Home -> Directory Pages -> Alecos [Back to previous page] Aleco's Taverna, Armeni, Near Rethymno, Crete Telephone 08310 41185 Ask for Sifi This village taverna is situated in Armeni on the main road from Rethymno to Spili, Plakias, and Aghia Galini, and is the first taverna as you enter the village from the Rethymno direction on the right hand side. Only 10 kilometres from Rethymno it is the ideal spot to have that early morning breakfast on route to your preferred destination, or the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal in the Cretan style, after a tiring day on the beach. Aleco’s is the main local meeting place for the villagers, who enjoy the calm atmosphere, playing cards, tavli, or just talking. Friendliness is a natural part of village life and Aleco’s, an important focal point for the local population, is a place where the visitor can integrate without feeling obtrusive. Due to the professionalism of this family run business, for the last few years they have had the privilege of an entry in the Greek Alpha Guide, a publication which guides tourists to places of excellence. The determining factor being the quality of the food , location, and of course service. Remember that at Aleco’s you will eat in the Cretan way. Delicious local food cooked whilst you wait and served in a variety of small dishes for everyone to share. Sifi, Aleco’s son, speaks excellent English and will translate your requirements to the cook and the staff to ensure your every requirement is met. A typical meal is an unhurried event allowing plenty of time between courses to talk, and enjoy the evening warmth and atmosphere. Local wine is a speciality, as is the Raki, a strong spirit brewed in many Cretan villages, each vying to outdo each other with regard to taste, strength, and quality The menu offers a variety of meats, all supplied by Manolis who is the other son, responsible for the breeding of sheep and pigs etc. which supplies the taverna with such excellent products. The vegetables are home grown and the deserts supplied by local village ladies and are of the highest quality. You may even be lucky enough to be in the village when a celebration is in progress, perhaps a small ‘Greek Night’, where the village children offer traditional dancing, and the wine flows like water. These functions are the real Greek Nights rather than the huge tourist functions catering to 1000 people or more. Of course you can just stop for a cooling drink or coffee throughout the day until the early hours of the morning. Just sit, relax and people watch, which is a favourite village occupation. Remember also, that you will be paying village prices, not the inflated prices of a town restaurant with perhaps obtrusive loud popular music blaring out from the other six nearby restaurants. Finally, it is always safer to ring for a reservation although they will always try to accommodate if you just turn up.