Irene’s Tavern — Restaurant in Municipality of Chania

A Taste of Tradition: Irene's Tavern Delivers Authentic Cretan Charm

Nestled in the heart of Crete, Irene's Tavern, a local institution since 1979, offers more than just a meal; it provides a genuine culinary journey steeped in island history and hospitality. The moment you step through its doors, the vibrant hum of local chatter is a testament to its enduring appeal – a surefire sign of truly authentic fare.

Our recent visit confirmed its stellar reputation. The lemon chicken, a seemingly simple dish, arrived perfectly executed. The chicken was tender and moist, infused with a bright, zesty lemon flavour that spoke of fresh, quality ingredients. Equally impressive were the lamb chops, expertly grilled to a succulent finish, with a delightful char that enhanced their rich, natural flavour. Both dishes showcased a commendable respect for traditional Cretan cooking, delivering hearty and satisfying portions without compromising on refinement.

Beyond the delicious food, the service at Irene's is noteworthy. The staff were not only attentive and polite but also radiated a genuine pride in their establishment. Indeed, they were more than happy to regale us with fascinating anecdotes about the tavern's long and storied past, adding a delightful layer of engagement to our dining experience. This warmth and willingness to share their heritage truly elevate Irene's beyond a mere eatery. In an era where many establishments chase fleeting trends, Irene's Tavern stands as a steadfast beacon of Cretan tradition. It's a place where locals gather, history is celebrated, and the food speaks for itself. For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Crete, complete with impeccable service and a rich narrative, Irene's is an...

Our first night on this trip to Crete and we needed somewhere to eat. We aren't familiar with this area as we usually stay nearer Rethymno so we headed to our villa book and maps. Both mentioned this restaurant favourably. It was very busy so service did take a while but not overly long. The food was not to my high expectations based on the reviews. Every dish was under-heated and/or slightly soggy. We ate everything as we were starving but it just wasn't good enough to prompt a return visit. I want good, really good, or above.

The other thing preventing a second visit was the unclear billing which is a practice I loathe. We expected to pay for the water on the table, and we ordered another, sometimes they are complimentary, sometimes they aren't. It's best to assume you'll be charged at any restaurant as a rule of thumb so that was fine.

Bread is charged per person, that's also ok, if advertised. However, this wasn't advertised, we found out on the bill we were all being charged for bread and had to go check the menu to find out it was per person. We were also charged for five people, despite only being four people which could easily be a simple mistake. It's not the end of the world over €7.50 but it's off-putting. Added to the not fantastic food, I am fully put off.

I wanted to get the bill fixed but my husband had injured his foot earlier in the day and just wanted to go home so we just paid. If you're going, go in fully aware, read all of the menu and account for the bread and water if you're on a budget. We did get free dessert as others mentioned but it didn't really make up for the food quality, which is my main reason for...

Irene's Tavern: A Disappointing Decline – Avoid if You Were a Fan

Attention Returning Customers: What a Year Can Make!

Having visited Irene's Tavern in Chania before and enjoyed it, we were eager to return. However, our recent visit was nothing short of a massive disappointment and frankly, quite terrifying to witness the decline. It's clear that drastic cost-cutting measures have been implemented, completely sacrificing quality and comfort for what appears to be pure profit.

Upon arrival, the "new" furniture immediately struck us as incredibly hard and uncomfortable – a stark contrast to the previous inviting atmosphere. This was just the first sign of the changes to come.

The food itself was the biggest letdown. The souvlaki, which we remembered fondly, is now clearly made from processed meat and bears no resemblance to the homemade quality we enjoyed last year. To add insult to injury, the previously delightful dips are completely gone.

Perhaps the biggest surprise and letdown was the complete absence of fried calamari from the menu. When we opted for the fried chicken meat instead, it was a complete joke. It consisted almost entirely of waste parts – full of bones and chicken skin, with hardly any actual meat to be found. It was genuinely difficult to eat and left us feeling ripped off.

It's truly sad to see what Irene's Tavern has become. What was once a charming and enjoyable Greek restaurant has transformed into a shadow of its former self, seemingly prioritizing profit over customer satisfaction and quality.

If you were a fan of Irene's Tavern in the past, be warned: your memories will be shattered.

We certainly won't...