The Hope Mezestaurant Το Ρακαδικο του Καμαρη — Restaurant in Municipality of Agios Nikolaos

Who spends his vacation close to Elounda should not miss a visit of »The Hope«. One finds the small tavern in the tiny district of Mavrikiano on a hill on the edge from Elounda. The restaurant looks insignificantly with his front narrow to the street from built with mortar natural stone and the small coloured wooden sign about the front door. The owners are young, engaged people - Dimitris and Amalia - which receive every guest warmly and with which one feels immediately at home and welcome. As a guest space a roofed wooden terrace serves in the back of the building which rises almost like a swallow’s nest high about Elounda and offers an enchanting view: on the harbour and the sea bays of Portobello and Mirabello, on the peninsula Kalydon and above all on this far, in the evening hours of the setting sun brightly illuminated mountains. As a drink the inexpensive, but rather good house wine from the decanter is recommended. The menu is astonishingly extensive in consideration of the tiny kitchen, the ingredients always freshly from regional and organic agriculture. One could begin with small hors-d’oeuvres - the Meze, with fresh Tzatziki or puréed peas »Fava« or one of the omelette variations. From the grill there is, for example, an excellent pork fillet or a 1-kilogramme-beef which is arranged of course with pleasure for two people. A culinary highlight is the varying dish of the day - I have eaten the best Moussaka of my life here! For the end a Tsikoudia - a clear pomace brandy - may not be absent. The fact that food are good and the prices are fair, one already recognises by the fact that also many Greeks belong to the guests. In the early evening hours rules rush, but in the afternoon and after 22 o’clock a table should be always free. The kitchen is opened at least to midnight. »The Hope« is to be taken a break from everyday a tavern for which one should bring calmness and time and how no other place suitable. It contrasts good from the polished and on tourism being aimed catering trade in the harbour. Whatever one looks for if one comes to Crete to recover: Here it is...

Having been to The Hope before, we were excited to return, and it didn’t disappoint! The moment we arrived, we were reminded why we loved it so much. The views are as stunning as ever, offering that perfect mix of the village, the mountains and sea—it's the kind of place where you can just sit and soak up the beauty of Elounda.

As returning visitors, we knew exactly what we wanted to order: the prawn saganaki and the Greek salad and they were just as incredible as we remembered. The prawns were so fresh and cooked perfectly and the heads were full of flavour, aswell as the rich and tangy sauce The Greek salad, too, was spot on—crisp, fresh ingredients that made it the perfect light complement to the meal. A small detail but they actually chop up the feta and mix it through. No where else we went did that. It was great to see that the quality and taste we’d enjoyed before hadn’t changed one bit.

What we’ve always loved about The Hope is that, despite the amazing location and food, the prices remain incredibly reasonable. It’s not often you find a place with this kind of view and quality that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. Even the Raki which can be a bit hit-or-miss, was smooth and enjoyable.

This place is special and should be more busy. It’s really not a long walk from Elounda square, 15 minutes if that with only a slight incline at the end. Makes the beer/wine more worthwhile.

For us, The Hope will always be a must-visit whenever we’re in Elounda. It’s not just about the food or the views, but the whole experience that makes it such a standout spot. If you haven’t been yet, you’re...

A wonderful setting high in the hills of Elounda, the views across the village and harbour were stunning. The host was attentive and very welcoming, special dishes were explained and the menu was varied. The dishes were a little more expensive than other places in Elounda but you are paying also for the vista from your table. Food is cooked to order so a little disjointed on its arrival to the table. As a couple that is ok but as group of 6, some people had finished eating before the others had even received their order. This needs tweaking as it felt like we were not eating together. The food itself was tasty and well presented, you had to order sides to compliment your choice which bumps up the price. Would I visit again? Yes I would for the atmosphere and views, for the food alone, probably not as there are many other tavernas and eateries in Elounda that offer the same quality food at a...