Ta Kalitera — Restaurant in Municipality of Heraklion

I visited Heraklion for the first time and stayed right on the street where the tavern is located. Traveling solo, I read the reviews before arriving and was pleased to see how highly praised it was. However, on the first night when I arrived, I sat on the outdoor terrace because I am a smoker. After 10 minutes, a gentleman came to ask how many people were in my party, and I said just one. He mentioned that he would find me a table inside. So far, no problem!

After another 10 minutes, another gentleman came to explain that I couldn't stay there. I politely told him it was no problem and that I was waiting for an indoor table, to which he, irritated, raised his voice at me, saying the table I was sitting at was reserved and that the customers had arrived (which was not true, but I chalked up his nerves to not knowing English!). Eventually, I was taken to an indoor table in a corner of the room, which had not even been cleaned after the previous customers. Oh, and after seating me, they pointed out that smoking IQOS indoors was not allowed, even though they had seen me smoking while I was on the terrace!

The only person who was indeed nice to me was the waiter who took my order; otherwise, the overall experience was unpleasant! I noticed that they treated groups of several people who spoke Greek much better than they treated me (no one yelled at them...). In my opinion, the food did not deserve the praise it received.

When I left, I made sure to check if the terrace table I initially sat at was occupied... it wasn't! Based on my experience, a solo female tourist is not welcome :) and I didn’t bother them again! I should mention that at other taverns in Heraklion, I had absolutely no issues. On the contrary, seeing that I was alone, they always offered me the best spot in the location to compensate for the lack of company! The food didn't impress me there either, but the experience was entirely different! Safe...

A few days ago after the beach, we found this place based on reviews and decided to stop in for dinner. Based on the reviews, we couldn't even imagine that the negative reviews would be completely true. We weren't dirty or only in swimsuits, but they looked at us like we were homeless people who came to ask for food in a 5-star Michelin restaurant. Initially, when we walked in, they didn't even smile at us and said that all the tables were taken, although some were free. And they told us "well, most of the tables are reserved for 19/19:30, but u don't need that" (the time was about 17:30). But when we were finally seated at the table, another waiter (older) came up to us and it was clear from him how uninterested he was in serving us. The most unpleasant attitude, rudeness and unfriendliness. The food was mediocre, the compliment from the restaurant was half-rotten grapes beaten by life and baklava. (thanks for that too) Then we waited for about 45-50 minutes to be billed. They simply ignored us, looked at us and ignored us, and only one waiter who paid attention to us and smiled a little brought us the bill.

Considering everything together, we definitely do not recommend this place, unless of course u like abusive relationships and are happy when u are ignored. 2/10 (only because we were billed not after 2 hours, but only...

The taverna's assortment of classical Cretan starters includes dolmades, fava, tzatziki, grilled vegetables, tirokafteri, and fish roe salad. If fortune smiles, you might secure fried barbouni, or red mullet, a small yet flavor-packed fish. While these catch-of-the-day options are on the pricier side, they remain more affordable than those found in central restaurants. Options like mullet, sea bass, squid, octopus, and calamari are considerably cheaper than what you would find in the city center at Kastella or Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa, and equally delightful.

I had hoped to relish barbouni, but it was unavailable, likely due to its high demand. Instead, I opted for grilled sardine fillets, which were exquisite alongside the house wine. As starters, the sardines were accompanied by cheese balls, fava, and grilled mushrooms, making for a satisfying meal without ordering a main course. While all dishes were expertly prepared, the vinegar on the grilled mushrooms was a slight disappointment, masking the charred taste I had eagerly anticipated.

A meal comprising four starters, a main dish for my husband, and drinks totaled just over €50—a...