Sarantavga.
A name full of history
Let him! He has eaten 40 eggs till now!
| Nestled in the heart of Heraklion City, Sarantavgas is a small local café that echoes through the ages as a living heritage of Cretan culture. The story goes back to the early 1900s when a young boy named George Stathakis would accompany his father, a local priest, on visits to bless people’s homes. As was customary then, the house lady would offer her guests some treats. Little George had a particular fondness for eggs. One day, when a housewife offered him some boiled eggs to eat, his father interrupted her and said, “Let him. He has eaten 40 eggs till now!” And so, the nickname ‘Sarantavgas,’ which means ’40 eggs’ in Greek, was coined.The genuine hospitality and the local mezes will travel you back to a bygone era of simple life’s pleasures.to Heraklion. It was then, in 1924, when George decided to create the small café in the center of the city market under the name Sarantavgas unawara bygone era of simple life’s pleasures. | Years passed, and the young boy grew into a man working as a gendarme. His duties took him to Smyrna when, unfortunately, the Greek-Turkish War of 1919-1922 forced him to flee back to Heraklion. It was then, in 1924, when George decided to create the small café in the center of the city market under the name Sarantavgas unaware of the history destined to write. Cretan ‘mezes’ (appetizers), local raki and wine, greek coffee, and refreshments have always been served with love and a smile from generation to generation. People from all walks of life, from day laborers to politicians, doctors, lawyers, famous and unfamous, have sat at one of the few tables, forgetting their troubles and becoming one. Today, a team of passionate people continues to uphold the legacy of Sarantavgas. The preserved small and cozy interior, with the old photographs and memorabilia adorned on the walls, offers a glimpse into the past. |
Authentic Mezes
prepared with love.
Step into the past and savor the present with Sarantavga’s menu of authentic Mezes and Raki, served with the warmth of traditional Cretan hospitality.
| Nestled in the heart of Heraklion City, Sarantavgas is a small local café that echoes through the ages as a living heritage of Cretan culture. The story goes back to the early 1900s when a young boy named George Stathakis would accompany his father, a local priest, on visits to bless people’s homes. As was customary then, the house lady would offer her guests some treats. Little George had a particular fondness for eggs. One day, when a housewife offered him some boiled eggs to eat, his father interrupted her and said, “Let him. He has eaten 40 eggs till now!” And so, the nickname ‘Sarantavgas,’ which means ’40 eggs’ in Greek, was coined.The genuine hospitality and the local mezes will travel you back to a bygone era of simple life’s pleasures.to Heraklion. It was then, in 1924, when George decided to create the small café in the center of the city market under the name Sarantavgas unawara bygone era of simple life’s pleasures. | Years passed, and the young boy grew into a man working as a gendarme. His duties took him to Smyrna when, unfortunately, the Greek-Turkish War of 1919-1922 forced him to flee back to Heraklion. It was then, in 1924, when George decided to create the small café in the center of the city market under the name Sarantavgas unaware of the history destined to write. Cretan ‘mezes’ (appetizers), local raki and wine, greek coffee, and refreshments have always been served with love and a smile from generation to generation. People from all walks of life, from day laborers to politicians, doctors, lawyers, famous and unfamous, have sat at one of the few tables, forgetting their troubles and becoming one. Today, a team of passionate people continues to uphold the legacy of Sarantavgas. The preserved small and cozy interior, with the old photographs and memorabilia adorned on the walls, offers a glimpse into the past. |
Tradition of a century.
SINCE 1924
|
Experience A place, where the past meets the present and strangers become friends. |
 |
| Heraklion, a city with a rich heritage spanning back to the ancient Minoan civilization and the famed Knossos Palace, has been a melting pot of cultures and traditions for centuries. Throughout its history, Heraklion has been visited by Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, all of whom have left their mark on the city’s diverse identity. And just like the city it calls home, Sarantavga, an 11-square-meter cafe, has become a cultural landmark, a meeting point for people of all backgrounds for over a century. Located in a historic part of the city, the cafe’s walls have witnessed the comings and goings of countless generations, providing a sense of continuity in an ever-changing world. Here, friends and strangers alike come together |
over a bottle of raki and some Mezes, engaging in lively discussions about everything under the sun. Thousands of people from every generation have sat at these same tables, seeking a moment of rest and good company. But Sarantavga is more than just a place to grab a drink or a bite to eat. It’s a place where the timeless value of human connection is still very much alive. With a philosophy rooted in the ages, sitting at one of the cafe’s tables is not just an experience of the present, but a connection to the past, a chance to be part of something greater than oneself. The enduring presence and charm of this cafe speak for itself. It’s a place where strangers become friends, laughter, and conversation flow freely, and memories of a lifetime are made. |
Greek as always!
Greek coffee, with its rich taste and strong aroma, is a staple of Greek culture.
The experience of enjoying Greek coffee has been passed down from generation to generation, and it remains an important aspect of Greek tradition. At Sarantavga, this authentic experience has been preserved over the years. However, in today’s fast-paced world, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to find the time to visit the cafe. Fortunately, now you can enjoy the taste and aroma of Greek coffee in the comfort of your own space with our Greek coffee delivery service. Simply give us a call, and we will bring a piece of Greek tradition right to your doorstep.
From one generation to another
The time goes by. Good friends never!
In a world where time slips through our fingers like sand, Sarantavga is a cafe where friendships bloom and endure across generations. Here, camaraderie weaves through the lives of patrons. From the elderly gentleman to the fresh-faced students, friendships transcend age and background. This timeless space is a sanctuary where friendships are forged, solidified, and passed down from one generation to the next. Step into a place where time goes by, but good friends never fade.
We endure through time with the love of the world.
Your love is the oil that keeps the candle of Sarantavga burning throughout time. Your love is a precious heritage that we passionately preserve alive.
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A diet with pure ingredients and simple recipes.
The true joys are hidden in the simple and pure.
At Sarantavga everything resonates around the simple pleasures. Food is one of them, and the Cretan diet is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create exceptional dishes. Picture a world where the purest ingredients from the bountiful land of Crete dance harmoniously on your plate. From succulent meats and fresh seafood to vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, each bite is a celebration of quality.
Rooted in ancient wisdom, the Cretan diet embraces simplicity and purity. It cherishes whole, unadulterated foods that nourish both body and spirit. Imagine savoring the goodness of nature, untouched and unprocessed, with each delightful morsel.
Olive oil, the golden elixir treasured for its health benefits, graces every dish. Local cheeses, lovingly crafted from fresh milk, add a touch of bliss. And the bread, oh the bread! Made with hearty, locally grown wheat, it holds the secrets of genuine satisfaction.
Let the Cretan diet guide you on a journey of pure delight and profound well-being. Rejoice in the innocent pleasures of simple, wholesome cuisine. Allow the bounty of Crete to nourish your body, mind, and soul as you embrace a lifestyle rooted in quality and tradition.
Sarantavga’s reputation echoes far and wide
A name that echoes far and wide, filling us with immense pride as our humble café becomes a celebrated piece of the Greek culture.
Read some of the honourable mentions and feel a part of the love surrounding Sarantavga.
We are all one big family.
Become part of our tradition and share your experience at our digital wall. #sarantavga #40eggs
Uncover a legacy of traditional Greek lifestyle.
We stand for a century in the same quaint café. You’ll find us pulsating in the heart of the city, on the vibrant street of the central market in Heraklion.
1866 street, 61, 71201, Heraklion Crete Greece
T.0030 281 024 0965
Sarantavga.
A name full of history
Let him! He has eaten 40 eggs till now!
Nestled in the heart of Heraklion City, Sarantavgas is a small local café that echoes through the ages as a living heritage of Cretan culture.
Read more
The story goes back to the early 1900s when a young boy named George Stathakis would accompany his father, a local priest, on visits to bless people’s homes. As was customary then, the house lady would offer her guests some treats. Little George had a particular fondness for eggs. One day, when a housewife offered him some boiled eggs to eat, his father interrupted her and said, “Let him. He has eaten 40 eggs till now!”
And so, the nickname ‘Sarantavgas,’ which means ’40 eggs’ in Greek, was coined.The genuine hospitality and the local mezes will travel you back to a bygone era of simple life’s pleasures.to Heraklion. It was then, in 1924, when George decided to create the small café in the center of the city market under the name Sarantavgas unawara bygone era of simple life’s pleasures.
Years passed, and the young boy grew into a man working as a gendarme. His duties took him to Smyrna when, unfortunately, the Greek-Turkish War of 1919-1922 forced him to flee back to Heraklion. It was then, in 1924, when George decided to create the small café in the center of the city market under the name Sarantavgas unaware of the history destined to write.
Cretan ‘mezes’ (appetizers), local raki and wine, greek coffee, and refreshments have always been served with love and a smile from generation to generation. People from all walks of life, from day laborers to politicians, doctors, lawyers, famous and unfamous, have sat at one of the few tables, forgetting their troubles and becoming one.
Today, a team of passionate people continues to uphold the legacy of Sarantavgas. The preserved small and cozy interior, with the old photographs and memorabilia adorned on the walls, offers a glimpse into the past.
Authentic Mezes prepared with love.
Step into the past and savor the present with Sarantavga’s menu of authentic Mezes and Raki, served with the warmth of traditional Cretan hospitality.
Greek as always!
Greek coffee, with its rich taste and strong aroma, is a staple of Greek culture.
The experience of enjoying Greek coffee has been passed down from generation to generation, and it remains an important aspect of Greek tradition.
Read more
At Sarantavga, this authentic experience has been preserved over the years. However, in today’s fast-paced world, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to find the time to visit the cafe. Fortunately, now you can enjoy the taste and aroma of Greek coffee in the comfort of your own space with our Greek coffee delivery service. Simply give us a call, and we will bring a piece of Greek tradition right to your doorstep.
From one generation to another.
The time goes by. Real friends never!
In a world where time slips through our fingers like sand, Sarantavga is a cafe where friendships bloom and endure across generations.
Read more
Here, camaraderie weaves through the lives of patrons. From the elderly gentleman to the fresh-faced students, friendships transcend age and background. This timeless space is a sanctuary where friendships are forged, solidified, and passed down from one generation to the next. Step into a place where time goes by, but good friends never fade.
Tradition
of a century.
SINCE 1924
Experience the philosophy of Sarantavga.
A place, where the past meets the present and strangers become friends.
We endure through time with the love of people.
Your love is the oil that keeps the candle of Sarantavga burning throughout time. Your love is a precious heritage that we passionately preserve alive.
A diet with pure ingredients and simple recipes.
The true joys are hidden in the simple and pure.
At Sarantavga everything resonates around the simple pleasures. Food is one of them, and the Cretan diet is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create exceptional dishes.
Uncover a legacy of traditional Greek lifestyle.
We stand for a century in the same quaint café. You’ll find us pulsating in the heart of the city, on the vibrant street of the central market in Heraklion.
1866 street, 61, 71201, Heraklion Crete Greece, T.0030 281 024 0965