Dining & Cafes in Malia
Intro
Malia isn’t just bars and beaches — it’s also about eating well (or recovering from the night before). From traditional taverns with grilled meats and homemade wine to international grills and sunset dinners by the sea, there’s always something that smells too good to skip.
Food here is casual, affordable, and designed for vacation happiness.
Greek Taverns
You’ll find them everywhere — white tables, local wine in tin jugs, sizzling souvlaki, and that unmistakable scent of grilled meat and oregano. Most are family-run and serve generous portions of meze, seafood, and slow-cooked lamb.
It’s loud, friendly, and exactly what a Cretan dinner should be: simple food made with love.
Beachfront Dining
For the most photogenic dinners, head straight to the seafront. Restaurants line the coast with candle-lit tables right above the waves. Order grilled fish, Greek salad, or pasta and watch the sunset turn the whole sea gold.
No dress code — flip-flops and sea salt in your hair are completely acceptable.
International & Grill Spots
Not every night needs to be Greek night. Malia has plenty of international restaurants — from steakhouses and Italian trattorias to burger joints and Tex-Mex diners. Perfect when you’ve had enough tzatziki for one week.
These places stay open late and often mix dinner service with cocktail hours, so they blend right into the nightlife vibe.
Cafes & Breakfast Places
When you finally wake up (no judgment), cafés and brunch spots all over town serve good coffee, smoothies, and giant breakfast plates. Whether you’re team “protein pancakes” or “just an iced coffee, please,” you’ll find it.
Most cafés double as chill evening lounges too — same comfy chairs, just with more cocktails.
After a good meal comes another adventure — or a nap on the sand.
