Vasilis Makrakis — the heart and hands behind the magic at Milia Restaurant, right here in our Vlatos valley. Born and raised as the eldest son of George Makrakis and Artemis Kalaitzakis in the quiet mountain village of Vlatos (yes, the same peaceful spot we all cherish), Vasilis grew up with dirt under his nails and the scent of wild greens in the air.
From his parents he learned the true soul of Cretan cooking: gathering horta from the hills, slow-roasting meats, pressing olives, fermenting wine, baking bread in the wood oven — all the simple, honest rituals that make our island’s food unforgettable. He left for Thessaloniki to study as a chef, honing his craft with precision and creativity. Today, happily married to Niki and father to two wonderful kids, he lives in Kissamos but his roots — and his inspiration — remain firmly in Vlatos.
For years now, Vasilis has been the Chef de Cuisine at Milia Restaurant (miliarestaurant.gr), the award-winning gastronomical gem nestled in the mountains just minutes from us. Under his leadership, Milia has earned multiple accolades over the past five years, blending deep Cretan tradition with contemporary flair. He recently presented his work at the prestigious Gastro.lab during the HORECA event in Athens — showcasing how sustainable local ingredients and time-honored techniques can become modern masterpieces.
His signature? That classic wood-fired oven, heated with olive wood, turning out dishes that taste like the land itself. And his wines? Made from ancient local grape varieties, they’re pure expressions of our terroir — elegant, authentic, and impossible to forget. Vasilis isn’t just cooking; he’s telling the story of Vlatos through every plate: the mountain air, the family wisdom, the rhythm of the seasons. We’re proud to call him one of our own — a rising star among Greek chefs, and a true ambassador for the flavors that make our corner of western Crete so special. Next time you’re dreaming of a slow escape to Vlatos, make sure to book a table at Milia. One bite, and you’ll understand why people are saying Vasilis Makrakis is about to become one of the biggest names in Greek cuisine. Who else has tasted his magic? We’re all family here. Explore more at miliarestaurant.gr