Peskesi — Restaurant in Municipality of Heraklion

Dining at Peskesi in Heraklion is not just a meal — it’s an immersive experience that gracefully blends culture, history, sustainability, and exceptional cuisine. We arrived without a booking just before 17:00, and despite that, we were welcomed with warmth and genuine hospitality. From the very beginning, it was clear that this was going to be more than just dinner.

As we were seated, the staff shared the philosophy behind Peskesi’s menu: a deep commitment to a farm-to-table approach, where everything is sustainably sourced and thoughtfully prepared. Impressively, any food waste is cycled back to nourish crops and animals, ensuring nothing is lost — a philosophy that sets them apart and enriches the dining experience with purpose.

We started with three appetizers: Touloumitiri cheese, Boubouristoi snails, and Askordoulakous from the daily specials. Each dish offered a unique taste of Crete — from the rich, creamy cheese to the earthy, wild greens. But the standout was unquestionably the snails. Delicately prepared and easy to eat, they were a surprising favorite, especially for someone typically conservative with food. A must-try for anyone visiting.

For mains, we ordered the Syglino and Kreokakavos, both of which were nothing short of spectacular. The flavors were bold yet balanced, and the care in preparation was evident. As each course was served, the staff took time to explain the regional roots and traditions behind the dishes, which brought a deeper appreciation for what was on the plate.

The house-made lemonade was refreshing, vibrant, and well worth the price — a perfect complement to the meal. And just when we thought the evening couldn’t get better, we were served a complimentary dessert that beautifully rounded off the experience.

Peskesi is more than just a restaurant — it’s a celebration of Cretan heritage and a model of sustainable gastronomy. With exceptional service, thoughtfulness in every detail, and the best food we had on the island, it stands out as one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve ever had. Wholeheartedly recommended to anyone visiting Crete — a true gem not...

If you're seeking an authentic culinary experience steeped in Cretan tradition, look no further than Peskesi. From the moment you walk in, you are immersed in an atmosphere that effortlessly blends rustic charm with modern comfort.

Peskesi's commitment to locally sourced ingredients shines through in every dish. Seasonal produce, just-caught seafood, locally bred poultry, and the freshest of herbs are skillfully combined to create mouthwatering dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each ingredient speaks for itself, but when harmonized together, the result is nothing short of culinary art. This dedication to local sourcing isn't merely a trend here—it's a testament to the restaurant’s genuine respect for their region's abundant resources and traditions.

The Olive oil, a staple of Cretan cuisine, deserves a mention all on its own. At Peskesi, olive oil is more than just a cooking ingredient—it's an experience. The flavor profiles of their selections are robust and varied, with each one adding a unique touch to the dishes they grace.

Moving on to the wine list, it's clear that Peskesi takes their beverages as seriously as their food. The selection is impressive, with a focus on local Greek wines that beautifully complement the restaurant's dishes. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, the knowledgeable staff is always ready to guide you through their extensive list, ensuring that every sip enhances your dining experience.

The service at Peskesi is exceptional. The staff not only demonstrate professionalism and efficiency, but they also exude a warmth and hospitality that's intrinsic to Crete. They go the extra mile to make each patron feel welcome, adding a personal touch that sets Peskesi apart from other dining venues.

To sum up, dining at Peskesi is not just about satisfying your appetite, it's about embarking on a gastronomic journey that pays homage to Cretan culinary heritage. With its superb use of local ingredients, impressive wine selection, and top-notch service, Peskesi is truly a dining destination worth...

This is a long review and it isn’t about the food, but the service.

I had read a lot about this restaurant and was looking forward to the experience of dining here. We were greeted and led to our table. My husband asked for recommendations but was told it all was good, fair enough. My sister ordered the rooster, BIL the lamb, my husband and I split the organic salad, he had the pork special and I had Kreokakavos. The food was excellent! A tad salty but very flavourful. My meat portion could have fed the whole table. Nothing else was really on the plate except a smear of puree.

We both ordered wine. My sister and BIL one red, myself a more expensive red. Wine is by the glass or bottle. No small island litres. The wine came in a nice size glass with a decent portion.

When we ordered our second glass of wine the portion and glass had changed. Our wine was put down in front of us but I knew right away that the waiter did not know which glass was which. After a few sips I realized I did not get the same wine I had before. You could definitely smell the deeper bouquet of the wine my sister was given.

We called our waiter over and i asked him if I got the same wine as before. He said yes, unless you changed glasses. I reminded him I didn’t serve the glasses they were placed in front of me. He then left and we sat for 30 minutes. When we finally got his attention he reluctantly changed my wine. I didn’t say anything but it still didn’t taste like the first glass.

We sat for another 25 minutes and finally got a different server’s attention to remove our plates. We had planned on trying the cheesecake which had been highly recommended but by this point just wanted to walk back to the hotel.

The new server came with a sharing dessert and told us it was a traditional semolina dessert. Five minutes later our original server plopped down 4 shot glasses filled with…we really don’t know. He dropped them down and said nothing.

A beautiful setting, a wonderful meal but unfortunately terrible service...