Pallas

Pallas is a harbour-front taverna at Akti Tompazi 15-17 on the Venetian harbour in Chania, on the Greek island of Crete. Akti Tompazi is one of the main waterfront strips, lined with restaurants and cafes that look across the water to the lighthouse, and Pallas is part of this stretch. The cuisine is Greek and seafood, with a menu of familiar taverna dishes rather than experimental cooking. Signature dishes include Greek classics such as moussaka, souvlaki, salads and stuffed vegetables, and grilled fish, which is the main seafood attraction. The style is straightforward and aimed at visitors who want a recognisable Greek meal beside the harbour. The dining room character is bustling and casual, with outdoor tables facing the water, a casual dress code and a noise level that rises in the evening as the promenade fills. The setting is the principal draw, particularly around sunset when the lighthouse and old Venetian buildings catch the light. Prices are mid-range, although exact figures are not confirmed, and harbour-front restaurants generally charge more than backstreet tavernas for similar dishes. House wine, beer and tsikoudia are the usual drinks, and Cretan wines may also be available. The restaurant accepts walk-ins, but reservations are advisable for harbour-side tables in summer, when the best seats are taken early. Visitors who care about a specific view should arrange a table in advance. Lunch and dinner are served, but hours should be confirmed locally as they change by season. Because of its central position, the taverna is a short walk from the Maritime Museum, the Küçük Hasan Pasha mosque and the lanes of the Old Town, which makes it a convenient place to stop during a day of sightseeing around the Venetian harbour.