Apokoronas — Restaurant in Municipality of Chania

After reading reviews, we decided to give Apokoronas a try. When we arrived, the few tables outside were set in between two hardware stores (one on each side) with ugly dustbins, etc, packed out of onto the sidewalk. Nevertheless, as it was said to be such good value for money we sat down at a table. The owner immediately came and, in an unpleasant and aggressive manner, told us to move to another table, and if we didn't like that, we could sit inside. There was nobody else inside and therefore no atmosphere at all. It looked more like a cold work canteen than a cosy taverna. When we got the menus, we discovered that all meals come without any fries, tzatziki, cucumber and tomato. Most other tavernas include these as part of the meal. To add these things items as "extras" makes Apokoronas more expensive than a lot of other tavernas. It is not value for money! As we were already seated and didn't feel like searching for a new venue, we placed our order for lamb chops with fries. The fries were quickly delivered to our table and when we asked about the lamb chops, we were told "in 5 minutes." After 5 minutes, we still had not received the rest of our meal and our fries had gone cold. We paid for our drinks ordered and left. Just NOT good enough!! There are many far better tavernas to enjoy a decent meal with friendly, welcoming owners and better value for money. This...

Based on the reviews, we tried this “local gem.” It is clear that locals do come here, but I truly don’t know why.

The ambiance of the restaurant is terrible; you are seated between two stores and sitting next to dust bins and other merchandise. I did not find the staff particularly friendly or helpful, but felt excited for the food nonetheless.

As for the food, we ordered the tzatziki and it came with bread. We were informed this bread would be a 1 euro charge per person at the table. What is the point of ordering a dip if it comes with nothing to dip with? Just charge more for the tzatziki and include the bread…

We ordered the dolmades and were told it would come with 9 but it came with 7.

As for the taste, the tzatziki was awesome; it had a very strong garlic flavour that I loved. The dolmades were well seasoned with lots of herbs. Chicken skewers were also pretty good and great value per piece (1.50€).

The saganaki was a real low point. It was super oily and lacked flavour. I prefer saganaki that is pan fried rather than battered and deep fried, but that’s just my preference.

Overall I did not feel super welcomed here as a tourist and didn’t find the food worth the prices even if it appears cheaper than other spots on the surface. You just don’t get nearly...

We came on Sunday, Apokoronas just opened and was still empty but online reviews were okay. We ordered lamb chops, rice in wine leaves, mixed vegetables bowl with cheese. It was phenomenal! Try gazoza soft drink, it's (bottled and) great. Lamb liver chops were a bit on a bloody side, that's how they should be. We had a pleasent company of two peaceful and well fed local dogs, just chilling in the heat and glancing at us if they could get a bite. Made us feel welcome and made experience special. But the best thing. I asked the older gentleman (probably owner) if they make coffee, he sad no. But saw that we were tired from trip, he went and got me a take-out coffee from a shop near by. Bless him! This experience was our first impression of Crete, it could not be better. P.S. While we finished eating, the place already got packed. 🙂 Perfect experience, any usually I even don't like...