Herb’s Garden
Heraklion, Greece; Lato Boutique Hotel rooftop, Epimenidou 15, 71202 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Herb’s Garden changes the perspective on Heraklion. Set on the roof of Lato Boutique Hotel, it looks across the harbour towards the Venetian fortress and the sea beyond. The view supplies much of the occasion, making the restaurant particularly attractive when dinner is also a chance to take in the city’s coastal geography. Chef Manolis Karakostas follows a Mediterranean direction with Cretan ingredients and herbs woven into the menu. Published dishes include crisp spinach-and-herb pies with xygalo cheese, marinated octopus with feta-and-yoghurt mousse, and red mullet with tomato sauce and sea fennel. They offer concrete ways to explore the island’s flavours while enjoying the view. A measured sequence of dishes and a bottle of wine can work as well as a more formal celebration, with the hotel providing a straightforward reservation contact and arrival point. Its inclusion reflects the quality of the setting and the variety it adds to this selection. The restaurant publishes an April-to-late-October season, so service should be confirmed near either end of that period. Ask about outdoor seating and the arrangements in unsettled weather when making a reservation.