Stylish Old Town spot delivering refined takes on Cretan and Mediterranean dishes with warm garden seating; excellent overall but occasional service lapses and a few food safety complaints require caution.
Alana Restaurant delivers strong food quality anchored by confident seafood preparation and refined plating, elevated by an exceptional garden courtyard setting that justifies its reputation as a Rethymno destination. However, occasional execution lapses during peak season and isolated raw seafood safety reports prevent grade A standing. The combination of reliable service, creative Mediterranean cooking, and romantic ambiance makes it competitive with the area's better dining establishments.
Set in Rethymno’s Old Town, Alana unfolds in a leafy courtyard that feels romantic and serene. Service is often warm and polished with thoughtful wine tips, and the setting draws both travelers and loyal returners. One guest put it simply: "Dinner under the trees felt like a summer movie." However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. The kitchen leans contemporary Mediterranean with Cretan roots—think shrimp tempura with cuttlefish ink and saffron aioli, beef fillet glazed with honey, and a small raw selection. It is creative without theatrics, focusing on fresh seafood and refined plating more than heavy sauces. Most diners find the cooking confident and satisfying, though peak-season pace can show in a rushed course or a misfired steak. Families do fine here thanks to familiar comfort options like burgers, pastas, fries, and simple salads, plus desserts and ice cream. More adventurous plates (ceviche, tartare, snails) may not suit picky eaters, but the menu has enough straightforward choices to keep kids happy.
Area vibe: Charming pedestrian Old Town with Venetian-era lanes, boutiques, and tourist footfall; romantic garden courtyards.
Safety: Generally safe, busy in season with good lighting and steady foot traffic; petty-tourist hassles possible.
What's nearby: Near Old Town sights, shops, and the harbor; dense cluster of tavernas, wine bars, and cafes.
Go for the shrimp tempura, beef fillet with honey, and seabass ceviche, then finish with a €6–8 dessert.
A romantic, leafy courtyard setting with stylish decor that gets lively and a bit brisk in peak season.