(Posted on Trip advisor too!)
This is the most incredible restaurant for an amazing Cretan dinner! You absolutely cannot miss it!! It was so good that we went twice during our week in Agia Marina.
To preface, we are foodies and love to go to excellent restaurants - this is absolutely a place we would recommend to our family and friends, without hesitation.
All of the reviews that say the food is amazing are 100% true. We can absolutely confirm that the dolmades and stuffed zucchini blossoms were incredible, the meats are cooked to perfection and the wines were fabulous.
As mentioned, we went twice. This first time we had the dolmades and stuffed zucchini blossoms and saganaki. Delicious ways to start. We wanted to have light appetizers before hitting the main course, as we chose the kotsi - a slow cooked pork shank for two. It was served with delicious grilled vegetables and potato. It was beyond spectacular - fall off the bone, succulent and flavourful.
The second time, we came back specifically for the whole roasted lamb - this was a standout meal. We had the dolmades again and the slow cooked pork appetizer. Yum!!! Then, the masterpiece - the lamb was so tender and juicy and the edges were crispy and perfectly seasoned. There was care in each bite and flavour in each mouthful! It came with a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers, potatoes that I will dream of and tzatziki that I will try to recreate for the rest of my life.
Both times we went, we trusted the owner and chef, Giorgos, with our wine/drink choices. The wines we had were incredible. A rosé with the pork and a deep red for the lamb - both Greek of course. My fiancé also had a Lyra - a local microbrewed beer that he loved!!
Honestly - the food was wonderful. But what made our dinner so spectacular was the staff. The owners Giorgos and Sonja, were kind, attentive and funny. As a family owned restaurant, we loved that the owners parents were in the kitchen - sharing incredible recipes and the children were there seeing their parents treat each guest so kindly.
The pride they take in making sure every table has an amazing meal is next level. The passion they put into their food and their restaurant is palpable and you can tell that they love what they do. During each meal, they check in on you, making sure each moment is perfect - and of course - ending the meal with a glass or 4 of Raki with Giorgos is a must! Trust them with your food and wine choices and you cannot go wrong!!!
Also, we had the same waiter twice - Nikolaos. He was as kind as he was funny and at our insistence he had a couple drinks with us - showing us the best way to drink ouzo (ice and a little lemonade!!!!!). He was wonderful!! The rest of the staff were also so lovely!
All in all, I cannot recommend this place enough. Please, do yourself a favour and go - I guarantee you will regret it if you dont have a meal there!
We...
Read moreRestaurant Review: Meraki
I recently dined at Meraki in Agia Marina, Crete, and I can confidently say it is the best restaurant I have ever visited in Greece. Having traveled extensively throughout the country, including Santorini, Rhodes, Levkada, Glyfada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Nafpaktos, Meraki stands out in every aspect.
From the moment I arrived, the ambiance captivated me. The setting is beautiful, offering a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. The attention to detail in the décor is impressive, creating an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere.
The service at Meraki is impeccable. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly, enhancing the overall dining experience. They went above and beyond to ensure every need was met, adding a personal touch that made the evening special.
The menu is a culinary masterpiece. The choices are diverse, catering to all tastes and preferences. Each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients, and the quality is evident in every bite. The presentation is artful, making the meal not just delicious but visually stunning as well.
Every aspect of my dining experience at Meraki, from food to service to ambiance, was exceptional. This restaurant deserves a five-star rating and is a must-visit for anyone seeking the best dining...
Read moreAMAZING experience. The restaurant is so well known that doesn't need my comment. But I wanted to take time and write a few lines as my wife and I really enjoyed the evening and the experience in this restaurant. It has a great view over the sea from the hill (go early and around 18:30-19 to enjoy the view). The family who runs the restaurant are super friendly and really passionate about their food and their menu was the most complete and comprehensive menu we have ever seen. I attach a few pictures so you can see how detailed they have explained their dishes. The quality of the food was amazing. We ordered Bogana and Exohiko for the main dishes and they both were fantastic. The starters and appetizers (pita bread, Tzatziki, and Dolmades) were lovely and the homemade dessert (Sfakini with honey + mountain tea) was superb quality. We enjoyed every moment and we would definitely come back....
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