresh seafood.
Special, Ierapetra
- Location: Meletioy Metaxaki 1, Ierapetra – Lasithi – website.
As the name suggests, Special takes a different approach to Cretan food. Here, they value fast service while using fresh, local ingredients. Not only will your meal be ready within a few minutes, but the portions are also very generous; some may say even double the standard size.
Locals and tourists come here to order gyros or have another quick meal during the day. It is an ideal place to fill up during breakfast or lunch before heading to the beach. And the best part is it will not hurt your wallet!
Estiatorio Kleio, Ierapetra
- Location: Lebadea, Ierapetra – Lasithi – website.
On the outskirts of Ierapetra, Kleio is another beachfront tavern right on top of Livadi Beach. Their menu includes both traditional and modern Greek dishes at reasonable prices and with great taste. What you will love the most about Kleio is nothing else but the atmosphere.
The waves fall a few meters from the tables, with only sand and a few sunbeds between you and the water. If that is not enough, the place is full of trees that offer natural shade and can keep you cool even during the hottest summer day. Thanks to that, Kleio can also be a lovely venue for a romantic dinner under the stars.
Vira Potzi, Ierapetra
- Location: Samouil 82, Ierapetra – Lasithi – website.
Another great restaurant in Ierapetra is Vira Potzi, right in the local port’s center. Not only can you enjoy the view over the water, but you can also admire the beauty and majesty of the nearby old fort of the village. It is a truly serene location to enjoy your meal.
The cooks at Vira Potzi prepare everything with great care and attention to detail. The menu offers a selection of traditional Greek dishes and plenty of vegetarian options. Finally, the staff is super friendly and makes the right recommendations for enjoying your meal.
L’Angolo, Ierapetra
- Location: Akti Markopoulou 37, Ierapetra – Lasithi – website.
If you would like a break from Greek food, Ierapetra has its fair share of options to try other cuisines. L’angolo is one such restaurant where you can enjoy a lovely Italian meal.
There are also Greek dishes, but the place’s identity and specialty are Italian food. This is the place to go for pizza, carbonara, or ravioli.
The scenery is nothing short of a majestic modern restaurant opposite the sea. The nearest table is only a few centimeters away and above the water. Thus, L’angolo is not easily comparable to any other Italian place on the island.
Kafeníon-Ovelistírion Koutoúzos, Ierapetra
- Location: Βαϊνιά, Ierapetra – Lasithi – website.
Although the name of this tavern may be the hardest one to spell on this list, the place is nothing short of a hidden paradise for foodies! It is the definition of the local place to eat.
The tavern has a traditional vibe and a lovely garden naturally shaded by many trees. Apart from the warm atmosphere, you cannot miss the host’s hospitality. The owner is super friendly, fun to talk to, and a true entertainer.
And the place is only a few kilometers away from Ierapetra, in the village of Vania. All in all, you will love your meal in this hidden Cretan paradise.
Have you been to any of these Restaurants in Lasithi?
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Read more about Crete
- 21 of the Best Restaurants in Rethymnon for a Great Dining Experience in Crete
- Where to Stay in Crete: Insider’s Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Crete
- Best Tours of Knossos for Every Budget and Travel Style!
- Discover + 45 Most Gorgeous Beaches in Crete (A guide by an insider!)
- Discover the Most Beautiful Monasteries in Crete: Guide to Visit
More resources to enhance your Crete adventure
Start by checking out my ultimate guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Remember to explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets for an unforgettable experience.
Use this comprehensive Crete packing list to ensure you have everything you need. Explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches, and check out the best times to experience its beauty.
If you are exploring specific areas like Lasithi or Heraklion, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.
Suggested accommodation in Lasithi
No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:
- Affordable: Porto Maltese in Agios Nikolaos.
- Mid-range: Ostria Apartments in Ammoudara.
- Luxury: Elounda Peninsula in Elounda.
- Check also for Homes in Agios Nikolaos and the best Elounda Resorts.
More useful travel resources
- Check out all the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
- Find convenient ferry tickets with Ferryhopper.
- Welcome Pickups offers a convenient pre-paid airport transfer service, while Discover Cars is the engine I use to find a rental car on the island.
- To book adventures, tours, and cultural experiences, I recommend Get Your Guide.
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Insider’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Agios Nikolaos, Crete
About me:
I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016. As a local, I have an intimate knowledge of the Crete. I host culinary and concierge tours and experiences in Crete and write about the island for several travel media. During the last five years, I have helped many travelers plan the perfect holiday in Crete. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.