Archipelagos Seafood Restaurant — Restaurant in Municipality of Heraklion

This place is nothing short of an extraordinary experience. The food is exquisite — some of the finest, freshest seafood we’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting — but what truly elevated our evening was the warmth, hospitality, and energy of the host, Nicolas.

Despite only recently taking ownership, Nicolas already sets the tone of someone born for this role. He welcomed us not as customers, but as friends, making us feel at home from the very first moment. His passion, humor, and personal attention transformed our dinner into one of the highlights of our entire trip to Crete.

As for the food: sheer brilliance. The shrimps were perfectly tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor — easily among the best we’ve ever had. The salmon and grilled lobster, which we rarely indulge in, proved worth every cent. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an event. Nicolas even guided us through the fine art of “unloading” the lobster — though I must admit, I failed hilariously at my second attempt (clearly it takes a true pro’s touch!).

Together, the chefs and Nicolas created a night we’ll never forget. My girlfriend and I left not only with full stomachs, but also with the feeling that we had been part of something special.

If you’re ever in Crete, do yourself a favor: come here. This will always be our top priority whenever we return.

Cheers, Nicolas — your dedication and spirit are inspiring. Keep up the amazing...

From the moment we stepped into Archipelagos, we felt as if we were visiting a beloved family member’s home. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making us instantly comfortable. Everything about our experience was wonderful, from the vibrant vibe to the gracious hospitality.

The food was truly exceptional. It reminded us of the hearty meals made by a loving grandmother. Every dish we tried was delicious, but the standout moment came when my friend ordered the potatoes with chicken sauce. I was skeptical at first, but it turned out to be the best dish he ever had—so tender and flavorful!

The salad and pasta were equally delightful, bursting with fresh flavors. It was our first day of an 10-day vacation in Crete, and despite only spending one night in Heraklion, our dinner at Archipelagos became a cherished memory. We’ve dined in restaurants around the world, yet this has become our favorite.

We’re already dreaming of returning to Crete, solely to indulge in the incredible food at Archipelagos once more. Thank you for an unforgettable evening!

With love from Moldova, we can’t wait to...

Such a friendly owner, and such fantastic food. We watched the sunset as we had some of the best seafood I've had in my entire (albeit limited) life. The mushroom risotto was fantastic, as was every variety of salmon we had. The owner was the true star, keeping us very entertained and making us feel very welcome. He graced us with some free desert and some raki - which was incredibly kind. While some of his American jokes were a tad ill-timed, they were charming, and I personally was not offended. I will qualify that by saying my friends did find some slightly too far, but none that created an uncomfortable situation that got out of control. Great location, wonderful service, and a treat at the end - the owner decided to give us three men flowers, quoting "we never get told we are beautiful, and he wanted to make us...