Gianni's Taverna

Cretan mystagogy with Yiannis as a host: candle lights, barrels of wine, 25 euro pp all you can eat and drink… must go 30min from #Heraklion It is an experience beyond taste

Setting is absolutely amazing, it was €25 each for all you an eat and drink, set food which they bring out when ready which was amazing and was too much to get through. Wine is brought in Carafe and was great, live music was authentic and 15/10. Service also amazing, super friendly and a wonderful experience out of the city and a must visit if your around Heraklion.

If you want a special experience, go out of your way to Gianni's Taverna. One of a kind service, wine and food. The experience is something special that will leave a forever memory of Greek hospitality. It's like going to a friend's house for dinner. Very limited hours. You must make a reservation.

Do NOT skip this place! If you are visiting Crete this is a must add to the itinerary. The most incredible and so far still relatively hidden spot in Crete. We paid 20€pp for an absolutely smorgasbord of food, and everything was absolutely incredible. Like a proper taverna, there is no menu and you are given the days offering - and can ask for more of whatever dish you enjoy (you won’t need to! It’s a lot!) The setting in the old taverna is incredible, built at the start of the 1900’s the current taverna has been around ~30 years and you truly feel like you are stepping back in time surrounded by wine barrels (to help yourself to the wine you choose!) and dimly candle lit room. The road is windy in and out of the hilltop, but well worth it. If you plan on enjoying the wine - perhaps arrange transport to and from Heraklion or wherever you are staying. The venue has no name outside, so remember the outside from the photos, and enter through the kitchen to ask for a seat. We booked ahead but at 8pm on a Sunday we were the other ones there. To start, we had fava, lettuce, beetroot, chickpeas and vegetables in a light broth, tzatziki, dakos, horta, pilafi. This was followed by tsigariasto (Cretan goat and with spaghetti), Kotopoulo Kokkinisto (chicken in tomato and red wine), some pork on the bbq, and the most delicious hand cut crispy potatoes we’ve ever eaten. We of course were offered some raki and a dessert of peaches in a creamy gelatin, and some fresh melon.

Haven’t been to the actual tavern because in the Summer it’s moved to another location. It’s a 5 minute drive from the original tavern and it’s at an amphitheater in the middle of cultivated fields, really beautiful place.. The dishes are served in a predetermined order: You can immediately order again a dish you liked very much or you could wait until you have tasted them all and have a clearer picture.

The evening was wonderful. The food was absolutely amazing – fresh, delicious, and plentiful, so make sure to come hungry. It was truly a culinary delight. The live music during dinner was the perfect finishing touch, and the location was excellent as well. At only €25 per person, it was an incredible value.

Lovely Taverns in village of Kyparissi. Owner and wife are lovely and warm. At first it felt a little dark and rustic but suits atmosphere and eyes are getting use to candles. Lots of small plates, with vegetables meat balls and pasta. Must have left too soon as we missed the meat. Housewine on tap from barrels and bottomless. Seems like recommended place as people travel from Heraklio to dine♡ visit at least once ...kudos to Janos

This beautiful little Taverna is located beside a cosy beach. Staff is friendly and welcoming. The menu contains everything someone could ask for. We went for the basics which was a delicious Cretan salad, grilled octopus and cuttlefish. Everything was delicious! Highly recommended for a cosy dinner away from the crowd!