Avli in Malia — Restaurant in Municipality of Chersonissos

An Exceptional Greek Dining Experience – 5 Stars!

From the moment we sat down, it was clear that this Greek restaurant is something truly special. The experience was warm, welcoming, and filled with genuine hospitality that elevated our entire evening. Every detail, from the service to the food, was absolutely flawless and made for one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time.

We were greeted with a delightful starter: freshly baked, warm bread accompanied by high-quality olive oil and a generous serving of olives. Simple, but absolutely delicious—bursting with that rustic, authentic Mediterranean flavor. It set the tone perfectly for what was to follow.

Next came the tzatziki, and I have to say—it was divine. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, with just the right amount of garlic and cucumber. It was clearly homemade and incredibly fresh. You could taste the care and tradition in every bite.

For the main course, we had chicken souvlaki, and it was simply outstanding. The chicken was tender, juicy, and perfectly grilled with a subtle char that added so much flavor. It was served with a variety of fresh, vibrant salads—each one crisp, colorful, and expertly dressed. The vegetables tasted like they were just picked from a garden. Everything was so well balanced, light yet satisfying.

To top it off, we also had steak, which was cooked to absolute perfection. It was juicy, flavorful, and beautifully presented. You could tell they used high-quality meat and knew exactly how to bring out its best qualities.

The service throughout the evening was impeccable—friendly, attentive, and professional. We never felt rushed, and every staff member we encountered was genuinely kind and passionate about what they do.

Every single item we tried was exceptional. The atmosphere was relaxed and charming, and the flavors were vibrant, authentic, and deeply satisfying. It’s rare to find a place that delivers on every level—ambience, food, and service—but this restaurant truly does.

I can’t recommend it highly enough. Whether you’re a lover of Greek cuisine or simply looking for an outstanding meal, do yourself a favor and come here. We left full, happy, and already planning...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dining at Avli in Malia is nothing short of a revelation. Every dish is a carefully orchestrated composition, where flavors intertwine in perfect harmony. The freshness is undeniable: vegetables and fruit come from the restaurant’s own cultivation, the bread is homemade, and the olive oil is of outstanding quality. Each bite is a genuine explosion of taste, leaving no room for improvement. The portions are generous – more than sufficient even for a grown man – and the menu also offers excellent vegetarian and vegan options. Visually, the plates are as impressive as their flavors, a true feast for the eyes.

The service matches the cuisine in excellence. The staff are extraordinarily attentive and kind, making sure every guest feels seen and cared for. Menus are available in multiple languages, and specific dietary needs are proactively addressed. The service is both fast and personal, a rare and precious balance.

The ambiance is steeped in Greek tradition, yet infused with a modern touch. The rooftop terrace offers a stunning view of the local church, while the courtyard, with its glimpse into the open kitchen, creates a sense of intimacy and authenticity. Everything is immaculately maintained, radiating both elegance and warmth.

When it comes to value for money, Avli is unbeatable. While prices are standard for Crete, the quality is nothing short of exceptional – truly world-class.

Special touches elevate the experience even further: the evening I visited, a live Greek choir performed, filling the space with music and embodying the island’s famed hospitality.

In conclusion, Avli is, without exaggeration, the finest Greek dining experience I have ever had. If I had discovered it sooner, I would have gladly dined there every single evening. This is not just a restaurant – it is a celebration of Cretan culture,...

Absolutely amazing restaurant we chose for our last dinner on our holiday. Drove over from Stalis because I heard and read a lot of good stuff about Avli. My expectations were surpassed!

If you're a foodie like me and want to find a restaurant that gives you unique homemade tastes with a Cretan twist? Get to Avli. Combing through the menu, it was hard to choose what I would go for because everything sounded nice. And everything we ended up ordering was outstandingly cooked and presented as well.

From the homemade ice tea and lemonade over the stuffed breaded mushrooms with truffel mayonnaise, the homemade bread from the wood oven with their homemade hummus, tzaziki and feta spreads all the way to the stuffed pork on mashed potatoes and glazed vegetables with the best sauce to pair it with, the experience was just well rounded at every turn! My girlfriend had the salmon with strawberry, which sounded slightly weird at first, but also intriguing and unique enough to try it. The salmon was a straight 10/10. The strawberry gravylike sauce was an usual but really delicious pairing for it! In the end wr indulged even further with some cretan cheesecake which was just the cherry on top of our evening. The base made from locally sourced carob and the creme from a local soft cheese called mizithra topped with walnuts and mild honey. It was a perfect cretan twist on NY style cheesecake. Thank you to the staff and chefs for this experience. From a happy and more than well fed...