We ate like real people… at Kotsakias and Mantinades

He spends time in one of the most beautiful streets of Thision and fills his lunchtime and evening walks in the center with tasty tradition.

Kotzakia and Mandinades, the new arrival in the tourist area of ​​Thisio, stands out for its authentic character, which uniquely combines the cuisines of two islands with a long tradition of good food: of Crete and Naxos. And if you are wondering what Kotsakias are, then we have to inform you that they are improvised eight-syllable rhyming couplets found in Naxos, something like the corresponding Cretan Mantinades.

Originating from both places, the owners set up a street shop, with tables outside on the pedestrian street of Heraklion, but also a beautiful interior with plenty of decorative elements that take you on a journey to both beautiful islands.

The minimal and robust menu takes the flavors best of Crete and Naxosand based on the excellent raw material, includes a lot of delicious goodies cooked with love.

Velvet taramo salad, everything you need for dips with the nice bread, Naxos graviera to accompany the raki or the excellent rosé wine and a cool salad with Naxos Arseniko, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and Naxos raisins, are the ideal start.

We continue with handmade dolmades by Mrs. Vetta, who works wonders in the kitchen, freshly cut Naxos potatoes fried light and crispy as they should be, and fluffy beef meatballs which come in a generous portion along with a few more fries.

Undisputed highlight of the catalog is the kayanas with apaki which is excellent and comes in earthenware with tomato, eggs and fine Cretan cold cuts in perfect harmony.

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The nibbling doesn’t stop as long as there is raki, and the burgundy hochlios claim their turn in the mezedo consumption, as well as the excellent, airy fried vegetable pie and the Sfacian pie, drizzled with thyme honey.

In the menu you will also find other nice island flavors, such as vinegary Cretan sausage, crispy pancetta with oregano, Cretan dako, traditional cod with garlic, fluffy pumpkin meatballs, but also several dishes of the day and stews, always with love from the hands of Mrs. Vetta.

Now that the weather is opening up, Kotzakia is planning musical evenings with live music on the weekends, in which the menu will be strengthened with extra dishes, such as a sumptuous wedding pilaf. Tune in to their upcoming events here.

For a full meal, with wine or raki, estimate around €20 per person.