Santorini is one of the most well traveled Greek islands. The island oozes elegance with breathtaking caldera views, mesmerizing sunsets and idyllic villages, making it the perfect setting to enjoy a special meal. Yes, there are many tourist traps on the island, but if you know where to look, you will find some real gems. Here are my recommendations for where to eat and drink in Santorini.
Where To Eat In Santorini
Lefkes - $$ - Lefkes is a beautiful restaurant tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Oia, in neighboring town, Finikia. The food is a modern twist on traditional Greek food that will simply blow you away. The restaurant has multiple dining areas with beautiful views over Finikia that are spectacular during golden hour. Lefkes was my favorite restaurant in Santorini. I highly recommend the pappardelle and watermelon salad.
1800 - Floga Restaurant - $$$ - take a few steps down from the main pedestrian promenade in Oia, you will find 1800 - Floga, a romantic Greek restaurant with breathtaking views of the caldera and Agean Sea. Let the waiter guide you through the menu and dishes - you won't be disappointed. There are only a few tables with a sea view so booking in advance is recommended.
Melitini - $$ - Melitini is an unpretentious Greek tapas restaurant in Oia with home style food. The restaurant has two levels with a breezy rooftop. We went for lunch and ordered a bunch of the tapas - everything was great, especially the zucchini. For dinner, reservations are recommended as the rooftop can get busy during sunset.
Lolita's Gelato - $$ - Don't miss Lolita's Gelato when in Oia. It's everything you imagine it to be - so many flavors to choose from. Their pistachio gelato is the most popular and often runs out by afternoon, although all flavors are delicious. We literally stopped here every single day while in Oia - I blame the pregnancy!
La Maison - $$$$ - La Maison in Imerovigili is the perfect restaurant to enjoy a chef's tasting menu with sunset views. The food and wine is exactly what you expect from a five star dining experience. This restaurant was recommended to us by a local. Reservations are recommended - for the ultimate sunset dinner, make your reservation an hour before the sun is due to set. It gets cold at night but blankets are provided.
Kaliya Restaurant - $$$ - Kaliya is a splendid option for either drinks or a meal, day or night, and is the only restaurant in Fira on my list. The restaurant decor is absolutely beautiful with stunning pink bougainvillea against the white washed walls. The views over the caldera are breathtaking and the food is just as beautiful. Reservations for the balcony are recommended.
Capri - $$$ - For relaxed fine dining, head to Capri in Pyrgos. Capri is great for cocktails and fine quality fusion food. It seems like somewhat of a hidden gem as it's not as busy as most Santorini restaurants, and you don't always need a reservation. With modern decor and stunning views, you won't want to miss the trip to Capri.
Forty One - $$$ - Situated on Perissa Beach amongst lots of other restaurants is Forty One. Forty One is undoubtedly the best choice on the beach strip with beautiful decor and food that satisfies. Forty One is a beach club so you have options for where you'd like to dine - in the restaurant which is an old tomato factory, or on the beach. Forty One is a great option if you're spending the day on Perissa Beach, although you can stop in for lunch or dinner.
Roka - $$ - Roka is a hidden gem tucked away through dimly lit cobblestone alleys just off the main marble promenade in Oia. A charming courtyard filled with bright pink bougainvillea, orange painted walls and rustic blue tables and chairs makes it the perfect setting for a casual yet romantic dinner. There are a couple of rooms and a backside sea-facing terrace. Roka serves beautiful traditional Greek food. I highly recommend the Skioufikta - an absolutely incredible traditional handmade greek pasta with lots of soft veggies and a traditional Greek whey cheese. I dream of that pasta to this day!
Pitogyros - $ - Pitogyros just off the promenade in Oia is a no frills eatery serving souvlaki & gyros. It's a popular spot often with a long line. We waited around 30 minutes in late September for our food and a table on their outside terrace. The food is really good for when you don't fancy going to a restaurant and prefer something really casual.
Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna - $$ - Sitting at the very end of the famous Ammoudi Bay is Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna. Dimitris is one of a handful of restaurants on the bay, and we were told its the best one by locals. Dimitris like all the shore restaurants, is mainly seafood. Reservations were not necessary when we visited (September during lunch) but I would imagine its best to reserve for sunset. I highly recommend waiting for a table right on the waters edge.
Sunsets - $$$ - Sunsets in Santorini is a Greek restaurant situated in Oia that offers the best sunset views on the island (in my opinion!). I will be honest here - the food was good but didn't blow me away. I would recommend coming to Sunsets for the view as its truly stunning and can be admired in complete comfort with cocktail in hand while the crowds build up beneath you. If coming by taxi, don't get this Sunsets confused with the one in Amoudi Bay.
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