Riza Restaurant Platanias — Restaurant in Municipality of Platanias

Riza Restaurant in Platanias is an absolute must-visit if you want to experience authentic Cretan cuisine at its finest. Every dish is prepared with great care, highlighting fresh local ingredients and traditional recipes, yet served with a touch of creativity that makes the flavors truly memorable. From starters to main dishes, everything feels thoughtfully crafted and perfectly balanced. The location is another highlight—the restaurant is situated on the top of the hills, offering a breathtaking view that adds even more charm to the dining experience. The interior design is equally impressive, combining rustic and modern elements that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff are welcoming and attentive, making you feel comfortable throughout your visit. It’s a wonderful place not only for food lovers but also for those who want to immerse themselves in the true spirit of Crete. Highly recommended for an...

Very possibly our favorite restaurant from our week in Crete--we dropped in by chance on our first night in Platanias, and made a point of returning for our last night. The food is traditional Cretan with a few well-chosen modern touches. Highlights include the octopus with fava bean hummus--easily the best octopus we've ever had; the crunchy, gooey graviera saganaki; zesty tzatziki; excellent cherry tomato and basil salad. The sourdough bread is fantastic. A great wine list with many local vintages. Service is friendly, helpful, and efficient. The elegant open-air dining room has a gorgeous view and some mesmerizing light fixtures. Prices are very reasonable. Come for the food, stay for the complimentary coconut cake and raki; you won't be...

Platanias has an explosion of restaurants along the main street all offering good food but most just tourist fair. Walk up into old Platanias away from the tourist part and there are much nicer places to stop and eat away from the busy road and tat shops. It's a cliche and loads of reviews say this but we have been on Crete 2 weeks and Risa Restaurant genuinely is the best restaurant we have eaten in and we have deliberately tried to find the best in each town and village we visited. These guys are really passionate about the food they make. It feels like home cooking but with a bit of modern flair. Practical every other restaurant we have visited was also very lovely but we were getting a bit bored of the same menu. Lovely food and...