The very best restaurants in Santorini to go and where to eat Greek food in the island: a guide to select the best places to dine for a wonderful food holiday experience.
When people think about Greek Islands, they often immediately link the places to breathtaking landscapes. Santorini is no exception. The beautiful, whitewashed houses with blue roofs, hundreds of blue roofed churches, the deep caldera and the golden sunsets all make Santorini one of the most breathtaking places to visit in the world of the Mediterranean. But this place also has a mouth-watering cuisine that will more than satisfy your stomach during your vacation in Santorini.
A table against a stunning Aegean view while sipping on a dry island white wine, watching the sunset and feeling the fresh night air, filled with the wonderful smells of fresh Greek food, seafood, herbs and olive oil. Laughter, people having fun, sharing dishes and enjoying a night so very special.
So while searching for a restaurant to go to in Santorini to have dinner you are looking for more than a good restaurant to go to. You are searching for flavors, atmosphere and hospitality.
This is your Foodie’s Guide to Santorini restaurants. Find out all the best places to eat in Santorini to sample some delicious Greek dishes and mouth-watering seafood, as well as the top restaurants to have an outstanding dining experience in this lovely Greek island.
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| Find the number 1 choice for the best places in Santorini, from a wide variety of restaurants |
A Taste of Santorini: More Than Just Beautiful Views
One of the first things that one notices when arriving to the beautiful Greek island of Santorini is the strong connection that the local cuisine has to the island’s unique landscape and history.
The volcanic earth of the island, the sunny weather, and local traditions of agriculture have brought about a culinary approach unique for Santorini. Fresh produce and products in season, local sea food, produce from the local fields, and recipes of old times constitute the ingredients of the authentic taste of the island.
There are some wonderful specialities to try on the island made with cherry tomatoes from Santorini, as well as creamy fava made from the purees of yellow or white varieties of this root vegetable, white eggplant, capers, fresh local fish and more. This food makes for a great taste of the island and is found on local menus throughout.
Simple can be the best, sometimes even the highlight of your vacation.
Dining in Oia's Restaurants: Where Food Meets an Unforgettable Sunset
Oia village is one of the major villages on the northern side within the beautiful island of Santorini and known for its white buildings, narrow and winding paths of cobblestone and stunning boutiques. Many of the restaurants are hidden away in charming corners or have charming outdoor terraces for guests to eat in style and relax.
Many of the paths and streets in Oia village are narrow and wind between shops of high-end design and boutique styles, restaurants of all classes situated in the most charming areas and with lovely terraces to sit and enjoy your dinner while gazing down to the sea in the most spectacular way.
Fira, the main capital of the island with a very lively and busy atmosphere is another place to go for food in Santorini. In Fira you will find an array of restaurants from simple eateries to high class fine dining restaurants. You will also be able to find bars and clubs that stay open all night, a cocktail bar with views to die for, and the cheapest Greek restaurants on the island.
It’s not all about views. The charming Oia houses a selection of the best restaurants in Santorini, each with its cozy dining area where you can enjoy the fresh Greek cuisine flavors.
Be aware that restaurants with sunset views are extremely popular during high season, so book in advance. Check when booking whether you can sit where you would like.
Fira town: a foodie’s heaven in Santorini’s capital town
On the other hand, Fira is bustling and offers a wide range of restaurants and bars for every taste.
The main town of Santorini, Fira, is another location with restaurants, including spots serving a wide variety of cuisines, right on the caldera.
Really explore Fira and all its areas to discover lots of different meals and venues for casual stops as well as for lunch and dinner. All styles of restaurant, bar, cafe are represented, within a very short and compact area.
Whether you are looking for a traditional Greek restaurant, contemporary Greek restaurant or just somewhere to go for a casual bite to eat to recharge your batteries after a long day of island-hopping then Fira’s got it all.
It’s not necessary for a wonderful meal to be served in a stunning caldera view setting. Much of the island can provide for a lovely dining experience, should you be traveling on a limited budget.
Traditional Greek Food You Should Try in Santorini
There is a variety of foods to try while visiting Santorini, including some local specialties that are a must!
- Santorini fava
Yellow split peas cooked until they form a very smooth consistency. It is served in a bowl usually topped with olive oil, onion and capers and other basic items which greatly enhance the taste of the fava.
- Tomato fritters (tomatokeftedes)
Tomato fritters: crispy fried balls made from a mixture of tomatoes, herbs and other elements. Will typically be served as an aperitif or a starter in Greek restaurants.
- White eggplant
The White Eggplant of Santorini is a local variety with very pale skin and sweet scented pale flesh. The White Eggplant is often served roasted or grilled and may be featured in salads or as a side dish to main courses.
- Fresh seafood
As it is a Greek island you will find a variety of seafood dishes which are often grilled and served simply with a side of local greens or a bowl of a hearty soup. Again, be sure to check what the day’s catch is before choosing from the menu.
- Local wines
Santorini is famous for its white dry and semi-sweet wines made from Assyrtiko (also known as Assyrtico) in addition to other local grape varieties. The crisp acidity and mineral character of the Assyrtiko wines pair wonderfully with seafood dishes as well as other regional Santorini specialties.
We don’t always list out the alternative flavors but here they are for your reference so you can get the most out of your meals and have a more meaningful culinary experience while in Santorini.
Romantic Restaurants and Caldera Views
Watching the sun go down over the Aegean while having dinner in a restaurant in Santorini is probably one of the most memorable experiences of your stay in Greece.
Santorini’s dramatic scenery is best to experience while having dinner. The caldera, formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions, towers up above the deep blue waters of the Aegean, and villagers’ colorful houses create a kaleidoscope of colors as the sun sets serene in the horizon.
Some people prefer to plan a special dinner around a spectacular setting while others have different priorities such as exceptional food, a great atmosphere or even casual eating with a wonderful view.
When looking for the best place to go and enjoy a good meal, what you are looking for can play a big role in choosing the right restaurant.
A stunning view does not necessarily mean great food or good service. Read recent reviews on the restaurant and see what they are serving at present. Book well in advance for dinner during the peak season, as even the best restaurants have a limited number of tables with views.
If you plan to go out for a lunch as well, don’t overlook the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful meal at a restaurant’s veranda with a caldera view. Lunchtime can be very relaxed at a cliff side restaurant’s veranda.
Finding Hidden Gems Beyond the Famous Villages
Santorini has much more to offer than the famous villages of Oia and Fira. Head to Pyrgos, Megalochori, Akrotiri and other villages on the island and you’ll find more food to eat in lovely traditional restaurants and courtyards with family-run restaurants in Akrotiri village serving up local specialty dishes in relaxed settings, some with a view of the sunset, and others right by the sea.
Also consider eating in the villages of Pyrgos, Megalochori and the many other villages throughout the island that are filled with traditional architecture and lively local life.
You can sometimes find family run restaurants, cozy courtyards, local specialties and places that are away from the main tourist path in the villages of Santorini.
They are worth a visit for a different kind of food experience and to discover the beauty of the other villages and houses of Santorini.
To find the best restaurant and have the best culinary experiences, ask for local recommendations. Choose restaurants which are not right in front of you when you first arrive in a village and read the menus before you sit down to eat. You will discover so many beautiful places to have a wonderful and very local meal.
How to Choose the Best Restaurants in Santorini
Santorini has a lot of restaurants, so finding the right one can be very difficult. With some planning in advance you will find a restaurant that is suitable for you.
Romantic restaurant: A restaurant with a caldera view, intimate outdoor sitting area and dinner reservations for sunset time.
For authentic Greek cuisine: search for a traditional taverna, serving Greek dishes made from local produce and ingredients found in Greece.
Seafood Lovers: Fresh fish and seasonally caught seafood, ask for the day’s catch and be prepared for things to sell out quickly!
Fine dining in Santorini. Tasting menus of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, produced with local produce of the best quality.
For better value: Look for restaurants that are further away from the main viewpoints of the island. They generally offer better value for money. Again, compare the prices of the restaurants before booking a table. Look at their menus before heading out.
Special occasion: Recommend early booking and clarification of any special dietary requirements.
As with any location, restaurants may close or alter their menu & pricing at a moments notice. Make sure to double-check your chosen restaurant for the most up-to-date information prior to visiting.
A Few Tips for an Unforgettable Food Experience
To make the most of your dining experiences in Santorini, remember to:
Book your sunset dinner early because tables with views of the stunning Santorini sunset are the most sought after.
Try local specialties
A Santorinian restaurant usually serves fava, tomato fritters and other seasonal dishes made of local produce. Give them a try instead of the well-known Italian dishes.
Share several dishes.
In many Greek restaurants it is best to order a variety of dishes to share with the other members of your party.
Go outside the centers of Oia and Fira to find more authentic food experiences in other villages of the island.
Compare prices, menus and offer the best value for your money. Restaurants away from the main viewpoints can often offer far better value for a similar quality of food.
Leave room for spontaneity.
A casual visit to a lovely local taverna can become a real highlight for you and your friends!
My Final Thoughts: Discover Santorini One Meal at a Time
The restaurants in the best places of Santorini offer more than a delicious meal of food. They are a way of slowing down your holiday to appreciate scenery, learn about local customs and even remember parts of your holiday when they are long past.
Maybe you’ll be dining under the stars in a quaint Santorinian wine bar, feasting on our juicy tomato fritters in a cozy and traditional Greek tavern, or simply sipping an exceptional glass of locally produced white wine, the world-renowned red-inside white-outside Assyrtiko, while enjoying the beautiful colors of the changing light of day.
From an adventure of gastronomy, for all kinds of travelers, food for all kinds of palates, Santorini’s beauty can be enjoyed through the food that the island has to offer.
When you decide to travel to another Greek island, don’t forget to include some time to search for the restaurants of the island, taste some local specialties of Santorini and choose the places where you can eat perfectly in accordance with your needs.
Because in Santorini, some of the most unforgettable travel memories begin with a seat at the table.**
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants in Santorini?
The type of restaurants offered by Santorini is so diverse, in order to meet and satisfy all kinds of travelers and budgets, that one can choose a traditional tavern, a fish restaurant, fine dining or a romantic restaurant with a beautiful view to the caldera.
Where should I eat in Santorini for sunset views?
Oia is famous for sunset dining and thus the majority of restaurants offer amazing views. There are also parts of Fira and other villages of the caldera where you can find great restaurants with wonderful views to the sea. Book in advance and specify a table with a view.
What food is Santorini famous for?
Santorini fava, Tomato fritters, White eggplant, Capers from Santorini. Wine: especially the white Assyrteko.
Is Santorini expensive for dining?
The cost of dining in Santorini greatly varies from fine dining restaurants to wonderful tavernas to simple restaurants with a lovely view. Many of the restaurants with the best views of the caldera are quite expensive, but there are also many excellent, more affordable choices for dining in Santorini away from the major view points.
When should I reserve a restaurant in Santorini?
It is a good idea to book in advance for the restaurants with the best views of the sunset, the fine dining restaurants and the popular ones of the season.
