Lemonokipos Restaurant — Restaurant in Municipality of Rethymnon

This was a truly delicious moment in our weeks holiday in Crete. Rethymno is a lovely town, Crete's third largest. We were particularly lucky to be here when our Easter overlapped with orthodox Easter as the smell of beautifully cooked lamb spread through the town and there was a clear sense of celebration.

However, it did mean several of the restaurants others recommended were closed at lunchtime and to be honest, this was our fourth choice. How little we knew. Lemonokipos, the Lemon Tree, is a delight. And will be our first choice if and when we return.

A beautiful, shaded (by lemon tree) garden is exactly what a Greek taverna should have. Alongside a huge oven filled with lamb for Easter amongst other meats, with a regular visit from the chef to test, season and turn.

The service was excellent, even though they were increasingly busy as Cretan families turned up to celebrate and feast - always a good sign.

So, to the food. The bread was brown, flavoursome and accompanied by delicious Cretan cream cheese, sundried tomatoes and of course the ubiquitous delicious olive. Then we shared a Greek salad which was fresh, copious and refreshing

So far so good. For the mains we ordered a special omelette (delicious if, even at half size, a bit much for our seven year old). Grilled sardines - incredibly fresh and perfectly crispy, also defeated our 11 year old for scale. Then a magnificent moussaka, all it should be: fluffy, spiced and comforting. And a Lemonokipos special souvlaki with rice (pictured), which was tender, perfectly citric and a delight. Washed down with a beautifully minerally yet with depth white wine and a lovely IPA style Greek beer (at last something Greek that's not Mythos!).

We ordered the bill, full and ready to head for our bus back. It turned up with four complementary delicious pannacottas with the cherries in syrup that anyone coming to Crete should try or retire from life. Suffice to say fullness was a temporary state and even the half I left was gratefully consumed elsewhere on the table.

All for under €70. We gave a good tip as it was well deserved.

Simply put, if you are in Rethymno, go. If you...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Lemonokipos Restaurant, and I must say, it was an extraordinary experience. The ambiance of the restaurant was chic yet inviting, with tasteful decor and soft lighting that set the mood for a delightful culinary journey.

As soon as we sat down, we decided to go all out and ordered nearly half of the menu. And boy, were we in for a treat! Each dish that arrived at our table was a masterpiece in itself. The presentation alone was enough to ignite our senses and our anticipation for the flavors that awaited us.

Moving on to the seafood, the Grilled Octopus was an absolute showstopper. Cooked to perfection, it was tender and packed with flavor, leaving a delightful charred taste on the palate. The accompanying citrus vinaigrette added a tangy freshness that brought the dish to a whole new level.

Not to be missed was the Taramasalata, a traditional Greek dip made with cod roe. The smooth and creamy texture, coupled with just the right amount of saltiness, made it a heavenly delight. It paired wonderfully with freshly baked pita bread.

The attention to detail and quality of ingredients at Lemonokipos is truly commendable. It is evident that the chefs here are passionate about their craft and strive for culinary excellence. The service was impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who guided us through the extensive menu with genuine warmth and enthusiasm.

I cannot recommend Lemonokipos Restaurant enough. This hidden gem offers an impressive array of mouthwatering dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Whether you're a fan of Greek cuisine or simply in search of a memorable dining experience, pay a visit to Lemonokipos and prepare to...

During our unforgettable holiday in Crete, we were fortunate enough to dine at Lemonokipos Restaurant nestled in the heart of the old town of Rethimno. This establishment left an indelible mark on us, and we are eager to share our exceptional experience.

Walking into Lemonokipos felt like stepping into the welcoming embrace of a cherished family garden. The decor exuded a warm, inviting, and relaxing ambience that made us feel right at home. It was a perfect setting for a delightful late lunch.

Now, let's talk about the food—the epitome of perfection. The octopus dish was an absolute revelation. Tender and bursting with flavour, it was artfully presented on a bed of fava sauce that complemented the taste impeccably. Words cannot adequately describe the sheer deliciousness of this culinary masterpiece.

Our main courses continued to enchant our taste buds. My wife's sea trout, grilled to perfection, melted in the mouth, imparting the subtle Mediterranean flavours of olive oil and lemon. As for my chicken, it was incredibly juicy, tender, and a true delight.

Of course, a great meal deserves an equally great beverage. The wine selection at Lemonokipos was nothing short of immaculate, elevating our dining experience to new heights.

The outstanding service and reasonable pricing only added to our delight. Every aspect of our visit, from the cosy ambience to the exceptional food and attentive service, made Lemonokipos a highly recommended gem in Rethimno's culinary scene. We will undoubtedly return to savour more of their remarkable dishes and create...