To Antikristo
Experience traditional Cretan hospitality and savor authentic Antikristo slow-cooked meats, prepared with locally sourced ingredients in a cozy, welco...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
To Antikristo
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience traditional Cretan hospitality and savor authentic Antikristo slow-cooked meats, prepared with locally sourced ingredients in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Reserve in Advance
Booking is essential as dishes are prepared fresh based on expected guest numbers. Don't miss out!
Savor the Slow-Cooked Meats
Try the signature Antikristo lamb or pork neck with orange for an authentic and melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cretan, Greek, Mediterranean
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Antikristo Lamb
Slow-roasted lamb cooked over an open fire using the traditional Antikristo method, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat with crispy skin.
Farm-to-Table Cretan Cuisine
Experience traditional Cretan hospitality with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, many grown by the restaurant itself.
Cozy Atmosphere & Warm Hospitality
Enjoy a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, complemented by the owner's genuine passion for food and traditional Cretan hospitality.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve in Advance
Booking is essential as dishes are prepared fresh based on expected guest numbers. Don't miss out!
Savor the Slow-Cooked Meats
Try the signature Antikristo lamb or pork neck with orange for an authentic and melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Don't Skip the Sides
Explore fresh, flavorful salads and other traditional Cretan dishes that are made with homegrown ingredients.
Ask About Off-Menu Specials
The owner may recommend unique dishes like fried liver with vegetables, not always on the menu but exceptionally tasty.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve in Advance
Booking is essential as dishes are prepared fresh based on expected guest numbers. Don't miss out!
Savor the Slow-Cooked Meats
Try the signature Antikristo lamb or pork neck with orange for an authentic and melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Don't Skip the Sides
Explore fresh, flavorful salads and other traditional Cretan dishes that are made with homegrown ingredients.
Ask About Off-Menu Specials
The owner may recommend unique dishes like fried liver with vegetables, not always on the menu but exceptionally tasty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
To Antikristo is widely praised as an exceptional, authentic Cretan dining experience, particularly lauded for its traditional slow-cooked meats like the signature Antikristo lamb and pork belly. Diners rave about the high quality of locally sourced ingredients, the warm hospitality from the owner, and the cozy atmosphere. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some suggest booking in advance due to the restaurant's popularity and limited capacity.
"Our first dinner was so amazing that we decided to go for a second night. We were able to sample even more delicious and flavorful Cretan dishes. The pork in orange sauce was melting in the mouth and the lamb pie was full of aroma.
We also enjoyed the smell of the herbs surrounding the patio due to the non-smoking rule.
Overall a hidden culinary gem, out of the beaten path."
Bogdan I. Georgescu
"We have visited Crete several times, and each time To Antikristo is a must. It is definitely one of Crete's most authentic restaurants. Zoran and his family take their cooking very seriously. If there is authenticity in food, you will find it at To Antikristo. The ingredients are either grown by the restaurant itself or sourced from nearby villages. The grilled lamb is amazing, as are all the sausages, vegetables and side dishes. The menu is well balanced and reflects the time and dedication that the restaurant puts into its culinary mission. Booking a table is a must, as everything is prepared according to the number of guests expected. Don't miss this gem."
Lars S
"What a wonderful restaurant. The service from Zohran was gracious and welcoming. He is very knowledgeable about many subjects, not just food. The young lady working there was also very kind. Best meal we have had in Chania. Well worth a short drive to visit."
emily dickson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Antikristo is a traditional Cretan method of slow-cooking meat, such as lamb or goat, on long skewers placed opposite an open fire, allowing it to cook in its own fats for enhanced flavor.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, as the dishes, especially the meats, are prepared specifically based on expected guest numbers.
The signature Antikristo lamb is a highlight. Other popular choices include pork neck with orange, traditional sausages, and the fresh Cretan salads made with local ingredients.
Absolutely. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, with many items grown by the restaurant itself or from nearby villages.
The restaurant offers a cozy, clean, and comfortable atmosphere with a focus on traditional Cretan hospitality. Smoking is not allowed, making it pleasant for all diners.
Yes, guests often mention receiving complimentary treats such as raki and homemade cookies or desserts at the end of their meal.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Chania Crete | Best Places to Travel
Some recommended Chania restaurants are: The Chop Street Food, Patrelantonis, Antama, To Antikristo, Oinoa Wine Chania Restaurant, Colombo Kitchen & Bar, Theodosi Chania Restaurant, Talos Chania Restaurant, The Five Restaurant, Pulse Vegan Chania, and To Mikio Taverna. For sure, there are more places to discover with international or alternative options. Still, the suggestions above are a good starting point to Chania Crete cuisine's complete and authentic gastronomic experience.
Traditional Food to Try in Crete
Antikristo, which means ‘opposite each other’ in Greek, means that the meat has been cooked not over an open fire, but very near it. The pieces of meat were put through long skewers which were then installed in the periphery of an open fire (opposite of one another) and allowed to slowly cook by the heat but without the fire ever touching them. This makes the flavors very enhanced since the meat is allowed to cook in its own fats without being rushed.
Chania, Crete: Guide to a family friendly vacation!
To Antikristo: A family-friendly restaurant in Chania, known for its commitment to using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients from Western Crete and the Sfakia region. Specializing in Cretan, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine, To Antikristo also offers a creative twist with its unique recipes. Their focus on essence, health, and simplicity ensures a delightful dining experience for all.
What to Eat in Crete, Greece
Antikristo is a ritual, a communal experience that brings people together. What’s more, it’s a traditional Cretan food, even mentioned in Homer’s Iliad as ofto. Its current name actually comes from the method the lamb is grilled ( antikrista = across from each other), since its signature trait is a wire multi-tiered circle around a fire where cuts of lamb are draped over.
46 Best Things To Do in Chania, Crete (Greece)
Situated a short drive from the center of Chania, To Antikristo is fabulous in every way!. Known for their meat dishes that are slow cooked around an open fire, To Antikristo dishes out exceptional local cuisine. The goat and lamb are stars of the menu, but don’t miss out on the grilled vegetables that are simply perfection!
15 Charming Chania Restaurants To Experience Cretan Cuisine
Meeting Zoran, owner of To Antikristo was one of our most heartfelt experiences while exploring Chania restaurants. Antikristo is a traditional Cretan technique for cooking lamb, goat, and other meats. This type of cooking style, which means “across the fire” has been practiced since antiquity in Crete.
12 Best Things To Do
Tzitzikas, under the plane trees and next to the cool waters of Armeni Apokoronas(14 km from Chania) you can enjoy traditional Cretan dishes as well as a coffee or a local sweet pie.
19 Unique Dishes that prove Crete is Greece’s Most Gourmet Island
Try it at To Antikristo: a 10-minute drive out of town, this is one of few spots to try meat cooked traditional Antikristo-style (see antikristo below).
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit