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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Othonas taverna

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved family-run taverna in Rethymno's old town, serving authentic Cretan cuisine with warmth and hospitality.
"The best food in town with great service and a fantastic host for a truly authentic Cretan experience!"
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.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Greek, Cretan, Mediterranean
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+30 2831 055500
Address
Mavrokordatou Alexanrou 27, Rethymno 741 31, Greece
Website
facebook.com/othonastaverna/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.

Generous Portions & Value
Savor delicious, plentiful servings of classic Greek and Cretan dishes at reasonable prices, offering excellent value for money.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Othonas Taverna serves authentic Cretan and traditional Greek cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
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.
Popular recommendations include grilled octopus, chicken gyros, moussaka, and the fried feta with figs.
The restaurant offers a warm, cozy, and welcoming family-run atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed dining experience.
Yes, diners often receive complimentary items such as dessert, Raki, or a welcome soup.
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Top Dining Spots for Authentic Cretan Cuisine.
For those seeking an authentic Cretan meal, Taverna Othonas is a must-visit. This family-run taverna has been serving traditional Cretan food for decades and is beloved by both locals and tourists. The menu features a variety of classic dishes such as moussaka, stifado (a hearty beef stew), and dakos (a Cretan salad made with barley rusk, tomatoes, and feta).
Rethymno Crete: Things to do, Beaches, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Othonas: Othonas is located at Ethnikis Antistaseos 55, Rethymno 741 00, Greece, just a short 750-meter (820 yards) walk from the center of Rethymno. The menu features a delightful selection of Greek and Mediterranean dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The attentive staff and excellent service make dining at Othonas a lovely experience.
Our Local Picks: Rethymnon Old Town Restaurants
If you plan to holiday in Greece, you must experience an authentic Greek taverna. One of our favourites is Othonos (Titou Petichaki Square 27). This cosy, family-run taverna has been a name in the old town for decades.
Our Local Picks: Rethymnon Old Town Restaurants
If you plan to holiday in Greece you must experience an authentic Greek taverna. One of our favorites is Othonos (Titou Petichaki Square 27). This cozy, family-run taverna has been a name in the old town for decades.
Where to Eat in Rethymnon, Crete
For a traditional authentic Greek taverna experience head to Othonas. Othonas’ family offers authentic Cretan tavern dishes in a very cozy environment. He’s been serving dishes he loves for 30 years.
Best restaurants/activities in Rethymnon : crete
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit