Strata — Restaurant in Municipality of Chania

Discovered this place many years ago, became a must - stop every time we visited the city ever since. Last time was 7 years ago and still remember the amazing traditional cretan cuisine. Sadly, this year it was an utter disappointment! Totally different menu, with a "modern" approach. This wouldn't be bad, but the taste wasn't there! The prices very high for the cretan standards, the portions went down. We asked the waiter, he told us that the chef had changed, it wasn't the cretan lady anymore, but her son. It is totally outraging for a tavern in Greece, Crete especially, to charge 1.50eur for olive oil!!!!! Never seen that before, I've been living in Greece for 40 years! It's ridiculous to have on the menu a meat variety for 1 person for 20eur, and a meat variety for 2 persons for 40eur! (Why not order 2 small then?) Pork tenderloin was not as tender as it should be. Tsigariasta horta that used to be our favourite, this time it was just boiled greens. Bruschetta with apaki was also a disappointment, too sweet and hard to chew! Totally...

I’ve been to Strata multiple times and have had such wonderful experiences I return every time I’m with new visitors. I’ve stayed in Chania for weeks at a time, and when I want friends or family to understand the full Cretan dining experience - from great food to welcoming, warm service to atmosphere as you fine on a quiet plane against the old Venetian wall - I go here, and am unfailingly greeted warmly, especially by Kostos, my favorite server in all of Chania. And not just because he remembers me (which he does year to year) and asks after my family and friends. He takes care of everyone, personally ensuring your experience is a good one. The feta rolls with honey are a must; the salads are all great (but be ready for a commitment - that Chania salad is BIG) and the food - from the pork to the lamb to the pizza, is all tasty. But the true magic is in how you feel like you’ve just been to a family’s house for a great dinner, Cretan style. Can’t...

It is a cozy place with very polite staff and very good food. It’s one of those hidden gems within the tight city streets so you can find it either by accident or by walking aimlessly through this beautiful city. We have had chicken souvlaki which could have been better, musaka which was perfect and greek salad. Prices are around the average in the Chania, or a bit below average. Waiter will serve you with a cake or other sweet treat before you leave with raki (rakia or otherwise known as whiskey). When I think about it, you’ll get this after-meal serving in probably every place on the island 😁.

Edit after second visit: changed my rate to 5 star. The food was amazing! Probably the best tuna fish filet I ever had! We had two main courses (tuna and gyros), avocado salad, coffee and two wines for...