Not every culinary experience in Greece is about tzatziki and tavernas. Fine dining has a place too, and it’s one of a kind. While wandering the tiny alleys of Chania’s Old Town you are bound to find many hidden gems, and Serenissima Restaurant is one of them. Surrounded by the austere Venetian walls of the dining room space, at Serenissima’s table, you will discover one of the best restaurants in Chania, if not the best.
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Serenissima: Top Place to Eat in Chania Old Town
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Serenissima Restaurant in Chania’s Old Town
The elegant atmosphere of the restaurant perfectly matches the culinary proposals of the ever-changing menu. The set is a unique Venetian building, the 6th oldest in Chania’s Old Town, which dates back to approximately 1550.
In this environment, Serenissima proposes a cutting-edge menu made of fresh Cretan ingredients and a touch of French expertise.
The Restaurant
A dedicated kitchen staff, led by the young Cretan chef Iosif Petrof who creates exciting and sophisticated dining experiences.
It’s been two years since my first dinner at Serenissima Restaurant and I can’t wait to meet Chef Petrof again.
Every explosive flavor I tasted during that evening is still fresh in my memory. And each of the unexpected ingredients.
Tête-à-tête: Chef Iosif Petrof
He receives me with the cordiality and simplicity you would expect from an old-time friend, and not from a creative genius. Or maybe yes.
Maybe it’s in the simplest things in life where magic can be found. And this man knows how to work wonders
Chef Iosif Petrof’s background includes three years of culinary arts studies at the Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France, and over 10 years working in some of the most important kitchens of France and London.
He came back to his island about five years ago. In Chania, he teaches a young generation of future local chefs but also enjoys creating a plethora of surprising dishes.
“First of all, we cook for us”, he says, “because what we don’t want is to get bored”. Behind this statement rests a menu that changes completely every 20 days.
When it comes to the Cretan culinary traditions, Iosif cannot help comparing it to French cuisine: “The way of life in Crete is simple. Likewise, to a simple way of life corresponds more simple food.”
However, above all, one could describe his cuisine as anything but simple.
Chef Petrof manages to combine plain local products. And he turns them into spectacular works of art, not only from the visual viewpoint.
Inside Serenissima’s Kitchen
Chef Petrof works with an even younger team of fewer than 10 people – six of them in the kitchen. Every day, they bring Chania‘s proposal for restaurants to a whole new level.
At the restaurant, it is possible to dine à la carte. On the other hand, it is also possible to choose one of the creative menus: Terre, Mer, and Vegan (earth, sea, and vegan).
The menu includes a selection of local and international cheese as well. The wine list has been handpicked by their certified sommelier to partner with every dish, and it includes some of the best local Cretan wines as well as Greek and international labels.
Their sommelier will guide you to choose the perfect wine to combine with your dinner.
And you? Have you ever been to Chania? And if so, have you tried the Serenissima Restaurant experience? Let me know in the comments below! Also, you can click here to book a table at the stunning Serenissima restaurant in Chania.
Are you into cooking? Check out the best Greek cookbooks.
Read more about Crete
- Amazing things to do in Heraklion
- Top things to do in Matala
- Top tours, day trips, and excursions from Heraklion
- Comfortable Airbnbs in Heraklio
- What to do in Heraklion in 1, 2, or 3 days
More resources to enhance your Crete adventure
Start by checking out my ultimate guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets for an unforgettable experience.
When it’s time to plan, explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, and be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches. If you are exploring specific areas like Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lasithi, and Chania, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.
Suggested accommodation in Crete
No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:
- Heraklion: So Young Hostel ($), Capsis Astoria ($$), Galaxy Hotel ($$$).
- Chania: Cocoon City Hostel ($), Porto Antico ($$), Hotel OFF ($$$).
- Rethymnon: Matthias Hotel ($), Archipelagos Hotel ($$), Avli ($$$).
- Agios Nikolaos: Villa Galini ($), Hotel Port 7 ($$), Minos Beach Art Hotel ($$$).
More useful travel resources
- Check out all the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
- Find convenient ferry tickets with Ferryhopper.
- Welcome Pickups offers a convenient pre-paid airport transfer service, while Discover Cars is my favorite engine for finding a rental car on the island.
- To book adventures, tours, and cultural experiences, I recommend Get Your Guide for its flexible cancellation policy.
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