Πέτρα και Βότσαλο — Restaurant in Municipality of Festos

We had an absolutely amazing dinner at this restaurant in Matala Bay — one of the best meals we had during our stay in Crete. The entire experience was memorable, from the food to the warm atmosphere.

We ordered multiple courses, and everything was genuinely delicious. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a photo of the starter, but it deserves a special mention — it was a classic Greek appetizer called Dakos: a crunchy barley rusk topped with juicy chopped tomatoes, feta (or mizithra) cheese, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil. Simple, traditional, and full of flavor.

The moussaka was rich, perfectly seasoned, and comforting — exactly how this dish should be. You could taste the balance of spices and the freshness of the ingredients. We also had a Caesar salad, and it was really tasty — fresh, crunchy, with just the right amount of dressing and cheese. A great choice if you’re looking for something lighter but still satisfying.

For dessert, we had a surprisingly strong vanilla ice cream (in a good way — rich and flavorful) along with a moist slice of cake, similar to a Greek-style bundt or sponge cake. It was the perfect way to finish the meal.

The service was kind and relaxed, just like the whole vibe of Matala. You can tell they put love into their food and hospitality. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, enjoy every bite, and soak in the atmosphere.

And let’s not forget the view — it was absolutely breathtaking. We were also lucky to experience magical weather, as the sky turned golden with Saharan dust — it gave the whole evening a unique and almost surreal atmosphere. Sitting outside with a direct view of the sea, especially during sunset, made the whole dining experience even more special. The calm waves, the golden light reflecting off the water, and the relaxed seaside atmosphere created the perfect backdrop for a delicious meal. It’s one of those places where the scenery alone is worth the visit — and when combined with great food, it becomes unforgettable.

Highly recommended if you’re in the area — a real gem for traditional Greek...

We went in because they advertised affordable cocktails and a happy hour with 2 for the price of 1. Yes, they were cheap, but none of the ingredients were fresh and there was no one who knew how to make cocktails, so not worth it. The older man who waited our table was not too friendly and was not very accommodating. We asked to add alcohol to an alcohol free cocktail and charge us an alcoholic cocktail, this was not possible. The younger man and the lady were very friendly. So maybe just a bad day? Fried zucchini was nice enough. I wouldn’t go in here for drinks, unless you just wanted to get drunk during happy hour. (If you can stomach the...

Came here after my trip to the Red Beach and was happy to find a free place to sit. Ordered octopus salad and fried mushrooms with raki and honey. It took around 15 minutes to get my meal. Both dishes with excellent taste! I've got garlic bread and olive paste for free wish suits very well with my two appetizers. Finally, I was full and happy about my choices. And not to forget they brought me fresh grapes and of course a Raki to have a good sleep :) Thanks for your great service! Only thing to criticise is the noisy atmosphere when they're busy like...