Restaurant
Our Story
The name “Parasties” was inspired from the memories and experiences in the kitchens of the countryside of our village. With roots in family tradition and cooking by the fire, we found inspiration from the authentic ingredients of the Cretan land and sea.
From the very first moment, for us, fire was our only choice. It is how we learned to cook, and how each ingredient reveals its deepest taste. It is the smells and tastes that have accompanied us since our childhood.
From the beginning we chose to work with small farms, local producers and traditional cheese dairies, ensuring the quality of our raw materials. Just like in the old days, when people shared their best goods with trust and respect for pure ingredients.
This is how our story began, in 1999, when we lit our first fire in Heraklion, a fire that remains alive to this day, offering unique tasting experiences.
Neoclassical
building
from 1903
Our Space
In the heart of Heraklion, with a view of the endless blue of the Cretan Sea, Parasties is housed in a listed neoclassical building with unique architecture and history. Built in 1903, on the foundations of an old Venetian bastion, it carries the island’s heritage and blends it into each visitor’s experience.
As soon as you step inside, the atmosphere will captivate you. At the center is the open kitchen with “parasties”, where our cooking sparks and challenges your senses. The experience continues on the balcony and in the courtyard, where the sea breeze brings a feeling of calm, making every moment here unforgettable.
Our aim is not just to offer excellent food, but also to welcome you with the warmth of family hospitality. Chef Patron Haris Papadakis and his team are here to guide you on a journey of authentic flavors and unforgettable moments
Our Gastronomy
Fire is the element that transforms each raw ingredient into a unique culinary experience. Handpicked wood and herbs add aromas that awaken old memories and create new feelings.
Education, knowledge, and love for cooking form the core of our philosophy. Every ingredient is chosen with respect for tradition and quality, creating a culinary path from today back to yesterday. Where modern techniques meet traditional cuisine, creating a journey of flavors and memories.
Wine & Spirits
Our wine cellar holds a rich collection of modern wines and fine Cretan spirits, pairing perfectly with each dish.
With guidance from Chef Patron Haris Papadakis, every choice becomes a new discovery that highlights the special notes of each wine through the art of food.