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Stella's Kitchen

Name: Stella's Kitchen
Address: Souliou 55, Rethymno 741 31, Greece, Rethymno, Greece
Rating: 4.9

Souliou 55, Rethymno 741 31, Greece · Restaurant · 4.9/5 Google (1070 reviews)

Takeout · Outdoor seating

Tiny Old Town canteen serving soulful Cretan home cooking at bargain prices; warm service and daily-changing counter plates outweigh occasional crowding and rare missteps.

Restaurant Summary

Down a narrow Old Town lane, the room feels warm and homely, more canteen than restaurant. You step to the stove, peek into the pots, and pick your lunch while Stella chats. One diner said it felt like "a generous meal cooked with care," and service is genuinely welcoming. Prices are low, extras like fruit and raki appear, and locals still come in winter. The cooking leans classic Cretan: slow braises, beans, greens, okra, and roasted meats, with a few signatures like pork in orange. It is comfort-first, not showy—dishes change daily and plates can be curated into tasty mixes. Expect rustic flavors over finesse; most find it deeply satisfying, though a few noted occasional blandness or an orzo-heavy plate. Families do well here. Kids gravitate to pasta and meatballs, simple chicken, rice, and yoghurt with honey. There is even a listed kid plate. Space is tiny and buggies can feel awkward, but staff often engage little ones and tailor portions. Arrive earlier, as favorites may sell out.

At a Glance

Soulful Cretan home cooking chosen at the counter from daily pots
Exceptional value with many mains €8-9 and generous extras
Warm, family-run service that helps you build a plate
Very small space; can feel cramped and occasionally slow at breakfast
Portions can vary; some mixed plates skew to orzo or smaller than expected

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Being guided through the pots to choose lunch
Heartfelt hospitality from Stella and family
Hearty braises and seasonal vegetable sides
Little touches like complimentary fruit and raki

Points of Concern

Very small, basic room; seating can be tight at peak times
Occasional complaints of bland stew or orzo-heavy mixed plate
Bread may be charged and pricing for mixed plates not always clear
Closed certain days or early; dishes sell out by late afternoon

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost€15-22 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Build a plate around pork in orange juice or roasted chicken with briam and beans for balance
Vegetarians: stuffed vegetables, okra, and gigantes make a complete plate under €20 with drink

Perfect For

Casual lunch after sightseeing
Comfort-food cravings
Travelers seeking authentic, homely Greek fare
Vegetarian-friendly group looking for simple plates

Location Insights

Area: Historic Old Town lanes with tourist footfall and local life; intimate, casual vibe suited to simple eateries.

Safety: Generally safe, busy by day and evening; narrow streets with good pedestrian activity.

Nearby: Near boutiques, cafes, and heritage sites; away from seafront strip, more neighborhood feel.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday07:00–19:00 Tuesday07:00–19:00 Wednesday07:00–19:00 Thursday07:00–19:00 Friday07:00–19:00 Saturday07:00–19:00 Sunday

Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating

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