The Best Places to Eat in Santorini

With its iconic blue-domed churches, dramatic caldera views, and spectacular sunsets, Santorini is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Greece. Surely, finding authentic restaurants on an island as popular with tourists as Santorini can be challenging. To help you navigate beyond the tourist traps, we’ve compiled this guide to the best places to eat in Santorini.

Sampling local food is one of our favorite things to do when traveling, and Santorini presents a food scene that’s as rich and varied as its volcanic terrain. The island’s unique microclimate and mineral-rich soil produce exceptional ingredients – from the intensely flavored cherry tomatoes and white eggplants to the local Assyrtiko wines that perfectly complement fresh seafood.

Here are a few tips to avoid any disappointments:

• Reservations are highly recommended at most restaurants listed below, especially if you travel during the summer.
• When making a reservation, mention what’s important to you, whether it’s a table by the water, the possibility of seeing the sunset, or any dietary restrictions.
• Many Santorini restaurants are closed from November to April.

Best Restaurants In Oia

Roka Restaurant

Searching for the best meal in Oia? Look no further than Roka, a charming spot tucked away from the main tourist path. Every dish we tried hit the mark, both in presentation and flavor. While the restaurant doesn’t offer sunset views, the focus here is clearly on the food. The menu showcases local ingredients prepared with care and love, and they have a thoughtful selection of Santorinian wines to pair with your meal. Roka easily earned its place as our favorite restaurant in Oia. Book in advance and request a sea view table on the terrace for the best experience.

Pitogyros Traditional Grill House

If you haven’t tried gyros before, Pitogyros is the best place on the island to do so. This traditional Greek street food features roasted meat sliced thin and wrapped in pita bread, along with fresh veggies, French fries, and tzatziki. It’s quick, wallet-friendly, and packs a surprising flavor punch. The line of locals waiting here tells you everything you need to know – this place serves the real deal. Perfect for a quick lunch or a late-night bite after exploring Santorini.

Karma Greek Restaurant

Karma is a beautiful, cozy restaurant hidden away on a quiet street, far from the tourist crowds. It specializes in traditional Greek island cuisine using authentic recipes passed down through generations. While lunch might be easy to secure, we definitely recommend making a reservation for dinner.

Psst… Unlike many Santorini restaurants, Karma is also open for breakfast, offering a delicious start to your day!

Lefkes Santorini

Located in the small traditional village of Finikia, just a 20-minute walk from Oia, Lefkes is one of the best restaurants on the island. It offers a delicious selection of authentic Greek dishes and excellent wine from local producers. Despite its popularity and full tables, the service remains attentive and friendly. The flavors here truly represent the best of Santorini’s culinary tradition, making it worth the short journey from Oia.

Sunset In Ammoudi

For fresh seafood, head down 300 steps to the tiny fishing port at Ammoudi Bay and grab a table by the water at Sunset in Ammoudi. This waterfront taverna has been serving catch-of-the-day specialties since 1993, with their iconic lobster pasta standing out as the signature dish. Everything we tried was incredibly fresh and delicious, from grilled octopus to sea bass.

Afterwards, ask the restaurant staff to call a taxi for you instead of making the long trek back up the steps.

Fino Cocktail Bar & Restaurant

When a restaurant in Oia thrives despite having no view, you know the food must speak for itself. And at Fino, it certainly does! Add creative cocktails, a warm atmosphere, and attentive service, and it’s no wonder you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.

Solo Gelato

Solo Gelato in Oia serves what might be the absolute best frozen Greek yogurt you’ll ever taste! Creamy, tangy, and refreshingly authentic, it puts ordinary ice cream to shame. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with fresh fruits and berries, it’s the perfect treat on a hot day in Santorini.

Best Restaurants In Fira

The Vine

The Vine is the best restaurant in Fira, hands down. This gorgeous rooftop spot offers both incredible food and prime sunset views over the caldera. Their menu hits all the right notes, and they mix some seriously good cocktails to match. Perfect for either a stylish lunch or a memorable dinner as the sun dips into the sea. Just don’t forget to book ahead – tables here are in high demand for a good reason!

Best Restaurants In Pyrgos And Exo Gonia

Kantouni Traditional delicacies

On the central square in the charming village of Pyrgos, you’ll find Kantouni. This family-run taverna focuses on authentic Santorinian recipes that have been perfected for generations. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself chatting with locals while enjoying some of the most genuine food on the island.

Agaze Cooking Class & Bottega

Some of the best souvenirs from Greece are recipes! Spend an afternoon learning to cook traditional Greek dishes, and you’ll be transported back to Santorini every time you whip up shrimp saganaki or tomato fritters at home.

While you’re there, don’t miss Agaze Bottega. This little gem offers beautiful Greek and Sicilian pottery, exquisite local olive oil and honey, plus other handmade products that make perfect gifts to take home.

Aroma Avlis Food & Wine

Located in Exo Gonia alongside the Artemis Karamolegos Winery, Aroma Avlis is one of the best Santorini restaurants. It offers delicious Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist, beautifully presented and perfectly paired with locally produced wine. You can even do a proper wine tasting if you want to explore their full range. What really sets this place apart, though, is the fantastic service – attentive without being intrusive and genuinely passionate about food and wine. 

Metaxi Mas

Metaxi Max in Exo Gonia is known for serving traditional homestyle Greek dishes. It’s an extremely popular restaurant with both Santorini locals and tourists, so reservations are an absolute must! Don’t try to walk in, as even with a reservation, you might wait a while for your table.

Best Restaurants In Perivolos

Seaside Santorini

Seaside is arguably the most stylish beach bar and restaurant on the island, offering the perfect setting for a relaxing day by the sea. The menu delivers flavor perfection and a beautiful presentation. Also, the service matches the high standard of the food – attentive, professional, and genuinely friendly. Whether you’re lounging on beach beds or dining under the shade, it’s an elevated beach experience that’s worth every euro.