Top Restaurants in Prines
Where to Eat in Prines: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover the best restaurant in Prines, Greece including Gialites Tavern, Theodosi Restaurant, Symposium, Cosmos, Dounias, The Cretan Corner, Tis Litsas Ta Kamomata, Gavalianos Kafenes, Giannikos Taverna, O Tzaneris & i Arhontissa
Things to do in Prines
1. Gialites Tavern
Overall Ratings
5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By MJW364 - Halifax, United Kingdom
This is effectively our local taverna during our stay at Keramoti Villas just up the road. We have visited twice so far and will go back again before the end of our holiday. On both occasions we have found exceptional cookery and beautiful ingredients. Other reviwers have given more detail than I will, all I will say is, if you like food, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and authentic cookery you will love this place.
2. Theodosi Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 745 reviews
Theodosi restaurant serves Greek and creative Cretan cuisine prepared with fresh local products and complemented by a fine selection of wine. Our outdoor patio offers spectacular sea and city views while savoring imaginative drinks and desserts from around the globe.
Reviewed By stef68Brescia - Brescia, Italy
The view of the sea at sunset is just gorgeous! The restaurant is elegant, food is delicious, prices are ok for this quality. Service is quite good but can be improved. Overall a very good experience.I am happy you had a nice experience at Theodosi restaurant! I look forward to cooking for you again very soon.
3. Symposium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Symposium Restaurant Symposium is the trademark of elegance and class in Platanias. Acclaimed in its collection of Greek and International dishes based on organic and free range and a best quality products for those who care about what they eat. Indoor and outdoor options Dinner A selection of Greek and International wines, spirits & cocktails Bookings essential Bookings essential
Reviewed By Nidgehammer - Stevenage, United Kingdom
We’d left coming here until we wanted something a little different, the majority of the restaurants on the strip In Platanias seem to offer standard Greek fare and nothing wrong with that but we wanted a change.
We were greeted at the entrance by a pleasant young lady who sat us downstairs but undercover in this large and handsomely designed restaurant. There are candles on the tables and they clearly make an effort here with their friendly and efficient service.
Unfortunately the food didn’t quite live up to the surroundings for us, my linguine arrabiata starter was actually spaghetti and was overly pungent. Arrabiata should have decent flavour but I think there was an overuse of sun-dried tomatoes which rendered it slightly overpowering and a little bitter. My wife’s grilled halloumi was decent but she was disappointed that it was coated and the black currant dip lacked depth.
We both selected beef stifado for main, I know I said we wanted something different but we love stifado and expected this place to deliver. Again it didn’t meet expectations, the flavour was somewhat lacking although there was a very generous portion of beef and shallots. I do wish the higher end restaurants would concentrate more on taste and less on portion size although I understand that there’s a consumer driven demand for larger portions these days. The carrots were essentially uncooked and the random addition of a stick of cinnamon in each dish doesn’t cut it for me. I make my own stifado at home and although not Greek, mine wins hands down and that can’t be right.
The people here are warm and ultra friendly so I feel a little guilty awarding only three stars but it’s mostly about the food for me - sorry..
4. Cosmos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Cosmos is a must destination in Platanias as it is well known for the breathtaking location as for the dinning experiences that the foodies are fun of. Juicy steaks, fresh fishes,must desserts and world class cava surrounded by chill and lounge music are the hi heats that for sure will built a saga visit to find greatness within.Cosmos is the abselut dinning resto and deserves one visit if you are close by. Restaurant policy: Babies , young children , baby wagons-trolleys-baskets are NOT allowed in the restaurant and restaurant sadly does not support baby chairs and children’s menus. Restaurant does not serves snacks and cocktails and dishes for vegans & vegetarians , We do not have strong dress code but we recommend smart casual. No sport / running shorts or beach clothes if possible.
Reviewed By kobi54 - UK
Cosmos was highly recommended to us and we visited as a group of 10 mature adults. .
Pros: Location is superb and views make it worth the visit
Food - when we finally got it - was excellent.
Cons: Service was almost bizarre. Waiters looked extremely professional but we
weren't sure all of them were doing much. We arrived at 7pm and it was 8.15 before we were asked if we'd like to see a menu. We asked 3 times for wine but none came until we asked again which was quite annoying. Once those 3 bottles were empty, glasses were immediately cleared away, whether anyone would have liked another drink or not, which was really surprising.
I can see no point in writing more - either good or not so good - because, looking at other reviews, it seems the Manager isn't particularly interested and sadly his comments are often quite sarcastic, which is very unfortunate.
Fantastic for couples who seemed to get very good, personal service. Sadly we didn't.
5. Dounias
Overall Ratings
5 based on 860 reviews
Ntounias restaurant is a traditional Cretan restaurant with authentic tastes cooked in the wood oven, even the bread is hand made and cooked in the restaurant. Most ingredients are taken from the family farm and many are harvested from the neighboring area. Stelios is a unique person with love for life and cooking, and this spirit you can see, smell and taste in his food! When you visit Ntounias, take your time as we will produce to you to taste our plates, which are different every day. The restaurant is located at Drakona village, east of Therisso village at Keramia, Chania prefecture in west Crete.
Reviewed By billynibbles - West London
Decided to try Dounias after browsing restaurants in western Crete, that were accessible from where we were staying in Aptera. Got lost trying to find it but realised that one of the restaurant sign's arrows was faded and we had missed the turn.
On approaching the restaurant, the large wooden fires with stone and iron pots on them, can easily be seen bubbling and steaming away. We went inside the restaurant although there is an outside Seating area across from the main building.
There is no menu, just whatever is fresh that day and the chef has decided to cook. All meat, vegetables and bread is organic and local. The local wine is also made by the owner/chef and is also organic.He asked us if we ate meat, vegetables, were vegan etc and we replied that we'd eat anything & everything!
We drank the local wine and were given a lovely pottery jug of water too. The dishes began to arrive very quickly - wonderful homemade bread, made with 3 types of flour, a dish of stewed aubergines, a plate of rich meaty goat, another of pork and onions and a vegetable dish reminiscent of moussaka but made with layers of courgette and potato with a cheese topping. The food was all excellent, extremely flavoursome and worth the drive up into the hills. The chef asked us if we were still hungry, but we were replete. We could have had more food! He then brought us a dish of local grapes and sweet apples to finish the meal. The bill was ridiculously small for the quality of food that we'd consumed. We are going back to Crete next year and will definitely return to Dounias! I know it's a cliche but 'local gem' is the right term for this wonderful eatery.
6. The Cretan Corner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By Dave M
Whilst in Crete I visited The Cretan Corner. The first thing to notice is the fantastic view of the Mountains in the distance, the second thing is the warm welcome from the lovely staff! Finally the food,,,,,,,,,, oh the food! Wow! I'll try to do my visit justice , but forgive me if I go on a little !!! Right,,, here goes, our group of 4 were seated outside at a perfect table overlooking the Mountains, the waiter (Freddy) brought us complimentary bottled water, some fresh bread and some local olive oil, oh and of course some menus. After a while we chose our food from the menu which was in both Greek and perfect English for us lesser travelled few! :-)
I chose the chicken Souvlaki with aromatic rice, an Alfa Beer too. Do you know I can't remember what everyone had because ,,,, OMG!!!! It was absolutely delicious! Succulent chicken, light fragrant rice washed down with a cold beer. Life just doesn't get better than this! Great food, great scenery, great ambience and great company.
Upon finishing my meal and Freddy kindly cleared the table he then brought out a small bottle and 4 shot glasses, RAKI !!! Local brew, and by crikey it's got a kick! Really nice to finish off your meal.
Do you know another thing that I find great is that you never feel rushed, you can relax , have a chat, admire the surroundings and not feel at rushed.
I would highly recommend The Cretan Corner to anyone who is lucky enough to visit Crete, thank you for making my stay that little bit nicer!
7. Tis Litsas Ta Kamomata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
Reviewed By StaffordshireTrebs - Staffordshire
We have reviewed Kali Kardia in Afrata, Tis Litsas Ta Kamomata is the other restaurant on the right!
Firstly they serve the local unpasteurised beer, if for no other reason drop in for that! The Taverna is family run and of the same high standard as Kali, you honestly can't divide either (apart from the beer).
Comedy moment? The lamb and goat from the grill is usually the same meat, although they may forget to remember what you ordered when serving;
Waiter 'Here is your Goat madam
Guest 'I ordered Lamb?
Waiter ' Yes Lamb!'
Guest 'This lamb is gorgeous!!'
Well worth a visit and they also sell local jewellery and honey
8. Gavalianos Kafenes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By B M - Nottingham, United Kingdom
This taverna, just behind the war memorial, seems to be the centre of the community in the village of Gavalochori, a village of about 600 permanent residents, just 3km inland from the coastal resort of Almyrida.
Varied menu, good food, good house wine, good service and a very pleasant outdoor garden dining area with plenty of shade. Recommended! (& a much better standard than what's on offer in many restaurants in the coastal resorts!).
9. Giannikos Taverna
Overall Ratings
5 based on 397 reviews
Giannikos Taverna is a traditional Cretan restaurant, a heritage from father to son throughout 3 generations, since 1880. The tradition that is bonded with the restaurant is well maintained until today. Enjoy a delicious meal, taste our local delicacies, enjoy your coffee or a refreshing drink under the shade of the trees of Prines square! All our dishes are homemade with virgin olive oil, fresh meat and vegetables from our farm. Just taste it!
Reviewed By paulsterland - London, United Kingdom
Super friendly service and great atmosphere on the outdoor Terrace in the centre of Prines village. The host goes out of his way to help and all the food we tried was fantastic. Well worth a trip for reasonably priced classic Greek dishes.
10. O Tzaneris & i Arhontissa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By lcap988 - Athens, Greece
After a sporty morning, we got hungry and in the middle of a green area (mountains, Valleys, gorges, Canyons, forest, bushes), just 20-30 km south outside Chania, we suddenly reached the very small village of Drakona, where totally unexpectedly we discover this traditional tavern, which offers a beautiful view of the valley below, facing Chania far away. The Owners welcomed us in a very friendly way and helped us in selecting the food, which resulted very delicious and tasty. The bill came very honest.
Definitely, this traditional tavern deserves to be taken into account.
