Experience exceptional Cretan cuisine at this highly-rated (4.5/5) Iraklio restaurant. Savor delicious dishes, fine wines, and warm service. Book your table!
Nestled in the heart of Iraklio, this popular establishment offers a delightful culinary journey with a strong focus on local flavors. Diners consistently praise the quality of the dishes, highlighting standout options like perfectly grilled beef and exceptionally prepared fried chicken wings. The extensive wine cellar, featuring a notable selection of Cretan vintages, is a particular draw for those looking to explore regional tastes. With a welcoming atmosphere, attentive service that has been likened to Michelin-level hospitality, and the added charm of outdoor seating, it's no wonder this restaurant is a favorite. The $$-$$$ price point makes it an accessible yet special dining experience, perfect for groups seeking authentic Cretan food and a memorable evening.
Restaurant Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (lunch)
This restaurant primarily serves lunch. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
We ended up dining at this restaurant twice during our four-day trip simply because the food was just that good. The beef was excellent, the grilled vegetables were even better, and the fried chicken wings are an absolute must-try. They also have an impressive wine cellar with a wide selection. Since we’re from France, we especially appreciated the chance to explore some great local Cretan wines. The service was incredibly warm and attentive honestly, it felt like Michelin-level hospitality. I would gladly recommend this place to anyone visiting Crete. It was one of the true highlights of our trip. Perfect service, so welcoming, was very patient to our toddler. The 1st dishes were fresh with high quality ingredients but the real show was the Rib Eye steak which perfectly made and was so so delicious. We also had an amazing Creamschnitt cake Absolutely delicious experience at Kouzeineri Steak House – a meaty dream come true! We stopped by Kouzeineri Steak House around 5 PM – perfect timing, as the place wasn’t too crowded yet, and we could fully enjoy the vibe without the dinner rush. And oh, what a feast it was! We kicked things off with Buffalo chicken wings as a starter – and wow, they were spot-on: perfectly spiced, just the right level of heat, and served with a herby yogurt dip that we could honestly eat by the spoonful. A perfect start! For the mains, my husband went big with the ribeye steak – beautifully grilled, juicy, with grilled veggies and some baby potatoes that were so good we debated stealing them from each other. I had the half chicken – and let me tell you, it was a real half chicken, no bones, full flavor. Served with veggies and a bright chimichurri sauce that made each bite better than the last. We thought we were done... but of course, “for the house,” came a generous slice of cake. Super tasty, though after all that food, I could only manage a few bites – but it's the thought (and sugar) that counts! The service was warm and attentive, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed but classy – a great spot for meat lovers. Now, if I had to nitpick... the steak price was a bit of a surprise. It was listed as €42 for 350g, but the waiter only mentioned after we ordered that they only had 400g cuts. Not a dealbreaker, but that info would’ve been nice before the decision. Also – €7 for sparkling water? That bottle better have come from the Alps personally escorted by goats. Total bill: €114 (2 Paulaner beers, 1 gin & tonic, mains, starter, water, dessert “on the house”). All in all, an absolutely fantastic meal – one of the best we had in Heraklion. We’d go back in a heartbeat (maybe just bring our own water next time!).
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May 22, 2025
We ended up dining at this restaurant twice during our four-day trip simply because the food was just that good. The beef was excellent, the grilled vegetables were even better, and the fried chicken wings are an absolute must-try. They also have an impressive wine cellar with a wide selection. Since we’re from France, we especially appreciated the chance to explore some great local Cretan wines. The service was incredibly warm and attentive honestly, it felt like Michelin-level hospitality. I would gladly recommend this place to anyone visiting Crete. It was one of the true highlights of our trip.
October 3, 2025
Perfect service, so welcoming, was very patient to our toddler. The 1st dishes were fresh with high quality ingredients but the real show was the Rib Eye steak which perfectly made and was so so delicious. We also had an amazing Creamschnitt cake
May 25, 2025
Absolutely delicious experience at Kouzeineri Steak House – a meaty dream come true! We stopped by Kouzeineri Steak House around 5 PM – perfect timing, as the place wasn’t too crowded yet, and we could fully enjoy the vibe without the dinner rush. And oh, what a feast it was! We kicked things off with Buffalo chicken wings as a starter – and wow, they were spot-on: perfectly spiced, just the right level of heat, and served with a herby yogurt dip that we could honestly eat by the spoonful. A perfect start! For the mains, my husband went big with the ribeye steak – beautifully grilled, juicy, with grilled veggies and some baby potatoes that were so good we debated stealing them from each other. I had the half chicken – and let me tell you, it was a real half chicken, no bones, full flavor. Served with veggies and a bright chimichurri sauce that made each bite better than the last. We thought we were done... but of course, “for the house,” came a generous slice of cake. Super tasty, though after all that food, I could only manage a few bites – but it's the thought (and sugar) that counts! The service was warm and attentive, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed but classy – a great spot for meat lovers. Now, if I had to nitpick... the steak price was a bit of a surprise. It was listed as €42 for 350g, but the waiter only mentioned after we ordered that they only had 400g cuts. Not a dealbreaker, but that info would’ve been nice before the decision. Also – €7 for sparkling water? That bottle better have come from the Alps personally escorted by goats. Total bill: €114 (2 Paulaner beers, 1 gin & tonic, mains, starter, water, dessert “on the house”). All in all, an absolutely fantastic meal – one of the best we had in Heraklion. We’d go back in a heartbeat (maybe just bring our own water next time!).
May 24, 2025
The food was spectacular! Perfectly cooked steaks that were larger than expected. The Cretan salad and chicken bites were amazing too, almost a full meal with just them. Kosta our server was excellent and tended to our every need, with some helpful banter on the city and Greek life in general. The atmosphere was great and not as noisy as other spots in the city. Definitely a higher class of restaurant in the city.
September 5, 2025
Perfectly cooked steak, super friendly team, and every single side dish was just as impressive. Great atmosphere and overall a fantastic dining experience – highly recommended!
Features and amenities that make KOUZEINERI special
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
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