To Maridaki

To Maridaki is a small seafood taverna at Daskalogianni 33 in the Splantzia quarter of Chania's Old Town, on the Greek island of Crete. It is known for serving small plates of fried and grilled fish at low prices, in the style of a traditional Greek maridaki shop, where maridaki refers to the small fried whitebait-style fish eaten whole. The cuisine is simple seafood meze, designed for sharing and for casual eating rather than long formal meals. Signature dishes include fried whitebait, fried anchovies and the fish of the day, with plates generally priced under EUR 12 each. Portions are small, so most diners order several plates and eat them with bread, lemon and a glass of wine or raki. The fish is fried until crisp so that it can be eaten bones and all, which is a typical Greek approach to small fish. The dining room character is informal and busy, with a casual dress code, a moderate to high noise level at peak times and tables set along the lane in the Splantzia area. The taverna does not take reservations and operates on a walk-in basis, so timing is the main strategy: visitors who want lunch should arrive before 13:30, when the kitchen is at its freshest and the queue is shortest. Dinner is also served, though the most popular tables go first in summer. Because prices are low, the restaurant is a useful budget option in a city where harbour-front meals cost considerably more. House wine, beer and tsikoudia are the usual drinks. The address in Splantzia places the venue close to Splantzia square, the Old Town's relaxed gathering spot, and within walking distance of the Venetian harbour and cathedral area.