Othonas taverna
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Othonas taverna

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A beloved family-run taverna in Rethymno's old town, serving authentic Cretan cuisine with warmth and hospitality.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Othonas taverna

Othonas taverna

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved family-run taverna in Rethymno's old town, serving authentic Cretan cuisine with warmth and hospitality.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The best food in town with great service and a fantastic host for a truly authentic Cretan experience!"

TIP

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance, especially for dinner, to ensure you get a table during peak hours.

Lunch for a Quieter Vibe

Consider visiting for lunch to enjoy a more relaxed dining experience with fewer crowds.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Greek, Cretan, Mediterranean

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+30 2831 055500

Address

Mavrokordatou Alexanrou 27, Rethymno 741 31, Greece

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Cretan Cuisine

Authentic Cretan Cuisine

Experience traditional Cretan dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. A must-visit for an authentic taste of local culture.

Top Dining Spots for Authentic Cretan Cuisine.Our Local Picks: Rethymnon Old Town RestaurantsOur Local Picks: Rethymnon Old Town Restaurants+1
Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere

Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere

Enjoy a cozy, family-run taverna atmosphere where you're treated like family. Friendly staff and a relaxed vibe enhance the dining experience.

Google Review+2
Generous Portions & Value

Generous Portions & Value

Savor delicious, plentiful servings of classic Greek and Cretan dishes at reasonable prices, offering excellent value for money.

Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

"Ανακαλύψτε τη μαγεία της ελληνικής παράδοσης σε κάθε πιάτο! 🍽️ Στην Ταβέρνα ‘’Όθωνας’’σας περιμένουμε με αυθεντικές γεύσεις, φτιαγμένες με αγάπη και τα πιο φρέσκα υλικά. Ελάτε να απολαύσετε μοναδικές στιγμές σε έναν χώρο που συνδυάζει ζεστασιά, φιλοξενία και παράδοση! 📍Αγίου Γεωργίου 17📞 Κρατήσεις: 2105571447. #greektaverna #GreekFood #GreekCuisine
@taverna_othonas
38 likes • 2.2K views

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance, especially for dinner, to ensure you get a table during peak hours.

Lunch for a Quieter Vibe

Consider visiting for lunch to enjoy a more relaxed dining experience with fewer crowds.

Don't Miss Cretan Specialties

Try traditional dishes like moussaka or stewed meat with onions for an authentic taste.

Complimentary Delights

Enjoy complimentary dessert and Raki offered by the restaurant, a delightful end to your meal.

Tips

from all over the internet

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance, especially for dinner, to ensure you get a table during peak hours.

Lunch for a Quieter Vibe

Consider visiting for lunch to enjoy a more relaxed dining experience with fewer crowds.

Don't Miss Cretan Specialties

Try traditional dishes like moussaka or stewed meat with onions for an authentic taste.

Complimentary Delights

Enjoy complimentary dessert and Raki offered by the restaurant, a delightful end to your meal.

Engage with Staff

The friendly and enthusiastic staff are happy to explain the menu and enhance your dining experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Othonas taverna is highly praised for its authentic Cretan cuisine, warm family-like atmosphere, and excellent service. Diners rave about the fresh, delicious food, generous portions, and the welcoming hospitality. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, the restaurant's popularity can sometimes lead to crowded conditions.

"I’ve now been in Greece for six weeks and this was by far the best gluten free meal I’ve had!! Beautiful, traditional Cretan food, cooked to perfection! Menu is marked with GF, and all servers had a good understanding. It was so hard to choose what to eat but I ended up going for pork in sweet and sour sauce, and sharing a Cretan salad. They brought out free yogurt and honey and raki at the end!! Great service, great location, great atmosphere, I wish I could go back!! 👏"

Emma Maciaszek

"I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Othonas for ten days in a row during my stay in Rethymno, and I can confidently say it was one of the highlights of my trip to Crete. Nestled in the charming old city center, Othonas combines traditional Cretan hospitality with a refined culinary touch that makes every visit memorable.

Over the course of ten days, I had the chance to try nearly the entire menu, and not once did I feel repetitive. Each dish was unique, perfectly balanced, and full of authentic flavors. From the slow-cooked lamb and fresh seafood to the vibrant salads and house specialties, the food consistently exceeded expectations. Portions were generous without sacrificing presentation or quality.

The staff deserve special mention: warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about sharing Cretan culture through their cuisine. They happily explained ingredients, recommended local wines, and always made me feel like a valued guest rather than just a customer.

Dining here felt less like eating out and more like being welcomed into a friend’s home. For anyone visiting Rethymno, Othonas is more than a restaurant—it’s an experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

It's at another level. Just try"

Virgiorix

"We found this place just by walking in the Old town. It’s located in a lovely street, on a cozy shadow of the trees. So we loved the atmosphere.
The staff was super helpful and so welcoming and friendly!
But the most important is the quality and taste of food. It was just excellent! I took grilled octopus and my husband had chicken gyros — these are definite must try. Pita freshly baked, Greek salad freshly cut. Everything fresh and tasty.
We will definitely come by the next days.
Strongly recommend🤌"

Тетяна Старинська

What People Like

Authentic Cretan dishes
Warm, friendly service
Generous portions and great value

What People Dislike

Can be crowded due to popularity

Frequently Asked Questions

Othonas Taverna serves authentic Cretan and traditional Greek cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

Top Dining Spots for Authentic Cretan Cuisine.Where to Eat in Rethymnon, Crete

It is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially during peak dining hours, to ensure you get a table.

Yes, the menu is clearly marked with gluten-free options, and the staff is knowledgeable about dietary restrictions.

Google Review

Popular recommendations include grilled octopus, chicken gyros, moussaka, and the fried feta with figs.

Top Dining Spots for Authentic Cretan Cuisine.Google Review+1

The restaurant offers a warm, cozy, and welcoming family-run atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed dining experience.

Google Review+2

Yes, diners often receive complimentary items such as dessert, Raki, or a welcome soup.

Google Review+1

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And there's a great gyro place (or used to be) right at the entrance of the old town under the archway to the left.

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