Cretan cuisine
A Foodies’ Paradise
"Cretan cuisine is amongst the healthiest cuisines in the world"
It is more than widely known, and acknowledged, that Cretan cuisine is amongst the healthiest cuisines in the world, but did you know that its recipes are also amazingly delicious?
Crete is famous around the world for its amazing climate, its hospitable people, its heavenly beaches and its local produce. Cretan olive oil and olives, honey, tomatoes, grapes, fruit and vegetables in general and of course wine, along with two similar types of local distillates called raki and tsikoudia ( the Cretan “fire water”), are considered top in the world and constitute the base of the famous Cretan Diet, which is believed to have numerous health benefits and has been related to longevity. Apart from the above, local cheese, meat and charcuterie are simply amazing and can literally expand the “taste horizons” even of the most sophisticated foodie. That said, one can easily understand that the island of Crete will surely not disappoint you taste-wise; from the small seaside tavernas of the picturesque villages to the renowned fine dining restaurants in the island’s luxury resorts, food here is a serious issue. That is exactly why, our dedicated chef and his team has made sure that, while staying with us, you will have the chance to sample Cretan cuisine at its very best.
Using local homegrown produce, coming from our own private garden, sourcing ingredients only from the best producers on the island and exploiting traditional recipes and culinary techniques, our chef has created a wide number of options for you and your loved ones, expanding from the creative and sophisticated dishes for discerning palates at our fine dining Daphne a la carte Restaurant to the delicious local and Mediterranean dishes of our all-day Argo Restaurant, and of course let’s not leave out our in Villa/Suite private dining options and the delightful lunch choices at the EGVPrivate Beach Club.
Daphne Restaurant, the dining “crown jewel” of our resort, offers a breath-taking view of the magical Gulf of Mirabello and displays an inspired a la carte dinner menu, featuring eye-catching dishes of international fine-dining standards, prepared with love and only the best of ingredients from our gardens and carefully selected local produce. Using contemporary techniques and encompassing the most significant food trends from around the world, along with centuries-old Cretan culinary traditions, our chef and his creations will meet the demands of the most cosmopolitan travellers. The extensive wine list will complete this sublime gastronomic experience.
Argo Restaurant, the elegant all-day dining venue of our resort, will deliciously satisfy your any gustatory need. From the lavish buffet breakfast, offering a wide selection of local homemade recipes and international breakfast delights, to the mouth-watering options on the a la carte lunch and dinner menus, here you will sample the whole of the Cretan culinary heritage at its very best, cooked with fresh products from our own premises and nearby producers. Dishes especially designed for our young foodies and guests on specific diets and culinary lifestyles are of course available. The Private Beach Club constitutes an amazing by the sea alternative for lunch, if you would prefer not to be taken away from our heavenly beach.
At Elounda Gulf Villas we treasure your privacy and we offer you the option to never leave the cosiness of your Villa or Suite. Our experienced culinary team will prepare you a superb breakfast in bed, an amazing by-the-pool family lunch, a fun BBQ experience or a top-notch gourmet romantic dinner for two, depending on your needs and preferences. And, if you loved our cooking so much, that you would like to be able to prepare some local recipes at home, then our Private Cooking Lessons at the fully equipped kitchen of your Villa can be easily arranged.
Now, if you feel like wandering away just for a few hours and dine literally as a local, our concierge team will be more than happy to assist you in order to choose the best possible spot in the surrounding area. From enjoying fresh fish and seafood with your toes almost touching the sea and a cloudy glass of ouzo or raki in your hand, to sampling delicious local meat in the mountainous villages of Crete or experiencing the authentic Greek meze ritual with the small island of Spinalonga serving as the perfect background, it is certain that we will be able to help you make the perfect dining choice.
