Greece › Santorini › Best Restaurants
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
Updated: February 20, 2026
See Also
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Best Hotels in Santorini
• Best Wine Tours in Santorini
• Best Boat Tours in Santorini
• Best Beaches in Santorini
Cheap and delicious! Lucky’s has the best gyros in Santorini.
Santorini Food & Wine – My Advice
- Santorini has some of the most scenic restaurants in Greece, but the best meals aren’t always the ones with the biggest views. I have spent decades eating my way across the island to find the spots that offer genuine hospitality and incredible flavors. Beyond just booking a table, I think taking a food tour or a local cooking class is an awesome introduction to the island; it is the best way to learn the stories behind Santorini favorites like Tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters) and Fava while discovering exactly how the volcanic soil shapes the local flavor. Here is how I approach dining in Santorini.
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour: This remains the gold standard for orienting yourself. You walk from Firostefani to Fira, stopping for meze, souvlaki, and local spirits while hitting the best caldera viewpoints.
- Cooking Classes: Learning to cook with local volcanic ingredients is a highlight. I highly recommend the classes at Artemis Karamolegos Winery or the unique Greek Cooking Class with a Local Grandmother in Oia for a truly authentic family-style experience.
- Santorini Beer Tasting & Pairing: This is a fantastic change of pace from the wine scene. Located in a modern, impressive space in Fira, it features local craft beers paired perfectly with traditional Greek bites.
- Three Wineries and One Brewery Tour: A great 2026 addition for those who want to mix it up. You visit the Santorini Brewing Company alongside traditional wine cellars, which gives a broader perspective on the island’s modern craft scene.
Table with a view: My wife and I at a restaurant in Santorini.
- Reservations & Timing: From mid-June to mid-September, book 1 week in advance. For elite spots like Athenian House or Selene, book 1 month ahead. Pro Tip: Many restaurants now prefer WhatsApp or Instagram DMs for bookings. On heavy cruise ship days – typically from late morning through late afternoon – the inland villages are the best places to escape the crowds and enjoy a long, quiet lunch.
- Tipping & Pricing: A service charge is usually included in the bill, so there is no need to double-tip. However, rounding up or leaving €2 to €5 (in cash) is customary at tavernas. For fine dining, 5 to 10% is standard. Seafood Tip: At waterfront spots like Ammoudi, fresh fish is often priced per kilo. Prices can range €70 to €120 per kilo depending on the fish; always confirm the weight and price before they take it to the kitchen.
- “No-View, All Flavor”: Some of the best food is found inland in Pyrgos, Exo Gonia, and Megalochori. You trade the caldera view for better value, quieter atmosphere, and superior quality.
- Dietary Notes: Santorini is excellent for vegetarians and generally very accommodating for vegans. Focus on Fava (yellow split pea puree), Gigantes (giant beans), and White Eggplant dishes. I also recommend seeking out Melitzanosalata (smoky eggplant dip – usually vegan, but occasionally made with yogurt, so it is worth confirming) and Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters) – though fritters are vegetarian but not vegan as they typically contain flour and egg. For Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), always ask for the rice-only version to ensure they don’t contain meat. Gemista (peppers or tomatoes stuffed with spiced rice) is a vegan staple. Vegans can order a Horiatiki (Greek Salad) and simply ask them to leave off the feta. For Skordalia (garlic dip), ask whether it’s made with a bread or potato base and whether it contains egg yolk, though most versions are plant-based. Gluten-Free diners have plenty of naturally GF options like Grilled Octopus or Lamb Kleftiko, but be cautious with fried items as they may share oil with breaded foods, and check if flour was used to thicken any sauces or gravies.
Recommended Restaurants by Area
- Oia: Candouni • €€ • Hidden garden setting; traditional family recipes; live music often.
- Oia: Roka • €€ • Exceptional food away from the main Oia crowds; cozy and authentic.
- Imerovigli: Athenian House • €€€€ • Best for a romantic sunset splurge; Michelin-level execution; strong plant-based options.
- Imerovigli: Avocado • €€ • Healthy, fresh Mediterranean; very vegetarian-friendly; friendly service.
- Fira: Ouzeri • € • Best for traditional small plates (meze); great for families; no view but consistently good food.
- Fira: Naoussa • €€ • Excellent traditional Greek food with great caldera views; legendary for its lively atmosphere.
- Exo Gonia: Metaxi Mas • €€ • Best overall food on the island; traditional Cretan-leaning; essential to book and cash is often preferred.
- Pyrgos: Cava Alta • €€ • Great rooftop views (weather permitting); creative Mediterranean; excellent village vibe.
My two sons at a restaurant in Ammoudi Bay. The top spot for fresh seafood by the water.
- Best for Sunset Views: Athenian House (Imerovigli) • Naoussa (Fira) • Elinikon (Oia)
- The Wind Factor: Sunset terraces are beautiful but can be very windy (due to the meltemi). Even in July or August, bring a light layer if you are dining on the caldera edge.
- Lunch Strategy: You get the same world-class caldera views at lunch for less money, and reservations are much easier to secure than at sunset.
- Water: Tap water is safe for brushing teeth but unpleasant to drink. Stick to bottled water for hydration.
- A Note on My Recommendations: If you visit and enjoy one of these spots, feel free to mention that you heard about them on Santorini Dave. It helps me keep these relationships strong and the information accurate for everyone!
Most Romantic Restaurants in Santorini
The Panorama Balcony at Canaves Oia Suites. (Only one table and one seating per night.)
Lycabettus restaurant at Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia.
Cava Alta restaurant in Pyrgos.
Athenian House restaurant in Imerovigli.
Aktaion restaurant in Firostefani.
Hotel Restaurants with Great Views
The caldera view from Mavro restaurant at Kivotos Hotel in Imerovigli.
Many of the top Santorini hotels have restaurants with great food and fantastic views. These spots offer some of the most refined dining and dramatic sunset perspectives on the island. Because they are often located within small boutique hotels, space is extremely limited – always book your table at least a few weeks in advance. These are my favorites:
- Kivotos Hotel in Imerovigli (Mavro) – High-end Mediterranean with a focus on dark, volcanic aesthetics and local ingredients. The Imerovigli terrace offers one of the most private sunset views on the caldera.
- Grace in Imerovigli (Varoulko) – Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou brings his celebrated seafood to this iconic hotel. The view of Skaros Rock is incredible.
- Canaves Oia Suites (Petra) – Fantastic caldera views from the main seating area. The Panorama Balcony is the most exclusive dining experience in Oia with just one table available for a private dinner.
- Mystique Hotel in Oia (Lure) – Creative Mediterranean cuisine in a sophisticated cliffside setting. It is one of the more serene spots in Oia for a high-end dinner.
- Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia (Lycabettus) – Widely considered one of the most romantic dining spots in the world, with tables set on a narrow rock point jutting out over the water.
- Charisma in Oia – Primarily known for their sunset champagne events at the bar, which is a fantastic way to enjoy the Oia sunset away from the pedestrian crowds.
- Cavo Tagoo near Imerovigli (Vezené) – An open-fire kitchen by chef Ari Vezené. It has a high-energy vibe and is the best choice on the island for premium meats and wood-fired dishes.
- Andronis Boutique Hotel in Oia (Lauda) – Modern Greek fine dining in a spectacular cliffside setting. The focus here is on traditional techniques with highly refined execution.
- Astra Suites in Imerovigli (Five Senses) – An intimate terrace with a creative take on Greek classics and a perfectly centered sunset view.
- Athina Luxury Suites in Fira (Esperisma) – A refined Fira option looking directly out at the volcano, perfect for watching the cruise ships depart as the sun goes down.
The Best Restaurants in Santorini
Metaxi Mas – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 31323
Metaxi Mas is the best restaurant on Santorini. While the caldera-view spots are great for scenery, this is where you go for the best food on the island. The menu focuses on Cretan and Santorinian specialties, and the quality is consistently higher than what you’ll find in the more touristy areas.
• Make a reservation. This is non-negotiable. You need to book at least a week in advance during the summer months. If you show up without one, you won’t get a table.
• The setting. It’s located in the quiet village of Exo Gonia, tucked behind the massive Agios Charalambos church. The terrace overlooks the vineyards and the airport rather than the volcano, which keeps the vibe relaxed and authentic.
• The plan. For a perfect evening away from the crowds, have an early dinner here and then drive 5 minutes down to the open-air cinema in Kamari for a late-night movie.
• Parking. There are two easy-to-find parking lots on either side of the church, making it a very convenient stop if you have a rental car.
• Standout dishes: The portions here are very generous and sharing is highly recommended. For appetizers, the Kataifi Cheese Rolls (four cheeses wrapped in shredded pastry with a blackberry sauce) are a must. For mains, try the Beef Fillet in Vinsanto (Santorini’s sweet dessert wine) and the Slow-cooked Lamb, which is incredibly tender. The Seafood Giouvetsi (shrimp and mussels with saffron orzo) is also excellent. For a vegetarian option, the Pomegranate Salad and Baked White Eggplant are consistently excellent. For vegans, the Santorinian Fava is a flavorful staple – andask about seasonal grilled mushrooms or vegetable specials to round out the meal.Best Restaurants in Fira
Selene – $$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 22249
Fine dining located inside of a converted monastery within Fira’s only 5 star hotel, Katikies Garden. In its 40th year in operation, now newly led by the Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini.Naoussa – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 21277
Wonderful traditional food and wide caldera views at the north end of pedestrian Fira. Reservations recommended.Ouzeri – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 21566
Good food in a relaxed setting. The big bright sign makes it look very touristy (almost questionable) but I love the food and moderate prices. Reservations recommended for dinner but not usually necessary for lunch.Cacio e Pepe – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 24971
My favorite Italian restaurant in Santorini. Good Italian wines. Fun and friendly.Lucky’s Souvlaki – $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 22003
One of my favorite things to eat on Santorini is a gyro from Lucky’s. Cheap and delicious. Perfect for lunch. You order at the cash register then place your receipt on the bar near the cook. Seating is very limited in the restaurant itself, but right across the street there is a public seating area with a little shade, perfect for peoplewatching. Don’t miss this!Ftelos Brewery – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22861 86627
Cutting-edge brewery with a rooftop garden (seen above) serving a beer-themed, modern Mediterranean menu and a playful range of craft beers made with local, seasonal, and unorthodox ingredients. Offering tours, tastings, pairings, cooking classes, and a course in home brewing, a visit to Ftelos in any capacity is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Located in Karterados, about a 15-minute walk south of the main square in Fira.Santorinia Tavern – $$
A traditional Greek restaurant near the cable car with an excellent menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Panagiotis Giakalis, and great views of the caldera. Santorinia occasionally hosts immersive Greek feasts featuring live music, dancing, and plate smashing.Best Restaurants in Oia
Candouni – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71616
Warm and romantic vibe with traditional Greek food and live music most nights. I love the atmosphere here. Reservations recommended.Roka – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71896
My favorite restaurant in Oia. Charming, quiet location. Wonderful food. No caldera view. Reservations recommended.Elinikon – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71994
My favorite restaurant in Oia that has sunset views. Delicious food. Specializes in meze, small dishes ideal for sharing. Reservations recommended.Karma – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71404
Charming restaurant with some of the best dishes in Oia. Reservations recommended.Ambrosia – $$$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71413
A top-tier Oia dining experience with intimate caldera-edge seating and high-end Mediterranean cuisine. It is a premier choice for a special occasion or a quiet, candlelit dinner. Make reservations far in advance.Panorama Balcony – $$$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71453
The ultimate private dining experience in Oia. Located at Canaves Oia Suites, there is only one table and one seating per night, making it the most exclusive spot on the island. It is perfect for a proposal or a milestone anniversary. Reservations are essential and should be made months in advance at dine@canaves.com.Lotza – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71357
A small cafe with good food (the Oia Spaghetti is delicious), reasonable prices, and a patio with spectacular views. The baklava is great. Most of the Oia restaurants I mention here are only open for dinner making Lotza a good option for lunch. But don’t order the souvlaki (always get souvlaki or gyro from a specialized gyro/souvlaki shop, never at a sit-down restaurant). Reservations usually not required.Ammoudi Fish Tavern – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 72298
Ammoudi is the port below Oia and there are four restaurants here, all with super fresh seafood. The Ammoudi Fish Tavern is the best of them but they’re all good choices with wonderful seafront views. Walk down to the waterfront, and have the restaurant call you a taxi to avoid the climb back up. Reservations aren’t needed for lunch but a good idea for dinner.Oia Vineyart – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 72046
Romantic restaurant serving seasonal, fresh dishes using products almost entirely sourced locally in Santorini and the Cyclades. Their impressive wine cellar boasts bottles from every vineyard on the island. Reservations recommended.Pitogyros – $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71119
The best place in Oia for gyros, souvlaki, and kebabs, along with their house-made pork sausage. A small, covered seating area is across the lane from the restaurant.Dimitris Taverna – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71606
Amazing seaside taverna in Ammoudi Bay serving a simple menu of fresh-caught fish alongside local delicacies, including fava (a grass pea dip) and tomatokeftedes (fried tomato fritters). Reservations recommended for dinner. For lunch, just walk in (though there may be a little wait).Lefkes – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 72211
Beautiful restaurant set in a 19th-century wine cave in traditional Finikia village just outside of Oia. The menu features creative takes on traditional Greek fare. The moussaka croquettes are among their most popular dishes, along with their slow-simmered lamb (cooked overnight). Reservations recommended for dinner.Best Restaurants in Imerovigli
Athenian House – $$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 36420
The best caldera and sunset views of any restaurant in Santorini. The gourmet menu features contemporary takes on regional Greek cuisine with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Beverage offerings highlight the best Santorinian and Greek wines along with creative cocktails. Book months in advance.Avocado – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 36183
Along with the Athenian House, this is my favorite restaurant in Imerovigli. Delightful food and people, but no view. Reservations usually not required for lunch but a good idea for dinner. (The chocolate soufflé is amazing!)Anogi – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 21285
Wonderful restaurant with a trendy yet casual vibe and an authentic menu of local Santorinian dishes and Greek comfort classics.Best Restaurants in Firostefani
Aktaion – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 22336
The best restaurant in Firostefani and the oldest in Santorini, owned and operated by the same family since 1922. Charming atmosphere with tables spilling out onto the sidewalk when it gets busy. Reservations recommended.To Briki – $$
Wonderful spot on the main caldera path offering breakfasts in their cozy cafe, and dinner and cocktails on their expansive rooftop view terrace. The elevated Greek menu is top-notch and views are divine.Remvi – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 28200
There are several restaurants with breathtaking views in Firostefani. Remvi has some of the tastiest food. Reservations recommended if you want a table along the edge.Da Vinci – $$
Website • Phone: +30 69460 03463
Very good Italian food. Views look east, not into the caldera. Reservations usually not required. Good for last minute seating and large groups.Best Restaurants in Pyrgos
Cava Alta – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 33932
Hidden in the lanes below the castle in Pyrgos, this restaurant has some of my favorite dishes in Santorini. Reservations usually not required for lunch but best to reserve for dinner.Kantouni – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 33474
Kantouni is the best traditional restaurant on the main square in Pyrgos. Its open air seating, convenient location next to the bus stop, and excellent food make it very popular.Rosemary – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 31262
Elegant yet relaxed Mediterranean restaurant focusing on Cycladic dishes and Santorinian wine. Beautiful panoramic sunsets from the terrace. Reservations recommended for tables with the best views.Best Restaurants in Akrotiri
Misteli – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 27515
This boho-chic family-run restaurant serves delicious yet inexpensive food using ingredients grown in their own garden and restaurant. The decor, open layout, convenient location, and amiable staff make this an ideal place to wine and dine. Reservations recommended.The Cave of Nikolas – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 82303
Fantastic family-run taverna serving homestyle Greek food on Akrotiri Beach, just minutes from Red Beach. The restaurant uses fresh vegetables, dairy, and meat from its own farm and only fresh seafood caught in the morning in its delicious dishes. The affordable rates, large portions, open layout, and beautiful views of the water and sunset make this an excellent stop for lunch or dinner.Kambia – $$
Website • Phone: +30 69806 77148
Small, family-run restaurant on Kambia beach in Akrotiri serving delicious traditional homestyle dishes. Open late morning to early evening. Closed on Mondays.Best Beach Restaurants on Santorini
Yalos – Exo Gialos Beach • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 25816
Fresh seafood and Santorinian flavors at an idyllic beach location about a 10 minute drive directly east of Fira. Trendy but friendly. I love hanging out here for an afternoon.Seaside by Notos – Agios Georgios Beach • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 82801
Luxury beach club with a gourmet Mediterranean restaurant, sushi bar, and cocktail lounge. Eat in the breezy, open-air restaurant or opt for a VIP cabana or sunbed sets and dine with toes in the sand. Reservations recommended, especially for sunbeds and cabanas.Savvas Popeye – Agios Georgios • $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 81332
Savvas Popeye features a casual atmosphere, traditional food, water views, and a very welcoming staff. Open for lunch and dinner through the week.More Great Santorini Restaurants
Sanafi – Exo Gonia • $$
Sanafi is a charming hilltop restaurant offering a modern twist on traditional Cycladic cuisine. The menu focuses on Mediterranean dishes, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients paired with a carefully-curated selection of local wines and drinks. Indoor and outdoor seating, with their rustic terrace providing expansive views over the island to the east. Reservations recommended.Pentozali – Mesaria • $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 37383
A favorite among locals, this restaurant was opened by two friends from Crete and features a menu of authentic hot and cold mezedes (small dishes), along with raki, cheap house wine, and cold beer. Wonderful shaded patio, friendly staff. Reservations not necessary, though there may be a short wait for a table.To Psaraki – Vlychada • $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 82783
Rustic seafood restaurant with a heavenly view over the marina in Vlychada. All fish is freshly-caught just off the coast, simply prepared, and offered alongside locally-sourced produce.Aroma Avlis – Exo Gonia • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 33395
Upscale farm-to-table restaurant attached to Artemis Karamolegos Winery. Almost all produced served in the restaurant is grown in the field surrounding it. Pair a meal here with a winery tour, wine tasting, or cooking class. The wine list includes not only Karamolegos’ varieties but also other Santorinian labels and Greek regional wines.Taverna Gero-Manolis – Megalochori • $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 82892
Wonderful traditional food in the charming village of Megalochori. Popular with locals. Open lunch and dinner. Reservations usually not required.Roza’s – Vourvoulos • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 24378
The family-run Roza’s in Vourvoulos features a traditional Greek menu with homestyle cooking. Options range from meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, with a wide selection of wine. The restaurant is located a couple of minutes from the bus stop on the main square. The food is delicious and the hosts are extremely hospitable.Kiria Roula’s – Vlychada • $
Phone: +30 22860 82774
This is the best seafood restaurant in Santorini – but I don’t want it to be overrun by masses of tourists, so I put it at the end. It goes by a few different names (the sign says To Steki Tou Psara, Fisherman’s House). It’s right at the Vlychada port and you can often see the fish being unloaded from the fishing boats. This is an old school Greek taverna. Expect slow, friendly service. Cash only.
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