Seemor
To Parastratima
Διογένη, Μοσχοβίτου 12, Rethymno 741 00, Greece
· Restaurant, Small plates restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (1370 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Charming, tiny Cretan spot with heartfelt hospitality and standout meze; book ahead and expect a leisurely pace with occasional service delays.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked behind the fountain arch in Rethymno’s Old Town, To Parastratima feels warm and intimate from the first welcome. A handful of alley tables, soft lighting and a personable team create a sense of care. As one guest put it, "we felt like part of the place," and the owner’s wine guidance adds a thoughtful personal touch. Do book ahead; with so few seats it fills up quickly. The cooking leans traditional Cretan with fresh, ingredient-led plates rather than theatrics. Lamb (in several styles), simply superb chicken, and vibrant salads draw consistent praise, while meze like bouyourdi and tyrokafteri are perfect to share. Service is genuine but the pace can stretch on busy nights—think leisurely Greek tempo—so settle in and enjoy the wine rather than rush. Families do fine here thanks to accessible items like grilled chicken, fries, and salads, and staff have provided kid-friendly plates. There is no dedicated kids menu and customization can be limited, so very picky eaters may prefer simpler choices from the grill. Outdoor alley seating means smoke can drift; plan accordingly with little ones.
At a Glance
- Memorable lamb, chicken, and salads with fresh Cretan flavors
- Charming tiny setting and welcoming owner-led service
- Slow pacing and occasional long waits between courses
- Portions feel small to some; sharing meze works best
- Smoke drift outdoors and rare loud-music nights can affect comfort
What Sets It Apart
- tiny_old_town_setting
- owner_led_wine_guidance
- complimentary_raki_and_fruit
What People Love
- Heartfelt owner hospitality
- Standout lamb and fresh salads
- Complimentary fruit and liqueur finish
- Romantic alley ambiance away from the main drag
- Thoughtful wine recommendations
Points of Concern
- Service can be very slow at peak times with delays for menus and courses
- Some guests report small portions or uneven dish execution (dry pasta, occasional overcooking)
- Limited flexibility for special requests; seasonal shortages reduce options
- Outdoor seating can have smoke drift; rare reports of loud music impacting comfort
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€24-36 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Dakos and Tyrokafteri, add Bouyourdi if you like heat
- Pair chickpea and fig salad (€8.9) with a grilled meat to round out the meal
- For vegetarians, build a meze spread from muhammara, mushrooms on toast, and baked eggplant
Perfect For
- Leisurely date night in Old Town
- Wine-guided Greek meze exploration
- Travelers seeking cozy, non-touristy vibe
- Small-group dinners with time to linger
Location Insights
Area: Historic Old Town alley near fountain and lighthouse; cozy lanes with tourist footfall and local charm.
Safety: Well-trodden, lively historic center with steady pedestrian traffic; typical tourist area safety.
Nearby: Near old town square, fountain arch, lighthouse promenade; surrounded by tavernas and small shops.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–23:00
Tuesday
Wednesday12:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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