Modern Monastic Cretan Gastronomy
Inspired by monastic simplicity and the Blue Zone wisdom of Crete, Ethimo offers refined nourishment — light, seasonal and deeply grounded in place.
This is dining that restores as much as it delights.
Every plate is designed for balance — not heaviness.
Crete’s Only Pescetarian Longevity-Focused Restaurant in Ammoudara, Heraklion
We share roots, soul and heartfelt hospitality.
CULINARY CURATION
Rooted in Cretan heritage • Guided by monastic simplicity • Designed for balance and longevity.
The modern monastic concept has been a meaningful challenge for me. With respect for Cretan tradition and monastic simplicity, I redefine simplicity through a contemporary culinary expression, highlighting the purity of the ingredients and the balance of flavors.
Time of Authenticity and Sharing
open hours time
Time slows down. Flavors speak. And something ancient feels familiar again.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday : 14.00 – 23.00
Saturday: 14.00 – 23.00
Sunday: 14.00 – 23.00
Holidays: Open
Events coming soon…
“ On holidays is a special day, we will open and with special offer, we will announce ”
We look forward to welcoming you back — our opening date will be announced soon.
Private Event
Celebrate with Soul, Share with Meaning
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a joyful celebration, Ethimo offers the perfect atmosphere to bring people together — with heartfelt flavors, warm hospitality, and the timeless spirit of Cretan sharing.
From private dinners to business events and special moments, we make every occasion feel like home — just moments from the sea.
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Pesce & Veg DISHES
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LOCAL PRODUCERS
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CRETAN WINES
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SIGNATURE SUSHI
Inspired by Monastic Simplicity. Driven by Longevity.
ETHIMO CRETAN GASTRONOMY
Ethimo draws from the monastic food philosophy of Crete, a tradition rooted in discipline, restraint, and clarity.
For centuries, monks have followed a simple rhythm: vegetables, wild greens, legumes, olive oil, and fish on Sundays and feast days. Meat is absent. This way of eating is not about restriction, but purification, supporting spiritual focus, balance, and long life.
Fish holds deeper meaning through the early Christian symbol ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthys), meaning “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior,” representing faith, humility, and awareness.
At Ethimo, this philosophy becomes a menu centered on plants, fresh fish, and simplicity, designed to nourish the body, clear the mind, and support longevity through conscious Cretan living.
For centuries, monks have followed a simple rhythm: vegetables, wild greens, legumes, olive oil, and fish on Sundays and feast days. Meat is absent. This way of eating is not about restriction, but purification, supporting spiritual focus, balance, and long life.
Fish holds deeper meaning through the early Christian symbol ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthys), meaning “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior,” representing faith, humility, and awareness.
At Ethimo, this philosophy becomes a menu centered on plants, fresh fish, and simplicity, designed to nourish the body, clear the mind, and support longevity through conscious Cretan living.
Ethimo is our contemporary expression of this heritage, honest, grounded and meant to be shared.
It is a choice rooted in balance, clarity and longevity.
We chose Cretan cuisine because it reflects the land we belong to and the way we believe food should be experienced.
Crete carries a culture of seasonality, olive oil, wild greens, fresh fish and shared tables.
Inspired by monastic simplicity, we follow a plant forward philosophy with fish at its heart and no meat on the menu.
Crete carries a culture of seasonality, olive oil, wild greens, fresh fish and shared tables.
Inspired by monastic simplicity, we follow a plant forward philosophy with fish at its heart and no meat on the menu.
A Destination Within Alsus
Sushi & Wine Bar
Ethimo is part of Alsus Boutique Hotel - Adults Only
where gastronomy unfolds in more than one expression.
This is not limited to the Cretan pescetarian concept. It is broader, freer, and open to all tastes.
Alongside our monastic inspired cuisine, guests discover a signature sushi menu with Asian influenced creations, curated wines and crafted cocktails. The Alsus Wine Bar hosts food pairing evenings, bringing together flavors, labels and atmosphere in a more cosmopolitan setting.
Beyond dining, the space comes alive with weekly events, signature cocktails, premium spirits and shisha, creating a vibrant social rhythm from sunset until late.
Whether seeking simplicity or fusion flavors, quiet dinners or lively nights, Alsus offers a complete destination with choices for every preference.
Beyond dining, the space comes alive with weekly events, signature cocktails, premium spirits and shisha, creating a vibrant social rhythm from sunset until late.
Whether seeking simplicity or fusion flavors, quiet dinners or lively nights, Alsus offers a complete destination with choices for every preference.
Definitely worth giving this place a try!
I spent my last night in Crete at Ethimo Restaurant, and the choice was totally worth it. We were a group of 10 people, and they arranged everything perfectly for us. The service was excellent – the staff treated us very well. The location is beautiful: fancy, but not too fancy, cozy and clean, with a relaxed vibe.
Now, about the food – everything was absolutely delicious! One of the best meals I’ve had in Crete so far. I highly recommend sharing some appetizers.
Also, vegan friendly! They have a vegan menu. 🌱
Beatrice Cucã
Overall, truly exceptional.
The restaurant is part of the hotel which we are staying at. Overall, truly exceptional. Before my sea bass arrived and my boyfriend's chicken, they had given us a small appetiser. The flavours are great and the price is definitely not something to complain about.
Steffi Hamacher
Good restaurant, delicious food, classy atmosphere
My daughter and I went for dinner here on our last night in Crete and it was a really special experience - delicious food , beautiful and elegant setting, and warm and friendly service. I ordered the octopus with fava, and it was the best octopus I've ever had. We were also served a complimentary amuse-bouche of a little crunchy sphere with cream cheese in it - a nice surprise! The prices were very reasonable for this level of elegance. Highly recommend.
Els Kushner
Merci ♥️ nous revenons samedi 6/09. Un grand Bravo.
Nous avons découvert ce lieu magique par hasard et cela fut la réelle plus belle soirée depuis notre arrivée sur l'île. Le service, la gentillesse, la cuisine, l'ambiance sont absolument époustouflants.
Ivan Sumeire
Reservations
booking a table
We will call customers to confirm, so please fill in
your name and phone number
your name and phone number
Location
how to find us
Visit Ethimo Cretan Gastronomy
book a table & address:
ETHIMO Cretan Gastronomy Restaurant, 50 Andrea Papandreou, Ammoudara, HERAKLION 71414, CRETE GREECE
[email protected]
opening hour:
Mon – Sun: 14.00 – 23.00, Holidays : Open
Why
Ethimo
Some come for the longevity cuisine.
Some for the seafood.
Some for sushi and cocktails by the pool.
Some for our curated events and summer nights.
Everyone stays for the atmosphere.
Some for the seafood.
Some for sushi and cocktails by the pool.
Some for our curated events and summer nights.
Everyone stays for the atmosphere.
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