Greece › Santorini › Best Restaurants
Updated: August 31, 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
One of my favorite things about Santorini is a meal with a view of the sea. Enjoy a few restaurants for the setting, but don’t choose every meal for the view.
Santorini has some 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.
Have one special dinner with a caldera view, then eat elsewhere on the island. Some of Santorini’s best cooking is in Exo Gonia, Pyrgos, Vlychada, Megalochori, and Mesaria.
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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 wife and I having dinner with a caldera view. Do this once, but do not choose every restaurant for the scenery.
My Santorini Restaurant Advice
- Book your important dinners first. In summer, reserve popular restaurants several days ahead. Book sunset terraces and special-occasion restaurants earlier, especially if you want a particular table.
- Do not choose every meal for the view. Have one caldera dinner, then go where the food is best. Metaxi Mas, Roka, Avocado, Pentozali, Gero-Manolis, and Kiria Roula’s are all worth seeking out.
- Consider lunch for the caldera view. The view is just as good, tables are easier to get, and you can eat dinner somewhere away from the busiest cliff towns.
- Fresh whole fish is priced by weight. Ask the price per kilo and the weight of the fish before ordering.
- Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. Round up at casual tavernas or leave about 5% to 10% for very good service.
- Bring a light layer. Caldera terraces can be windy and surprisingly cool after sunset.
- Plan your ride home. If you are eating in Exo Gonia, Vlychada, Ammoudi, Akrotiri, or on the southern beaches, arrange a taxi or transfer in advance if 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 and gluten-free diners will also find plenty of choices, but ask about ingredients in fritters, dips, sauces, and fried foods when necessary.
Food Tours and Cooking Classes
The Fira Food Tour is my favorite introduction to Santorini food. It walks from Firostefani to Fira with stops for local dishes, wine, beer, and sweets.
I also 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: The best variety and easiest place to eat without a car, from fine dining to gyros and late-night food.
- Oia: Romantic and expensive. Reserve early, especially for sunset.
- Imerovigli: Excellent for romantic caldera dinners, with fewer casual choices.
- Firostefani: Quieter than Oia, with several good restaurants along and near the caldera path.
- Pyrgos and Exo Gonia: Some of the island’s best food away from the caldera, including Metaxi Mas, Cava Alta, Sanafi, and Aroma Avlis.
- Ammoudi and Vlychada: The best areas for seafood beside the water.
The Best Restaurant in Santorini
Metaxi Mas – Exo Gonia • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 31323
Metaxi Mas is my favorite restaurant in Santorini. It serves excellent Cretan and Santorinian food in Exo Gonia, with generous portions, fair prices, and none of the premium charged for a caldera view. Standout dishes include the cheese rolls, baked white eggplant, slow-cooked lamb, beef fillet with Vinsanto sauce, and seafood giouvetsi. Sharing is smart because portions are large. Reserve ahead. Parking is available near Agios Charalambos Church, followed by a short walk down to the restaurant. Pair an early dinner with the Open Air Cinema in Kamari.
Best Restaurants in Fira
Selene – $$$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 22249Santorini’s most important fine-dining restaurant, set inside the former monastery that now houses Katikies Garden. Come here for a long dinner with excellent food and wine, not a casual Greek meal. The courtyard is beautiful and the menu makes good use of Santorini ingredients and traditional dishes. It is expensive and reservations are essential.
Naoussa – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 21277Traditional Greek food, broad caldera views, and a lively atmosphere at the northern end of pedestrian Fira. A good choice when you want the view but still want familiar, well-made Greek food. 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 • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22861 86627Modern brewery and restaurant in Karterados, about a 15-minute walk south of central Fira. The rooftop has island views, good Mediterranean food, and an excellent range of beers brewed on site. Come for a tasting, lunch, dinner, or the Greek cooking class.
More Good Restaurants in Fira
- Santorinia Tavern: Traditional Greek food, caldera views, and occasional evenings with music and dancing.
- Falafeland: Cheap falafel wraps and vegetarian food near the center of Fira.
- Pelican Kipos: Shaded garden, broad menu, and one of the island’s largest wine cellars.
Best Restaurants in Oia
Roka – $$
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 – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71616Warm, romantic, and hidden in a quiet Oia lane. Candouni serves traditional Greek dishes and has live music on many evenings. I like it for a relaxed dinner away from the caldera crowds.
Elinikon – $$
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 – $$$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71413A small, expensive, caldera-edge restaurant for couples and special occasions. The intimate setting and view are the reason to come. Book well ahead.
Panorama Balcony – $$$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71453The most private dinner in Oia, on a secluded balcony at Canaves Oia Suites. It is expensive and best for proposals, honeymoons, and milestone anniversaries. Reserve as early as possible directly with Canaves.
Lotza – $$
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 – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 72046Excellent local cooking and one of the island’s most interesting Santorini wine lists. One of my top Oia choices if you are serious about wine.
Pitogyros – $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71119The best place in Oia for gyros, souvlaki, kebabs, and house-made sausage. There is a small covered seating area across the lane.
More Good Restaurants in Oia
- Karma: Pretty courtyard, creative Greek dishes, and a quieter setting.
- Dimitris Taverna: Simple seafood beside the water in Ammoudi Bay.
- Ammoudi Fish Tavern: My top choice among the Ammoudi waterfront restaurants.
Best Restaurants in Imerovigli
Athenian House – $$$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 36420My favorite romantic sunset restaurant in Santorini. The terrace has outstanding caldera views, and the menu presents refined versions of regional Greek dishes. It is expensive, but worth it for a special dinner. Reserve well ahead for sunset.
Avocado – $$
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 28200Good Greek-Mediterranean food with excellent caldera views. Reserve an edge table if you are coming for sunset.
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 • $$
Modern Cycladic cooking in a hillside setting overlooking eastern Santorini. A good backup when Metaxi Mas is full, and worth trying in its own right.
Aroma Avlis – Exo Gonia • $$
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: Good Mediterranean cooking and panoramic terrace views.
Best Restaurants in Akrotiri
Misteli – $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 27515Friendly family-run restaurant in Akrotiri with a pretty open-air setting and good-value Greek food. One of the better dinner choices if you are staying in the village.
The Cave of Nikolas – $$
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
Ammoudi Bay below Oia is one of my favorite places in Santorini for a seafood meal by the water. Reserve ahead for sunset and arrange your ride back up in advance.
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 • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 82783Excellent seafood overlooking Vlychada marina. More polished than Kiria Roula’s, with a good daily selection of fresh fish.
Ammoudi Fish Tavern – Ammoudi Bay • $$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 72298My favorite of the waterfront restaurants in Ammoudi Bay. Fresh fish and seafood are the focus, with tables right beside the water and the red cliffs rising behind you. Come for a long lunch or reserve ahead for sunset. Whole fish is priced by weight, so ask the price per kilo and confirm the weight before ordering. Arrange your return transportation before dinner.
Dimitris Taverna – Ammoudi Bay • $$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71606A little simpler and more traditional than Ammoudi Fish Tavern, with seafood, grilled fish, Greek dishes, and tables beside the harbor. I especially like Dimitris for lunch, when Ammoudi is quieter and you can enjoy the setting without planning the meal around sunset.
Armeni Fish Taverna – Armeni Bay • $$$
Website • Phone: +30 22860 71053One of Santorini’s most memorable seafood lunches, in tiny Armeni Bay below Oia. The setting is quiet and right on the water, with fresh fish and seafood as the reason to come. You can walk down from Oia, but the path is steep and tricky in parts. An fun option is to take the restaurant’s complimentary boat from Ammoudi Bay. Reservations essential. There is no direct sunset view, and the restaurant closes early (hours change but roughly 12:30 to 19:00).
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 ahead in summer and check minimum-spend requirements if booking a sunbed or cabana.
Savvas Popeye – Agios Georgios • $
Website • Phone: +30 22860 81332Casual beachside taverna with traditional dishes, sea views, good prices, and friendly service.
Best Santorini Restaurants for Families and Cheap Eats
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 Santorini Hotel Restaurants
Santorini has several excellent hotel restaurants with spectacular caldera terraces. They are expensive, but most accept outside guests with a reservation.
Mavro at Kivotos Hotel in Imerovigli.
- Varoulko at Grace Hotel: Excellent seafood and a direct view of Skaros Rock.
- Panorama Balcony at Canaves Oia Suites: My choice for the most private special-occasion dinner.
- Lycabettus at Andronis Luxury Suites: Spectacular cliff-edge dining in Oia.
- Lauda at Andronis Boutique Hotel: Excellent modern Greek food with caldera views.
- Mavro at Kivotos Hotel: Small terrace and a quiet setting in Imerovigli.
Lycabettus at Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia.
Santorini Restaurant FAQ
Do Santorini restaurants require reservations?
For popular restaurants in summer, yes. Book casual favorites several days ahead and reserve sunset or special-occasion dinners even earlier.
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?
Restaurants with prime caldera views can be expensive, especially in Oia and at luxury hotels. Inland tavernas, gyro shops, and many traditional restaurants are much more reasonable.
How does fresh-fish pricing work?
Whole fish is commonly priced per kilo. Ask the price and confirm the weight 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 very good service.
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 food.
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 transport back up the hill can be difficult after sunset. Arrange your ride before dinner.
Is lunch or dinner better for caldera views?
I like lunch if the view is the main reason for going. It is easier to reserve and you see just as much, maybe more, of the caldera. Sunset dinner is more romantic and much more in demand.
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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).