Polopetros Cretan Tavern — Restaurant in Municipality of Rethymnon

This was the absolute original Cretan experience!! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like old friends. The host was incredibly kind, warm, and genuinely passionate about sharing traditional Cretan food with us. He personally helped us choose from the menu, making thoughtful suggestions based on what was fresh and seasonal that day.

One of the highlights was the snails – they were to die for. I literally ate them all myself and didn’t feel the slightest bit guilty. Perfectly cooked, rich in flavor, and seasoned with herbs that made every bite unforgettable.

He also suggested a selection of house specialties we never would have chosen on our own – including a sheep ribs dish that just melted in our mouths, the eggplant tower and stuffed mushroom paired with the meat wonderfully.

The beer was local, smooth, and paired beautifully with every dish. At the end, we were treated to a complimentary karidopita, which made the whole experience feel even more special.

If you want more than just a meal – if you’re looking for a genuine, soulful experience of Cretan hospitality and flavor – do not miss this place. We left full, happy, and already...

Polopetros Cretan Tavern is an absolute treasure and easily one of my top ten meals of all time.

Set in a peaceful little village next to a tiny church, this family-run taverna offers a proper taste of Crete, far away from the usual tourist spots. Everything is cooked with care and tradition. The lovely elderly mumma is in the kitchen, and you can genuinely taste the love in every dish.

The hospitality was fantastic, the service friendly and relaxed, and the setting couldn’t be more charming. It really feels like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s home.

The menu is full of authentic Greek and Cretan dishes, all made with fresh local ingredients. The portions are huge, so my advice would be to share a main and definitely get a few starters to try between you. Everything we had was delicious.

Prices are very reasonable too, which makes it even more of a find. It is only a 20 to 25 minute drive from Rethymno, but it feels like a world away in the best possible way.

If you’re looking to experience genuine Cretan food and hospitality, Polopetros is an absolute must. I can’t...

Just magical!! The most amazing dining experience on this island!!

I had booked this restaurant for 23 people for a 60th birthday celebration. Petros and his family were so helpful with arranging everything from Cretan singers and dancers, a private bus, cake, flower arrangements for the table.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect but I can wholeheartedly say it wasn’t only the best meal I had on the whole holiday, but one of the best dining experiences ever. The food, was absolutely 10 stars, every dish was just made with super fresh ingredients and amazing flavors. I don’t eat pork very often, but this was the best meat I’ve ever tasted anywhere in the world, words cannot describe the flavors!!!

The Cretan dancers were absolutely amazing and it made our evening so so special!

I cannot say enough about this little gem of a restaurant. The family who run this truly are wonderful!

Thank you so much for an incredible experience that we will...