The seating outside is in a tiny little courtyard covered over with various greenery, and the tables are beautifully set with heavy white linen, good cutlery and glasses, and good white linen napkins. The seats are padded and very comfortable. Inside, the dining area is in an elegant room.

The house itself is beautiful. The staff is wonderful and dressed in formal waiting attire. The service is excellent, professional, helpful, and very pleasant. They do not bug you, but they are on hand if you appear to need any assistance.

The menu is made up of classic French, Italian, etc., dishes. Their carpaccio is excellent and highly recommended. Their seafood, too, is of a high quality. We have tried many of their dishes and have never been disappointed. One thing, though - the portions are large! The wine list is great, too, with a lot of the usual suspects. On our last trip to Crete in August of last year, we went to Loubolos for lunch and ordered a Chablis - it arrived perfectly chilled and was delicious and oh so welcome on a hot day.

The prices are excellent. You would probably pay about double what they charge for the same quality in the UK or Ireland. You can finish off your meal with a very good coffee in Loubolos, or alternatively, wander to one of the adjoining café-bars along the little side street where Loubolos is located. They are packed and hopping but most enjoyable. Just do what the Cretans do - enjoy your coffee and/or drink and people-watch - oh, and talk! The noise is amazing and brings great life to the area.

Another point: On one of our nights in Loukolos, the group at the adjoining table included one of the UK TV chefs, and I overheard him saying how good the place was, and then on departing, saying to the chef, "See you again next summer." He had obviously been here before, too. I really highly recommend a visit to this excellent restaurant. It is probably the best on all of Crete.