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Taverna Knossos

4.6 1,059 reviews 12:30 PM - 11:00 PM Nearchou 40, Rethymno 741 00, Greece

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Taverna Knossos, located on Nearchou Street in the picturesque old Venetian port of Rethymno, is a delightful Greek restaurant that has earned rave reviews from patrons. The warmth of the family-run establishment shines through with each interaction, making guests feel right at home. Diners, like Jan Konings and Ryno DU TOIT, praised the friendly service and traditional dishes that embody the spirit of Greek cuisine.

The menu features delightful seafood options, including shrimp linguine and shrimp saganaki, which have captivated many visitors. While some, like Karen Stanton, relished the perfect execution of the shrimp, others, such as Adam Zawielak, found room for improvement in certain dishes. Nevertheless, the charm and authenticity of Taverna Knossos remain undeniable, as highlighted by the inviting atmosphere and glowing reviews.

Despite a few minor hiccups, like how one table was overlooked for complimentary ouzo, the overall experience is consistently recommended. With its excellent location and commitment to fresh, traditional flavors, Taverna Knossos is an essential culinary stop for anyone exploring the allure of Rethymno.

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Onsite services
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Dining options

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Taverna Knossos before visiting.

Reviews for Taverna Knossos

4.6
1,059 reviews
5
100%
4
9%
3
6%
2
3%
1
5%

Review highlights

Based on 1,059 reviews

Reviews of Taverna Knossos highlight its authentic Greek atmosphere, warm hospitality, and traditional cuisine. Diners frequently praise the freshness and flavor of seafood dishes, particularly shrimp saganaki and fish specials, as well as the friendly, family-run environment. The owner’s attentiveness and genuine warmth contribute significantly to the overall positive dining experience. Some patrons note minor inconsistencies in complimentary offerings, but these do not overshadow the restaurant’s strengths. Occasional comments mention variations in flavor balance on specific dishes, reflecting individual taste differences. Overall, Taverna Knossos is regarded as a charming spot for those seeking classic Greek flavors paired with personable service in Rethymno.

Jan Konings
Sep 28, 2025

We had a great time at this Tavern. We went there twice and the family is very friendly. We had shrimp linguine and the fish of the day. Both super tasty. Thank you Maria.

Davide F
Sep 28, 2025

We had an amazing night at this taverna: the food and wine were excellent, the staff were friendly and always smiling, the owner was a lovely lady, and the atmosphere was authentically Greek! We had fresh fish and some meze — everything was perfect. The only downside was that everyone else seemed to receive a complimentary taste of ouzo and a sweet, but we didn't. Considering the relatively high (but absolutely fair) bill, we ended up not leaving the generous tip we had planned — just bad luck. Still, highly recommended — one of the best places in town!

Ryno DU TOIT
Sep 24, 2025

We wandered past this quaint little restaurant which is owned an run by generations of woman in a family. The food was absolutely delicious, fresh and traditional greek. The service and friendlliness of the owner was exceptional:-) Can definitely recommend this restaurant for anyone that loves traditional greek cuisine :-)

Karen stanton
Sep 19, 2025

I walked past but decided I would come back and try as I liked the authentic look amongst the many offerings at the harbour, the right decision! Oh my, Maria is just a delight and the shrimps saganaki were perfect I will be back here before I leave as I need to try more things on the menu

Adam Zawielak
Sep 13, 2025

We came here tempted by an enthusiastic review on a website; the author also publishes culinary books. Perhaps that's why there are so many reviews here from my fellow countrymen. The recommended dish was the saganaki mussels. I know they're a common item on Greek menus. But for me, the flavor of the feta cheese, which I otherwise love, dominated the flavor of the mussels. Maybe it was just a coincidence this time, or maybe it's meant to be. I've had significantly better versions of mussels. The second dish I tried was linguine with seafood. The pasta was too soft, probably not made with durum wheat flour. The seafood was used sparingly. The sauce was made with passata, and lacked a nuanced flavor. In Greece, you can probably use fresh tomatoes and spices. There was fresh basil, but it didn't add anything. The location is excellent in the old Venetian port, but it's a bit crowded.

Julie Rideout
Aug 10, 2025

A superb taverna in a beautiful setting. The food, service and location are all beyond expectation. Thank you Maria and team. A seafood restaurant run by the third generation of wonderful women. We were initially a party of 4 then later joined by another 4. Nothing was too much, we were welcomed by the owner and embraced as friends. We had calamari, octopus and bread and dips, all were excellent. Avoid all the large flashy places and look for the blue balcony and tables and chairs.

Robert White
Jun 28, 2025

A family run taverna that was one of the first in this area and is still entirely run by younger generations of the same original family. It is on the Venetian harbour which is beautiful. The food was simply amazing - the seafood tagliatelle was especially mindblowingly superb. Every mouthful was heavenly from the first to the last

Michael Johansson
Jun 15, 2025

Taverna Knossos in the old venetian harbour in Rethymno Crete I can recommend. The restaurant is small but the food (fish) is very good and tasty. Booking is strongly recommended for getting a table here.

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Quick info

Address
Nearchou 40, Rethymno 741 00, Greece
Category
Greek restaurants

Opening hours

  • Monday (Today) 12:30 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday 12:30 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday 12:30 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Thursday 12:30 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Friday 12:30 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday 12:30 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday 12:30 PM - 11:00 PM

Location

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