Τα σουβλάκια του Γαγάνη — Restaurant in Municipality of Rethymnon

Difficult to review this place... We visited twice on our holiday as we were staying in the village and the setting is undoubtedly amazing. The 1st night we arrived quite early, about 7pm - there were only a couple of other tables of diners when we arrived and the service although efficient was not particularly friendly, there were no smiles to be seen, other than our own as we're a polite and friendly bunch, so we felt rather unwelcome. The food however, was exceptional, probably the best we had all week. We went back a few days later at about 8:30pm and many of the tables were occupied. We were shown to a table next to what appeared to be locals who were unashamedly pointing, laughing and talking rather loudly about us in Greek while we made our way over and which didn't abate when we sat down. They made absolutely zero effort to hide this from us, or anyone else for that matter. I've never experienced anything like it anywhere else, it was to say the very least, somewhat unsettling. No idea what the carry on was all about as my Greek isn't awesome but it wasn't a friendly atmosphere at all. So as we didn't want to continue subjecting our kids to the hostility and as after 30+ minutes later we'd had no further interaction from the staff, not even eye contact or the offer of drinks while they went about serving the other tables around us, all the while the table of women next to us still carrying on, we got up and left. We were clearly not welcome nor wanted by either the restaurant, its staff or our fellow diners, so we bailed. I have never felt the need to leave anywhere because of the atmosphere and hostility of a place before, so this is a new and confusing experience for me. Have checked previous reviews and as the last person to mention the unwelcome aspect of this venue was laughed at by the owner, I'm expecting more of the same here. Which is also fine, each to their own. Would never go back here and due to our experience, would never recommend anyone else to do so either. Shame, because as I've said, the food and settling...

Checked Google maps for local Tavernas. Saw this one up a side street off the main road. Drove up, very limited parking, we didn't get a spot, so parked down the hill at the supermarket and walked back. A 2 minute walk. Selected a table outside as had a 10 person Greek family. We sat down and a moment later a waitress appeared with paper table cloth (Map of Crete with local info. Interesting to see what's available) and 2 menus. My wife produced a laminated note explaining her Gluten free allergy.(Which seemed to make sense to her). She then pointed out the dishes she could not eat. (Local meat dishes like hamburger, sausage, pies and one of the stews). We ordered the usual Greek salad, Tzatski, Fried potatoes and our choice of main courses, Souvlaki Chicken for wife and Souvlaki pita Lamb for me. Salad appeared after a couple of minutes with Tzatziki, local bread and wine. Pile of thin fries about 5 minutes later. We chatted and ate then the mains appeared. Delicious was the only reasonable description. After a decent interval a glass of Raki (Local Spirit) was provided along with a small dish of Greek delight. We were stuffed so no desserts. Bill asked for and presented. Seriously good value for money. While we were eating, several locals appeared, had a quick coffee and vanished with a carry out, looked like souvlaki pita. Locals obviously know a gem when they see one. 2 other visits in 2 weeks October 2018 showed our appreciation for good food, friendly service, pleasant location. I would have no problem recommending this Taverna. I posted a photo of our Greek salad and pile of fries. Just in case you...

Superb little taverna. Had a couple of really enjoyable meals with family and friends as it was a short walk from our accommodation. Lovely food, great for sharing. Traditional souvlaki, sausage, salads, tatsiki etc and amazing fries. No complaints at all with the service so not sure what's triggered some of the negative reviews and the staff serving us kindly spoke some English. We ate here on our first night (Saturday) and again on our last night (Friday) as we all enjoyed it. We booked our table from 8pm, the place was full from 9pm and the atmosphere was great and very family friendly. Best of all, we fed 6 adults and 5 teenagers inc beers, wine and soft drinks all for 170 euro inc a complimentary sweet treat and raki 😵‍💫Thanks for having us. Would definitely...