MeRaki Taverna, 2 Ioanni Kapodistria, Agia Marina
Agia Marina is a busy little strip of real estate found just west of Chania town and is very popular with visitors from all over the World. MeRaki is a hidden gem of a place because it is just off the beaten track and enjoys a wonderful elevation over the town that gives it some of the best views of the area. Sunsets are just stunning from the terrace and only serve to heighten the enjoyment of the great food they serve.
Take a walk up the hill from the main road in Agia Marina and seek out MeRaki purely because they offer some of the most authentic Greek and Cretan food you will find in the beachfront town. Away from the bars and restaurants that line the main drag through the town, MeRaki is found on an elevated road that has wonderful views over the Bay of Chania which during the evening showcases the wonderful Greek sunset over the Rodopous peninsular. But it's not just the views that wow the visitor to MeRaki; the food is amazing too.
On a personal note the Bekri Meze and the Kontosouvli are some of the best dishes I have ever tasted and these two plates alone are what I use as a comparison for all others. The Bekri Meze offers you succulent pieces of pork in a wine sauce and the meat just melts in your mouth, I wish I could find the words to describe the pleasure I have when enjoying this dish...it really is the best on Crete I have tasted! The Kontosouvli is a wonderful spit grilled pork dish that retains all of the flavour of the pork and combines it with subtle herbs to really bring out the best of the taste of the meat. Moist, succulent and full of flavour you really have to try it when it is available as a dish of the day.
The two waiters, Giorgos and Apostoli are great guys, they really know how to look after their customers and it doesn't matter if it is your first time or fiftieth time at MeRaki, you are treated the same. Both the guys and the rest of the team at MeRaki are justifiably proud of their restaurant and the dishes they produce and it really shows in the food and the ambiance of the place. It is a restaurant we love because we have yet to find a dish that does not excell or delight with both flavour and style.
Small groups or large parties are all as equally welcome, the size of your table does not faze the staff at all and you will be assured of great service no matter if you are on your own or in a party of twenty to celebrate a special occasion.
I can offer no advice but to seek out MeRaki and try it for yourselves...it truly is one of the best restaurants, if not THE best restaurant of Western Crete.
Open from lunchtime through to late and offers great value meals for all the family. You may be lucky and experience a live music event which takes place on a weekly basis during the summer, you may also be lucky and experience the hosts perform a traditional Cretan mantinades with friends... an unforgettable treat!
Find out more information and how to book on their Facebook page here - Meraki Restaurant, Agia Marina
