Niki: Traditional recipes from a wood-fired oven in Kera

On your way to the Lasithi Plateau, you’ll come across the taverna “Niki.” It’s the perfect spot for a meal if you’re craving traditional dishes made in a stone-built wood-fired oven. The menu features mouthwatering lamb or pork with potatoes, slow-cooked until tender and flavorful.

In the summer, you can dine in the lovely outdoor courtyard with its stunning mountain views, while the cozy indoor space offers a warm retreat during winter.

All the food is prepared with the family’s own extra virgin olive oil and fresh ingredients from their gardens. The meats are all locally sourced, and the herbs used in the dishes—and for herbal teas—are handpicked from the slopes of the surrounding mountains.

You’ll also find cheese products from local dairies, and it’s worth trying their house-made wine and raki. 'Niki' is especially known for its unique take on a potato omelet, a dish you shouldn’t miss.

For starters, consider the village sausage, dolmades stuffed with squash blossoms, cabbage, or vine leaves, and the famous chochlioi (snails) prepared with wheat or fried to perfection (boubouristoi).