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
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.
Absolutely incredible meal with delicious wine pairing. The family that runs the place provide an amazing service and offer tons of great information about Cretan and Greek wines. The food portions are generous and everything tasted exceptionally good, especially the lamb main course. Even though we sat inside and didn’t have the sunset view, the experience was some. Can’t recommend this place enough!
My wife and I had an amazing time here in July. Sifis is a great host, young guy, very friendly and welcoming. We had amazing Cretan food and we tried so many different Greek wines! Think about arranging for taxi or transportation as you’ll be done around 11:30pm and you will be very happy after drinking all that wine.