Food & drink Since our first visit to Crete in October 2021, we have been drawn to Cretan food with its variety of dishes and drinks. On this page we present you a short selection of the bars, coffees shops and restaurants we have already been tried in the time since our first visit. And here I am not "only" talking about restaurants that we tested in Panormo, where Suite Leon is located, but also about restaurants in the surrounding areas.
We start directly with the insider tip, Taverna Zorbas Pigi, also called “Maria”
During a visit to Crete in March 2022, we happened to drive through the village of Pigi, this taverna is located about 25 km west of Panormo. There we stopped in the tavern “Zorbas Pigi” to get food and drinks. The owner, Maria, has been running this tavern for 50(!) years now and since then she has not changed her great tzatziki recipe. Everything here is homemade and comes from the area. The place is very cozy and relaxing. The area in front of the restaurant is shaded under olive trees. “Maria” is a typical local tavern with very good prices and incredibly delicious food. The restaurant is our absolute insider tip. Also Water and some appetizers and dessert often do not show up on the bill. So you can eat here also very inexpensive. We are always at Pigi/Maria at least once when we visit Crete.
The owner, Maria
Since the 70's this tavern has been run by the current owner Maria. The tzatziki is truly addictive and the other dishes are fantastic too!
Interior Zorba Pigi
The interior is lovingly decorated in an ancient Greek style with collections of ancient artifacts all over the walls and ceilings.
Pictures Taverna Zorbas Pigi
GPS Location Zorbas Pigi "Maria
Where can we eat in Panormo?
In the heart of the village you will find a lot of nice prepared bars, restaurants and cafés. We do not want to withhold some of them, which we have already tested ourselves.
Taverna Geronymos Our favorite even before George and Georgia. Very friendly and welcoming owners. Mom still cooks herself. Excellent dishes from traditional to fresh fish. Delicious desserts and raki crown the dinner. The tzatzika is probably the best in the village.
George & Georgia Very good taverna a little out of the way, everything delicious and plentiful. Garlic bread, tzatziki, souvláki, moussaka...all very good. Super nice people and the prices are absolutely reasonable, similar to Geronymos.
Captain Seaside Large and beautiful indoor and outdoor restaurant! The dishes are usually rather average when it comes to the more upscale Cretan cuisine and it all seems very touristy. Cocktails & very tasty draught beer,... The sea view is brilliant.
Nikitas Bar Old dine-in, food & cocktails, very refined decor. Near the sea, opposite the Captain Seaside Restaurant. You don't really go here to eat. Nikitas Bar is known for its great atmosphere and stunning interior.
Porto Parassiris Top address. Breathtaking sea view, delicious Greek dishes, everything your heart desires....
Meli + Xidi This small & cozy restaurant is located in the lively shopping street of Panormo. The food is absolutely delicious and the owner also likes to have a drink with you, which was then on the bill;).
Mparmpa Andreas This restaurant is located directly on the beach and focuses on fish and seafood. But meat dishes and delicious cocktails are not neglected either.
Locus Deli Restaurant This beautiful restaurant is also located in the shopping street of Panormo. The food is great and there are good wines & beer on tap too. The staff is super friendly and accommodating & even at the end of the season you still feel welcome.
Fanari Restaurant Probably the favorite restaurant of my father-in-law and me. Very very tasty. The pepper steak is my favorite dish on the menu. Here, too, the owner likes to have a drink with you:). There is a great terrace with a swing and seesaw for children.
This is just a small selection of the taverns and bars available in the 650-strong municipality of Panormo, where Suite Leon is located.
Currently, we have not yet been in any restaurant in which I would not recommend to you. It was delicious everywhere and the drinks were always first choice. Aber macht euch selber ein Bild und genießt die Zeit in der Suite Leon & Panormo:).
Homemade pictures of Panormo & its taverns
