A restored old house in Malia’s old town, bringing together Greek and Mediterranean flavours, tradition and a warm atmosphere.
Malia is one of Crete’s most cosmopolitan and youthful resorts, known for its beaches, lively nightlife and international dining scene. That makes finding a restaurant like Avli, at the entrance to the old town, a pleasant surprise.
Behind a discreet gate, an old house opens onto a welcoming courtyard, with traditional flavours, a relaxed atmosphere and a setting far removed from the busier side of the resort.
Avli is popular with both visitors and locals, and some guests even make the trip from Heraklion for dinner. For us, that says something about the place the restaurant has made for itself in Malia.
An old house, restored with style
Avli occupies a historic house in the old town of Malia, restored and redecorated in a Cretan style that combines traditional elements with a subtle modern touch. The local character of the building remains at the centre of the setting, while the design gives the restaurant a warm and refined feel.The attention to detail is easy to notice, from the carpentry to the tableware. The furnishings and decorative elements sit naturally within the old architecture rather than competing with it.
Stone walls with wide arches, beamed ceilings, old wooden doors with iron details and discreet wall lighting create a balanced interior in which the original character of the house remains very much present.
You can choose a table on the inviting veranda, settle into a cosy private booth, or take a seat on the balcony, our favourite spot, with a view over the old town.
The open kitchen adds another interesting detail. Colourful painted pots, fresh and dried vegetables, ingredients and neatly arranged shelves are visible from the dining area, offering a glimpse of the work behind the dishes without turning the kitchen itself into a show.
Traditional flavours, thoughtfully reinterpreted
The menu is based on the traditional Cretan and Mediterranean diet, with a wide selection of mezes, light starters and main dishes featuring pork, goat, beef, lamb, seafood, vegetables and aromatic herbs, followed by a tempting choice of desserts.Avli follows a farm-to-table philosophy, using organic products of high nutritional value from the restaurant’s own farm.
Fresh ingredients, careful presentation and generous portions are all part of the restaurant’s cooking, while herbs and spices add depth to the dishes.
The same attention extends to the table, with accessories, cutlery and crockery chosen to complement the food and the setting.
Whenever we visit Malia, we never miss Avli’s generous Cretan salad. A savoury meat grill is another favourite, while seafood lovers can choose from several more elaborate dishes, perhaps accompanied by a glass of house wine.
Whenever we visit Malia, we never miss Avli’s generous Cretan salad. A savoury meat grill is another favourite, while seafood lovers can choose from several more elaborate dishes, perhaps accompanied by a glass of house wine.
Wine has an important place alongside the food. The restaurant has its own cellar, as well as a separate wine bar with a private salon for tastings and events.
From the wood-fired oven
A traditional wood-fired oven, or “xilofourno”, is an important part of the kitchen. Fresh bread and several savoury dishes are prepared in it, continuing a tradition that was once part of everyday life in homes across Greece.In the past, the wood-fired oven stood at the heart of the home kitchen. It was used to bake bread and rusks, as well as to dry fruit and nuts, and played an important role in preparing and preserving food. Bread itself held a special place in everyday life.
Wood-fired ovens are still used today for roasting meat and preparing a variety of dishes. At Avli, bread is also baked in the traditional oven, keeping this familiar tradition alive in the restaurant kitchen.
A sweet ending
Save some room for desserts such as galaktoboureko or chocolate soufflé. At the end of the meal, there may also be an assortment of sweets or fresh fruit from the house.
And don't say no to a glass of the “lethal” raki with rose syrup. It makes for a memorable ending to the meal.
Yamas!
The people behind Avli
The staff is friendly, attentive and welcoming, while the atmosphere remains relaxed even when the restaurant is busy. Guests from different parts of the world share the space with families, groups of friends and local diners who already know Avli well.There is an easy warmth to the place, with lively tables, good humour and the simple pleasure of people sitting down together for a meal.
Throughout history, eating together “commensality” has been part of family life and communal traditions across cultures.
At Avli, we found a welcoming multicultural space where people from different places come together to eat, talk, explore, share and connect.
In the kitchen, the cooks bring energy, creativity and care to every dish, working with familiar elements of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine while giving them their own interpretation.
Even in its first year of operation, Avli earned its customers’ appreciation and was ranked Malia’s Most Favourite Restaurant on TripAdvisor in 2018.
An Evening at Avli
In the old town of Malia, Avli brings together good food, the character of an old house and genuine hospitality. There is a simple pleasure in spending an evening here, taking your time over a meal and enjoying the setting around you.
We like returning to places that leave a good impression, and Avli is one of them. The food, the house and the people all have their share in that.. and, for us, that is reason enough to come back.
Reservations are recommended, particularly during the summer season. You can contact the restaurant by phone or make a reservation through its website.
For those who would like to explore the restaurant’s food and wine offering in more depth, dedicated food-and-wine pairing and tasting experiences are also available to book online.
Avli Restaurant Malia
Tel.: +30 2897 031112
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