Situated in a gorgeous location facing the Sea of Crete and only steps from the old town of Chania, The Five brings a polished twist to the Cretan culinary scene.
A refined, seasonal menu, bursting in color and originality together with a curated selection of wines and creative cocktails… everything right in front of the most magnetic sunsets you could imagine…
Do you need anything more? Let me introduce you to a true local gem: The Five, a special place ranking high among the best restaurants in Chania!
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The Five Restaurant Chania
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– Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa
– Ticket to Knossos Archaeological Site
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The Five, Chania – Review
Having opened its doors back in 2019, The Five Restaurant Chania has quickly made waves in the local restaurant scene.
Featuring a fresh and super unique menu, with roots in the traditional products of Crete and the rest of the country, dishes conquer you with color, taste, and creativity.
Although their menu slightly varies while seasons change, there are staples that you cannot overlook, including the crispy fried potatoes cooked with their skin and sprinkled with sea salt and oregano, a tasty taramosalata (an incredibly creamy dip made with cured fish roe).
Want to try an outstanding dish? Go for the surreal trio of pulled pork sliders with homemade challah bread buns and coleslaw.
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Rooting the Beetroot
The Five Chania has created an original carpaccio made with grilled beetroot served with a poached brunoise of root vegetables, tantalizing cauliflower puree, crushed walnuts, and garlic oil.
My experience? It lasts seconds on the plate, literally seconds!
Thalassina – Seafood
With its incredible location just opposite the beach, nothing comes as naturally as ordering a selection of seafood. My suggestion? Their octopus, in any version.
Whether it is the grilled octopus with sundried tomato pesto or the octopus meze with fava, you’ll have a winner at the table.
Do not forget to explore their ceviche (yummy!) and, if you come in autumn, their shrimp ravioli are nothing short of tempting.
Cretan Pasta? Yes, Please!
Have you ever heard of skiufichta noodles?
They master this dish with an Italian-inspired carbonara sauce revisited with Cretan ingredients, including local smoked pork (apaki), baby arugula, and a generous portion of Anthotyro cheese.
For Small Humans
There’s also a kid’s menu that, trust me, is to die for. Kids will find comfort dishes they know everything about but made with passion, and with no trace of bland flavors.
These include chicken meatballs and a selection of pasta. But if you’re kids are bold enough to taste the menu created for “bigger humans”, they won’t regret it!
Oh, the Sweetness of Kerasma
The Five Chania has a creative selection of desserts to end up the experience. And no matter how luscious their sweets can be, nothing beats the simple creativity of their kerasma…
Have you heard about kerasma before? Let me tell you about it.
Kerasma is a common tradition all over Greece, but especially treasured in Crete, it is a small dish with a sweet bite, either fruit, yogurt with honey, or a small dessert often served with a small shot of tsikoudia, the traditional Cretan spirit also known as raki, after the meal (when you’ve ordered the bill, normally), and for free.
Almost every restaurant or tavern on the island serves its own kerasma at the end of the mean, but The Five has taken the tradition to the next level, offering these no-named simple bars made of just 5 ingredients: White chocolate, Pretzels, Rice cereal, Oreo cookies, Salt… They deserve a standing ovation!
The Five Experience
The idea behind the name? The five basic tastes — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami — all of them send us a message that our taste buds decode not just to offer us pleasure, but also to tell us something about what we put into our mouth, so we can decide whether we should eat that…
The experience goes far beyond at The Five.
The place appeals to all of your senses, from the stunning visuals of the seaside to the specially chosen aromas of their exclusive wine list and original cocktails.
As they state on their website, “This mission is simple: serve delicious, affordable food that guests will want to return to week after week.” And I believe they have accomplished a lot more.
Kleopatra and Nikos, a young, enthusiastic, convivial couple will welcome you with a smile to the colorful vibe of The Five, take a few minutes to talk to them to learn more about their food ideas!
If you’re around in Chania and have no idea where to go for brunch or dinner, or just to grab a bite and an original cocktail, check them out. Wouldn’t you love to try the dishes at The Five Restaurant Chania?
You won’t be disappointed.
The Five is at 15 Akti Papanikoli, on the waterfront of Nea Chora, only 5 minutes from the Lighthouse of Chania.
Chania City Break
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. 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 Heraklion or Chania, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.
Suggested accommodation in Chania
No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these hotels in the city:
- Budget: Polixeny’s Suites in the old town.
- Mid-range: Elia Estia in the old town.
- Luxury: Domes Noruz next to the sea.
- Check also this Chania Accommodation Guide and Boutique Hotels in Chania.
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 my favorite engine for finding a rental car on the island.
- Finally, to book adventures, tours, and cultural experiences, I always recommend Get Your Guide.
Chania is a must-visit region in Crete… Hosting some of the most amazing beaches on the island, it also offers plenty of opportunities to find just the right entertainment.
Whether it is one of the many coffee shops in the old town, one of its incredible restaurants, laid-back bars, or exciting places to visit for night fun… there are tons of places you can discover in town.
Still, I think there’s so much more that you shouldn’t miss in this region. Home to incredible hikes, a dozen water sports, and seaside experiences, but also museums and unique areas to discover.
Parks, shops, impressive buildings, stunning examples of architecture, archaeological sites, and much more… there is a little bit for everyone in the Chania region.
Read more about Crete
- Top Things to Do in Kissamos for a Relaxing Vacation in Crete
- How Many Days in Crete?
- Best Places to Stay in Crete
- Chania or Rethymnon: Which Cretan City You Should Visit?
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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.