Crete

In a restored sea captain's mansion, stone walls and arches provide the backdrop to some of the best food in Crete: traditional cuisine brought to life with modern techniques and presentation. — Fodor's

This stone, barrel-vaulted dining room and a multitiered garden are part of the gorgeous Avli hotel and are attractive settings for creative interpretations of Cretan cuisine. — Fodor's

This seafront institution, always busy and lively with a local crowd, is one of the most popular spots in town for fresh fish. — Fodor's

The promise of a meal in this cozy, family-run establishment is alone worth the trip up to the plateau. — Fodor's

An enchanting garden and the high-ceilinged parlors of an elegant neoclassic mansion are the setting for what many locals consider to be the best seafood tavern in Ayios Nikolaos. — Fodor's

This excellent, convivial taverna in a converted Turkish bathhouse fills with chatting locals at tables spilling out onto the street. — Lonely Planet

Commanding Olympian views of Voulismeni Lake, this tasteful eyrie sports candelabra, exposed stone walls, linen tablecloths and the soothing sounds of live piano on summer evenings. — Lonely Planet

Eggplant simmered with walnuts, fennel pies, and onion fritters are great preludes to such main courses as oven-baked lamb and a memorable moussaka. — Fodor's

This romantic taverna specialises in richly textured dishes inspired by North Africa, the Middle East and Turkey, yet all prepared with the finest Cretan ingredients. — Lonely Planet

On the beachfront west of the fortress, this stylish contender does top-notch seafood and grilled meats in a nicely subdued nautical setting near an old Venetian water pump. — Lonely Planet