Cooking with love — Restaurant in Municipality of Heraklion

After visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, it was time for lunch at about 2:30pm! To be honest, we had originally wanted to try out Peskesi, one of the best-rated restaurants in Heraklion. However, after we found and entered the restaurant, the waiting staff told us that we had to wait about 30 minutes to an hour as we had not made reservations. We did see that there were quite a number of available tables though we could not discount the fact that there were other reservations as well. Hence, in order to wait further for lunch, we decided to visit another restaurant that we had “shortlisted” for lunch today – Cooking With Love, which was nearby as well.

Like most restaurants, it was free seating and after seated, Tom headed over to the counter to point at the menu. At this moment, the owner told Tom that we couldn’t order from the menu but could only order from the dishes that we saw – MUCH LIKE ECONOMICAL RICE (CAI FAN)!

The other interesting was that in addition to the choice of pork steak, pastitsio, grilled chicken, pasta, hamburger patty etc. that we could see, we were also asked to enter the kitchen to see what else was available! Yes, enter the kitchen to choose from the cooking pots directly! 😅🤣 There were other dishes such as squid, chick peas soup and more in the kitchen...

For the full review of Cooking with Love and details of our 5 months Round The World (RTW) travels, visit...

If you're looking for a cozy, welcoming spot in Heraklion that serves delicious, homemade meals made with passion, Cooking with Love is an absolute must-visit! From the moment you step in, you're greeted by the warm atmosphere and the genuine hospitality of the staff. The menu is filled with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail. The flavors are bold, comforting, and reflective of authentic Greek cuisine, with some unique twists that make the experience even more memorable. The love that goes into the cooking truly shines through in every bite. Whether you're enjoying a classic moussaka or a fresh, vibrant salad, each dish tastes like it was made just for you. It's clear that the chef puts their heart into everything, and the result is an unforgettable dining experience. Highly recommended for anyone...

Four women, one kitchen, endless hospitality

Cooking with Love really is what the name says. Four women run this little spot in the center of Heraklion, cooking what they feel like each day. There’s no printed menu — you’re welcomed in, shown what’s been made, and sometimes even invited back into the kitchen.

Everything is homemade, fresh, and generous. The dishes change daily, but you can expect Greek comfort food done with care — moussaka, stuffed vegetables, meatballs, salads, simple desserts. Portions are big, prices are fair, and it often ends with something extra like a sweet or a small glass of raki.

It’s a relaxed, unpretentious place where tourists and locals eat side by side. The friendliness of the women running it makes the whole experience stand out. If you want a meal in Heraklion that feels genuine and full of heart,...