Chania Ela Restaurant

This restaurant is housed in a building that carries a long and important history. It was built in the middle ages by Jews, who were brought in by the Venetians when they occupied Crete. Since then, the building has been used as a soap-making unit, later as a school and more recently as a wine store. From 1976 to 1988, the three floors served as a coffee shop, bar and restaurant until it was destroyed by fire.

In 1991, after a complete renovation and comprehensive safety checks, Ela restaurant opened and since then, the place has become a well-known tavern serving traditional Cretan dishes in a lovely environment. The salad menu is extensive including haniotiki salad, a fine dish that combines mizithra cheese, fresh tomato and cucumber with potato and bread rusks. The appetizers are plenty and delicious. There are also unique seafood dishes which are accompanied by an interesting collection of wines from selected regions of Greece.

The bar is well-stocked with local drinks, like raki and ouzo. The dessert menu will surprise you with the local flavors which are definitely worth to try. The restaurant serves the best quality food and yet the prices remain reasonable. The tavern is located just two streets behind the harbor front.