Firstly I want to say that the food was exceptional, and this is what I've given 2 stars for. If it was purely based on service and attitude of the staff - it would be 0.
We arrived as a pre booked group of 10 (admittedly we were 10 minutes late, however did try call en route but no one bothered to answer the phone). We were given a very frosty reception on arrival and told our table was given away. Appreciating the fact we were late, we were of course happy to wait. During this time we were just left out in the street, no offer to sit inside the bar area, or offered a drink whilst we wait (even a glass of complimentary water) but instead were treated like we had massively inconvenienced them with snide remarks.
Eventually we were seated down in a lovely location on the harbour, but that's as good as the service got unfortunately. We had to ask for menus, cutlery, ask for drinks, even our wine was slammed down without even opening it! Everything just seemed like an effort. The worst thing was when one person in my group asked for a knife to cut the bread and the waiter took hold of the bread in his hands and said 'you do it like this!' and tore it up and chucked it back down on the table. Shocking!
To top off our experience, my friend when paying the bill explained that we were disappointed with the service. To which the answer was 'well you didn't pay the service tip'. So you have to pay to get good service apparently... absolutely disgraceful, and not the wonderful Greek hospitality we experienced during the rest of our trip. We of course would have paid service if we had received any! No apology, no remorse - just poor attitude.
There are better places in Chania old town where you will still get the quality of food, but actually will be treated like valued customers.
** EDIT - further to the response from the restaurant which AGAIN seem to still be in denial for their terrible service. As I mentioned, my friend did say that she was unhappy at the end of the meal - you had an opportunity to apologise and involve your manager who was apparently there till closing time... but you didn't and instead let us leave unhappy, hence the negative public review. I suggest you look at other Greek hospitality and learn some lessons in customer service,...
Read moreTitle: A Culinary Gem in Nea Chora, Chania - "Kaiki" Delivers Perfection
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I recently had the pleasure of dining at "Kaiki," a charming fish tavern nestled in Nea Chora, Chania, and I can confidently say it's a hidden treasure worth discovering. From the moment I walked in, I was awed by the superb quality and authenticity of the experience.
First and foremost, the staff at "Kaiki" deserve special praise. Their warm and welcoming demeanor made the dining experience all the more enjoyable. They were not only attentive but also genuinely passionate about the culinary delights they were serving. Their recommendations were spot-on, enhancing our meal in every way.
One of the highlights of our visit was the remarkable quality of the ingredients. "Kaiki" takes pride in sourcing the finest, freshest seafood, and it was evident in every dish we tasted. The mixed salad was a vibrant medley of garden-fresh vegetables, a true celebration of local produce. The baked squids and octopus were tender and flavorful, showcasing the culinary mastery behind each dish.
Fresh fish is a hallmark of "Kaiki," and it didn't disappoint. Cooked to perfection, it allowed the natural flavors to shine through. The seafood soup was a revelation, with a rich, savory broth that danced with the essence of the sea. It's a must-try for any seafood lover.
What truly sets "Kaiki" apart, aside from the superb quality, is the affordability. The prices here are incredibly reasonable, especially given the exceptional quality of the cuisine. You'll be amazed at the value you receive for the dining experience. It's a refreshing change to find a restaurant that offers such high-quality seafood at prices that won't break the bank.
"Kaiki" is more than a dining experience; it's a culinary journey that celebrates the best of Nea Chora's seafood. If you're in Chania and appreciate fresh, authentic, and reasonably priced seafood, "Kaiki" is a must-visit. This charming fish tavern embodies the essence of Greek cuisine and hospitality, making every meal a...
Read moreWe chose this restaurant to eat seafood. There are very few restaurants in Chania that have such a high number of voters and such a high score. That's why our expectations were very high. They accept with reservations anyway or you have to wait in line at the door. It's hard to find a place during busy times.
Since our expectations were high, it didn't meet our expectations. There is definitely nothing more than the classic seafood we eat in Chania. In fact, I can say that there are some deficiencies. That's why I'm lowering my score.
First of all, they definitely don't know the difference between a main course and a starter. We ordered two main courses, a salad and a starter. The order of our orders; first the salad came, 10 minutes later one person's main course came, 10 minutes later the starter and then the other person's main course. That's why there was a 20-minute difference between the main courses. That's why the service organization is low.
The most important part for me is the taste. I think it's average or below compared to other seafood restaurants in Chania.
The grilled octopus was very dry and tasteless. The salmon was unsalted and dry. The saganaki shrimp was very salty. sea food salad was very small in portion. in other words, all the products were tasteless independently, some were salty and some were too salty.
in chania region, there are bigger portions, better taste and better views for these prices. an average restaurant, you can visit without much expectation.
karaf house wine is one of the best in the region, I...
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