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Rethymno › Rethymno › Alana Restaurant
Alana RestaurantA-Worth Trying
Salaminos 15, Rethymno 741 31, Greece
· Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1559 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
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.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
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.
Restaurant Summary
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.
At a Glance
- Lush garden courtyard and stylish decor create a memorable setting
- Modern Greek cooking with standout seafood and slow-cooked lamb
- Pace can feel rushed in peak season; occasional brusque interactions
- A few raw seafood safety complaints over time
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- lush_garden_courtyard
- modern_take_on_cretan_flavors
- robust_raw_and_seafood_section
What People Love
- Emotion of returning years later to the same flavors
- Courtyard ambiance with trees and soft lighting
- Knowledgeable wine suggestions
- Signature dishes like lamb shank and honey-glazed beef
Points of Concern
- Occasional reports of curt or confrontational service during busy nights; not the norm but memorable when it happens
- Isolated claims of food poisoning tied to octopus or raw fish; exercise caution with raw items
- Pacing can be too fast between courses in high season
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (polished marketing language, seasonal positivity clusters) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€42-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean into seafood and slow-cooked meats; pair with a Greek white or local sparkling; finish with lemon tart or panna cotta.
Perfect For
- Date night under the trees
- Vacation dinner with refined Greek flavors
- Seafood-focused meal with wine pairings
- Small celebrations in a pretty courtyard
Location Insights
Area: 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.
Nearby: Near Old Town sights, shops, and the harbor; dense cluster of tavernas, wine bars, and cafes.
Old TownThe Old Town of Rethymno is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, Venetian and Ottoman architecture, and a bustling atmosphere with cafes, tavernas, and boutique shops. Dining here often features traditional Cretan and Greek cuisine in a charming, historic setting popular with visitors and locals alike.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Sunday12:00–23:30
Monday12:00–23:30
Tuesday12:00–23:30
Wednesday12:00–23:30
Thursday12:00–23:30
Friday12:00–23:30
Saturday12:00–23:30
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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