Vira Potzi — Restaurant in Municipality of Ierapetra

Perfection is a state of mind, something impossible to reach in the physical world. That said, there are people, places, and especially experiences that rise far above the norm. On Crete, the norm is good food, even great food at some places.

All that said, Taverna Vira Potzi proved itself the finest taverna in all Crete the other day. I don't want the reader to be bored or overtaxed, but a few words are necessary to describe our dining adventure this past weekend.

First, and perhaps foremost, the town of Ierapetra, the Southernmost city in Europe, is a marvel. Of all the places you might visit, this destination, and the traditional villages that surround it, can truly be said to be authentic Crete. Now to George's and Alex's mid-range to high end Βίρα Πότζι.

The best way for me to tell you about the gastronomy here is to relate a little story about my wife's main course, catch of the day red mullet. We live an hour or more away from Ierapetra, and the entire way home she kept asking, "Where can we get that red mullet?" I reiterated a dozen times in the past 24 hours, the same answered - "In Ierapetra, at Vira Potzi, taken from the Libyan Sea." She insisted, of course, that red mullet can be found at restaurants in Heraklion. She made me take her to a fish restaurant just on a bet. For once, in a long, long time, I was correct in my assertion that all red mullet dishes are not the same.

At Vira Potzi, the owner of the taverna might stay at your table for an hour, just to discuss fishing, ancient legends, or secret coves and beaches no tourist has ever seen. You may also find a bottled house wine as delicate and tempting to the palate as far more expensive Cretan varieties. Or, you might look out over a magnificent seaside down, and off to the horizon and North Africa just beneath a true azure dream.

I could go on, but the reader gets the idea. You can dine at two or three restaurants in Crete that are as good as Βίρα Πότζι, but none better. And trust me, there's no atmosphere like this part of...

We arrived without a reservation and to our surprise were quickly seated. We came to Vira Potzi on a recommendation by a staff member at our hotel. The food arrived very quickly, a little too quickly in fact and that made us suspicious. Sardines were ok and didn’t seam fresh. The mix of dips were fine but very cold, almost as if they just been defrosted or taken from a very cold refrigerator. Then our mains arrived. I orders the tuna and my partner ordered the sea bass. The tuna was sadly over seasoned and also felt like it had been defrosted. The vegetables were swimming in oil and not the good kind. The sea bass was better but we’d had better seafood in Crete. We spent a similar amount to Kale which is to say the meal felt expensive. The staff were gracious when offering our feedback but I’d avoid if you’re looking for truly fresh and well...

Nestled on the picturesque Ierapetra port, "Βίρα Πότζι" offers an exquisite culinary journey through the bounty of the sea and beyond. With its enchanting location on the edge of a charming small fortress, diners are treated to both stunning views and exceptional flavors. From fresh catches of the day to tantalizing seafood delicacies, every dish is a masterpiece crafted with care and passion. The restaurant's warm ambiance and attentive service create the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether indulging in local favorites or exploring international delights, "Βίρα Πότζι" promises a culinary adventure that will linger in the heart long after the last bite.

This is "the must" place for your soul.

RESPECT from...