Related guide: Best Taverns in Chania
Why Ordering in a Cretan Taverna Is Different
In Chania, a traditional taverna does not work like a modern restaurant. There is often no strict menu logic, no fixed portions, and no pressure to order everything at once. Locals treat ordering as a short conversation, not a transaction.
If you try to order like in a city restaurant, you may end up confused, over-ordering, or missing the best dishes of the day.
Step 1: Ask What Is Fresh Today
The most important phrase in a Cretan taverna is simple:
“What do you have fresh today?”
Many of the best dishes are not prepared daily or are cooked in limited quantities. This includes slow-cooked meats, oven dishes, and some seafood. Locals always ask first, even if there is a printed menu.
Step 2: Let the Owner Suggest 2–3 Dishes
A good taverna owner will usually suggest a small combination rather than pushing the full menu. This is normal and not a sales trick. It reflects what works well together and what is available at the moment.
If the suggestions sound unclear, you can simply ask how big the portions are and whether the dishes are meant for sharing.
Step 3: Order for the Table, Not per Person
Cretan tavernas are built around sharing. Locals rarely order one main dish per person. Instead, they order:
- 1–2 starters
- 1 salad
- 2–3 main dishes for the table
This approach gives variety, avoids waste, and matches portion sizes much better.
Step 4: Bread, Water, and Small Extras Are Normal
Bread, bottled water, and sometimes olives or small appetizers often arrive without being ordered. This is standard practice in Chania tavernas. They are usually listed on the bill at the end.
If you do not want bread or bottled water, it is acceptable to say so at the beginning.
Step 5: Do Not Rush Dessert or Raki
In many tavernas, dessert and raki are offered at the end of the meal as a gesture of hospitality. You do not need to order them unless you want something specific.
Locals see this as part of the experience, not as a commercial upsell.
Common Ordering Mistakes to Avoid
- Ordering one large dish per person immediately
- Ignoring daily specials
- Ordering too many starters “just in case”
- Assuming prices work like fixed restaurant menus
Ordering calmly, asking simple questions, and following local rhythm leads to a much better meal with less stress.
If you understand how ordering works, choosing a good taverna in Chania becomes much easier.
