Semiramis — Restaurant in Municipality of Chania

I was at Semiramis for the first time 17 years ago, and I’ve been a recurring customer over the years. This time, however, it’s been 3 years, and the place has changed significantly…

Unfortunately I must confess I was severely disappointed; the signature food, which I knew and loved, is now gone!

Some examples. No cheese Crocketts, no sauces (of any kind), gyros for the kids are gone, and the fabulous fried doughballs with honey are a thing of the past. Too bad. When i asked the head waiter about these dishes, he repeatedly responded with “new chef, and he is going in new directions“.

The staff was mechanical, and though fast, not very smiling. Efficient, for sure, maybe too much. Waiters had earpieces and microphones for communication, reminding one of fast-food restaurants, and to me this severely impacted the atmosphere.

Nothing tranquil about the place anymore. Where there used to be an authentic experience, with live music and an almost homey feeling with open to the night sky magic about the place. There is now a recurring playlist on speakers, and fast customer turnaround.

All that being said, had the food been great, much would have been redeemed. Alas, not so. The food was no better than what we could have contended with on the all inclusive buffet at the hotel.

In conclusion; an era is ended, and we will not come back. This place is now over-touristy. My advice; get rid of the chef, earpieces and crappy music, and bring back a genuine smiling experience; starting...

I wouldn't normally post a review, especially one that was slightly negative, but I thought it worthwhile just mentioning a practice at this restaurant that maybe commonplace, but not one that being from the UK, I am used to.

Firstly, the food was OK, albeit not a patch on some of the better and cheaper restaurants in Chania, as I have to admit it's a bit overpriced. The atmosphere is also lovely with live music, but...

Do not let the staff place bread on the table at the start of the meal, unless you want to pay €7.20 for a few dry slices, some unappealing olives, and a very small tomato dip. They don't ask you if you want bread. They just placed it on the table, like many places do for free. However, this restaurant charges you.

When I complained about the additional charge on my bill, I was told we should have refused the bread. However, we were not given the opportunity to do so.

I really don't mind an extra €7.20. It's nothing in the scheme of things, and I would have normally tipped more than this, but the principle of not asking beforehand, I didn't like.

If they want to charge €7.20 for a bit of bread, they should tell you or at least ask if you would like bread before placing it...

Worst restaurant experience we had in Crete. And I rarely saw such a bad service & bad food. I ordered Gamopilafo, and it appears that the meat is lamb, and problem is I hate lamb. When I told waiters that the fact that the meat is lamb in that dishes was not explained on the menu (although every dish has a description), guess what the answers were … First waiter told me « then you can eat the rice ». Second waiter ensured « yes, yes, it is written on the menu ». Proof of that is false attached. Please note that making fun of the client or lying is not an option. The only acceptable answer here would have been « sorry, I bring you the menu back, pick something else ». Especially in a place which claims itself « classy ».

Then, set up of the dishes was a shame. Lamb of the gamopilafo was not prepared, so many bones and fat. My boyfriend took Tsigariasto, supposed to be traditional Cretan recipe. Arrived with bad French fries, not very traditional… and one more time, 4 small pieces of fat lamb.

To conclude, many other charming places to have dinner in Chania,...