Set in a lush courtyard garden in the heart of Rethymno's old town, Avli is one of the most awarded restaurants in Crete. The garden setting with fairy lights, bougainvillea, and stone walls creates a magical atmosphere. Chef-patron Maria Kokkini uses traditional Cretan recipes with sophisticated presentation. The cheese selection and dessert menu are exceptional. Attached to the Avli Lounge boutique hotel.
Avli Restaurant in Rethymno is one of the most recognised and awarded dining destinations in Crete, situated at Xanthoudidou 22 in the heart of Rethymno's labyrinthine old town. The restaurant is built around a lush, enclosed garden courtyard draped with bougainvillea, strung with fairy lights, and framed by Venetian stone walls — creating an atmosphere that has become one of the most photographed dining settings on the island. Chef-patron Maria Kokkini has been at the helm of Avli's kitchen for many years, developing a deeply personal approach to Cretan cuisine that honours traditional recipes while refining their presentation and combining them with the wider Mediterranean pantry. The menu places strong emphasis on Cretan dairy: the cheese selection is exceptional, featuring aged graviera, fresh anthotyros, and myzithra sourced from local cheesemakers. Wild herb and cheese stuffed lamb is among the restaurant's most emblematic main courses — a dish that distils the essence of Cretan mountain cooking into a refined format. The sfakianopita, a thin cream-filled pie from the Sfakia mountains, appears on the dessert menu in a polished version that remains true to its village origins. Raki-soaked pears with honey ice cream have become another signature sweet. The wine programme features an extensive Cretan list with selections from the Peza and Dafnes appellations in central Crete, alongside wines from Kissamos in the west — many of them small-producer bottlings not easily found elsewhere. Avli is open for dinner only, from 19:00 to 23:30, between April and October. The restaurant is attached to the boutique Avli Lounge accommodation, making it convenient for guests staying on-site, though the restaurant is independently popular with visitors and Rethymno locals. Reservations are strongly advised throughout the operating season; weekend tables fill quickly from late spring onwards. The courtyard seats fill first and are worth requesting specifically when booking. Average spend per person sits around €48 excluding wine, making Avli one of the higher-end options in Rethymno but one that consistently earns its reputation.
Good to know
- Reservations
- Highly recommended
Location
Xanthoudidou 22, Rethymno Old Town, Rethymno 74100
35.3671, 24.4740 View on map
Highlights
- Enchanting courtyard garden with bougainvillea and fairy lights — one of Crete's most atmospheric dining settings
- Chef-patron Maria Kokkini's personal approach to refined Cretan cuisine with exceptional local dairy
- Outstanding Cretan cheese selection featuring aged graviera, anthotyros, and myzithra
- Signature sfakianopita (Sfakian cream pie) and raki-soaked pear desserts
- Extensive Cretan wine list including small-producer bottlings from Peza, Dafnes, and Kissamos
Tips for visiting
- Request a courtyard table when booking — the garden setting is the main draw and fills first.
- The restaurant operates April to October only; confirm availability if visiting in early spring or late autumn.
- Arrive at opening time (19:00) for the best ambiance before the courtyard fills.
- The cheese platter makes an excellent starter or a light meal in itself — ask the server for the current selection.
- Cretan wine pairings can be discussed with staff when booking; they are knowledgeable about local producers.
Accessibility
The old-town location involves cobbled streets on approach. The courtyard garden is on ground level but reached through a narrow doorway; standard wheelchair access may be limited. Visitors with mobility requirements are advised to contact the restaurant in advance to discuss access.
Frequently asked questions
Is Avli open year-round?
No. Avli operates seasonally from April to October, dinner service only (19:00–23:30). It does not operate during winter months.
Is the restaurant connected to a hotel?
Yes. Avli Restaurant is attached to the Avli Lounge boutique accommodation in Rethymno old town, though the restaurant operates independently and is open to all guests, not just hotel residents.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes. The menu includes several vegetarian dishes and the cheese-focused starters and meze selections provide good options. Informing staff when booking helps ensure a well-composed meal.
How far in advance should tables be reserved?
Weekend tables from June through August should be booked two to three weeks ahead. Weeknight reservations in peak season can usually be secured a week in advance, though last-minute availability is rare.