Gianni's Taverna

Do NOT skip this place! If you are visiting Crete this is a must add to the itinerary. The most incredible and so far still relatively hidden spot in Crete. We paid 20€pp for an absolutely smorgasbord of food, and everything was absolutely incredible. Like a proper taverna, there is no menu and you are given the days offering - and can ask for more of whatever dish you enjoy (you won’t need to! It’s a lot!) The setting in the old taverna is incredible, built at the start of the 1900’s the current taverna has been around ~30 years and you truly feel like you are stepping back in time surrounded by wine barrels (to help yourself to the wine you choose!) and dimly candle lit room. The road is windy in and out of the hilltop, but well worth it. If you plan on enjoying the wine - perhaps arrange transport to and from Heraklion or wherever you are staying. The venue has no name outside, so remember the outside from the photos, and enter through the kitchen to ask for a seat. We booked ahead but at 8pm on a Sunday we were the other ones there. To start, we had fava, lettuce, beetroot, chickpeas and vegetables in a light broth, tzatziki, dakos, horta, pilafi. This was followed by tsigariasto (Cretan goat and with spaghetti), Kotopoulo Kokkinisto (chicken in tomato and red wine), some pork on the bbq, and the most delicious hand cut crispy potatoes we’ve ever eaten. We of course were offered some raki and a dessert of peaches in a creamy gelatin, and some fresh melon.

If you want a special experience, go out of your way to Gianni's Taverna. One of a kind service, wine and food. The experience is something special that will leave a forever memory of Greek hospitality. It's like going to a friend's house for dinner. Very limited hours. You must make a reservation.

Outstanding. Fresh, local food - couldn’t get more traditional, with an absolutely stunning ambiance and lovely people with genuine passion for their food and tradition. Words are NOT enough. I was genuinely inspired & moved by this restaurant. If you’re going to one restaurant in Crete, this is the one. Plus you can try as much local wine as you please!!!

Lot's of food but quality is so so. The food kept coming along with your choice of wines from the barrels. The cost is €25 per person and you truely get lots of food and unlimited drinks. I wouldn't say it was the best food i had, neither was it authenic or flavourful. I have been to many restaurants during my stay but this was by far the lowest level. I wouldn't recommend.

Lovely Taverns in village of Kyparissi. Owner and wife are lovely and warm. At first it felt a little dark and rustic but suits atmosphere and eyes are getting use to candles. Lots of small plates, with vegetables meat balls and pasta. Must have left too soon as we missed the meat. Housewine on tap from barrels and bottomless. Seems like recommended place as people travel from Heraklio to dine♡ visit at least once ...kudos to Janos

Awesome exclusively candlelight atmosphere in the basement of a stone built traditional house. Good Cretan food and very friendly service. You don’t order here. As a welcome they hand you an empty 1lit jar and wine glasses which you use to taste the wine from their barrels to choose you favorite for filling up the jar (as many times as you want). Then they bring you one plate of each of the big veriety of the Cretan dishes they have cooked for the day and they keep bringing the ones you finish till they are convinced that you cannot eat anymore in order to bring the fruit and the deserts with raki. They have a fixed price of 20€ pp for all that!

No menu. You can eat what is cooked at that day. All fresh and tasty meals. You can drink wine and/or water, unfortunately I had to drive so took some extraordinary wine for home. Very pleasant place and interesting location!

One of the most unique experiences. The ambience is absolutely fantastic! The dark cellar with the light of the candles result in an experience no alike other. The price is fixed at 15€ per person for all you can eat and drink. You can choose from every wine you can find in the cellar. The food has great quality and variety. You can eat as much as you can handle. I will visit again for sure and you should too.