Castello Taverna

About

Welcome to... Where The Time Stops! Castello Taverna, known as "the center of the universe" to its many aficionados who live at or near by the sleepy village of Kastellos. People come here not only to drink, eat, listen to live music and entertain themselves, but also socialize with each other and their charming and enthusiastic host, Vassilis Zoulakis. After dinner, when the raki comes round... that's when the best conversations take place. Vassilis and his wife Katerina who is the chef, take an interest in all his guests and thoroughly enjoys exchanging world views. Its location is superb, just on the left at the beginning of the village if you are coming up from the main road from Rethymno. The courtyard garden is not only full of flowers but also has exquisite views of the sea and the mountains. In summer in the lovely courtyard, or in winter beside the toasty log fire, Castello Taverna is always welcoming. Virtually everything one eats here is locally produced, mostly from the family animal farm, and from foraging in the wild i.e. mushrooms, asparagus, wild greens, oregano, bay leaves etc. The wine, raki and olive oil is largely Vassilis' own and is organically cultivated and produced. Fresh and mature cheeses come from local producers. Both Vassilis and Katerina are keenly aware of the needs of vegetarian diners, and there are always vegetarian dishes available. ​ There is no set menu; it varies from day to day as everything is freshly cooked, so please don't come expecting everything! Some food is seasonal, especially mushrooms and different wild vegetables. Vassilis in his role of 'speaking catalogue' will explain what is on the menu for the day. Star performers are: ​ Katerina's version of the classic Cretan Briam, a dish of oven roasted summer vegetables. Wild-foraged mushrooms Wild asparagus Beetroot served with fresh garlic Rabbit cooked in wine. Pork in local wild greens. ​ Belly pork roasted in wine in the oven along with potatoes. ​ Vassilis' own lamb in little chops, lovingly grilled over charcoal. ​ ​ And many, many other delicious things. Bravo, Vassilis & Katerina! Also Castello Taverna offers daily Eco Lunch - Foraging Walking Tours. This walk on the wild side of Crete is not your average countryside walk. We immerse you in real Cretan nature & food culture while walking through enchanting hidden countryside. Mountains, river streams, farms and the local Minoan Archaeological site. Local Cretan and international multi-lingual guides show you the enchanting hidden Crete & share with you their ancient food & culture knowledge. You will fully interact with the raw nature, foraging wild herbs, vegetables, fruits and nuts. All products are organic and non GMO as Greece has prohibited GMO crops/seeds. Learn how to make olive oil, local wine, Raki & cheese at our host farm (season dependent). Get back to unspoiled nature, step back in time & feel the healing affects of the Cretan way of life. ​

At a glance

• Verified listing
• Typical visit: about 1 hour