Why Bellot Is the Perfect Choice for Lunch in Heraklion

If you’re spending your holiday in Crete and looking for an authentic spot for lunch in Heraklion, Bellot deserves to be your first stop. Tucked right in the heart of the old town, this small, welcoming restaurant has managed, in just a few years, to become one of the most beloved culinary addresses in the area. It blends traditional Cretan cooking with a warm, family-run atmosphere — exactly what you want when you’re after a relaxed lunch break, away from the crowds of purely tourist-oriented restaurants.

Bellot’s Appetizers – The Perfect Introduction to Cretan Cuisine

A good lunch always starts with the right appetizers, and Bellot’s menu offers a generous list of traditional mezedes, perfect for sharing at the table. Our recommendation is to start with a mix of three or four dishes, so you can experience as many flavors as possible in a single meal.

A classic, winning combination is Dakos (barley rusk with tomatoes and feta), Taramas (fish roe spread), and stuffed vine leaves (dolmades). These three dishes complement each other perfectly: the Dakos brings freshness and a crunchy texture, the Taramas adds a salty, creamy note, and the dolmades round things out with the gentle acidity of the vine leaf and the fragrant rice filling.

For those who prefer something warmer, an excellent combination is Saganaki (pan-fried cheese) alongside grilled halloumi and freshly fried potatoes. This is an ideal choice if you’re at Bellot with a larger group, since all three are easy to share and offer great value for money. If you’d rather keep things lighter, fava (yellow split pea puree), hummus, or tzatziki, served with warm bread, are a great option — especially on hot summer days.

Cretan-style snails and artichokes with lemon, potatoes, and carrots are also two dishes rarely found on standard tourist menus, but well worth trying if you want a truly authentic culinary experience specific to the island.

Food Quality – The Reason People Keep Coming Back

What sets Bellot apart from many other restaurants in Heraklion is its attention to detail and consistent quality. Dishes are cooked with olive oil for salads and appetizers, while fried dishes use sunflower oil — a distinction few places still bother to make today. Portions are generous and prices remain accessible, making Bellot an excellent choice for both a quick lunch and a longer, leisurely meal.

Among the main courses, grilled lamb and chicken souvlaki are among the most popular choices, while from the seafood section, seafood pasta and grilled octopus are considered true strengths of the kitchen. Moussaka, however, remains the dish that impresses guests most often — many reviews mention its rich texture and comforting flavor as a classic Greek staple done right.

For dessert, portokalopita (orange cake) and kataifi with ice cream close out the meal on a sweet, balanced note, without feeling overwhelming after a substantial lunch.

What Customers Say About Bellot

Online reviews confirm the excellent experience this restaurant offers. Bellot holds a rating of nearly 5 out of 5 on tourist review platforms, based on reviews that consistently praise the quality of the food, fair pricing, and the hospitality of the staff. Many customers mention the combination of Dakos, Taramas, and stuffed vine leaves as the perfect start to a meal, followed by a moussaka described as “rich and comforting,” with kataifi and ice cream as the ideal finish.

Other reviews specifically recommend the grilled octopus, also highlighting the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. One visitor described Bellot as “a true gem” on Heraklion’s culinary scene, despite the restaurant having been open for a relatively short time. This combination of consistently positive reviews, fair prices, and generous portions explains why Bellot has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The Old Town Location – An Added Advantage

Bellot is located on Karterou Street, in the historic area of Heraklion, just a few steps from the city’s main tourist landmarks. This positioning makes the restaurant a natural stop during a walk through the old town, without requiring a special detour or extra transport.

Being tucked slightly away from the main streets packed with tourist-focused restaurants, Bellot keeps a more authentic and quieter atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed lunch. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 12:30 to 23:30, and closed on Mondays, so it’s worth keeping that schedule in mind when planning your visit.

For an authentic lunch in Heraklion, Bellot brings together all the right elements: a varied, well-thought-out selection of appetizers, consistently high-quality main courses, excellent customer reviews, and a great location in the old town. Whether you go for a classic mix of mezedes, a seafood main, or the moussaka so many visitors recommend, chances are you’ll leave satisfied and eager to come back.