Aegean sea aerial photo portraying a beach on a Greek island

Heraklion Restaurants and Bars Guide

Heraklion Restaurants and Bars guide and information
With Aegean Taxi

Heraklion is a vibrant, year-round city with a world-class dining scene rooted in authentic Cretan flavors and traditions.

From farm-to-table culinary destinations to sophisticated cocktail bars, we offer our inside view of the capital's essential venues.

Your unforgettable Heraklion night out starts here!

Painting of a scenic beach featuring cliffs and a rocky shore

Peskesi

Ippokambos

Alla Ki Alla

The Bitters Bar

The beautiful, historic interior of Peskesi, an authentic Cretan restaurant in Heraklion.

Peskesi Restaurant

Peskesi location:In City Center
Peskesi is best for:Authentic Cretan Cuisine
Peskesi vibe:Historic & Gastronomic

Peskesi Description: Peskesi is a culinary destination dedicated to reviving ancient Cretan recipes. Housed in a restored mansion, it offers a true farm-to-table experience with ingredients from its own farm. Booking far in advance is mandatory. An Aegean Taxi can navigate the busy city center streets to ensure you arrive on time for your reservation at Crete's most acclaimed restaurant.

Seaside dining at Ippokambos with a view of the Koules Fortress in Heraklion's Venetian harbor.

Ippokambos Ouzeri

Ippokambos location:Venetian Harbor
Ippokambos is best for:Fresh Seafood
Ippokambos setting:Seaside Waterfront

Ippokambos Description: Located on the waterfront of the old Venetian Harbor, Ippokambos is a classic ouzeri famous for its fresh seafood and direct, picturesque views of the Koules Fortress. It's the perfect spot for a scenic lunch or dinner by the sea. A pre-booked taxi makes getting to the busy harbor area simple and stress-free.

Alla Ki Alla

Alla Ki Alla location:Central Market
Alla Ki Alla is best for:Authentic Meze & Raki
Alla Ki Alla vibe:Bustling & Local

Alla Ki Alla Description: For a truly authentic Heraklion experience, head to Alla Ki Alla in the central market. This beloved local mezedopoleio is always buzzing with energy. It's the ideal place to dive into Cretan culture by sharing small, delicious plates (meze) with local raki. It's loud, fun, and quintessentially Cretan.

The Bitters Bar

The Bitters Bar location:In City Center
The Bitters Bar is best for:World-Class Cocktails
The Bitters Bar vibe:Speakeasy & Sophisticated

The Bitters Bar Description: The Bitters Bar is Heraklion's premier destination for serious cocktail lovers. With a speakeasy atmosphere and expert mixologists, this bar is renowned for its inventive, high-quality drinks. It's the perfect spot for a sophisticated start or end to your evening. Let your Aegean Taxi driver handle the ride home after you've sampled the menu.

Frequently Asked Questions about Heraklion Restaurants and Bars

What makes the dining scene in Heraklion so special?

Heraklion's dining scene is one of the best in Greece, defined by its passionate focus on authentic Cretan cuisine and the farm-to-table philosophy. You can find everything from world-class restaurants reviving ancient recipes like Peskesi, to lively local meze spots like Alla Ki Alla, and sophisticated cocktail bars like The Bitters Bar.

I've heard Peskesi is a must-visit. Is it really that good?

Yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype. Peskesi offers a true culinary journey into historic Cretan flavors, using ingredients from its own farm. Due to its fame, getting a reservation is mandatory, often weeks in advance, even in October. Booking a taxi ensures you won't be late for your hard-earned table in the busy city center.

Where can I enjoy a classic seafood dinner with a view of the Venetian Harbor?

Ippokambos is the perfect choice for this experience. It's a classic, high-quality ouzeri located right on the waterfront, offering fantastic fresh fish and seafood meze with a direct, picturesque view of the iconic Koules Fortress. It's the quintessential Heraklion seaside meal.

I'm looking for a loud, fun, and authentic local experience. Where should I go?

For that vibrant, local atmosphere, you must visit Alla Ki Alla. Tucked away in the central market, this bustling mezedopoleio is a local favorite. It's the ideal place to immerse yourself in Cretan culture by sharing delicious small plates (meze) and drinking local raki in a loud, fun, and energetic setting.