Greece attracts millions of tourists every year, including many Brits, in part for its delicious cuisine because, as I found during my recent jaunt, the seafood and fish, in particular, are stunning08:58, 07 Jul 2026I wake to a breakfast feast of authentic favourites; a platter of local cheeses, a selection of nutritious nuts and grains, and homemade Greek yoghurt with freshly baked sesame bread.‌Crete, I discover, offers the best food in all of Greece. Breakfast at Ella Rocrita Resort near Mochlos is just a snapshot into Cretan cuisine; fresh, wholesome and uncomplicated. My guests and I start the day with warmth, comfort and laughter - it is a reflection of this delectable little trip to northeast Crete.‌The rugged island, Greece's largest and most populous, boasts a fine blend of local delicacies and eateries inspired by other lands. Trying new cultural foods is always one of the top things to do on my list when travelling, and I enjoy exploring what Crete has to offer.‌Chefs at Ella Rocrita, the plush new resort where I'm staying, rustle up traditional meze-style treats at Smigo, one of its several restaurants. I devour grilled octopus here, relish the stuffed zucchini flowers and tuck in to the fried meatballs which, so beautifully, had a lingering hint of peppermint.More than 870,000 Brits visited Crete in 2024, many of whom were drawn by the island's Mediterranean food. Dishes both in resorts, such as Ella Rocrita, and in the tavernas dotted across the island are typically prepared fresh with local ingredients. Take the meal at Giovanni’s, a traditional Cretan place by Plaka Marina on the northeast coast.‌I watch as a chef there flambés sea bass covered in salt right in front of us. With delicate precision, he caresses parts off the bone and serves us the succulent fish. It had been caught that same day, we are told.But I notice Giovanni’s, like the other tavernas in Plaka, also serves an array of meat dishes, such as steaks and chicken fillets, as well as pastas, including spaghetti with seafood and pasta al pomodoro.‌In Crete, hospitality begins with food. Defined by rugged mountains, fertile valleys and endless olive groves, the island has long been known as Greece's garden, producing an abundance of olive oil, thyme honey, cheeses, dates and avocados that contribute to the health of its residents.Try these delights in tavernas by the sea or, indeed, further in the mountains. The hills are lined with functioning vineyards and olive groves, where oils are made daily. Toplou Monastery, founded in the 14th century, is still functioning. The monks there make wine, and visitors can enjoy wine-tasting sessions there.Views from the Ella Rocrita Resort Crete Article continues belowBack at Ella Rocrita, I'm reassured I can - if I desire- move away from the Greek cuisine tonight and head to a restaurant with a different vibe. Viola, for instance, serves Italian fare, though the moniker is inspired by the name of a flower and used by the Cretans to describe a beautiful woman.Grab a seat indoors or catch the summer breeze out on the patio at Viola as this vibrant trattoria serves up serious Italian comfort. From bubbling, wood-fired pizzas to twirl-worthy creative pastas, the menu blends timeless classics with a modern twist. Sip your way through an impressive Italian wine list, and save room for the grand finale; an uplifting tiramisu for you, and a vibrant rainbow of gelato flavors for the kids.Book itRooms at Ella Rocrita start from approx. £184 per night, depending on season.