"I Kriti (Greek for “Crete”) has been serving some of Athens’ best Cretan cuisine long before the island's hearty cuisine became fashionable in the mid-2000s. A charming, utterly unpretentious tavern tucked into a nondescript arcade passage near Omonia Square, Kriti serves fare that will leave you reeling with pleasure—dakos (barley bruschetta topped with grated tomato, crumbled myzithra cheese, olives, and pickled samphire), smoked Cretan pork, snails in garlic, Crete-made sausages, spicy cheese dip, and baked pies, all at excellent prices and with real Cretan hospitality (the owners don’t really speak English, but it doesn’t matter). Expect to wait for a table but then, once seated, to spend some time here. And don’t forget to wash each dish down with some Cretan raki, a strong grape distillate similar to grappa."
It was my first night in Athens, and our hotel receptionist recommended this restaurant—what an incredible choice! Let me just say, this was hands down the best Greek food I’ve ever had. I asked the waiter for their personal recommendation (which I highly recommend you do too), and I’m so glad I did. What I got wasn’t even on the menu—it was the meal of the day—and it was absolutely unforgettable.
I went with my friend, and every single bite was bursting with flavor. Honestly, I could see this place earning a Michelin star if it were up to me. I never usually do this, but I asked to speak to the chef—who also happens to be the owner! She told me her parents were the previous owners, and you can taste that kind of passion and tradition in every dish. I actually teared up (haha!) because it was that good.
To top it all off, they surprised us with a little cake on the house—it was divine. I’m only in Athens for one day, but I already know I’ll be back before my trip ends. The staff were so warm, respectful, and welcoming. Truly an unforgettable dining experience!
JohnTsikoudakis
Google
A must-visit when you’re in the area.
Beautifully executed Cretan classics like snails, pickled bulbs, and sfakiani pies transport you straight to the island. We especially loved the lemon-baked anchovies, perfectly grilled sardines, and the delicate, earthy boiled monk’s beard.
Don’t leave without ordering a carafe of raki, along with local cheeses like anthotyro and xigalo is truly a pure joy on a plate.
Service was warm, swift, and attentive throughout.
This place feels like a future classic or maybe it already is. Show your support!
Jennifer Huang
Google
The Crete snail is my favorite! It is cooked with rosemary and vinegar, the snail doesn’t have any muddy taste( though it’s land snail) , a bit sweet and rich herb seasoning. It’s different from the sea ones, but equally good . Definitely worth of a try!
Mark Charrington
Google
The snails were great because they were freshly cooked so there was a bit of a wait. I expected that it is not a fast food joint. The rather fatty goat was delicious. Basic Cretan food and good value overall just don't expect any frills.
Amulya Garg
Google
Great food. Most importantly very kind staff, which seems to not be so common in Athens in my experience. The ambience was great, the prices very genuine. Must visit!
Ekaterina Khodunova
Google
I sincerely hope that the owner sometimes reads reviews! And I'll be honest, everything was delicious... almost. But I'll leave a negative review. The cheese was brought in 45 minutes. I said that I don't eat goat cheese, but that's what they brought, I waited 45 minutes for jacket potatoes!!!, and the ribs were brought only after 55 minutes. My son and husband managed to eat the ordered dishes and get hungry again :)).
Peach Phimphisa
Google
It was very good, and the service was so friendly!
I went on Wednesday, normally other restaurants are closed, but this one was open! I just walk-in.
Alexander Savitski
Google
A good restaurant with a few drawbacks. We ordered cheese with honey, we were really surprised how well they suited each other. For starters we also ordered a salad with a really special bread, they put the salad on their homemade bread, it was also very surprising and delicious. For mains we ordered sausages, they were very tasty and felt like they were made here on the spot and not bought, it's just a shame there wasn't some kind of addition to the sausages. And for a second course we ordered goat meat, the meat was very tender and soft in the mouth, the meat came with potatoes seasoned with lemon juice, simply delicious. For dessert we took the two traditional desserts, one was with salty cheese and honey on top, we were less connected to the combination of these flavors. And the second dessert was fried dough filled with something, to be honest we didn't understand what it was but we liked it. The bad things about the restaurant are that there are several rooms and the waiters can't see if the customers need anything. We were in a side room and every time I had to get up and go to the kitchen to ask for something.
Besides, I recommend not going to this restaurant as your first restaurant in Greece, but first going to places with standard Greek food and then coming here.