Chrisostomos

Chrisostomos is a traditional Cretan restaurant at the corner of Defkalionos and Ikarou, just east of the Venetian harbour in Chania, on the Greek island of Crete. Away from the busiest harbour-front tables, it draws a mix of local diners and visitors who come for wood-oven Cretan cooking, and it is especially known for slow-cooked lamb. The cuisine is classic island fare rather than a modern interpretation, with an emphasis on meat cooked slowly in the oven until tender. Signature dishes include lamb tsigariasto, in which the meat is fried or braised in its own fat and finished with wine or lemon; Chaniotiko boureki, the baked layered dish of zucchini, potato and mizithra cheese that is a specialty of the Chania area; and a range of wood-oven meat dishes. These are hearty, shareable plates that suit groups, and the portions are generous. The dining room character is that of a traditional taverna: warm, informal and unhurried, with a casual dress code and a moderate noise level that rises when the room is full. Prices are mid-range, with a typical meal costing roughly EUR 20-30 per person, which represents good value compared with the waterfront strip a few minutes away. House wine, local red wines and tsikoudia are the natural accompaniments to the lamb. Reservations are advisable, especially for dinner and on weekends in summer; the restaurant can be reached on +30 2821 057035. Both lunch and dinner are served, but days of opening are best confirmed locally, since smaller family-run restaurants in Chania often adjust their schedule through the year. Visitors staying in the Old Town can reach the restaurant on foot in a few minutes, and the location east of the harbour makes it a convenient stop after a walk along the promenade or a visit to the Maritime Museum area.