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Plaka Matala in Matala

Discover Plaka Matala Restaurant in Matala, Greece. Check menu, hours, reviews & enjoy great cocktails, vegan dishes, and a scenic seaside location.

4.7 689 reviews Restaurant American · Southern

Μονοπάτι Κόκκινη Άμμος, Matala 702 00, Greece

FoodPlacee Passport Greece · Matala · 58979
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Plaka Matala

Matala, Greece

Greek Salad Pasta Vegetarian & Chicken Souvlaki Daurade Grillée Aux Petits Légumes Moussaka
Rating★ 4.7 / 5
CategoryRestaurant
Today 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Located along the scenic Μονοπάτι Κόκκινη Άμμος in Matala, Greece, Plaka Matala is a standout restaurant offering a rich blend of traditional and contemporary Mediterranean flavors. With a highly praised wine list and specialties like Greek salad and seafood dishes, it caters to both locals and tourists seeking an authentic and satisfying dining experience.

The setting is casual yet cozy, boasting outdoor seating with views of the coastline. Guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere enhanced by attentive table service, perfect for solo dining, family outings, or groups. Accessibility features and a kid-friendly menu ensure that Plaka Matala welcomes all visitors with warmth and ease.

Gallery

Photos from Plaka Matala

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

A popular seaside spot in Matala, Plaka Matala offers an inviting mix of flavors, atmosphere, and attentive service.

Outstanding Cocktails & Drinks

Enjoy a great cocktail selection alongside an extensive wine list, happy hour drinks, and quality coffee to complement any meal.

Family-Friendly & Group Dining

The cozy, casual atmosphere welcomes families, groups, and tourists, featuring a kids' menu and seating options that accommodate all.

Highly Rated with Rave Reviews

Rated 4.7 from 689 reviews, guests praise the fresh seafood, generous portions, and warm, multilingual service right on the coast.

Prime Location with Scenic Views

Set along the Matala coast near the famous caves, it offers a romantic view and a relaxed vibe perfect for lunch or dinner by the sea.

Open Daily with Late-Night Options

Open every day from noon to late evening, it provides late-night food and drinks, ideal for casual dining or solo meals.

Accessible and Convenient

With wheelchair accessible entrances and seating, free street parking, and paid lots nearby, accessibility and convenience are prioritized.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

Menu highlights include vegetarian pasta, vegan small plates, fresh salads, and a variety of options catering to diverse dietary needs.

Casual, Cozy, and Romantic Atmosphere

The welcoming ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner, casual meetup, or enjoying dessert while watching Matala’s sunset glow.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Experience authentic Cretan hospitality and vibrant flavors by planning your visit around popular dining occasions and crowd preferences.

With an inviting seaside location and a menu rich in fresh, local ingredients, Plaka Matala shines during lunch and dinner hours. The warm and accommodating staff ensures every guest feels well cared for, adding to the memorable experience of dining with a view of the Matala caves. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Lunch by the Coast

Enjoy fresh seafood and vegetarian delights during a leisurely midday meal, taking in the coastal breeze and casual vibe.

Romantic Dinner

As night falls, savor great cocktails and the romantic ambiance with ocean views perfect for couples.

Solo Dining Experience

Ideal for solo diners seeking excellent coffee, small plates, and a cozy environment conducive to relaxation or work.

Family-Friendly Gatherings

With a kids’ menu and accessible seating, families can comfortably enjoy wholesome meals together in a welcoming setting.

Late-Night Bites

Take advantage of the late closing hours to indulge in happy hour drinks and tasty small plates after a day of exploring.

Reservation-Friendly Visits

Reservations are accepted, ensuring a smooth dining experience especially during high season or weekends.

Best for

Lunch Dinner Solo Dining Family-Friendly Coffee Cocktails Takeout Reservations

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

KI
Kitchen Insider 2 week ago

"Seaside strip's of restaurants usually get me offside, like my grandmother when she saw me with my elbows on the table. It wasn't my idea to eat here, but it went pretty well. The beetroot salad doesn't really need the apple. It's amazing without. So simple. Great raw produce well handled, with all the zing of a vinegar factory. The rest was good enough. Again, we are suffering from a surfeit of decent tomatoes. Crete never used to serve these red water chunks. But times change. The fish is great value at €19.50. A little less cooked and it's a symphony...but just a minuet here..though the veggies were tops. Incredible waitress makes it all work together. Definitely the pick of the row."

AJ
Aurely Jautard 3 week ago

"Don't think. Just go there. Best food in Matala and trust me, I tried the whole menu. The staff is amazing, the vibe is real. With love,"

AC
Adrian Cross 2 month ago

"Absolutely fantastic service all around. Locals often have higher standards for fresh, traditional food than tourists, and the place exceeded those expectations easily. A reservation would be recommended, especially during high season. Location? Beautiful. Right on the coast, with a view of the Matala caves that light up during the night. Portions? Generous. Dishes well presented and, more importantly, well prepared. Service? Swift, thoughtful, and knowledgeable. We had gluten-free dietary requirements, and they were very accommodating throughout. The host is multilingual, and I heard him speak English, German, French, and, of course, Greek. Many sea-front tourist oriented restaurants at this price range fail to deliver, but this one is doubtlessly worth it."

KR
Klaudia Różycka 2 month ago

"Amazing food and atmosphere. I ordered calamari and was overwhelmed with the size of the portion. The quality of service and friendliness of the staff is one of the many reasons to come back."

ED
Elpida Diochnou 3 month ago

"Amazing service, food and views of Matala beach. The prices are very fair too. Highly recommend if you're visiting the area."

FM
Frank McNamara 3 month ago

"The absolute best meal I had during my time in Crete - the food and service were both outstanding, but the view of the water really was amazing as well The tuna carpaccio, sea bass ceviche, Madagascar mussels, and the fish special were all to die for."

ML
Michelle Leandersson 3 month ago

"Wow! This is a must go if you come to Matala! Giannis is a real gem, a wonderful man! We felt extremely taken care of, all the food was amazing. Good vibes right by the ocean. Come here!"

LL
Leslie Light 4 month ago

"Just amazing- food, ambiance, service. When’s the last time I wanted to hug my waiter? I don’t know."

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Open now · until 11:30 PM
Weekly hours
Monday 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Tuesday 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

The restaurant’s daily hours from noon to late evening make it ideal for relaxed lunches, sunset dinners, and late-night snacks.

Evenings for romantic dining and great views Late-night food and drinks available daily Weekends popular, reservations recommended Perfect after a day exploring Matala’s beach and caves

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Plaka Matala in Matala .

Address Μονοπάτι Κόκκινη Άμμος, Matala 702 00, Greece
Phone +30 2892 029698
Area Matala
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about dining at Plaka Matala, including services, menu options, and accessibility.

The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Hours may vary on holidays or special occasions, so it’s best to check ahead.

Yes, outdoor seating is available along with takeout options. Delivery service is not offered at this location.

Plaka Matala provides both vegan and vegetarian choices, alongside other offerings such as small plates, cocktails, and coffee.

The entrance and seating areas are wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for guests with mobility needs.

Reservations are accepted and recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure seating availability.

Accepted payments include credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for secure and convenient checkout.

The restaurant welcomes families with a kids' menu available. Dogs are also allowed, making it suitable for pet owners.

Popular dishes include Greek Salad, Moussaka, Steamed Mussels, Pasta Vegetarian & Chicken Souvlaki, and Daurade Grillée Aux Petits Légumes.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.