See Also
• Where to reside in Santorini
• Best Hotels in Santorini
• Best Activities in Santorini
• The webpage for some popular winery tours on Santorini island.
• Best Boat Tours in Santorini
• Top Beaches in Santorini
Santorini Food & Wine
- Guided culinary walking tour with food sampling
– Remarkable Santorini food tour with tastings (much of it along the caldera) from Firostefani to Fira. Highly Recommended! - Santorini Sunset Vine Excursion
– Wines from Santorini are magnificent and this overview provides insight into 3 of the island`s best wineries. Hotel pick-up and drop-off make it hassle-free. (The tour concludes at the Venetsanos Winery boasting incredible caldera and sunset perspectives.) - A fun activity is the Santorini cooking experience
– A super fun introduction to Greek sustenance. Lots of hands-on cooking. Great for groups, couples, or singles. - Making reservations 3 to 5 days in advance at most of the below restaurants will generally be fine, but for special occasions book a table weeks or even months ahead to ensure one.
- Providing additional monetary value when paying for casual meals at tavernas on the Greek island of Santorini is customary. A general guideline for rounding up the cost of a casual meal is to leave €2 to €5 extra or to make the total bill an even number ending in 0 or 5. For instance, if the bill is €27, paying €30 total would be appropriate. For higher-end restaurants, gratifying servers 5% to 10% of the pre-tax amount is standard practice, while 15% is considered especially generous. When ordering at bars and cafes or for counter service, rounding up to the next euro is common; table service deserves a tip in the range of 5% to 10% of the bill.
- Among my highly favored dining establishments in Santorini are: Metaxi Mas • Cava Alta • Ouzeri • Athenian House • Avocado • Candouni • Roka
- Top Santorini Restaurants with Caldera Views: Athenian House • Naoussa • La Maison • Ambrosia. (Generally, the finest restaurants do not provide caldera vistas but some are exceptions.)
- The best free thing to accomplish in Santorini is the Fira-Oia hike. Or visit one of Santorini’s beaches.
- If you dine at any of these restaurants please mention that you learned about them from Santorini Dave. Thank you!
Table of Contents
Hotel Restaurants with Great Views
Many of the top Santorini hotels have restaurants with great cuisine and fantastic views. These are my favorites:
• Ξενοδοχείο Κιβωτός (Μάβρο)
• The lodging place Grace in Imerovigli (Varoulko)
• Accommodations at the Mystique Hotel in Oia (Lure)
• Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia (Lycabettus)
• Cavo Tagoo nearby Imerovigli (Vezené)
• Charisma in Imerovigli (sunset champagne event at the bar)
• Andronis Boutique Hotel located in Oia, Santorini (Lauda)
• Astra Suites in Imerovigli (Five Senses)
• Carpe Diem in Pyrgos (Exaltis, spectacular panoramic views)
• Athina Luxury Suites in Fira (Esperisma, extraordinary views of the volcano)
The Best Restaurants in Santorini
Metaxi Mas – $$
Website • Phone number: +30 22860 31323
This is regarded as the top restaurant on Santorini. If you inquire at your hotel about “where is the best place to eat in Santorini?”, they’ll likely recommend this location. Reservations strongly advised. The views are of Kamari beach and the airport. A perfect evening (away from the caldera) would include a meal at Metaxi Mas and then a late-night movie at the outdoor cinema in Kamari, about a 5-minute drive away. Metaxi Mas is located in Exo Gonia, down the hill behind the striking Agios Charalambos church. There are parking areas on both sides of the church).
Best Restaurants in Fira
Selene – $$$
The webpage for this establishment can be found at this link. Their phone number is +30 22860 22249
Fine dining located inside of a converted monastery within Fira’s only 5 star hotel, Katikies Garden. In its 35th year of operations, now newly led by the Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini).
Naoussa – $$
Website – Phone: +30 22860 21277
Excellent local cuisine and broad caldera perspectives abound at a pedestrian-friendly northern Fira eatery. Reservations advised for the inviting establishment.
Ouzeri – $$
Website address • Phone number: +30 22860 21566
Nutritious optionsserved in a laidback environment. The prominent vivid signage might create an impression of focusing greatly on tourists however the cuisine is delicious and cost is moderate. Reservations are suggested for evening dining but commonly unnecessary for lunch time.
Cacio e Pepe – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 24971
The best Italian dining establishment in Santorini. They have a good selection of Italian wines. The atmosphere is fun and friendly.
Lucky’s Souvlaki – $
Website – Website – Phone: +30 22860 22003
One of my favored culinary experiences on the Greek isle of Santorini was a gyro sandwich from the Lucky`s establishment. As an inexpensive yet delicious lunch selection, it was ideal. Customers place orders at the register then display their receipt near the preparing staff. Inside seating capacity is constrained, yet pleasantly shaded public seating directly across the road permits people-watching. This is a must-try dining option
Ftelos Brewery – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22861 86627
A pioneering brewery renowned for more than just beer invites patrons to a rooftop greenspace serving innovative Mediterranean small plates and one-of-a-kind craft creations crafted from local and unexpected fixings. Engaging excursions, tasting flights, flavor pairings and cookery sessions coupled with DIY brewing seminars allow visitors to actively participate and learn. Conveniently found in the community of Karterados, a pleasant quarter-hour tread southward leads to the town center. 🍺.
Argo – $$
Die Hirschgasse – Hotel phone: +49 622 14540 Recently relocated from the caldera`s edge to a more bucolic setting around twenty minutes` walk to the northeast of Fira town. Advance reservations advisable.
Best Restaurants in Oia
Candouni – $$
The website for Candou Restaurant & Bar can be found here along with their phone number: +30 22860 71616
A cozy ambiance pervaded by traditional Greek cuisine and nightly live performances undertaken with prior reservation recommended.
Roka – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71896
A quaint yet highly rated eatery in the town of Oia, this restaurant offers charming ambiance and delectable fare in a peaceful setting, though without scenic caldera views; reservations are recommended.
Elinikon – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71994
Highly rated for cuisine and scenic sunsets in Oia. Delectable small plates designed for sharing. Advance reservations advisable.
Karma – $$
Online Portal • Phone: +30 22860 71404
A quaint eatery renowned for several of the top dishes in Oia. Advance bookings recommended.
Ambrosia – $$$
Website – Phone: +30 22860 71413
This esteemed restaurant in Oia, potentially all of Santorini, offers highly romantic ocean views. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Panorama Terrace – $$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71453
OK, perhaps this location is more romantic, but there is just one table and one seating per night (8 to 11pm). Make a reservation at least 27 years ahead of time by emailing [email protected]
Lotza – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71357
This small cafe offers good quality, reasonably priced food such as their delicious Oia Spaghetti dish alongside a patio providing spectacular ocean views. Their baklava pastry is highly recommendable. As most other restaurants in Oia are only open for dinner, this makes Lotza a suitable lunch option. However, it is advisable to avoid their souvlaki dish and instead get souvlaki or gyro from a specialized souvlaki or gyro restaurant rather than a full-service establishment. Reservations are usually unnecessary.
Ammoudi Fish Tavern – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 72298
Ammoudi is the port below Oia and its four restaurants all have incredibly fresh seafood. The Ammoudi Fish Tavern is the best choice but they’re all good options with wonderful waterside views. Descend to the waterfront, and have the restaurant contact you a taxi to avoid the climb back up. Reservations aren’t needed for lunch but advisable for dinner.
Oia Vineyart – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 72046
In a romantic setting, this restaurant on Santorini features seasonal dishes predominantly using ingredients sourced within the local Cyclades region. Diners are also treated to an impressive wine selection encompassing bottles from every vineyard on the island. Advance reservations are recommended.
Pitogyros – $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71119
Renowned as the top establishment in Oia for flavorsome gyro, souvlaki and shish kebab dishes, along with house-made pork sausages. Outdoor covered dining areas situated near the eatery.
Dimitris Taverna – $$
Website • Phone number: +30 22860 71606
A memorable shoreline tavern along Ammoudi Bay dedicated to simply prepared seafood and local specialties. Reservations for evenings are advisable to savor dishes such as fava spreads or fried tomato balls alongside catches of the day. Walk-ins can also be accommodated for luncheons despite potential queues.
Lefkes – $$
Website – Phone: +30 22860 72211
A picturesque restaurant situated in a 19th-century wine cellar in the traditional village of Finikia just outside Oia. The menu features inventive reimaginings of classic Greek fare. Among their most popular dishes are moussaka croquettes along with lamb simmered overnight. Reservations recommended, especially for dinner service.
Best Restaurants in Imerovigli
Athenian House – $$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 36420
Boasting panoramic caldera and sunset perspectives unmatched by other Santorini restaurants, this establishment offers nuanced interpretations of regional Greek cuisine utilizing seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. An extensive wine list highlights both Santorinian varietals and broader Hellenic options along with inventive cocktails. Advance reservations are recommended.
Avocado – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 36183
Along with the Athenian House, this is one of my preferred dining destinations in Imerovigli, renowned for its delightful cuisine and ambiance albeit without perspectives, usually accepting lunch patrons without reservation but advising couples to schedule evenings.
Anogi – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 21285
Excellent restaurant featuring a trendy yet relaxed atmosphere and authentic menu highlighting local Santorini dishes as well as Greek comfort classics.
La Maison – $$
Website link – Phone: +30 22860 25649
Featuring innovative Greek cuisine with nuanced French influences and notably ornate dessert presentations, the restaurant excels in culinary excellence amongst eateries in southern Imerovigli.
Best Restaurants in Firostefani
Aktaion – $$
Website • Phone number: +30 22860 22336
Longstanding family-operated trattoria on Santorini consistently acclaimed as among the finest on Firostefani. When busy, outdoor seating spills onto the lane enhancing the lovely ambiance. Wise visitors make prior arrangements.
Remvi – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 28200
Several eateries with breathtaking panoramas in Firostefani await visitors. Among these, Remvi receives high praise for flavorsome fare – advisable to reserve especially for al fresco dining with panoramic perspectives.
Da Vinci – $$
Website • Phone: +30 69460 03463
Excellent locally-sourced Italian meals. Views face east instead of the caldera. Rarely necessary to reserve in advance. Suitable for walk-ins and larger parties.
Best Restaurants in Pyrgos
Cava Alta – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 33932
Tucked away down slopes below the mountaintop citadel in a little community, this restaurant has certain of my most cherished dishes in that Greek isle. Reservations frequently unnecessary for luncheon yet best to schedule for suppers.
Kantouni – $$
- Website: andronis-suites.com
Kantouni, located near the central bus station in Pyrgos, is widely considered to be among the top traditional Greek dining establishments in the town square. Its open-air seating and quality cuisine, along with its convenient location, have made it a popular choice for both locals and visitors alike.
Rosemary – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 31262
Sophisticated yet relaxed Mediterranean bistro focusing on dishes from the Cyclades islands and wines from Santorini. Beautiful panoramic sunsets can be enjoyed from the outdoor patio. Advance reservations are recommended for tables with optimal views.
Best Restaurants in Akrotiri
Misteli – $$
Website link – Phone: +30 22860 27515
This rustic yet stylish family-operated restaurant serves wholesome meals at reasonable prices using ingredients from their on-site garden. Casual ambiance, convenient location, and hospitality from staff create an ideal setting for dining and socializing. Reservations advised.
The Cave of Nikolas – $$
Website link – Phone: +30 22860 82303
This family-operated eatery along Akrotiri Beach delivers home-cooked meals highlighting locally-sourced Greek specialties. Vegetables, diary, and meats come directly from the proprietors` farm while seafood is procured daily from local fishermen. Offering excellent value and generous portions using fresh ingredients, the open-air restaurant also presents superb panoramas of the coastline and sunsets, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
Kambia – $$
The website contains contact details like the phone number +30 69806 77148 for a restaurant located in Kambia, Greece A family-run restaurant along Kambia beach in Akrotiri specializes in home-cooked Cretan specialties from late morning until evening, closed on Mondays. Intimate size and attentiveness cultivate warmth.
Best Beach Restaurants on Santorini
Yalos – Exo Gialos Beach • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 25816
Fresh seafood and Santorinian flavors at an idyllic beach location roughly a 10 minute drive directly east of Fira. Trendy but friendly ambiance.
Seaside by Notos – Agios Georgios Beach • $$
Website address • Phone number: +30 22860 82801
A luxury beach club features a gourmet Mediterranean restaurant, sushi bar, and cocktail lounge. Diners can savor meals in the breezy, al fresco eatery or opt for a secluded cabana or private sunbathing area directly on the sand. Advance reservations, especially for cabanas and sunbeds, are advisable due to high popularity.
Savvas Popeye – Agios Georgios • $
Savvas Popeye offers a relaxed environment along with traditional cuisine, views of the water, and very welcoming staff. It is open for lunch and dinner throughout the week.
More Great Santorini Restaurants
Pentozali – Mesaria • $
Website • Contact: +30 22860 37383
This local favorite dining spot opened by two friends from Crete emphasizes authentic hot and cold appetizers known as mezedes along with raki, reasonably priced house wine and chilled beers. It provides a pleasant shaded outdoor area and friendly staff. Reservations are unnecessary even if a short wait for a table may occur on occasion.
To Psaraki – Vlychada • $
Web page • Phone: +30 22860 82783
Nestled along the coastline in Vlychada, this seafood eatery specializes in simply prepared dishes utilizing the freshest catches of the day procured directly from nearby waters, alongside regionally sourced produce – all alongside breathtaking marina views.
Aroma Avlis – Exo Gonia • $$
Website – Phone: +30 22860 22594
Upscale farm-to-table restaurant attached to Artemis Karamolegos Winery. Nearly all products served in the restaurant are grown in the surrounding fields. Pair a meal here with a winery tour, wine tasting, or cooking class. The wine list includes not only Karamolegos’ varieties but also other Santorinian labels and Greek regional wines
Taverna Gero-Manolis – Megalochori • $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 82892
This establishment is known for its superb regional fare in the charming village of Megalochori, where it is popular among locals. It serves lunch and dinner daily, with reservations usually unnecessary.
Roza’s – Vourvoulos • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 24378
The family-owned Roza`s in Vourvoulos serves home-cooked Greek cuisine in a traditional style. Their menu features meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes with a wide assortment of wines. It is located a brief walk from the main square bus stop. Guests highly praise the delicious food and the welcoming hosts.
Kiria Roula’s – Vlychada • $
Phone: +30 22860 82774
Situated at the Vlychada port, this renowned seafood eatery in Santorini specializes in fresh, locally-caught varieties. As one of the most popular dining destinations on the island, it has become somewhat of a tourist magnet in recent times. However, the authentic Greek ambiance and slow-pacedyet friendly service ensure a memorable culinary experience for all patrons. Cash payments are the only accepted form of transaction here.
