About Elia & Dyosmos

Some places are remembered for their food. Others for the people who welcome you. At Elia & Dyosmos, the two have always been inseparable.
Since 2006, our restaurant has been quietly expressing the essence of Cretan hospitality through honest cooking, seasonal ingredients, and the simple pleasure of gathering around a table. Set in the village of Skalani, just outside Heraklion, Elia & Dyosmos is where local traditions meet a contemporary appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and care.
At the heart of the kitchen is award-winning chef and owner Argyro Varda. Her cooking begins with the land itself: extra virgin olive oil, wild herbs, garden vegetables, carefully selected meats, and the exceptional produce of Cretan farmers and artisans. Traditional recipes are treated with respect while embracing subtle creativity, allowing every ingredient to speak for itself.


The menu follows the rhythm of the seasons. Familiar Cretan dishes appear alongside contemporary interpretations, each prepared with balance, restraint, and attention to detail. Nothing is complicated for the sake of appearance; refinement comes naturally through excellent ingredients and thoughtful execution.
Dining at Elia & Dyosmos is about more than the meal itself. It is about slowing down, sharing stories, discovering local flavours, and experiencing the generosity that has always defined Cretan culture. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning as a familiar face, every table is prepared with the same genuine care.

Our Space

The restaurant is housed in a traditional Cretan setting surrounded by the peaceful landscape of Skalani, only a few minutes from the city of Heraklion.
During the winter months, warm interiors with handcrafted monastery-style wooden tables create an atmosphere of comfort and intimacy. In summer, the shaded courtyard becomes the heart of the restaurant, where lunches effortlessly turn into long evenings beneath the trees.


Every season brings a different light, a different menu, and a different reason to return.
We look forward to welcoming you to our table and sharing with you the flavours, traditions, and hospitality of Crete. 

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Contact Us
  • Phone: 2810 731 283
  • Email: elia.dyosmos@gmail.com
  • Address: Ifigenias 1, Skalani

  • Opening times
  • Monday          12.30 - 17.00
  • Tuesday           12.30 - 23.30
  • Wednesday     12.30 - 23.30
  • Thursday        12.30 - 23.30
  • Friday             12.30 - 23.30
    Saturday          12.30 - 23.30
  • Sunday           12.30 - 23.00
Destination

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