The best restaurants in Greece were awarded ‘Golden Hats’ in 2025 and the restaurants on Crete that were honoured with the Greek “Cuisine Awards 2025”.
The Golden Hats were awarded recently by “Athinorama” to the top restaurants across Greece, recognising excellence in cuisine and service.
Notably, the restaurant Etrusco on Corfu, led by Chef Ektora Botrini, secured first place for an impressive 13th consecutive year. This establishment continues to set the standard among the best eateries in the country.
In second place, the prestigious Botrini’s Athens and Delta showcased their culinary talents, contributing to the vibrant dining scene in Greece.
In total, 24 Golden Hats were bestowed upon restaurants located on the islands of the Aegean, Ionian, and in Halkidiki, highlighting the summer charm and high culinary bar of these destinations.
Particularly, Santorini shone brightly with six Golden Hats awarded to its outstanding restaurants.
Meanwhile, Athens was recognised for its prominence, gathering 16 Golden Hats for its diverse culinary offerings.
Restaurants in Crete also made their mark, with the Dionysos situated in Elounda’s Elounda Beach Hotel/strong> receiving a Golden Hat.
Under the guidance of Chef Albert Hazma, this restaurant has established itself as a fine dining haven, nestled under trees with romantic settings. The establishment’s menu reflects a creative, refined approach, often showcasing the use of exquisite ingredients presented with a twist of Eastern influence. The service and wine selection have also been recognised as exemplary.
Additionally, the Top Notch Award, signifying a step before achieving a Golden Hat, was awarded to Cretamos in Panormos, Rethymno. This restaurant, part of the Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete and under the direction of Executive Chef Pavlos Kyriakidis, offers a gourmet experience that merges modern creativity with local Cretan produce. Dishes such as sea bass with lemon gel, steamed mussels, and artichokes highlight the restaurant’s innovative menu.
This year’s award list brought several surprises, including the debut of seven new restaurants in the coveted rankings. It is noteworthy that both the Peloponnese and Paros regions claimed two prestigious awards, showcasing their emerging culinary talent. The evolving landscape of Greece’s gastronomy reflects a blend of tradition and modernity, appealing to both locals and visitors alike.
The Golden Hats continue to elevate the culinary standards across the nation, celebrating the artistry and passion of chefs who redefine Greek cuisine, from traditional to contemporary interpretations.
Greek “Cuisine Awards 2025” for restaurants on Crete
The 2025 Greek Cuisine Awards took place on Wednesday, 2 April, at the “Makedonia Palace” in Thessaloniki, marking the eighth year of this prestigious event.
Known for its long-standing role in evaluating and influencing Greek gastronomy, the awards highlighted 88 restaurants excelling in showcasing Greek flavours.
Whether through traditional or modern culinary styles, the awards celebrated restaurants that showcased Greek flavours.
Chefs and owners of the awarded establishments travelled from all corners of Greece to collect their honours.
A standout at the awards was “Varoulko Seaside” in Piraeus, which retained its title as the country’s best Greek restaurant with a score of 16 out of 20.
Close behind, with a score of 15.5, were “Selene” in Santorini and “Noble Gourmet” in Rhodes.
The Cyclades region shone brightly during the event, celebrated for having 22 awarded restaurants.
Northern Greece followed closely with 20 honoured establishments from Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Macedonia, and Thrace, making up nearly half of the awards.
As with every year, there were notable changes, including nine restaurants losing their awards due to a drop in scores.
Meanwhile, 15 new restaurants joined the ranks, with Athens earning five new accolades and the Peloponnese achieving four.
From Crete, a total of 11 restaurants received recognition, all achieving impressive scores.
Here are the awarded establishments from Crete:
Restaurant Name |
Location |
Score |
|---|---|---|
Cremnos |
Acro Suites, Agia Pelagia |
14.5/20 |
Elaia |
Kapsaliana Village, Kapsaliana |
14.5/20 |
Ferryman |
Elounda |
14.5/20 |
Hasika |
Rethymno |
14.5/20 |
Taverna Daios Cove |
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, Agios Nikolaos |
14.5/20 |
The Yacht Club |
Elounda Mare |
14.5/20 |
Alekos |
Armenoi |
14/20 |
O Leventis |
Ano Stalos |
14/20 |
Onissimos |
Peza |
14/20 |
Peskesi |
14/20 |
|
Chrysostomos |
14/20 |
This year’s event served as a testament to the vibrant culinary scene across Greece, celebrating both traditional and innovative dining experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which restaurants were awarded Golden Caps in 2025?
In 2025, several restaurants received Golden Caps for their outstanding culinary contributions. This prestigious recognition highlights the top dining establishments across Greece.
How are the winners of the Golden Caps selected?
The selection of winners for the Golden Caps involves a rigorous process. Expert reviewers assess each restaurant based on various factors such as food quality, service, and atmosphere.
What are the criteria for the Golden Cap culinary awards?
The Golden Cap culinary awards assess restaurants on specific criteria. Key considerations include the creativity of the menu, the freshness of ingredients, and the overall dining experience.
