Modern Cretan cooking with creative meze in a charming Old Town setting; great flavors and atmosphere, but service can be inconsistent and prices feel high to some.
1600 Raki Ba Raki delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by standout dishes like octopus with fava and braised lamb, paired with charming Old Town ambiance that captures Rethymno's character. However, inconsistent execution on seafood and pasta, combined with variable service attentiveness during peak hours, prevents the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. A reliable neighborhood favorite with creative Cretan cooking, though not yet a regional benchmark.
Set in Rethymno’s stone-lined alleys, the room feels warm and bustling with tables spilling onto the lane and a cozy courtyard inside. Service is often warm and welcoming, though a few guests felt rushed during peak hours. One diner noted, "The setting is beautiful and the team made us feel looked after," capturing the Old Town charm many mention. The cooking leans modern Cretan: meze to share, grilled seafood, and slow-cooked lamb, delivered with contemporary touches like sea bream carpaccio and inventive pies. Highlights repeat across reviews—tender octopus with fava, richly braised lamb, and surprisingly addictive fried mushrooms—while a minority found some pasta heavy or seafood uneven, a reminder this is creative rather than basic taverna fare. Families will find approachable choices like fried potatoes, simple salads, handmade pastas, and grilled fish or meats. There is no explicit kids menu, and peak-hour pacing can test patience, but the food itself is kid-accessible. If little ones prefer classics, stick to potatoes, pasta, and grilled options; adventurous dishes may suit older kids best.
Area vibe: Historic alleys with lively foot traffic, mix of locals and visitors, atmospheric stone buildings and boutiques.
Safety: Generally safe, busy pedestrian area; occasional street vendor interruptions reported.
What's nearby: Adjacent to sister venue Avli; dense cluster of tavernas, wine bars, and shops in Old Town lanes.
Standouts include grilled octopus with fava, Tsigariasto lamb and the fried mushrooms, plus sea bream and several homemade pastas.
Casual dress, tight Old Town parking, courtyard or streetside tables, and it gets lively and sometimes noisy after 9pm.
A warm, bustling Old Town taverna with stone walls, a cozy courtyard and streetside tables for people-watching.