FARM-TO-TABLE
A True Slow Food Experience
Organic & Traditional Cretan food
A True Slow Food Experience
Ntounias is not just a tavern – it is a true Cretan farm-to-table experience. Here, pesticide-free, organic vegetables and ethically raised livestock thrive in harmony with nature. It’s a place to taste slow food, embrace the natural Cretan way of life and connect with the earthy, soulful essence of Crete.
Cooking with Tradition: No Electricity, Just Wood Stoves
Owned and operated by Stelios Trilirakis and his family, this traditional Cretan tavern embraces the purest form of Mediterranean cuisine.
Authentic Cretan Food at Ntounias Tavern
If you’re planning to visit Crete and want to experience the true essence of Cretan gastronomy, look no further than Ntounias Tavern. Nestled in the mountainous village of Drakona, just 18km from Chania, this hidden gem offers a culinary journey like no other.
At an altitude of 500 meters, surrounded by lush landscapes, this is where you will taste authentic Cretan food made with love and care.
What makes Ntounias truly unique is its commitment to traditional cooking methods. Unlike most modern kitchens, you won’t find any electrical appliances.
Stelios has dedicated himself to cooking real, healthy food without shortcuts or modern conveniences.
Every dish is cooked over wood-burning stoves, just as it has been for generations. This slow cooking method allows the flavours to develop deeply, creating an unparalleled taste experience.
Their dedication to sustainable practices and authentic flavors has been recognized and awarded by international gastronomic organizations, celebrating their commitment to preserving tradition and the rich cultural heritage of Crete.
Farm-to-Table Philosophy
Stelios has taken his passion for authentic food a step further by growing his own farm. All vegetables are cultivated without pesticides, growing organically under the Cretan sky.
The tavern serves meat from free-range local breed cows, along with eggs, dairy, and honey straight from the farm. Everything on the menu is seasonal, ensuring that you eat only the freshest, most flavorful ingredients.
A Hub for Agritourism and Education
Beyond being a tavern, Ntounias serves as an educational farm, offering agritourism experiences for those who wish to immerse themselves in rural Cretan life. Visitors can learn about organic farming, traditional cooking techniques, and the importance of sustainable gastronomy.
Hiking around Ntounias farm in Crete
Why You Should Visit Ntounias Tavern
SLOW FOOD
Experience slow food at its finest – no processed ingredients, just pure, traditional flavors.
SUSTAINABLE & ETHICAL
Support sustainable and ethical farming practices in the heart of Crete. Taste real, organic Cretan food, directly from the farm to your plate.
Taste Crete as a local
Immerse yourself in the local culture and learn the art of Cretan cooking. Disconnect from modern distractions and enjoy an authentic rural dining experience.
The Story of Ntounias
The story of Ntounias began in 2004, when Stelios decided to leave behind his job as a chef in Chania to return to his roots. He took over his parents’ tavern and transformed it into a sanctuary of Cretan gastronomy. Today, Stelios and his family work together to preserve the island’s culinary traditions, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere to guests from all over the world. The name “Ntounias” means “people,” and true to its name, it has become a place where visitors gather to share, taste, and celebrate living.
How to Get to Crete and Chania and reach
To visit Ntounias Tavern, you first need to reach Crete, the largest island in Greece. Here’s how you can get there:
By Air: Crete has two main international airports. Chania International Airport (CHQ) and Heraklion International Airport (HER). Direct flights operate from major European cities, or you can take a domestic flight from Athens.
By Ferry: If you prefer a scenic route, ferries connect Athens (Piraeus Port) to Crete, arriving in either Chania (Souda Port) or Heraklion.
Getting to Chania: Once you arrive in Crete, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Chania.
Reaching Ntounias Tavern: From Chania, rent a car or take a taxi to Drakona village, about 18km away. The drive offers breathtaking views of Crete’s mountainous landscapes.
Make sure you make a reservation first!
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