• 50 Andrea Papandreou, Ammoudara, Heraklion
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+30 2810 372700
The Philosophy of Ethimo

Cretan Longevity Gastronomy
in Ammoudara, Heraklion

A return to presence, balance and togetherness.

At Ethimo, Cretan gastronomy meets monastic simplicity.
Seasonal local ingredients, the philosophy of sharing, and the timeless wisdom of Cretan longevity shape every dish we serve.

The Monastic Influence

A Tradition of Discipline and Clarity

Cretan monastic tradition was built on discipline, clarity and respect for natural order.

Meat was largely absent  as a conscious choice for lightness and balance.
The monastic table favoured what the land and sea offered gently: wild greens, legumes, grains, olive oil and fish on specific days. A way of eating aligned with rhythm, restraint and inner focus.

The symbol of the fish

 ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthys), an early Christian acronym meaning “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour” became more than theology. It represented humility, awareness and purification.

Sea water itself has long been understood as cleansing: salt preserving, protecting and purifying. The sea, in this sense, becomes a quiet symbol of renewal.

Longevity in Practice

Longevity, for us, is a daily decision.

We cook exclusively with extra virgin olive oil. We do not use seed oils. We do not deep fry.

Our cuisine is based on whole ingredients that exist in nature as they are: greens, legumes, grains, fish, herbs, olive oil. Nothing synthetic. Nothing engineered.

We do not rely on substitutes to imitate flavour or compensate for excess.
No artificial enhancers. No processed alternatives.

What arrives at the table is simple in structure, honest in origin, and gently handled.

We do not transform ingredients beyond recognition.
We reveal them.

At Ethimo, we draw from this wisdom.
We honour the intelligence of nature.
We minimise intervention.
We allow ingredients to speak with clarity.

Our cuisine is not about restriction.
It is about alignment with season, with place, with balance.

restaurant 900
Γαρίδες 900
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λαβρακι 900
ALSUS Restaurant Entrance 1100
κριθαροτο σαιτ
χταποδι καθετο 900
μουσακας σαιτ
τονοσ σαιτ
Λαχανο 900
καλαμαρι 900
σουπια 900
1
PESCE & VEG DISHES
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LOCAL PRODUCERS
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CRETAN WINES
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SIGNATURE SUSHI
restaurant 900
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Our Philosophy

EVERY DISH IS A RITUAL

At Ethimo, cooking is a quiet ritual.
Rooted in Cretan land, guided by monastic simplicity, and shaped by seasonal ingredients.
We cook for balance, connection and longevity.

The Story of Alsus

Alsus Boutique Hotel
in Ammoudara, Heraklion

To understand Ethimo, one must also understand the story of Alsus, the space that gave it ground, identity and evolution.
Ethimo is the gastronomic expression of Alsus Boutique Hotel, a four-star adults-only retreat in Ammoudara, Heraklion.
Within this space of calm, design and renewal, the philosophy of Cretan longevity finds its table.
2013
OASIS Hotel
What began as a family dream, became a sanctuary by the sea. In 2014, the family Samaritis behind Oasis Hotel brought their love for Cretan Tradition and togetherness to life with the opening of Oasis Hotel. Rooted in hospitality and simplicity, the restaurant became a natural extension of their home — a warm, breezy spot where flavors are shared and time slows down.
oasis
2017
1st Renovation
With vision and care, 2017 marked a turning point. The hotel’s first major renovation gave birth to FoRest — a lush urban hideaway within Oasis Hotel. Blending nature, design, and vibrant energy, FoRest quickly became a hotspot in Heraklion for drinks, dining, and summer days by the pool. More than a bar or restaurant, it became a meeting place. A feeling. A name whispered across the city.
JFS 4460 scaled
2023
Rebranded: Alsus Boutique Hotel
After nearly a decade of stories, the hotel embraced a new identity — Alsus Boutique Hôtel — honoring the calm, the greenery, and the fresh spirit that define it. This transformation brought the most extensive renovation to date and welcomed a new gastronomic chapter with the opening of Ethimo. Rooted in Cretan tradition, Ethimo introduced a soulful culinary experience — the first season of shared plates, local harvest, and warm evening gatherings.
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2025
A New Era of Care & Connection
In 2025, Alsus Boutique Hôtel embraces a deeper philosophy of care — towards self, others, and the natural world. With a focus on calm design, soft luxury, and emotional presence, Alsus becomes a space to slow down, feel held, and reconnect. At Ethimo, the journey continues through seasonal flavors, Cretan roots, and the joy of sharing. Local produce, simple techniques, and soulful gatherings define its evolving identity — where every dish tells a story, and every table feels like home.
Alsus Boutique Hotel

“

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

Στιγμιότυπο οθόνης 2026-02-25 004553

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

Στιγμιότυπο οθόνης 2026-02-25 004928

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

Στιγμιότυπο οθόνης 2026-02-25 005132

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

Στιγμιότυπο οθόνης 2026-02-25 005416
Vector Smart Object copy 4
Vector Smart Object copy 4

ETHIMO Restaurant
Cretan Gastronomy in Amoudara Beach HERAKLION

wine restaurant and a cocktail (pool) bar with the aim of creating a natural and exotic environment that is easily accessible and pleasant.

Our menu derives from the Cretan & Mediterranean cuisines

en_US English
en_US English el Ελληνικά de_DE Deutsch fr_FR Français he_IL עִבְרִית nl_NL Nederlands sv_SE Svenska ru_RU Русский pl_PL Polski it_IT Italiano uk Українська ar العربية es_ES Español fa_IR فارسی zh_HK 香港中文 ja 日本語 ko_KR 한국어

+30 2810 372700

50 Andrea Papandreou, Ammoudara, 71414 Heraklion
CRETE, GREECE
[email protected]

Opening Hour:
Mon – Sun: 13.00 – 24.00

en_US English
en_US English el Ελληνικά de_DE Deutsch fr_FR Français he_IL עִבְרִית nl_NL Nederlands sv_SE Svenska ru_RU Русский pl_PL Polski it_IT Italiano uk Українська ar العربية es_ES Español fa_IR فارسی zh_HK 香港中文 ja 日本語 ko_KR 한국어

Address

50 Andrea Papandreou, Ammoudara Heraklion [email protected] +30-2810-372700

Opening Time

Mon – Fri: 08:00 – 24:00
Holiday: Open