A Journey of Cretan Flavors, Wines & Spirits
The Feast
- Inform us during checkout about allergies & vegetarianism. Everything will be adjusted. We do not accommodate vegans.
- All our ingredients are locally sourced and 100% organic. Everything is cooked or seared in extra virgin olive oil.
- We deep-fry exclusively on light olive oil, we do not use any commercial vegetable oils.
The Pairings
Tsikoudia
Crystal-clear Cretan tsikoudia has gentle grape aromas on the nose with light herbal hints, while the palate is smooth, warm and clean. It is made by distilling fermented grape pomace in small copper stills, following the traditional method used across Crete for generations.
Rhoditis
Rhoditis, a white grape variety, produces wines with fresh fruity aromas and lively acidity, while its expression changes according to altitude and winemaking style. In mountain vineyards the wines are crisper, more complex and with mineral notes, while at lower altitudes they are fruitier and softer.
Assyrtiko
Dry Assyrtiko shows aromas of lemon, lime, and subtle yellow fruits with a hint of minerality, and an elegant palate with bright acidity and a persistent finish. As a world-class grape of Santorini, it reflects volcanic soils, native resilience, and a wide modern appeal.
Vidiano
Native Cretan grape, rescued from near extinction, now thrives across Crete and northern Greece. Dry Vidiano, known as the white ‘diva’, shows aromas of apricot, bergamot, and subtle florals, with a rich, well-rounded palate, hints of vanilla, and invigorating citrus acidity.
Muscat Of Spinas
Muscat of Spinas, named after the village near Chania, shows intense floral and citrus aromas with a hint of spice, and a fine, pleasantly dry palate with elegant, delicate character. Native Cretan grape, prized for its small berries and fragrant expression.
Malagousia
Malagousia shows aromas of lemon blossom, rose petal, and white stone fruits, with a firm, mineral-driven palate and refreshing acidity. Once nearly extinct, this Greek grape now thrives mainly in Northern Greece, producing some of the most aromatic examples.
Merlot
Merlot produces medium-bodied red and rosé wines with aromas of black cherry, berries, and subtle toffee, complemented by gentle vegetal hints. Its smooth palate shows balanced acidity, soft tannins, and, when oaked, notes of vanilla, tobacco, and earthy nuances.
Romeiko
Romeiko, grown in the Chania region, shows delicate aromas and a light-colored, smooth palate with moderate acidity and high alcohol. This versatile grape also produces sun-dried sweet wines, white wines, and the traditional dry ‘Marouvas’ with Sherry-like character.
Kotsifali
Cretan red grape, cultivated since at least the 14th century, known for producing soft-colored, aromatic wines with moderate acidity. Kotsifali shows aromas of red summer fruits, dried figs, and hints of wild herbs and sweet spices, with a smooth, medium-bodied palate.
Mavrodaphne
Mavrodaphne produces dry or dessert wines with aromas of dark fruit, chocolate, and coffee, complemented by subtle vegetal notes. Medium to full-bodied, it shows moderate acidity and tannins, and ages gracefully, developing hints of ink, tar, and tea.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Considered by many as the king of red varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon shows aromas of blackcurrant, pepper, and hints of chocolate and eucalyptus, depending on terroir. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and tannins, its deep purple color softens with age, offering a structured yet approachable palate.
Agiorgitiko
Agiorgitiko, Nemea’s signature red grape, shows aromas of fresh red fruits, sweet spices, and hints of chocolate, with a soft to medium-bodied palate, balanced acidity, and supple tannins. Versatile and elegant, it produces young juicy reds, oak-aged wines with complexity, and even rosés or dessert wines from sun-dried grapes.
Muscat Of Samos
Renowned since the 16th century, this iconic Greek grape thrives on terraced Samos vineyards, producing award-winning dessert wines with elegant complexity. Muscat of Samos shows intense aromas of orange blossom, ripe apricot, and honeyed citrus, with a luscious, sweet palate balanced by bright acidity.
Rakomelo
Rakomelo, a traditional Cretan spirit made by infusing “Tsikoudia” with honey and spices, shows aromas of warm honey, clove, and cinnamon. Smooth and warming on the palate, it delivers a sweet-spiced character with gentle heat, perfect as a digestif or after-dinner treat.
Our Approach
We focus on simple, traditional Cretan dishes, crafted to perfection using the finest local ingredients. We celebrate the flavors of the island in their purest form, honoring centuries-old recipes and techniques. You’ll come here to experience what Crete truly has to offer gastronomically — not fine dining or elaborate presentation.
Guest Testimonials
Posto caratteristico con una bellissima vista. I gestori sono stati simpatici e accoglienti. Il cibo il migliore che abbia mangiato a Creta. L'esperienza della cena con sconosciuti da ogni parte del mondo è qualcosa che consiglierei a tutti
We enjoyed an unforgettable evening in the Secret Gorge. Sifis and his father spoiled us with the finest specialties and delicious wine. The ambience was wonderful. It is advisable to arrive 15 minutes early to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and experience the sunset. We really enjoyed the evening at the Secret Gorge! We would highly recommend it, for couples as well as families. Thank you and best regards Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Very nice restaurant with the best food and very nice wines! We loved everything from the beginning till the end. The admosfeer and envirement are georgeos, it was really an excellent experience. The father cooked very well and his Sohn gave us the best treatment we hv had in a long time😄the dolmades, pasta, cheese platter, cheap, were very nice cooked. And the wines wunderfull. A very good way to taste different local wines. X Greetings Eric and Avyola from Almyrida Villa d ‘ Olives.
Alles spitze !! Sehr zu empfehlen. Authentisch, nett, tolle Atmosphäre. Ein gelungener Abend mit sehr gutem Essen und vielen Weinen. Auch wurde beim einschenken nicht gespart, sondern das Glas auch gefüllt ;) 5 Sterne, gerne wieder ! Danke
I found the secret gorge by accident for our 25th anniversary.....what a wonderful place to celebrate the occasion. Sifis and his Father are great hosts....the food and wine are outstanding . We would highly recommend the whole experience to anyone. Beautiful views from the dining table......Efaristo poli
We booked the tasting at The Secret Gorge already from Italy, both the photos of the landscape and the description of the tasting menu inspired me. We arrived by 8.30 p.m. and were pleasantly welcomed by Sifis and his father. The most pleasant of surprises was that the table for 12 people was shared with people we did not know, which was an opportunity to share the experience and get to know each other in between tasting more wines and foods from Greece. We met a Dutch couple and German people. Exceptional food, different and prepared with more care than the usual tourist taverns. Also exceptional wines from all over Greece. If I have to give an overall rating I give a very good one. Exceptional landscape, superlative experience. One of the best memories Crete has left me.
A big thank you to Sifis and his father for this exceptional experience! Each wine was truly delightful, and Sifis’s explanations about the wines and the cuisine were very interesting. As for the food, it was simply divine! Also, the view is worth the visit. We also had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people, which added a special touch to the ambiance of the meal. We will definitely be back and highly recommend this place without hesitation!
We had an absolutely beautiful night with Sifis and his father and the incredible meal they prepared for us. Two of us are vegan and they went above and beyond to provide multiple courses that we could eat. Also the wines were wonderful and Sifis had great knowledge of each bottle. The entire night was magical and we are so thankful we were able to experience this. My mom was in a wheelchair and Sifis helped carry her down the stairs. The pride, care, and love they put into the entire evening is amazing, and if you are lucky enough to come- DO IT!!!! We would go back in a heartbeat. Thank you Sifis and dad for an amazing night and for your incredible hospitality!!
I discovered this magical place while searching for a family anniversary dinner option. In a fabulous setting, you’ll find a table for 12, meticulously arranged down to the smallest detail. You'll enjoy spectacular wines and the most authentic food you can find in Crete. However, the best part is the warm company of the hosts: Sifis and his father are very welcoming, jovial, and will make sure you have a wonderful time. It was one of the most enjoyable dining experiences during a long journey through the Greek islands.
Words cannot describe this experience, I mean really, but I'll try. This place is BEAUTIFUL! The food was amazing and the wine was too. The chef really outdid himself and the service was impeccable. On top of that, we met some amazing people and now have new friends for life. Thank you so much for bringing strangers together and creating memories that will last a lifetime! I will 100% be back
The recent food and wine tasting event I attended exceeded all expectations. The menu was a carefully curated culinary journey showcasing the best local ingredients. Each dish was a work of art, both in presentation and taste. From the appetizers to the dessert, the pairings were designed to highlight the quality of the fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The wine selection was equally impressive. Each glass told a story, featuring wines ranging from fresh, fruity whites to robust, full-bodied reds The experience was made even more special by sharing the experience with a group of ten people from different parts of the world, all gathered around a single table. Sifis and his father created an intimate and convivial atmosphere In conclusion, this tasting was more than just a meal; it was an immersion in the flavors, aromas, and traditions of the region. An unforgettable evening that I highly recommend to anyone
Wonderful expérience thanks to all the team
DO NOT SKIP THIS! Our evening at The Secret Gorge was one of our favourites during our trip to Greece. The food was spectacular, the wine was amazing and the atmosphere was incredible. We got to meet 5 other couples and enjoyed a lovely evening chatting and enjoying amazing food and wine. We loved getting to try local Grecian wines and hearing more about the food and culture. The fact that this is a family run business makes me love it even more!!
Wat een bijzondere ervaring hebben wij hier gehad. Met een gezellige groep mensen uit diverse landen Heerlijk gegeten bereid door de vader en mogen proeven van de door de zoon geserveerde wijnen. Echt genoten en gelachen Dankje voor deze onvergetelijke avond Grt, jack en Danielle
Beau concept de table semi privée pour une dégustation de vin et plats crétois typiques. La nourriture est excellente et le service irréprochable. C'est un peu difficile de trouver l'endroit, mais cela apporte au "secret" du nom.
Really wonderful night ! Great people to share the table with, really good food and wine testing :) The owners are really nice ! Everyone should try it ! We definitely come again ! Thanks a lot ! Greetings from france ! PS to our table : you’re welcome in the french/Swiss alps
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!!