Alla ki Alla — Restaurant in Municipality of Heraklion

What an amazing new discovery for me. Our dining experience at Alla ki Alla was one of the most memorable since arriving on the island six years ago. Located in Heraklion's pedestrian zone, and tucked into the narrow alleyways near Agios Minas church, it's a perfect combination of atmosphere, gastronomy, and attentive service with a smile.

Maybe the most amazing thing about our family's rainy day excursion the other day, was finding this hidden (from me) gem among a throng of other popular tavernas in the zone. And the food, you ask?

Perfect. My sirloin tips were cooked to perfection, melted in my mouth, and satisfied the GIVE ME MEAT part of my palate. The three of us tasted one another's dishes, and this is why it's easy for me to rave about the chef's offerings so much. The liver was amazing, the cheese saganaki was both delicious and interesting. And the potato salad starter I had was the best I think I have ever eaten. Oh, and the celery puree with my wife's pancetta souvette was an absolute genius combination for the meat.

I guess the short version for maps searchers is "Go Here!" I am sure you won't be disappointed. Take warning, however, all the places surrounding this part of Heraklion center are crowded during the season, so expect the best (like Alla ki Alla) to be overflowing. Maybe call to...

The servers were very friendly and the atmosphere is nice enough --typical of the many tavernas in the area. We ordered seafood spaghetti, a split pea dip, and a mushroom risotto. The spaghetti and shrimps in it had a rancid taste. We could not eat more than a few bites. The menu specified that the seafood was frozen, but this was foul. The split pea dip was bland. I ate it because it seemed nutritious. Perhaps this is how the dip is made. The mushroom risotto was the best dish, but very salty. The first few bites were very good, but progressively got more and more salty.

My Greek friends made fun of me for coming here and ordering seafood in what is not a seafood restaurant, but why have something on the menu that is not good?

Seems like an awesome place to come have a few drinks and pick at some small plates, but would not recommend for dinner. The place next door is apparently...

By far my wife and my favorite experience of Heraklion. Jimm(aka Mitsos) and his staff were phenomenal. The fritters are cooked perfectly, and the mixed meat platter offers some of the most traditional Cretan cuisine we found. Take their recommendations and you can’t go wrong. They also gave us wonderful recommendations on places to visit in Crete! We ended up coming back almost every night we were there and will absolutely visit when we find ourselves in Crete again. Thank you for such a wonderful experience as we will...