Greece Travel Secrets picks the best restaurants on Santorini, choosing the top gourmet and fine-dining eating places with some exclusive dining experiences.
Whether you're a die-hard foodie or a traveler seeking the finest dining experiences on your vacation, Santorini has got you covered. This beautiful Greek island is home to some of the best restaurants that not only serve gourmet meals but also offer views to die for.
Our first stop is Ambrosia in Oia, phone: +30 2286 071425, restaurant-ambrosia.com. Enjoying a reputation as one of the best gourmet dining establishments on the island, Ambrosia is known for its Mediterranean cuisine. It boasts dishes with a mix of international flavors and traditional ingredients, including good pasta and risotto dishes, and is comfortably positioned in a cosy environment with stunning caldera views.
Next, we recommend Selene in Pyrgos Kallistis, phone: +30 2286 022249, selene.gr. Since 1986, Selene has been a center of gastronomic delight on Santorini, offering visitors a culinary journey featuring local products and traditional cooking methods. The restaurant shares a home with the Santorini Gastronomy Center, which you can visit too, and they also offer wine tastings.
Then there's the elegant 1800 Restaurant, also in Oia, phone: +30 2286 071836, oia-1800.com. Positioned in a restored mansion, this dining place boasts charming aesthetics, an art gallery, and a menu filled with flavorful Greek and Mediterranean dishes that highlight the tastes of Santorini. They have a lovely roof garden with great views, too.
Our journey takes us next to the Argo Restaurant in Fira, phone: +30 2286 022594, argo-restaurant-santorini.com. This restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience anchored in a rich culinary tradition and a contemporary twist. Expect beautiful presentation, just as beautiful as the caldera views visible from the restaurant. You can also do tours with cookery lessons and wine tastings.
Don’t miss The Athenian House in Imerovigli, phone: +30 2286 036014, theathenianhouse.com. This establishment emphasises bringing the sophistication of Athenian cuisine to the island. Their charismatic chef, Christoforos Peskias, creates emotional and unexpected flavors that you won't soon forget. Don’t miss the Ouzo Sorbet!
Next on our list is the Lauda Restaurant, located in Oia, phone: +30 2286 071166, laudarestaurant.com. Established in 1971, Lauda is renowned for its innovative menu and stunning surroundings. The restaurant features a selection of locally grown products, which are used to prepare dishes inspired by contemporary Aegean cuisine. For a treat, try their tasting menu which can be paired with wine, cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks.
Santorini wouldn’t be the same without Lycabettus, another Oia restaurant, phone: +30 2286 072787, lycabettusrestaurant.com. With its position on a cliff's edge offering panoramic views, it serves up a delightful fusion of Greek and modern cuisine, making every mouthful a delightful exploration of taste and texture. The ultimate experience is the Sommelier’s Table, limited to one couple a night for a wine tasting and food pairing.
For those interested in pairing their meals with spectacular wines, Santo Wines Winery in Pyrgos, phone: +30 2286 028058, santowines.gr, runs a successful restaurant offering traditional Greek cuisine with their very own wines.
Back in Fira, we have Salt & Pepper, phone: +30 2286 025217, facebook.com/SaltandPepperSantorini. This small and intimate family-style restaurant may be less sophisticated than our other choices but it makes the cut with innovative and delicious meals made from fresh local ingredients.
Finally, for those who really love their seafood, To Psaraki in the marina at Vlychada, phone: +30 2286 083114, topsaraki.gr, could very well be one of the best places on the island. It combines traditional Greek recipes with fresh and locally-caught fish.
Each of the above restaurants stands out for different reasons - some for their views, others for their astonishing creativity. Still, the common thread that unites them is this: they demonstrate a deep appreciation for Santorini’s native ingredients and flavors.
Enjoying local dishes, prepared with skill and creativity while complementing the stunning vistas makes this gourmet dining experience a sensory delight in ways more than one.
And, for a truly memorable experience, why not enjoy a bottle of Santorini's iconic white wine, Assyrtiko, with your meal? The crisp, refreshing notes of this local wine form a perfect pairing with the Mediterranean delicacies of the island.
So there we have it, a list of the best restaurants on Santorini, just for you. Happy dining! Bon Appetit! Or as the locals would say, ''Kali Orexi''.