Yamas Restaurant — Restaurant in Municipality of Malevizi

Disappointing Experience Despite the View

The view and ambiance are beautiful, but the overall experience fell short.

We ordered a Greek salad without peppers, and while it came with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, and the feta was creamy and flavorful, the rest of the meal was disappointing.

The shrimp saganaki arrived full of bell peppers, despite my request to avoid them. The shrimp were tiny, overcooked, and buried under vegetables. Traditionally, shrimp saganaki is made with fresh tomato sauce, feta, and shrimp—this version didn’t come close.

The octopus had a spoiled smell. No one came to check on us during the meal. We asked the busboy to take the dish away and told him it was inedible. When the waiter finally brought the check, he asked how things were. I mentioned again that the octopus smelled bad. Instead of acknowledging it, he argued, offered no apology, and still charged us. I’m Greek and grew up eating octopus—I know the difference between fresh and not fresh.

Another odd moment: when we arrived, a dog was lying across the entrance. The waiter simply told us to step over it. I paused, expecting him to move the dog, but he just said, “He’s friendly.” Unless it’s a service animal accompanying a guest, animals shouldn’t be blocking restaurant entrances or in dining areas.

Despite the lovely setting, poor service and subpar food quality mean we won’t...

Worst dining experience we've had in a long time. We ordered lamb chops and specifically asked for them to be cooked rare. They came out well-done. The waiter did offer to exchange them, but we were hungry and decided not to wait. Then we discovered the chips were undercooked—cold and inedible.

When it came time to pay, we politely raised our concerns and asked to speak with the manager. We simply requested that the €18 for the lamb chops be removed from the bill. Instead, we were met with an incredibly rude and dismissive response from the owner himself. He flat-out refused to take the item off and acted like our complaint was an inconvenience.

When I told him we'd leave a negative review instead, his response was, "Are you threatening me?" Completely unprofessional and confrontational. We ended the conversation, paid the full amount, and left.

It’s not about the €18—we’re not going to be poorer, and it won’t make him richer—but it’s clear he doesn't care about customer satisfaction or feedback. Avoid this place if you expect decent food or...

My mom and I believe that dining at Yamas was one of the highlights of our trip to Crete. The moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the soothing sound of waves and a panoramic ocean view that looks like it was painted just for you. The restaurant’s intimate setting; soft lighting, cozy tables, and the gentle sea breeze, creates the perfect atmosphere. The food is nothing short of exceptional. Every dish feels like a love letter to authentic Cretan cuisine such as fresh seafood grilled to perfection, locally sourced vegetables bursting with flavor, and olive oil so rich it tastes like sunshine. You can truly taste the care and tradition in every bite. What makes Yamas even more special is that it’s family-owned and run, and that warmth shines through in everything they do. The staff and owner, Mario, treats you like part of their family. They are very welcoming and attentive. If you’re visiting Crete, don’t miss this place. Come for the food, stay for the view, and leave with your heart (and stomach) full. Hugs and kisses from Miami ❤️ -...