Taverna Vassilis — Restaurant in Municipality of Kissamos

Una splendida e casuale scoperta

Vicino alla piccola spiaggia sotto Falasarna, mi imbatto a pranzo in questa villa con un bel giardino e un portico fresco dove sono sistemati i tavoli.

Il proprietario Georghios mi accoglie con molta cordialità.

Fatte le ordinazioni, delizio i miei occhi con l'incantevole vista della costa ovest: il giardino permette di non perdere nulla dello spettacolare panorama.

Accompagnato da un buon vino bianco servito alla giusta temperatura, inizio con un abbondante antipasto di fiori di zucca ripieni di riso e serviti con salsa allo yogurt delicata e senza aglio (evviva!). Come extra, mi vengono servite due fette di pane appena tostate con olio, origano e sale e delle olive locali (ovunque attorno ulivi a perdita d'occhio): semplice ma di quella semplicità che rapisce il senso del gusto.

Con il palato pronto, arrivo al piatto principale: una seppia pescata la mattina, stufata insieme a foglie di vite e guarnita con una salsa equilibrata che ha esaltato la freschezza della materia prima

Avanzando un pochino di spazio, ordino il dolce e qui faccio conoscenza dello sfakiani. Lo sfakiani è un tipico dolce cretese costituito da un doppio strato sottilissimo di pita, riempita con formaggio a pasta molle e delicatissimo, sopra la guarnizione di miele locale dà all'ensembe un rotondo e completo senso di cosa sia crogiolarsi all'ombra di un portico, soddisfatto nel corpo e nell'animo.

Porzioni corrette nella loro quantità, ingredienti lavorati con sommo rispetto ed in maniera ottimale, prezzi inferiori alla media, servizio eccellente (Georghios è un affabile padrone di casa anche nelle chiacchiere).

Per chiunque capiti in zona, Vassilis vale la pena di inserirlo tra le tappe.

Da tornarci la sera per aggiungere la vista del tramonto da questo punto un po' in alto e privilegiato

a splendid and casual discovery

Near the small beach under Falasarna, I come across this villa for lunch with a beautiful garden and a cool porch where the tables are set up.

The owner Georghios welcomes me very cordially.

Having made my orders, I feast my eyes on the enchanting view of the west coast: the garden allows you not to miss anything of the spectacular panorama.

Accompanied by a good white wine served at the right temperature, I start with a hearty appetizer of courgette flowers stuffed with rice and served with a delicate, garlic-free yogurt sauce (hurray!). As an extra, I am served two slices of freshly toasted bread with oil, oregano and salt and some local olives (everywhere around olive trees as far as the eye can see): simple but of that simplicity that captivates the sense of taste.

With my palate ready, I arrive at the main course: a cuttlefish caught in the morning, stewed together with vine leaves and garnished with a balanced sauce that enhanced the freshness of the raw material

Advancing a little space, I order dessert and here I meet the sfakiani. Sfakiani is a typical Cretan pie consisting of a very thin double layer of pita, filled with soft and delicate white cheese, on top of the local honey garnish, giving the ensemble a rounded and complete sense of what it is to bask in the shade of a porch, satisfied in body and soul.

Portions correct in quantity, ingredients processed with the utmost respect and in an optimal manner, prices below average, excellent service (Georghios is an affable host even when chatting).

For anyone who happens to be in the area, Vassilis is worth including among your stops.

Worth returning in the evening to add the view of the sunset from this somewhat high and...

If you're craving delicious, homemade Greek cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, look no further than this family-run tavern. The decor is simply magical, with a stunning garden and rustic touches that create an inviting and warm ambiance.

But the real star is the food! Every dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and so much care and love. The bougatsi is rich and perfectly layered. Icleaned my plate at every course.

What really sets this tavern apart though is the incredibly generous and hospitable service. The family owners treat you like a longtime friend from the moment you arrive until long after you've paid the bill. You can tell they take immense pride in sharing a taste of their Cretan and Greek heritage and culture.

The location is also ideal for catching one of the area's famous sunsets. With views overlooking the water, it's the perfect spot to linger over a glass of wine or raki and watch the sun dip below the horizon.

If you want an authentic, from-the-heart Cretan/Greek dining experience, this humble family tavern is a true gem. The food, the ambiance, the service - it's the total package. Just be sure to arrive...

I went to Falassarna twice and eachtime I was there the best food I had was at Vassilis' Tavern. Once I discovred this place, I never went to anywhere else. It is such a lovely place and amazing people running this family restaurant. They are so authentic, genuine and kind! I remember the first time I was there I went even for breakfast to this place! Homemade breakfast! Literally! Vassilis's mother was preparing it and she was extremely talented. During my second holliday in falasarna, I asked Vassilis where I could find goat-lamb made in oven somewhere around. He was so kind to prepare it the next day for the whole family and give me as many portions as I wanted. It was just amazingly delicious. (In the restraurant Meltemi on the way to Elafonissi this happened similary. I was luckily given a portion from the meal for the family. At Vassilis Tavern they cooked/baked it just because I asked for it the day before!) I still feel very grateful that I met Vassilis and his family. My best greetings! I hope to see...