Taverna Katerina — Restaurant in Municipality of Rethymnon

A Culinary Treasure in Maroulas – Taverna Katerina

While staying in a villa in the charming village of Maroulas, we were told about a nearby gem—Taverna Katerina—just a short walk from where we were staying. We decided to dine there on our first night, and from the moment we stepped inside, we knew this would become our go-to spot for the rest of our trip.

We were warmly welcomed by Valandis, the owner, whose hospitality is as unforgettable as his cooking. Alongside our wonderful server Tonya and her lovely daughter Sophia, we were cared for like family from the very beginning.

We started our meal with warm Cretan “rusk” bread served with Valandis’s own olive oil—truly liquid gold. He presses the oil himself from the olive trees on his farm, and we’ve never tasted anything so fresh and rich. Next came creamy Cretan cheese drizzled with that same olive oil—simple, rustic, and heavenly.

The dishes that followed were a showcase of authentic Cretan flavors. A freshly made tzatziki, crafted from Greek yogurt and white cucumbers picked from his garden, was perfectly balanced and refreshing. Carrot and zucchini fritters with feta were light, flavorful, and almost too good to share.

Then came the standout Katerina Salad, named after Valandis’s mother. It was a vibrant mix of garden greens, feta, dried figs, walnuts, pomegranate seeds, and a dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh orange juice. This was hands down the best salad we’ve ever had—complex, fresh, and full of soul.

For our mains, we enjoyed roasted lamb, roasted chicken, and calamari, all cooked to perfection. The lamb, in particular, melted in your mouth. Each dish was accompanied by golden fried potatoes that were simply addictive.

Just when we thought the meal was over, Valandis surprised us with a round of Cretan raki, distilled from his own grape pomace, along with fresh melon slices and strawberry ice cream—a sweet and thoughtful ending to a flawless dinner.

We were curious about fresh fish, and Valandis told us his uncle is a fisherman. Two days later, we received a message with photos of freshly caught sea bass. He saved them for us and grilled them whole for dinner that evening. A touch of lemon was all that was needed—pure perfection and a taste of the sea we’ll never forget.

What makes Taverna Katerina so special isn’t just the food (which is extraordinary) but the feeling that you're part of something deeply personal and real. Valandis treats everyone as if they are family, welcoming guests with a warm hug, a smile, and a deep desire to make them happy and well-fed. He asks what you enjoy eating—and then makes it happen, often sourcing everything himself from his own farm or the nearby sea.

We dined at Taverna Katerina many times during our stay, and if we lived in Crete, we’d be regulars. The sunsets from any table at the restaurant add even more magic to the experience.

Taverna Katerina is not just a meal—it’s a memory. One filled with warmth, generosity, and the soul of Crete. Thank you, Valandis, for opening your home and your heart to us. We’ll...

Best food we have ever eaten in Crete - we visited twice and food quality was always outstanding - fresh and local, Katerina salad is amazing so as a freshly made by the owner goat cheese. We tried pork, lamb, steak and beef souvlaki, and all dishes were very good, have to note the steak was massive. The very old village of Maroulas where taverna is located is charming and panoramic view of Rethymno is a big bonus, wonderful place to watch sunset. But the best part is the welcoming service by the waitress Tania who has a very colourful personality and the owner Valadis, who in his own relaxed way makes sure he talks to everybody who comes to dine, makes reccomendations and brings complimentari honey raki - both of them make this dining experience unique, by treating everybody like family - no surprise they have so many returning customers. Can not reccomend highly enough, definately will be back next time we...

Taverna Katerina in Maroulas is one of those rare places that instantly feels like home. The atmosphere is warm, charming, and full of life, a true reflection of the village’s soul.

The food is absolutely delicious; every dish is prepared with love and authenticity by the amazing chef Valandis, whose cooking never fails to impress me. And the lovely Tanya, always smiling and attentive, makes every visit even more enjoyable with her kindness and care.

There’s often a little event or surprise in the air — music, laughter, or just the magic of a beautiful evening shared. The panoramic view is breathtaking, especially at sunset.

I’ve been coming here every time I visit Crete, year after year, and it’s become one of my absolute favorite spots. A big thank you to Valandis and Tanya for keeping this place so special. See...