The place has a more sophisticated feel than a quaint tavern, yet it still has a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, located on a fairly quiet street.
Having made reservations, we didn't have to wait; we were immediately seated at a table outside the restaurant. The service was initially professional, friendly, and unobtrusive. We received a delicious portion of fava beans with paprika (!), then tried several dishes, including dolma and stuffed zucchini flowers, a salad with figs, and lamb—all truly exquisite, tasty, and balanced.
So far, so good. Prices were a little higher than the average for places I've tried previously, but the quality and service were also high. Then, a few small things happened that, unfortunately, ruined the experience a bit for me.
> My boyfriend and I wanted to finish with a dessert from the menu, but suddenly our table was cleared, including the placemats; so we gave up, deciding to satisfy our sweet tooth elsewhere. It's a mistake that can happen, but I sensed a rush to clear the table, perhaps to accommodate other customers.
> When paying, the waiter handed me the note asking for a tip, something I really don't like and that didn't happen anywhere else during our 15 days in Crete. Despite the high bill (€52 for two), we still decided, somewhat embarrassed, to leave a tip, ending up with €57.
> Here's the unpleasant surprise: getting up from my chair, a little perplexed by the high-than-average bill for an appetizer, a salad, a main course, and water, I checked the receipt and discovered that what we thought was a freebie (the small dish of fava beans) had been charged to us. This is common in Portugal, for example, but I don't think it's the norm in Crete, where raki, fruit, and dessert are often offered at the end of the meal. Beyond the inelegant and improper gesture of bringing an unsolicited dish, I think it's right to point out to the customer that it's not a freebie and will be charged at the end of the meal.
