Pure Island Bounty, Elevated by Modern Gastronomy
The Evolution of Cretan Gastronomy — Nestled in the heart of Plakias, Medousa brings a fresh, contemporary perspective to Modern Cretan Cuisine. Our kitchen is a vibrant tribute to the island’s rich heritage. Fresh catch from the Libyan Sea, wild mountain herbs, and extra virgin olive oil that flows like liquid gold. Re-imagined through progressive culinary artistry. We take the time-honored flavors of Crete and present them through an innovative lens, creating a bridge between past and present.
By combining local roots with modern techniques, we elevate authentic, rustic ingredients into elegant, fine-dining creations. Every plate is thoughtfully composed to highlight the purity of Cretan produce while offering a bold, unexpected twist. Whether savoring a delicate fish ceviche or a modern take on traditional wood-fired recipes, dining at Medousa is an invitation to experience the future of island gastronomy.
Tales Told Through Smoke, Fine Oil & Local Wine
At Medousa, Modern Cretan Cuisine comes alive through the seamless fusion of wood-fired tradition and contemporary culinary finesse. Anchored by the warmth of our traditional oven, our kitchen honors ancient cooking methods while daring to experiment with modern textures and artistic presentations. From prime local meats to sun-ripened vegetables, fire remains our master tool for unlocking deep, sophisticated flavors.
This commitment to culinary expression offers a dining experience that is refined yet deeply rooted in Cretan hospitality. Paired with a curated selection of indigenous Cretan wines and fine Greek labels, each meal celebrates the evolving food culture of our island. At Medousa, we invite you to enjoy the timeless soul of Crete, beautifully re-imagined for today’s dining scene.
Starters & Meze
ορεκτικάHomemade Sourdough Bread
Wood‑oven baked, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs.
Lamb Carpaccio
Olive oil, sea salt, local mustard, black garlic mayo, chives.
Beef Tartare
Green olive, local vinegar, local mustard, Gruyere cheese, cured egg yolk, fresh herbs, crispy bread.
Ceviche Daily Fish
Lime‑orange sauce, fresh chili, pickled onion, fresh herbs.
Fresh Tuna Cured
Beluga lentils salad, lemon zest, olive oil.
Pickles
Wild garlic shoots, artichokes, carrots, cauliflower, chili pepper, cucumber, olive oil, fresh herbs.
Tarama Mousse
Grilled greens, soutzouki, lemon zest.
Tyrokafteri
Feta cheese, pickled chilli peppers, crispy bread, air salami.
Tzatziki
Pickled beetroot, dill, garlic, olive oil.
Homemade Tirozouli in the Wood Oven
White cheese, homemade tomato marmalade, carob barley rusk.
Shrimp 'Saganaki'
Grilled shrimp, bisque sauce, feta cheese, cherry tomato, chili, fresh herbs.
Artichoke Au Gratin
Wild artichokes, Cretan cheese, fresh herbs.
Pie in the Wood Oven
Fresh Cretan herbs, spinach, mountain green vegetables, feta cheese.
Greek Salad
Tomatoes, cucumber, pickled onion‑red peppers, fresh herbs, carob barley rusk, pixtogalo cheese, olive oil, aged vinegar.
Fresh Grilled Season Green Vegies
Baby potatoes, carrots, fresh tomato, olive oil.
Roasted Beetroot Salad
Sour cream cheese, caramelized almonds, lemon zest, olive oil.
Mains — Fire & Pasta
κυρίωςTraditional Cretan Rice 'Pilafi'
With lamb casserole & galotyi cheese.
Cretan Pasta with Vegetables
Carrot, cherry tomato, mushroom, zucchini, ksinomizithra cheese, fresh herbs.
Cannelloni
Lamb, aubergine, Feta cream cheese, tomato sauce.
Homemade Spaghetti with Shrimps
Feta cheese, fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, black garlic, ouzo.
Charcoal Grilled Chicken 300gr
Fresh green salad, pixtogalo cream cheese, lemon‑oil sauce.
Crispy Pork Belly in the Wood Oven 300gr
Yogurt, pita bread, tomato‑onion salad, gyros sauce.
Lamb Shank in the Wood Oven 400gr
Petimezi sauce, sour cream cheese & baby potatoes.
Braised Beef Cheeks in the Wood Oven 250gr
Baby potatoes in the oven, lemon, sauce.
Charcoal Grilled Beef Fillet 220gr
Served with your choice of side.
Charcoal Grilled Beef Rib Eye Steak 300gr
Served with your choice of side.
Seafood
θαλασσινάCharcoal Grilled Sea Bass Fillet
Cheek peas, fresh herbs, season greens, kakavia traditional fish sauce.
Charcoal Grilled Calamari
Stewed vegetables, tomato confit, ink‑lemon‑olive oil sauce, fresh herbs.
Fish of the Day
Ask our server for today’s catch.
Desserts
γλυκάOrange Pie
Lemon cream, kaimaki ice cream.
Red Fruits
Basil cream, hazelnut crumble, yoghurt‑cherry ice cream.
Brownies
Chocolate ganache, peanut butter, salty caramel ice cream.
Ice Cream Selection
Choose from: Kaimaki (Masticha), Salty Caramel, Yoghurt Cherry, Mango Sorbet, Tangerine Sorbet.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
οίνος & πιάτοMuscat of Spinas · Wild Artichokes & Critamo GF · LF
Pairing: Muscat of Spinas with garlic shoots, pickled wild artichokes, and sea fennel (critamo). Gluten‑free, lactose‑free.
Romeiko · Fish Tartare of the Day GF · LF
Pairing: Romeiko (white grape) with fresh fish tartare, lime juice, chilli, herbs, chives, and pickled onion. Gluten‑free, lactose‑free.
Vidiano · Trachanokeftedes Contains gluten & lactose
Pairing: Vidiano (white) with sour cracked wheat balls stuffed with Gruyère, served with tomato chutney. (Not gluten‑free, not lactose‑free.)
Liatiko (rosé) · Apaki Pork with Mavrodaphne GF · LF
Pairing: Liatiko (rosé) with smoked pork (apaki) flambéed in Mavrodaphne wine. Gluten‑free, lactose‑free.
Demi Sec
ημίγλυκα κρασιά'Aspro Votsalo' – Dourakis Winery
Muscat of Spinas, Malvazia, Vilana. Pale golden, intense aromas of lychee, mango & ginger, oily & full, balanced acidity. (22.00€)
'Marilin' – Louloudis Winery
Muscat of Spina – Liatiko. Bright rose color, pleasant aromas of white blossoms & cherries, full‑bodied & sweet finish. (20.00€)
Sparkling & Dessert Wines
αφρώδη & γλυκά κρασιάMoscato Gemma di Luna
Sparkling, sweet, floral notes. (8.00€ glass / 25.00€ bottle)
Ca'Stele Prosecco D.O.C.
Crisp, dry, apple & pear. (8.00€ glass / 25.00€ bottle)
Vin Doux – UWS Samos
White Muscat, deep golden, apricot jam & ripe melon, full‑bodied. (7.00€)
Idaia Winery – Liatiko (Dessert)
Deep amber, dried fruits, ripe apricots, honey, sweet and rich. (8.00€)
White Wines
λευκά κρασιά'Great King' – Loyloydhs Winery
Muscat of Spina. Intense floral, rose, gardenia, peach, mango. (24.00€)
'Menexes' – Menexes Winery
Vikana – Malvazia Aromatica. Golden green, lemon, white blossoms. (22.00€)
'Pavo' – Dourakis Winery
Romeiko. Born Red, Matured to White. Pale lemon, white peach, pear. (25.00€)
'Ocean' – Idaia Winery
Thrapsathiri. Deep lemon green, sweet exotic fruits, creamy. (29.00€)
'Anoferia' – Anoskeli Winery
Vilana. Deep lemon, citrus, white‑fleshed fruits, jasmine. (26.00€)
'Young Wines' – Iliana Malixini Winery
Vidiano. Light yellow‑green, crisp acidity, stone fruit. (35.00€)
'Silva Sera' – Daskalakis Winery
Plyto – Sauvignon Blanc. Exotic fruits, mango, kiwi, passion fruit. (35.00€)
'Roussanne' – Manousakis Winery
Roussanne. Complex, spicy, barrel‑aged, sophisticated. (67.00€)
'Exis' – Manolesakis Winery
Malagouzia, Assyrtiko. Orange blossom, melon, peach, bright acidity. (23.00€)
Domaine Papaioannou – Chardonnay
Jasmine, pineapple, banana, refreshing acidity. (27.00€)
Mantineia – Troupis Winery
Moschofilero. Lemon green, citrus, jasmine, rose, lively. (26.00€)
Karipidis Winery – Sauvignon Blanc
Complex, pepper, ripe fruits, cool acidity. (28.50€)
Karipidis Winery – Malagouzia
Floral, citrus, structured, long aftertaste. (32.00€)
'Ritinitis Nobilis' – Gaia Wines
Premium Retsina (Roditis), citrus & pine resin. (28.00€)
Rosé Wines
ροζέ κρασιά'Ano Plagia' – Anoskeli Winery
Grenache Rouge – Syrah. Red fruits, strawberry, cherry, rose. (27.00€)
'Venerata Rosa' – Idaia Winery
Muscat of Spina – Liatiko. Pale pomegranate, floral, stone fruits. (25.00€)
Iliana Malihini Winery – Liatiko (rosé)
Cherry, plums, grapefruit freshness. (29.00€)
Karipidis Winery – Rosé
Quince paste, litchi, orange zest. (28.00€)
'Gris de Nuit' – Tselepos Winery
Moschofilero. Rose, lemon blossoms, cherry, grapefruit. (30.00€)
Rose de Xinomavro – Thymiopoulos Winery
Xinomavro. Strawberry jam, tomato, rose petals, caramel. (32.00€)
Red Wines
κόκκινα κρασιάIliana Malihini Winery – Liatiko
Distinctive, slightly rustic, dried fruits, Mediterranean herbs. (32.00€)
Idaian Winery – Kotsifali – Mandilari
Dark red, vanilla, coffee, chocolate. (31.00€)
Diamantopetra – Diamantakis Winery
Syrah – Mandilaria. Cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, pepper. (32.00€)
Lagara – Paraskevas Winery
Mandilari. Caramelized apricots, aromatic herbs. (33.00€)
Driopi – Tselepos Winery
Agiorgitiko. Intense red fruits, nuts, sweet spices. (34.00€)
Earth & Sky – Thymiopoulos Winery
Xinomavro. Juicy, red currant, strawberry, pomegranate, herbs. (52.00€)
Coffees
καφέδεςEspresso
Intense, aromatic. (2.50€)
Cappuccino
Rich espresso with steamed milk and foam. (4.00€)
Americano
Espresso diluted with hot water. (4.00€)
Greek Coffee
Traditional, boiled in a briki. (2.50€)
✳ The menu changes with the catch and the garden — vegan, vegetarian, gluten‑free & lactose‑free dishes are always on hand. Our sommelier is happy to guide you through our cellar.
The Wine Tasting
Experience
Take your palate on an authentic journey through the island’s rich viticulture with our exclusive Cretan Wine Tasting Experience. Guided by our local wine expert in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, you will discover the unique stories, traditions, and distinct grape varieties that shape Crete’s winemaking heritage. We present a carefully selected flight of four exceptional local wines, each chosen to showcase the vibrant aromas and textures that define our terroir.
To elevate this immersive journey, each glass is thoughtfully paired with traditional mezze crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients. This tasting is not just about savoring great wine; it is an exploration of how indigenous flavors and island ingredients perfectly harmonize. Whether you are a passionate wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, this 90-minute culinary adventure is designed to connect you deeply with the essence of Cretan hospitality.
Book Your Experience
Find us
Agiou Georgiou, Myrthianos Plakias 740 60, Rethymno — Crete
Hours
Mon – Fri · 18:00 – 00:00
Sat – Sun · 15:00 – 00:00