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.
- We do not serve seafood
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
What an amazing night! We celebrated my step-daughter's 40th birthday. We were a party of 5 and we joined about 9 other people at the table. Everyone was interesting and jovial. The food was amazing. They tailored the meal choices to account for my nut allergy. The service was omnipresent and good. The drinks were seemingly endless. The view was spectacular, it looked as if the moon was our backdrop. I can't say enough great things about this experience... thank you all so much for such an amazing evening!
This experience was hands down my favorite part of our trip to Greece. It was so magical. The view was breathtaking. The food was delicious and abundant. The local wines were amazing. And, the service was impeccable. We were there from the States celebrating my sister’s 40th birthday. Everyone at the table were also from the States which our server said was a first for him. We did not want to leave when the time came. If you are thinking about booking this dinner experience I HIGHLY recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Well-Kept Secret in Crete – 1000/10! This restaurant is truly unforgettable. Perched on the side of a cliff, the view alone takes your breath away — the kind of panorama that makes you stop and soak in every second. But it’s not just the scenery that’s extraordinary. The staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. The food? Hands down the best meal I had in Crete all week. Every dish was fresh, perfectly prepared, and full of flavor — you could taste the quality in every bite. The local wine paired beautifully with the food and made the whole experience even more memorable. If I could give this place more than 5 stars, I would. Everything was beyond perfect — 1000 out of 10. If you’re in Crete, don’t miss this gem.
Empfehlenswert
What an experience!
We had the most wonderful evening at The Secret Gorge! The food was absolutely delicious – fresh, high quality, and it allowed us to discover a more local and authentic side of Greek cuisine. Every dish was perfectly explained by Sifis and his colleague, who were incredibly kind and made the whole experience even more special. I went with my boyfriend, and what made the night truly unforgettable was the atmosphere – not only the stunning location, where we arrived just in time for a magical sunset, but also the chance to meet amazing people from all over the world. We shared the evening with new friends from Italy, the US, and Germany, and the night continued in such a joyful way. The wine pairings were excellent, and our favorite was definitely the one served with dessert – simply perfect! Everything about this experience deserves a 10/10. A magical place, fantastic food, warm hospitality, and memories we will treasure. Highly recommended!
Amazing experience! The food was incredible and representative of the Cretan cuisine, as was the different types of wines each of the dishes was paired with. I would totally recommend a visit!!
Amazing experience! We loved this intimate multi course dinner experience and would recommend everyone to try it out! Food was great, wine was amazing, and we absolutely loved the conversations had with the other guests at the table. Would love to go back and do this again
Last week we had the privilege to take part in something truly special: A gathering of travelers, suspended above a gorge in the heart of Crete. The Secret Gorge is not just a dinner - it's an intimate journey through Cretan flavors, stories and soul. 8 courses, 8 local wines, 12 open hearts - brought together by nature, tradition and the warmth of genuine hospitality. Heartfelt thanks to Sifis, his wonderful Father and our perfect, empathic waiter Michael - your care and presence made this evening unforgettable! 🙏❤️
Such a wonderful experience, I am so glad we got to go and enjoy. The wine was all delicious and the food was spectacular. Probably the best part of the evening was getting to connect with people all over the world and create new friendships.
Everything was delicious and the view was hard to beat.
really great experience
Varied, plentiful and excellent food, accompanied by just as wide a range of Greek wines. The gorge setting is truly breathtaking, and enabled a wonderful "supper club" atmosphere where strangers became friends. Highly recommend; arrive very hungry!
Well worth it! A very unique experience.
We were made to feel so welcome, and the food and wine was only surpassed by the attentive, fun and personable service. Would highly recommend the experience and the view at sunset will literally take you breath away.
From the first moment till the last … Magical 👌🏻
Nice place to sit above the gorge, great views , very good food, friendly service, very good wine
We had a wonderful night at The Secret Gorge! The scenery was breathtaking, the golden hour glow made it look like we stepped into a fairytale. The service was amazing. We were treated like royalty and nothing was too much to ask for. And the food & wine, to die for! We got to try so many different things and everything tasted SO GOOD. If you want to have an unforgettable night in Crete, The Secret Gorge is the place-to-be!
What a wonderful experience at The Secret Gorge! The view is absolutely stunning and makes this place truly special. The atmosphere is very cozy and perfect for relaxing and enjoying a lovely evening. The food was delicious and the wines were excellent. It really completed the experience. We truly enjoyed our time here. Highly recommended!
A truly memorable way to spend our last night in Crete. From the moment we arrived, the team made the entire evening feel intimate and special, with an incredible attention to detail that didn’t go unnoticed. Every aspect—from the beautifully presented dishes to the thoughtfully selected wines—was handled with genuine care. The food was outstanding, the wine paired perfectly, and the atmosphere struck that rare balance between relaxed and refined. What stood out most was the service: warm, attentive, and effortlessly in tune with the pace of the evening. A wonderful experience all around, and a place we’ll remember long after the trip ends.