Greece › Santorini › Best Restaurants
Updated: August 10, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
See Also
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- Best Hotels in Santorini
- Best Things to Do in Santorini
- Best Santorini Wine Tours
- Best Santorini Boat Tours
My wife and I having dinner with a caldera view. Do this once, but do not choose every restaurant for the scenery.
Santorini has excellent restaurants, but the best food is not always attached to the best view. Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia is my favorite restaurant on the island. Roka is my favorite in Oia, Athenian House is my choice for a romantic sunset dinner, and Lucky’s serves the best quick and inexpensive meal.
For most trips, I would book one special dinner with a caldera view, one traditional meal inland, one seafood lunch, and several casual meals close to your hotel. Do not make every reservation in Oia. Some of Santorini’s best cooking is in Exo Gonia, Pyrgos, Vlychada, Megalochori, and Mesaria.
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Quick Picks
Best Overall
Fira
Oia
Imerovigli
Firostefani
Inland Villages
Seafood & Beaches
Hotel Restaurants
FAQSantorini Restaurants: Quick Picks
- Best restaurant overall: Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia
- Best fine dining: Selene in Fira
- Best in Fira: Ouzeri for casual Greek food
- Best gyro: Lucky’s in Fira
- Best in Oia: Roka
- Best Oia restaurant with sunset views: Elinikon
- Best in Imerovigli: Athenian House for views; Avocado for a relaxed meal
- Best in Firostefani: Aktaion
- Best in Pyrgos: Cava Alta
- Best traditional taverna: Taverna Gero-Manolis in Megalochori
- Best seafood: Kiria Roula’s in Vlychada
- Best beach restaurant: Yalos
- Best romantic sunset dinner: Athenian House
- Best private dinner: Panorama Balcony
- Best with children: Ouzeri, Roka, Avocado, or Cave of Nikolas
- Best food experience: Fira Food Tour
My Santorini Restaurant Advice
- Book the important dinners first. Reserve popular casual restaurants several days ahead in summer. For sunset terraces, special-occasion restaurants, and very limited tables, book two to four weeks ahead. Reserve Panorama Balcony as early as possible.
- Do not choose every meal for the view. Have one special caldera dinner, then concentrate on food. Metaxi Mas, Roka, Avocado, Pentozali, Gero-Manolis, and Kiria Roula’s do not need a volcano view to be memorable.
- Lunch is underrated. Caldera restaurants have the same view at lunch, reservations are easier, and prices can be lower. Save dinner for a quiet inland taverna.
- Fresh whole fish is priced by weight. Ask the price per kilo, confirm the fish’s weight, and agree to the total before it goes to the kitchen.
- Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. Round up at casual tavernas or leave about 5% to 10% for excellent service. Check the bill before adding a tip, but do not assume every cover or service charge is a gratuity for staff.
- Reserve through an official channel. Use the restaurant website, phone, email, or WhatsApp when offered. Instagram messages can work for small restaurants but should not be your only plan for an important sunset booking.
- Bring a light layer. Caldera terraces can be windy and cool after sunset, even in summer.
- Arrange transport for remote restaurants. Pre-book a taxi or transfer for Exo Gonia, Vlychada, Ammoudi, Akrotiri, and the southern beaches when you are not driving.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Dining
Santorini is easy for vegetarians. Fava, tomato fritters, gigantes, gemista, eggplant dishes, Greek salads, local cheeses, and grilled vegetables are widely available.
Vegans should confirm whether dips, fritters, stuffed vegetables, and sauces contain dairy, egg, or meat stock. Gluten-free diners have many grilled meat, seafood, salad, and vegetable options but should ask about shared fryers and flour used in sauces.
Food Tours and Cooking Classes
The Fira Food Tour is the best first-day introduction to Santorini food. It walks from Firostefani to Fira with stops for local dishes, wine, beer, and sweets.
For a hands-on experience, I like the Cooking Class at Artemis Karamolegos Winery. See my complete guide to the best Santorini wine tours for winery tastings.
Cheap and delicious. Lucky’s in Fira has my favorite gyros in Santorini.
Where to Eat in Santorini
- Fira: Best overall variety, easiest without a car, and the strongest mix of fine dining, traditional restaurants, cheap eats, and late-night food.
- Oia: Most romantic and expensive. Reserve early and look beyond the main pedestrian lane for better food and quieter settings.
- Imerovigli: Best sunset dining and romantic terraces, but fewer casual choices.
- Firostefani: Quieter and easier than Oia, with good caldera restaurants and several reliable neighborhood favorites.
- Pyrgos: Traditional village atmosphere, panoramic views, and good restaurants around the square and castle lanes.
- Exo Gonia: Best inland food destination, especially Metaxi Mas, Sanafi, and Aroma Avlis.
- Ammoudi Bay: Seafood beside the water, with difficult parking and return transport after sunset.
- Vlychada and the beaches: Seafood tavernas, beach clubs, and relaxed lunches.
The Best Restaurant in Santorini
Metaxi Mas – Exo Gonia • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 31323Metaxi Mas is my favorite restaurant in Santorini. It serves excellent Cretan and Santorinian food in Exo Gonia, with generous portions, fair prices, and none of the premium charged for a caldera view.
Standout dishes include the cheese rolls, baked white eggplant, slow-cooked lamb, beef fillet with Vinsanto sauce, and seafood giouvetsi. Sharing is smart because portions are large.
Reserve ahead. Parking is available near Agios Charalambos Church, followed by a short walk down to the restaurant. Pair an early dinner with the Open Air Cinema in Kamari.
Best Restaurants in Fira
Selene – $$$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 22249Santorini’s most important fine-dining restaurant, set inside the former monastery that now houses Katikies Garden. Selene is best for serious food and wine lovers who want a long, refined dinner rather than a casual Greek meal.
The courtyard is beautiful, the wine program is exceptional, and the menu concentrates on Santorini’s ingredients and culinary history. It is expensive and reservations are essential.
Naoussa – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 21277Traditional Greek food, broad caldera views, and a lively atmosphere at the northern end of pedestrian Fira. Choose Naoussa when you want a view restaurant that still serves satisfying, familiar Greek dishes.
Reserve for dinner and ask for an outdoor table.
Ouzeri – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 21566The large bright sign makes Ouzeri look far more touristy than it is. The food is excellent, prices are moderate, and the broad menu works well for families and groups.
Come for meze, grilled meat, seafood, and Santorini specialties. Lunch is easy without a reservation; book ahead for dinner.
Lucky’s Souvlaki – $
Phone: +30 22860 22003My favorite cheap meal in Santorini. Order a pork or chicken gyro at the register, place the receipt by the cook, and eat at the counter or in the small public seating area across the street.
Seating is limited, service is quick, and the people-watching is excellent. Do not miss it.
Cacio e Pepe – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 24971My favorite Italian restaurant in Santorini. Friendly, casual, and a good break after several nights of Greek food. The pasta, pizza, and Italian wine list are all reliable.
Ftelos Brewery – Karterados • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22861 86627Modern brewery and restaurant in Karterados, about a 15-minute walk south of central Fira. The rooftop has island views, creative Mediterranean dishes, and an excellent range of beers brewed on site.
Come for a tasting, lunch, dinner, or the Greek cooking class.
More Good Restaurants in Fira
- Santorinia Tavern: Traditional Greek food, caldera views, and occasional evenings with music and dancing.
- Falafeland: Cheap falafel wraps and vegetarian food near the center of Fira.
- Pelican Kipos: Shaded garden, broad menu, and one of the island’s largest wine cellars.
Best Restaurants in Oia
Roka – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71896My favorite restaurant in Oia. Roka sits away from the busiest lanes and has no caldera view, which is part of its appeal. The setting is cozy, the food is consistently excellent, and the atmosphere feels removed from central Oia.
Reserve for dinner.
Candouni – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71616Warm, romantic, and hidden in a quiet Oia lane. Candouni serves traditional Greek dishes and has live music on many evenings.
Choose it for atmosphere and a relaxed dinner without the caldera-view premium.
Elinikon – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71994My favorite Oia restaurant with sunset views. The menu concentrates on meze and other dishes made for sharing.
Reserve early and request the upper terrace when sunset matters.
Ambrosia – $$$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71413A small, expensive, caldera-edge restaurant designed for couples and special occasions. Choose Ambrosia over Roka when the intimate view matters more than value or a broad traditional menu.
Book well ahead.
Panorama Balcony – $$$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71453The most private dinner in Oia, with a single table on a balcony at Canaves Oia Suites.
It is expensive and designed for proposals, honeymoons, and milestone anniversaries. Reserve as early as possible directly with Canaves.
Lotza – $$
Phone: +30 22860 71357A small café-restaurant with reasonable prices and one of Oia’s most convenient caldera-view patios. The Oia spaghetti and baklava are good.
Lotza is especially useful for lunch, when many of Oia’s better restaurants are closed. Do not order souvlaki here. Get it from a proper gyro shop.
Oia Oenosart – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 72046Excellent local cooking and one of the island’s most interesting Santorini wine lists. Choose Oenosart when wine matters as much as the meal.
Pitogyros – $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71119The best place in Oia for gyros, souvlaki, kebabs, and house-made sausage. There is a small covered seating area across the lane.
More Good Restaurants in Oia
- Karma: Pretty courtyard, creative Greek dishes, and a quieter setting.
- Dimitris Taverna: Simple seafood beside the water in Ammoudi Bay.
- Ammoudi Fish Tavern: My top choice among the Ammoudi waterfront restaurants.
Best Restaurants in Imerovigli
Athenian House – $$$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 36420My favorite romantic sunset restaurant in Santorini. The terrace has outstanding caldera views, and the menu presents refined versions of regional Greek dishes.
This is a special-occasion restaurant, not a casual taverna. Reserve several weeks ahead for sunset.
Avocado – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 36183My favorite relaxed restaurant in Imerovigli. Avocado has no caldera view, but the food, service, vegetarian choices, and friendly atmosphere make it a reliable lunch or dinner.
The chocolate soufflé is excellent.
Anogi – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 21285Casual, busy, and good for generous portions of Greek comfort food. Anogi is easier on the budget than the caldera terraces and works well for families and groups.
Best Restaurants in Firostefani
Aktaion – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 22336The best restaurant in Firostefani and one of Santorini’s great traditional institutions. The same family has operated Aktaion since 1922.
Tables spill onto the caldera path, the food remains rooted in local cooking, and the setting is lively without feeling formal.
To Briki – $$
A cozy café downstairs and a broad rooftop terrace above. To Briki is good for breakfast, cocktails, and a sunset dinner with modern Greek dishes.
Remvi – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 28200A reliable choice for caldera views and Greek-Mediterranean food. Reserve an edge table when the view is important.
More Good Restaurants in Firostefani
- Da Vinci: Good Italian food, easy last-minute seating, and useful for groups.
- Galini Café: One of the best breakfast stops on the caldera path.
Best Restaurants in Pyrgos and the Inland Villages
Cava Alta – Pyrgos • $$
Phone: +30 22860 33932Hidden in the lanes below Pyrgos Castle, Cava Alta serves some of my favorite dishes on the island. The courtyard is sheltered, while the rooftop has broad island views when the wind cooperates.
Reserve for dinner.
Kantouni – Pyrgos • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 33474The best traditional restaurant on Pyrgos’s main square. Convenient beside the bus stop and a good choice before or after walking up to the castle.
Taverna Gero-Manolis – Megalochori • $
Phone: +30 22860 82892Straightforward traditional cooking in Megalochori. Popular with locals, fairly priced, and a good choice after visiting the village or nearby wineries.
Sanafi – Exo Gonia • $$
Modern Cycladic cooking in a hillside setting overlooking the eastern side of Santorini. A good alternative when Metaxi Mas is full or when you want something slightly more contemporary.
Aroma Avlis – Exo Gonia • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 33395Farm-to-table restaurant at Artemis Karamolegos Winery. Pair lunch with a tasting, winery tour, or cooking class.
More Good Inland Restaurants
- Pentozali in Mesaria: Inexpensive Cretan meze, raki, and a shaded courtyard.
- Roza’s in Vourvoulos: Warm family hospitality and homestyle Greek food.
- Rosemary in Pyrgos: Polished Mediterranean cooking and panoramic terrace views.
Best Restaurants in Akrotiri
Misteli – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 27515Friendly family-run restaurant in Akrotiri with a pretty open-air setting and good-value Greek food. A convenient dinner for travelers staying in the village.
The Cave of Nikolas – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 82303Family-run waterfront taverna near Ancient Akrotiri and Red Beach. The cooking is simple, portions are generous, and much of the produce comes from the family farm.
This is one of the best family lunches in southern Santorini.
Best Seafood and Beach Restaurants
My two sons at a restaurant in Ammoudi Bay. The waterfront setting is wonderful, but arrange your return transport before dinner.
Kiria Roula’s – Vlychada • $
Phone: +30 22860 82774My favorite seafood taverna in Santorini, hidden at the end of this guide because I do not want it overwhelmed by visitors.
The sign may say To Steki Tou Psara or Fisherman’s House. It sits directly at Vlychada port beside the fishing boats. Expect simple food and unhurried service. Bring cash because card acceptance can be unreliable.
To Psaraki – Vlychada • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 82783Excellent seafood overlooking Vlychada marina. More polished than Kiria Roula’s but still focused on simple preparation and the daily fish selection.
Yalos – Exo Gialos Beach • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 25816My favorite beach restaurant for spending an entire afternoon. Yalos combines seafood, Santorini dishes, cocktails, sunbeds, and a relaxed setting about ten minutes east of Fira by car.
Seaside by Notos – Agios Georgios • $$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 82801Upscale beach club with Mediterranean food, sushi, cocktails, sunbeds, and cabanas. Reserve for popular dates and confirm any minimum spend before booking.
Savvas Popeye – Agios Georgios • $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 81332Casual beachside taverna with traditional dishes, sea views, good prices, and friendly service.
Ammoudi Bay Seafood Restaurants
- Ammoudi Fish Tavern: My favorite of the four waterfront restaurants.
- Dimitris Taverna: Simpler, traditional, and good for lunch beside the water.
Reserve for sunset and pre-arrange transportation. Do not assume a taxi will be immediately available after dinner.
Best Santorini Restaurants by Occasion
Most Romantic Restaurants
- Best sunset dinner: Athenian House in Imerovigli
- Best private dinner: Panorama Balcony in Oia
- Best traditional romantic atmosphere: Candouni in Oia
- Best quiet Oia dinner: Roka
- Best village setting: Cava Alta in Pyrgos
- Best waterfront dinner: Ammoudi Fish Tavern
The Panorama Balcony at Canaves Oia Suites has a single private table.
Athenian House in Imerovigli is my favorite romantic sunset restaurant.
Best Restaurants for Families
- Ouzeri: Broad menu, moderate prices, and easy central location in Fira.
- Roka: Quiet setting and excellent Greek food in Oia.
- Avocado: Friendly service and many vegetarian options in Imerovigli.
- Cave of Nikolas: Waterfront setting and family-style cooking near Akrotiri.
- Lucky’s and Pitogyros: Quick, inexpensive, and easy with older children.
Best Cheap Eats
- Lucky’s: Best gyro in Fira
- Pitogyros: Best gyro in Oia
- Pentozali: Inexpensive meze in Mesaria
- Gero-Manolis: Traditional food and good value in Megalochori
- Savvas Popeye: Casual beach dining in Agios Georgios
Best Restaurants with Sunset Views
- Athenian House: Best overall sunset dinner
- Elinikon: Best sunset restaurant in Oia
- Naoussa: Lively Fira dinner with broad caldera views
- Remvi: Reliable Firostefani view restaurant
- Rosemary: Panoramic island and sunset views from Pyrgos
Best Santorini Hotel Restaurants
The best hotel restaurants combine serious cooking with exceptional terraces, but they are expensive and tables are limited. Non-guests can dine at most of these restaurants with a reservation.
Mavro at Kivotos Hotel in Imerovigli.
- Varoulko at Grace Hotel: Seafood-focused dining from Michelin-recognized chef Lefteris Lazarou, with a direct view of Skaros Rock.
- Panorama Balcony at Canaves Oia Suites: The island’s most private special-occasion dinner.
- Lycabettus at Andronis Luxury Suites: Dramatic cliff-edge tables in Oia.
- Lauda at Andronis Boutique Hotel: Refined modern Greek dining with caldera views.
- Mavro at Kivotos Hotel: Intimate terrace, dark modern design, and a quiet Imerovigli setting.
Lycabettus at Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia.
Santorini Restaurant FAQ
What is the best restaurant in Santorini?
Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia is my favorite restaurant overall. It has better food and value than most caldera-view restaurants.
What is the best restaurant in Fira?
Selene is the best fine-dining restaurant. Ouzeri is the best casual Greek restaurant, and Lucky’s is the best cheap meal.
What is the best restaurant in Oia?
Roka is my favorite for food and atmosphere. Elinikon is my favorite Oia restaurant with sunset views.
What is the best restaurant in Imerovigli?
Athenian House for a romantic sunset dinner and Avocado for a relaxed meal without a view.
What is the best seafood restaurant?
Kiria Roula’s at Vlychada port is my favorite traditional seafood taverna. To Psaraki is more polished and Ammoudi Fish Tavern has the best waterfront setting.
What is the best restaurant for sunset?
Athenian House in Imerovigli. It combines excellent caldera views with a serious menu.
What is the most romantic restaurant?
Panorama Balcony is the most private. Athenian House is the best complete romantic dinner, and Candouni has the warmest traditional atmosphere.
What are the best inexpensive restaurants?
Lucky’s, Pitogyros, Pentozali, Taverna Gero-Manolis, Savvas Popeye, and Kiria Roula’s.
Where should families eat?
Ouzeri, Roka, Avocado, Cave of Nikolas, and Anogi are relaxed and have broad menus.
Do Santorini restaurants require reservations?
Popular restaurants do during summer. Book casual favorites several days ahead and reserve sunset or special-occasion dinners two to four weeks ahead.
Where is the best food away from the caldera?
Exo Gonia, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Mesaria, and Vlychada. Metaxi Mas, Cava Alta, Gero-Manolis, Pentozali, and Kiria Roula’s are all worth leaving the cliff towns for.
Are Santorini restaurants expensive?
Caldera-view and hotel restaurants are expensive. Traditional tavernas, gyro shops, and inland restaurants can be reasonably priced.
How does fresh-fish pricing work?
Whole fish is commonly priced per kilo. Ask the price, confirm the weight, and agree to the total before it is cooked.
How much should I tip?
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. Round up at casual restaurants or leave about 5% to 10% for excellent service.
Is Santorini good for vegetarians?
Yes. Fava, tomato fritters, stuffed vegetables, gigantes, eggplant dishes, salads, cheeses, and grilled vegetables are widely available.
Is Santorini good for vegans?
Yes, but confirm whether fritters, dips, rice dishes, and sauces contain egg, dairy, meat stock, or yogurt.
Is gluten-free food easy to find?
Grilled fish, meat, salads, vegetables, and many traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free. Ask about shared fryers and flour in sauces.
What local dishes should I try?
Santorini fava, tomato fritters, white eggplant, chloro cheese, capers, local sausage, grilled octopus, and dishes made with Assyrtiko or Vinsanto.
What is the best food tour?
The Fira Food Tour is my favorite introduction to Santorini cuisine and works especially well on the first full day.
Can non-guests eat at hotel restaurants?
Most accept outside diners with a reservation.
Should I eat in Ammoudi Bay?
Yes, especially for lunch or an early dinner. The setting is wonderful, but seafood is expensive and return transport can be difficult after sunset.
Is lunch or dinner better for caldera views?
Lunch is easier to reserve and has the same view. Dinner is more romantic but costs more and requires advance planning.
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Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
We just booked a 7 day self catering trip to Santorini (Perissa) in October.
Do we still need to book tables in restaurants for an evening meal in advance?
We were hoping to not have to be so committed
thanks
If there’s a must-do restaurant on your list or a special night you want to be certain about, then make a reservation. But otherwise you should be fine without reservations.
Hi, we are going to be staying in Oia at the Adronis and have a day trip planned to do a cooking class at Artemis Winery. Do you have any ideas of what we can do after and maybe where to go to dinner, maybe some fun nightlife before getting a taxi back to Oia?
That is a fantastic day trip, as Artemis Karamolegos is one of the best wineries on the island and their cooking class is excellent. After your class in Exo Gonia, you are in a great central spot to explore. My top recommendation is to head to the village of Pyrgos. It is the highest village in Santorini and arguably the most beautiful of the traditional inland settlements. You can spend an hour or two wandering the maze of winding paths up to the ruins of a Venetian castle, which offers spectacular 360-degree views of the entire island. It is much quieter than Oia and a perfect place to relax, perhaps with a drink at Franco’s Cafe near the top to take in the view.
For dinner, you have several excellent choices. The best option, and one my favorite restaurants in Santorini, is Metaxi Mas, located right in Exo Gonia not far from the winery (but not walking distance either). It serves incredible traditional food, but you must book reservations weeks, if not months, in advance. If you cannot get a reservation there, a wonderful alternative is Cava Alta in Pyrgos, a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant with a nice courtyard.
Oia is very quiet at night, so for any kind of fun nightlife you must go to Fira. For jaw-dropping caldera views, go to PK Cocktail Bar, the most famous spot in town. Another favorite of mine is Kira Thira Jazz Bar, the oldest bar in Fira, which offers a cozy atmosphere down a winding alley and sometimes has live music.
A perfect plan would be to finish your cooking class, explore Pyrgos until sunset, have dinner at Metaxi Mas or Cava Alta, and then head to Fira for a few cocktails. From there, you can get a taxi for the ride back to Oia. Be aware that a late-night taxi from Fira back to Oia will be expensive.
Hi Dave,
I’m taking my wife out to Santorini for her Birthday in August, would love to find a nice restaurant with a sunset view but also serves nice food. I’ve booked Santo Wines restaurant but well…they mainly do winery so something tells me the food may not be the best? Keen to know your thoughts if you’ve ate there.
If not that, would you suggest anything from the list that is a close drive from Kamari at all?
Santo has fantastic views and a relaxing vibe but I wouldn’t recommend it for an especially romantic or special dinner. It can be busy and the setting is more functional (large tables for tour groups) than charming. My favorite restaurant on Santorini, Metaxi Mas, is just a 10-minute drive from Kamari, so that would be my first recommendation. Good luck.
This is such a useful website! I noticed you don’t have Kastro Restaurant on your list for sunset views in Oia.
We are coming in late July with a family group (7 people), and a sunset dinner in Oia with views of the buildings as well will be our big treat. I had read somewhere that Kastro has be best views – so I’d be interested in your thoughts.
Thank you!
Kastro restaurant is legendary precisely for its location and the sunset views it offers.
The View: Kastro is situated right next to the ruins of the old Byzantine Castle (the Kastro), which is the most famous public spot in Oia for watching the sunset. You get stunning views looking out towards the sunset over the caldera and that iconic postcard view looking towards the windmills and the white-washed buildings of Oia. For capturing both elements, its location is one of the best.
The Food: While the food at Kastro is generally good, solid Mediterranean cuisine, it’s fair to say that the view and location are the main reasons people book here. The food is good but not outstanding.
Reservations: Book as far in advance as possible. There’s no such thing as “too early” – especially for a group of seven.
Hello, thank you for a fabulous and extremely useful website. We are a family of four staying in Perissa this August, and we are hoping you might have some restaurant/cafe /bar restaurant recommendations for this area. We enjoy traditional foodie places, most of all, fresh local ingredients. Many thanks; we are so looking forward to our stay!
Helen
Savvas Popeye is my favorite restaurant in the area. It’s fantastic and has lots of fresh seafood options. It’s a bit south of Perissa, but it’s a pleasant 30-minute walk along the beachfront road (pedestrian-friendly).
I am looking for a bar or restaurant where we can sit and have a beer with sweeping views down over white roofs and blue domes. Does it exist?
For the quintessential blue domes, Oia has the best viewpoints, but you’ll need to arrive early if you’re trying to see them at sunset. I’d recommend checking out Vitrin Cafe Creperie (great breakfasts, coffee, sweets, and a bar at night – the best sunset spot it Oia if you manage to snag a seat), Lotza (amazing views and traditional food), Mes Amis (awesome breakfast and sweets, views are toward the domes rather than over them), and Meteor Cafe (cafe by day, low key bar at night). Another option is Volkan on the Rocks between Fira and Firostefani, a casual brewery with an awesome menu of light bites, stellar views, and an outdoor cinema. Volkan offers views over the caldera and toward the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral in Fira, so the domes are white not blue
Which has better sunset/caldera views between Athenian House and Naoussa?
Both are great but I’d go with Athenian House.
What is the “best” time to have a dinner reservation at the restaurants with a view? We will be visiting at the end of September so sunset will be ~7:10pm.
For the view, I’d recommend 6 or 6:30. That’s an early dinner but there are many early eaters in Santorini.
Hi Dave!
Your recommendations were great! We mentioned your name to the managers in these restaurants – Lucky’s Souvlaki, Ouzeri, Elinikon, Lotza, and Argo.
Thank you!
Shiela
I love hearing that. All great restaurants. Thanks!
Thanks, Dave. I name-dropped your site at Oia Castle and the manager knew of you and your visit. Like Steve above, we also ate at Lucky’s and other recs like Naoussa and Ouzeri in Fira. Enjoyed fresh octopus, lamb kleftika, and of course 1.60 beef skewers at Lucky’s for late night noshing.
Got really lost trying to find our hotel, Oia Castle, which was distressing, but we made it. Stayed in the cave pool suite there. I would stress to people that the steps to Oia Castle are extremely steep, more so than other hotels there, and I actually slipped and fell pretty hard on the way down. Just FYI to those with mobility issues (which I don’t have). Beautiful views and lovely breakfasts. We took public buses from the airport to Fira and then on to Oia. That became one of our fun and adventurous memories…highly recommend for the adventurous and you can pay on the bus.
Back to restaurants though, the waiters at Ouzeri were fantastic..the brothers remembered us and called out to us as we passed by the next day. We took photos with them before we left. The staff at Naoussa were not what you would call friendly whatsoever, but the food was fantastic and they comped us a liter of wine. Very nice. I was surprised that the alleged complimentary Ouzo shots were never offered in Santorini, and a strange, sweet “ouzo” was given to us in Mykonos which was definitely not the real thing.
In Mykonos, we stayed at Platis Gialos which was fantastic at Thallasa, the last resort on the far end of the beach…quiet and lovely pool. We ate at Yialo-Yialo on the beach twice and every dish was fantastic. We had the monkfish and mussels, lambchops, pizza, Greek salad, and wine there…perfection! We also went to the Blue Myth at the very start of the beach because they promised us Greek dancing at 9 which must have been a ruse to get us to come in, but sadly there was no Greek dancing to be found. We had the Kleftiko and lambchops which were a bit better than at Yialo’s. We also visited Hippie Fish at Agios Ionnis to see the Shirley Valentine spot, and though we didn’t eat there, we saw the most beautiful platters of prawns and giant crab legs and were salivating!
For those who like beer and inexpensive wine, there are mini markets everywhere that sell cans of beers for under two euros and white wine for around six. Fabulous and cheap!
Probably TMI already, but we also stayed in Athens in Artemis at a VRBO and ate at the Island Basket right on the beach. Enjoyed eating a massive platter of prawns, mussels, fish, salad, bread at nearly midnight with our toes in the softest sand right on the beach. Fantastic! Anyway, I’m still dreaming of the fabulous food from Greece and cannot wait to return.
Thank you so very much for your recommendations, Dave! You really made my trip!
Chris
That’s wonderful. Thanks for the feedback. Always great to hear.
Hi Dave, what are your thoughts on the Lycabettus restaurant? Thanks!
Incredible views, good food (modern/trendy), expensive, reservations essential.
Hey Dave! Fantastic site – thank you. Heading to Santorini late June for a couple of nights, staying in Imerovigli. Planning on walking into Oia and then hoping to have dinner at Ammoudi Fish Tavern one night. Preferred times are already booked up, so would you suggest a 7pm seating, or a later one around 9.15pm. I understand sunset is around 8.30pm. Thanks so much!
I would do the earlier time as it’s a beautiful spot when the sun is still out.
Hi Dave,
How far in advance is too far to make dinner reservations? We will be there from May 29-June 4 and would like to nail down where we are eating for dinner ahead of time and then base our day planning around that.
Thanks in advance for the help! Love your website!
Best,
Rob
I recommend sooner rather than later. A month or two in advance is not unreasonable for the top smaller restaurants.
Hi Dave – firstly, love this site, been really helpful in honeymoon planning. Two questions if you don’t mind.
Would appreciate suggestions for dinner before getting the 22:20 ferry to Ios. We land around 2pm on a Sunday so will have the whole afternoon to kill. We’re then at Sun Rocks later in the week – first night is my birthday, so will need somewhere nice to eat within staggering distance.
Cheers
On your ferry-day you’ll want to stay close to Fira (where the bus to the port leaves from). So do Ouzeri for the best food or Naoussa for the best view (and good food). For a good restaurant near Sun Rocks try Aktaion which has a lively atmosphere and tables that spill out onto the sidewalk. Though if you want something that stays busy later into the night and a bit more of a bar vibe you’ll want to head into Fira (about a 10 minute walk).
Hi Dave,
I’m going with my family to Santorini and Mykonos at the end of May. I have 1.5 year old toddler and was wondering if you know if the restaurants are child friendly as in do they have high chairs available?
High chairs are common in Greece but not universal. You’ll just have to ask before you enter to be sure. Of course, will depend on the restaurant and its typical clientele.
We are going to be visiting the week of Christmas. Do you know if restaurants are open on Christmas day and the week of Christmas? And would we have to make dinner reservations during Christmas week? I’m not sure how busy the holidays get.
Stephanie
There will be a few restaurants open in Fira and Oia, for sure. But which ones change every year so I’ve given up trying to predict. Yes, I would make a reservation once you find one open. Probably unnecessary but with only a handful of places open the most popular could fill up.
Hi Dave
Great website! Thanks for taking time out to answer.
I’m looking to book a hotel in Santorini for next April with my girlfriend to propose to her. Are there any hotels in Oia you would recommend that aren’t ludicrously expensive? Also what is the weather like end of April?
Onar Villas are very nice and have reasonable rates. Not all rooms/suites are right on the caldera.
Thank you!! You’re spot on when it comes to Ouzeri. Wonderful spot!
Yes, my favorite restaurant in Fira.
Hey Santorini Dave! Hope you are well. Any recommendations for a restaurant for dinner near Santo Winery please? Much appreciated, Caroline
Cava Alta is the best restaurant nearby. In Pyrgos, about a mile away, though a tricky walk since there aren’t sidewalks for much of the route.
Hi Dave, myself and my partner are arriving in Santorini on 1st October and staying at the Fishermans House in Akrotiri. Could you give us some advice about transfers from the airport please? Is it best to prebook or should we just grab a taxi when we arrive? Great website, by the way!
As long as you’re arriving before 10pm you should be fine walking out the door and getting a taxi (though a queue can develop especially if you’re not the first ones to grab your bags and get out the door). The taxi queue is right out the door from arrivals – you can’t miss it. If you’re going to rent a car you can pick up at the airport and get that out of the way. But I wouldn’t do this if you’re not arriving in daylight as Akrotiri (and hotels) can be hard to find in the dark.
Hi Dave,
I’m celebrating my 40th in Santorini, staying in Oia. However would love to travel out for the day and eat at Metaxy Mas. Have had a look online but still can’t figure it out how to get there except from a taxi?? How easy is it to get to from Oia? Is the taxi a reasonable price or is public transport an easy enough option?
L :-)
By bus it’s tricky but doable. Take a bus from Fira and get off in Pyrgos. Then it’s a 1km walk (you’ll need to map it). On the way back it’s easier to walk down to the Fira-Kamari road (which is busy with no sidewalk, I wouldn’t do it myself, but it is possible). Then you have to worry about not missing the last bus back to Fira (and then Oia) depending on what time finish dinner. You could bus to Fira and then taxi as a compromise but if you’re getting in a taxi you might as well go all the way. You can get Metaxy to order you a taxi for the trip back but do expect a bit of a wait. You could go for lunch instead of dinner and that makes catching the bus much easier.
Hi Dave,
May I know if there’s a fresh market for fruits, vegetables and meat in Santorini? I reckon that I have to be there early as well?
There is a very small street market (usually fish and a few fruits and vegetables) opposite McDonald’s in Fira. There are also a few people selling fruit along the caldera path – often in Firostefani and Oia.
Staying at the Xenones Filotera in Imerovigli for 3 nights mid October. Wonder if car rental is essential; plan on some walking but at 74 not super energetic. Any island transport? Will we be able to see sunset caldera views without taxi hire; or if needed how expensive?
Thanks
Gale Hamilton
Xenones Filotera is located in a quiet stretch of caldera north of Imerovigli. Great caldera and sunset views from the hotel without going anywhere. There’s a bus stop a short walk from the hotel with buses to Oia and Fira. Buses run about every half-hour (in October).
Hi Dave, been reading a lot of the post on your blog in planning a trip later this month and must say I am really impressed by your efforts in providing incredibly useful information. I have after two attempts booked a table for two at Ambrosia however I have only just now read through reviews on tripadvisor and am a bit concerned about how many bad reviews they have received, mostly on service but also on the food. Was wondering if you were caught up on this and know anything either by own experience or from others about how likely it is that we would have the same struggle as many guests have claimed to have?
Sissel Melberg
Ambrosia has good food and incredible views. It’s not one of my very very favorites but it’s good, for sure. Yeah, service is not top notch but it’s Greece – relax, enjoy the view, take things at Greek speed.
Thank you Dave, for recommending Metaxy Mas. It is an ideal location to stop off between the airport and the port.
The food was superb and the location stunning. It was so good that we visited the restaurant on our return journey between the port and the airport.
Thank you once again.
Stewart Finkle
Yes, great place isn’t it.
Hi Dave
I wanted to know of any good restaurants in Oia that are good for solo travellers?
Hema
The cheaper the place the more single-traveler friendly they feel. Both the gyro places in Oia feel comfortable for solo travelers: Pito Gyros and Nikos Place. Lotza would be good (for caldera views). And Sunsets Cafe (for sunset views).