Discover An Unforgettable Wine & Dine Experience Inside a Cretan Gorge
Come with us
to one of the most unique culinary & wine experiences in Crete and escape to a secluded restaurant hanging from the side of Zourida Gorge in Rethymnon.
Live the experience
of Cretan hospitality, and learn about local winemaking and culinary traditions and connect with other travelers in Crete!
We want to take you away from the crowded places of quick Instagram snaps and touristy restaurants to one of Crete’s most untouched escapes.
Don't miss the chance
Be part of a memorable evening – and attend this event with partners or friends, accompanied by a 9-course feast and a 12-part wine and spirits tasting! All while being at one of the most beautiful sceneries in the island of Crete.
What Our Guests Say
Μαγική εμπειρία! Όποιος δεν έχει δοκιμάσει αυτή τη γευστική δοκιμή δεν ξέρει τι έχει χάσει. Εμπειρία ζωής ,θα τη θυμάστε για πάντα! Απίστευτη κουζίνα με γευσιγνωσία επιλεγμένων κρασιών! Η καλύτερη επιλογή που μπορείτε να κάνετε, θα ενθουσιαστεί! Καλή σας απόλαυση!
We were so lucky to have stumbled upon this evening! Sifis and his dad were just incredible. They transformed what we thought would be a simple night into one of the best memories of our 19-day adventure. Both are so welcoming and know wine and food like few people I’ve met – especially Sifis, who amazed us with his passion and deep understanding of wine. I thought I knew a bit myself, but he definitely taught me a thing or two! And the view… oh my. Watching the sun dip into the sea through the gorge was a sight I’ll never forget. It was a perfect
What an unexpected highlight of our trip! Sifis and his father made us feel right at home, with such care, it was like being with family. They were the funniest hosts and made our evening unforgetable! We dined with 10 other strangers and we ended up making new friends for a night out in Rethymno! And his dad’s cooking—wow! You could taste the love in every bite.
One of the nicest surprises was that the 12-person table was shared with others we didn’t know, which turned into a fantastic chance to connect with people as we tried wines and traditional foods from Greece Best lamb ive ever eaten!!
Such an amazing experience! I went with my boyfriend on our first night in Crete. Sifis and his dad created a genuine Cretan cuisine experience in a stunning context. At first I was undecided about having dinner with strangers but I was so wrong! The atmosphere was super friendly and Sifis (the waiter) managed to create a nice atmosphere and meeting new people became one of the highlights of the night. Also it was so good to share with other visitors plans, things to see and other recommendations. The food was genuine and super good, it was our first night in Crete and nothing could compare after. The view was STUNNING, it really showcases how gorgeous this island can be. It's really worth every penny and if you get the chance just book!
This was our favorite meal in Greece. We loved chatting with the others at our table (we were the first for the season!) and the owners. Such a gorgeous setting and our teens loved it too. Stop reading and book it!!
For now, I can only comment on the location, which is fantastic — hopefully a full review coming soon.
We had an amazing experience at The Secret Gorge. The views were absolutely stunning, especially at sunset. The food was exceptional - delicious, locally sourced Cretan dishes. We loved every single dish! The wine pairings were also spot-on. Sifis, along with his brother and father, made sure we had a truly memorable evening. If you're staying in Rethymno and looking for a unique experience, I’d definitely recommend it!
The Secret Gorge was one of the highlights of our entire trip to Crete. The food, wine and view were all perfect and the folks at the restaurant were so incredibly kind and welcoming. It was such a wonderful experience and I can’t recommend it enough!!!
What a brilliant experience! Beautiful Cretan food, an excellent choice and broad range of wines, a wonderful concept of bringing a table of 12 together wrapped up in the warmth of generous and genuine professional hospitality. And then there is that spectacular view to make the whole experience simply divine… Thank you. Bravo 🥂
Underbar plast! Fantastisk personal!
Had a great experience here with my wife and some friends. I will say finding the place is quite challenging as no signs exist. After driving around for 15-20 minutes with no luck, we called and luckily got someone who drove out to a landmark on a motorcycle and escorted us to the restaurant which is located behind a closed warehouse structure.
Unique experience with the friendliest service, amazing food an unreal surrounding. Little piece of heaven for a foodie.
A must-visit when exploring the Rethymno region of Crete, The Secret Gorge Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. Set amidst a breathtaking natural landscape, the restaurant is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that rise dramatically on either side, creating a near-mystical atmosphere. Here, sophisticated cuisine and carefully curated wines are perfectly paired with the raw beauty of nature.
Hidden in the heart of Crete, The Secret Gorge is a true gem. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like family. We had the pleasure of meeting the owners and their warmth and hospitality made the experience unforgettable. The food was absolutely delicious – fresh, authentic, and made with love. Every dish told a story, and it was clear that everything was prepared with care and tradition. The setting is charming, with a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly captures the beauty of Crete. If you're in the area, don't miss this place. It’s more than just a restaurant – it’s a heartfelt experience. Highly recommended!
The experience was amazing! Mike gave us an exceptional service. Everything was really good and the wine perfect.
Het was geweldig! Wij zijn met een groep van 11 vriendinnen geweest om te genieten van heerlijke wijnen met bijpassende gerechten. De service was echt top. Vader en zoon hebben ons een onvergetelijke avond bezorgd! Later op de avond mochten we zelfs onze eigen muziek opzetten wat zorgde voor een gezellige feestelijke afsluiting van de avond. En daarnaast niet te vergeten, de prachtige locatie met het prachtige uitzicht. Echt een dikke aanrader!
What an unforgettable night! We had dinner at The Secret Gorge - Restaurant & Wine Tasting Experience with a group of 11 friends and were absolutely blown away. The setting is stunning! A private spot with beautiful views that feels like a hidden gem. We were hosted by a father and son duo who made the whole evening extra special. Their passion for food and wine was contagious, and the way they shared the stories behind each dish and glass made it all even more memorable. If you're looking for a unique, intimate dining experience with amazing food, wines, and genuine hospitality. This is the place!
My wife and I were skeptical that there were only 5 star reviews but after having the pleasure of dining here, we completely understand why. Everything was amazing. The service, the food, the wine, and of course that view. Perhaps our favorite experience of Greece!
Wow. That’s all there is to say about this place. The setting is nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful. It was a bit of a struggle to actually find the place at first, but once we did it was so worth it. The Secret Gorge is a passion project for one small family - the father does all the cooking while the son serves the guests. The food was absolutely fantastic and wine pairings were stellar. Yes you dine at a small table with strangers, but we fit right in with the other family and by the end of it felt like we were one big new family. Watching the sunset at a table of newfound friends over a fabulous dinner - what’s better than that?
A true highlight of my honeymoon. The views are immaculate. The service is so friendly and welcoming. And the experience is unforgettable! Within minutes it felt like we were friends with everyone at the table, exchanging laughs and stories. The food was delicious (and plenty) and the wine was flowing. Highly recommend this experience. Unlike any other dinner I have been to. Would recommend to have a cab to drive you back and forth, to not worry about drinking and driving
THIS is THE experience you MUS have while in Crete. It is unforgettable. In a magical setting, overlooking a break in the mountains, during which the sun sets, 12 people assemble for an evening of wine and homemade Cretan foods, all hosted by the our hos, the impeccable Sifis. What an evening! Basically 12 strangers, sitting around a communal table, again, starting as strangers and leaving as friends. A genius concept-bravo Sifi mou. It was incredible.
Really fun evening with 5 other couples we had never met! Great food, wine and service and spectacular sunset. Thank you, Sifis!
Highlight of our trip! The food the company the service and the incredible setting. Thought it was going to be gimmicky but it was like dining in a Cretan home with recipes from our host’s (Sifis) family. Totally authentic and delicious. The view ended up being a bonus. Table is for 12 and we were 6. The other 3 were lovely couples we all mingled and had a great time! Do not miss this experience.
I booked a private dinner for my family of 14, and it was such a magical night! Even through the mud rain, the restaurant is absolutely incredible. The views are to die for. The food and wine were absolutely delicious, I would give this 7 stars if I could! We are still talking about the tomatoes in the Greek salad- SO good! We have never had tomatoes like that. Every dish was made with local and fresh ingredients. We were especially impressed with Sifis- he provided us with incredible service and truly made the night so much more memorable! Such a nice guy, we really enjoyed meeting him. His dad also does an incredible job working behind the scenes- we could tell each dish was made with heart and soul! I would highly recommend this to anyone considering dining here- it was one of the best meals we have ever had! It is such a testament to Crete’s culture and kind people, we really loved the authentic experience.
Expérience incroyable qui sort de l'ordinaire. Les personnes sont incroyablement gentil et au petit soin. Manger ainsi avec des inconnus était une expérience nouvelle que je recommande. C'est évidemment chance dépendant des personnes avec qui on partage l'expérience mais c'était, pour notre part, un moment qu'on n'oubliera pas. L'accord vin est parfait et la nourriture est excellente et en large excès pour les gros mangeurs
Sifis and his father have curated a magical experience at their shared table! We dined with another large group while on our honeymoon and instantly made friends with everyone at the table… it truly felt like we had been traveling with each other the whole time! 4 hours passed by before we knew it! The food and wine pairings were outstanding as well! It’s hard to pick one dish out of the 8 courses because each is unique to Crete’s traditions and full of flavor. Portions were very generous and no one left hungry or thirsty! We’d love to dine here again should we be back to Crete. My only advice is to consider arriving before the 8:30 reservation time to enjoy the view. This was not noted in the reservation, but Sifis let us know it’s very common to arrive early to enjoy the view as dinner starts at 8:30. Also the restaurant is hard to find, so if you find yourself in a parking lot for a winery you’re in the right place, just proceed to the back of it through the gate where Sifis will welcome you. Overall this was a fantastic experience and one we will be recommending to all our friends traveling to Crete!
Unbelievable experience. Best meal I had in Greece. Sifis and his team are amazing
This is definitely an experience to have. A lovely place, with views to die for. Lots of good food and interesting wines to enjoy in a very different, personal setting. A definite destination place, we were super happy we found this one and went. Highly recommend!
Such an amazing experience! It feels like being part of a Cretan family, gathering among friends. It is not just a wine tasting- it's a warm, authentic journey into Greek hospitality and Cretan flavours.
Selection of Our Varieties
Tsikoudia
Distilled for centuries in Crete from grape pomace, Tsikoudia delivers a clean, crisp spirit with delicate floral aromas and a smooth, warming character, perfect as a digestif or starter.
Rhoditis
Once widespread before phylloxera, Rhoditis offers crisp, fruity aromas of green apple and pear with a refreshing, lively palate.
Assyrtiko
Born in volcanic Santorini, Assyrtiko delivers piercing citrus and saline minerality on a crisp, high‑acid palate — a signature taste of the Aegean.
Vidiano
Rescued from near extinction in Crete, Vidiano delights with apricot, bergamot, and floral aromas, and a rich, citrus‑fresh palate.
Muscat Of Spinas
Grown near Chania for centuries, Muscat of Spinas bursts with floral and citrus aromas and a fine, pleasantly dry, elegant palate.
Merlot
Originating from France, Merlot offers soft black cherry and berry aromas, with medium body, gentle tannins, and a smooth, approachable palate.
Romeiko
Cultivated in Chania since ancient times, Romeiko produces light-colored reds, smooth high-alcohol wines, and the traditional dry ‘Marouvas’.
Kotsifali
Grown in Crete since the 14th century and named after the blackbird that loves its grapes, Kotsifali shows red summer fruit and spice aromas with a soft, medium-bodied palate.
Mavrodaphne
Traditional Greek red, Mavrodaphne produces dry or dessert wines with dark fruit, chocolate, and coffee aromas, aging beautifully with hints of ink and tar.
Cabernet Sauvignon
King of red varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon blends blackcurrant, pepper, and chocolate aromas with a medium-bodied palate of balanced acidity and tannins.
Muscat Of Samos
Originating in Samos in the 16th century, Muscat of Samos delights with orange blossom, apricot, and honeyed aromas, and a luscious, sweet palate.
Rakomelo
Traditionally enjoyed in Crete for generations, Rakomelo blends tsikoudia with honey and spices, offering warm, sweet-spiced aromas and a smooth, warming palate.
Meet Cretan Gastronomy
– Dakos
Hard Cretan rusk with grated organic cherry tomatoes and Mizithra cheese with a drizzle of basil-infused extra virgin olive oil.
– Apaki
Cured, smoked & marinated pork cuts seared in extra virgin olive oil and finished off with Petimezi (grape molasses). Topped with “Xinomizithra” cheese and rosemary.
– Dolmades
Tender vine leaf rolls stuffed with rice and Cretan herbs, simmered in a lemon broth & served with strained Greek yogurt sauce.
– Tsigariasto
Tender lamb cuts that are simmering in extra virgin olive oil & their own fat, for over 4 hours (as practised by the Minoans 3000 years ago). Topped with salt & fresh thyme.
Meet Cretan Gastronomy
– Dakos
Hard Cretan rusk with grated organic cherry tomatoes and Mizithra cheese with a drizzle of basil-infused extra virgin olive oil.
– Apaki
Cured, smoked & marinated pork cuts seared in extra virgin olive oil and finished off with Petimezi (grape molasses). Topped with “Xinomizithra” cheese and rosemary.
– Dolmades
Tender vine leaf rolls stuffed with rice and Cretan herbs, simmered in a lemon broth & served with strained Greek yogurt sauce.
– Tsigariasto
Tender lamb cuts that are simmering in extra virgin olive oil & their own fat, for over 4 hours (as practised by the Minoans 3000 years ago). Topped with salt & fresh thyme.