Title: Gianni’s Taverna: A Hidden Gem in Crete’s Authentic Dining ExperienceIntroduction: Welcome to Gianni’s Taverna, a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience located in the charming village of Kyparissi, Crete. This presentation will take you on a journey to discover the main attractions and features of Gianni’s Taverna, providing insights from visitors who have enjoyed its exceptional hospitality, delicious food, and traditional ambiance.Paragraph 1 – Overview and Location: Gianni’s Taverna is a must-visit destination nestled amidst the picturesque hilltops of Crete. Located in the village of Kyparissi, this hidden gem offers a genuine taste of Greek hospitality and a step back in time. With its beautiful candlelit atmosphere and historic taverna setting, Gianni’s provides an authentic dining experience that will leave you with cherished memories.Paragraph 2 – Unique Dining Experience: At Gianni’s Taverna, you’ll embark on a culinary adventure like no other. There’s no need for a menu here; instead, the day’s offerings are presented to you. Inspired by traditional Cretan cuisine, you’ll be treated to a smorgasbord of delectable dishes, including fava, tzatziki, horta, pilafi, and much more. The friendly staff encourages you to ask for more of your favorite dishes, ensuring a truly satisfying meal.Paragraph 3 – Historic Setting: Immerse yourself in the charm of Gianni’s Taverna’s historic setting. Built at the start of the 1900s, this taverna has stood the test of time for over 30 years. As you enter through the kitchen, you’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by wine barrels and the soft glow of candlelight. The intimate atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for enjoying authentic Greek cuisine and offers a glimpse into the past.Paragraph 4 – The Wine Experience: To enhance your dining experience, Gianni’s Taverna offers a unique wine experience. Upon arrival, you’ll receive an empty jar and wine glasses, allowing you to taste and select your favorite wine from the 16 different barrels available. It’s a delightful opportunity to savor the flavors of Crete and add a personal touch to your evening.Paragraph 5 – Rave Reviews: Visitors who have discovered Gianni’s Taverna rave about their experiences. Kelly Cross mentioned the exceptional service, wine, and food that left a lasting memory of Greek hospitality. Michael Whelan described it as a hidden spot worth adding to your itinerary, with incredible food and a time-traveling ambiance. Micheal Puhalovich highlighted the lively atmosphere with live folk music, endless food, and the opportunity to tap wine from the barrels.Paragraph 6 – Practical Tips: When planning your visit to Gianni’s Taverna, it’s important to keep a few practical tips in mind. The taverna has limited hours, so making a reservation is a must. The road to reach this hilltop location can be windy, so consider arranging transport if you plan on enjoying the wine. Remember, the venue has no name outside, so study the photos to recognize the entrance through the kitchen.Paragraph 7 – Conclusion: In conclusion, Gianni’s Taverna offers a truly exceptional dining experience, combining delicious food, warm hospitality, and a unique ambiance. Tucked away in the village of Kyparissi, it’s a place that local guides highly recommend, ensuring an authentic taste of Crete. Prepare to savor traditional Cretan cuisine, tap your own wine, and create memories that will last a lifetime in this historic taverna.
Located in the heart of a bustling city, Gianni’s Taverna has long been known as a main attraction for travelers seeking delicious food and vibrant nightlife. However, there is a diverse range of experiences awaiting those who are willing to venture beyond the main attraction. Just a short distance away from Gianni’s are charming villages that offer a glimpse into authentic Greek culture and tradition. From the narrow cobblestone streets to the quaint local shops, these villages are truly a hidden gem that will transport travelers back in time.For those seeking a taste of adventure, the surrounding area offers countless scenic hikes that showcase the natural beauty of Greece. From towering mountains to picturesque valleys, these hikes will take visitors through untouched landscapes that will leave them in awe. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a more challenging trek, the views from the summit will be worth every step. The best part? The trails are often less crowded than the main attractions, allowing travelers to truly immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.Of course, no trip to the Mediterranean would be complete without visiting one of its pristine beaches. Beyond the crowded tourist spots, there are hidden gems just a short distance from Gianni’s Taverna. These secluded beaches offer crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether travelers want to soak up the sun, go for a refreshing swim, or simply relax with a good book, these tranquil beaches provide the perfect setting.In addition to the charm of nearby villages, the beauty of scenic hikes, and the tranquility of pristine beaches, Gianni’s Taverna is also surrounded by cultural and historical sites that are worth exploring. From ancient ruins to magnificent temples, these sites provide a deeper understanding of Greece’s rich history and heritage. Travelers can wander through ancient cities, marvel at the intricate details of architectural wonders, and learn about the stories that shaped this remarkable nation.Overall, Gianni’s Taverna not only offers delicious food and vibrant nightlife, but also serves as a gateway to a world of diverse experiences. By stepping off the beaten path, travelers can immerse themselves in the hidden gems waiting to be explored. Whether it’s discovering charming villages, embarking on scenic hikes, relaxing on pristine beaches, or exploring cultural and historical sites, every adventure promises to be unforgettable. So go ahead, venture beyond the main attraction and let Gianni’s Taverna open the door to a world of enchantment and discovery.
Useful Information
Address: Κυπαρίσσι, Kiparissos 715 00, Greece
Opening hours: Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Thursday: 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Friday: 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Saturday: 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Sunday: 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Phone: 281 087 1451
Rated count: 4.8 of 1035 ratings
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.
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.
This place was one of the coolest dining experiences I’ve had, and we were lucky enough to hear them play some sort of live folk Cretan music on a Saturday when a large German tour came.
We noticed several local guides that came by (you could tell because they had a group accompanying them) who had a great time. They obviously know a great spot! Read the reviews and you will see many local guides highly recommend!
Amazing candle lit stone taverna with endless food and wine on tap from their barrels for $20. They have 16 different barrels of wine you tap yourself, which alone is probably worth it. We had 12 different dishes from their kitchen which they continuously bring out (there is no menu, simply ask for more of what you like and don’t eat what you don’t care for).
Overall we did technically have some better Cretan food on the island so gave them a 4 for food but definitely a 5/5 experience.
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!
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