If you love seafood, you’ll love Chania. This coastal city in western Crete is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, and the locals know how to make the most of it. From elegant harbor-view restaurants to hidden beach tavernas where the catch of the day lands straight from the boat, Chania is a paradise for seafood lovers.
Whether you want grilled octopus, sea bream cooked in olive oil, or a simple plate of fried calamari with a glass of white wine, this guide lists the best seafood restaurants in Chania for 2025 — a mix of fine dining and authentic local spots that visitors (and locals) love.
🐟 1. Thalassino Ageri
Type: Seaside taverna | Price: €€€
A must-visit in Chania for anyone who dreams of eating right by the water. Tables sit on the rocks, waves gently splash nearby, and the seafood is grilled to perfection. Order the octopus and the sea bass fillet — both local favorites.
📍 View on Google Maps: Thalassino Ageri Chania
🦑 2. Chrisostomos
Type: Wood-oven Cretan | Price: €€€
Located near the harbor, Chrisostomos is famous for traditional recipes cooked in a wood-fired oven. Try the baked shrimp with feta and tomato, or the grilled grouper — simple, authentic, delicious.
📍 Chrisostomos Chania
🐚 3. Glossitses
Type: Harbor taverna | Price: €€
A lively spot on Akti Enoseos Street, just steps from the Old Port. You’ll find locals and tourists sharing meze plates of mussels, grilled sardines, and Cretan salads. Excellent value and great vibes.
📍 Glossitses Chania
🦞 4. Salis
Type: Modern Mediterranean | Price: €€€
Salis brings modern style to traditional seafood. Think octopus carpaccio with fennel and Cretan citrus, paired with organic wines from the island. Perfect for a romantic dinner by the sea.
📍 Salis Chania
🐠 5. To Maridaki
Type: Local fish taverna | Price: €€
Hidden away on Nea Chora Beach, To Maridaki is where locals go for fresh, affordable fish. Pick your catch from the display counter and let them grill it on the spot. House wine is great too!
📍 To Maridaki Chania
🦐 6. Talos Restaurant
Type: Family restaurant in Agii Apostoli | Price: €€
A few minutes outside Chania’s center, Talos serves excellent seafood platters, grilled prawns, and meze under olive trees. Calm atmosphere and friendly owners make it worth the short drive.
📍 Talos Restaurant Chania
🦑 7. Ta Chalkina
Type: Taverna with live music | Price: €€€
Located at the Venetian harbor, Ta Chalkina combines traditional music with delicious seafood. Order the shrimp saganaki and watch the boats go by. Evenings are magical here.
📍 Ta Chalkina Chania
🐙 8. Akrogiali Taverna
Type: Beachfront seafood | Price: €€
A local favorite on Nea Chora Beach serving fresh calamari, red snapper, and Cretan appetizers. Casual, family-friendly, and ideal for lunch after swimming.
📍 Akrogiali Chania
🐟 9. Portes Restaurant
Type: Modern Greek | Price: €€€
Meaning “doors” in Greek, Portes is a stylish spot with sea views and creative dishes like sea bream with lemon caper sauce. Excellent service and romantic setting.
📍 Portes Chania
🦀 10. Kormoranos Restaurant
Type: Beach taverna in Agia Marina | Price: €€
Relaxed seaside vibes with big portions and affordable prices. Try the fried whitebait and seafood pasta — perfect after a day on the beach.
📍 Kormoranos Agia Marina
🦈 Tips for Enjoying Seafood in Chania
- Ask for “today’s catch.” Fresh fish is priced by weight.
- Avoid photo-menu places on the main harbor strip — go one street behind instead.
- Try octopus or cuttlefish in vinegar — a Cretan classic served as a meze.
- House wine pairs well with almost everything and is cheap and local.
- Dinner time starts late (8 pm onward) — join the locals!
Chania Old Town Restaurants
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