Best Restaurants in Santorini: Where to Eat on the Island
Santorini is more than a postcard background. The island sits on volcanic soil, which creates a specific microclimate for agriculture. You aren't just eating Greek food here; you are eating volcanic food. Local cherry tomatoes are smaller and sweeter because they grow without irrigation. White eggplants lack bitterness. Fava beans have a protected status. While the sunset views get the attention, the culinary scene is the real draw. You can find high-end molecular gastronomy in Oia or century-old tavernas in the inland villages. This guide cuts through the tourist traps to show you where to eat in Santorini.
Must-try dishes in Santorini
Before booking a table, know what to order. These are the staples of the island's volcanic terroir.
- Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters): Made with local cherry tomatoes, onions, herbs, and flour, then deep-fried until crisp.
- Santorini Fava: A creamy yellow split pea puree topped with olive oil, capers, and onions. It is the island’s most famous export.
- White Eggplant: Sweeter than the purple variety with fewer seeds. Usually served roasted or as a spread (melitzanosalata).
- Apospiti (Local Pork): Cured pork loin salted and seasoned with cinnamon and spices, often served in thin slices.
- Chloro Cheese: A rare, fresh goat cheese with a creamy texture, usually made in small batches by local farmers.
- Vinsanto: The island’s signature dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes, pairs perfectly with dark chocolate.
Best restaurants for a splurge
These are the best restaurants in Santorini for fine dining. Expect high price points, impeccable service, and a focus on modern Greek techniques.
Selene, Fira
Located in a converted 18th-century monastery, Selene is a culinary institution. Chef Ettore Botrini focuses on "Cycladic fine dining." The tasting menus are a lesson in local history, elevating humble ingredients like fava and caper leaves to art. It is expensive, but it is the benchmark for the island’s gastronomy.
Lycabettus, Oia
This restaurant sits on a dramatic rocky outcrop overhanging the Aegean Sea. It consistently ranks as one of the most romantic spots in the world. The menu leans heavily into fresh seafood and Mediterranean fusion. Choose the degustation menu for the best experience. The setting makes it a top choice for a milestone celebration.
Petra Restaurant, Oia
Situated within the Canaves Oia Epitome, Petra specializes in modern takes on traditional Greek recipes. The atmosphere is sophisticated and quiet compared to the Oia crowds. Their seafood is caught daily by local fishermen. The black cod and lobster pasta are standout dishes that justify the premium price tag.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
Away from the caldera edge, you find the soul of Santorini’s food culture. These spots focus on flavor over formality.
Metaxi Mas, Exo Gonia
Many locals consider this the best restaurant on the island. Tucked away in a small village, it offers a Cretan-influenced menu. You’ll be served complimentary raki and olives upon arrival. Order the pomegranate salad and the veal cheeks. It is perpetually busy, so booking a week in advance is mandatory.
Roza’s, Vourvoulos
Roza’s is a family-run gem in a quiet village. There are no sunset views here, but the food is exceptional. The menu changes based on what is fresh. It feels like eating in someone’s home. The fried rabbit and the house-made pasta are legendary. It is one of the most authentic dining experiences you can find.
To Psaraki, Vlychada
Located overlooking the Vlychada marina, this is where you go for fresh fish without the Oia markup. The setting is simple—blue chairs and paper tablecloths. The menu focuses on what the boats brought in that morning. Try the grilled octopus and the sea urchin salad. It is honest, fresh, and consistent.
Aroma Avlis, Exo Gonia
This restaurant is attached to Artemis Karamolegos Winery. It features a beautiful garden setting. The "farm-to-table" concept is literal here, as many vegetables come from their own gardens. It is an excellent spot for a long lunch paired with their estate-grown Assyrtiko wine. The food is refined but accessible.
Best cheap eats and street food
You don’t need a massive budget to eat well here. These spots offer high-quality food for under €15.
Pitogyros, Oia
Oia is expensive, but Pitogyros is the exception. They serve some of the best souvlaki and gyros on the island. The meat is high quality, the pita is toasted perfectly, and the portions are generous. There is usually a line, but it moves fast. Grab a wrap and find a spot to sit nearby.
PitoGyros Traditional Grill House, Fira
A similar concept in the capital of Fira. This is the go-to for a quick, salty, and satisfying meal after exploring the narrow streets. The pork gyros are the standard, but the halloumi wraps are a great vegetarian alternative. It’s consistent and cheap.
Lucky’s Souvlakis, Fira
Located right near the bus station, Lucky’s is a local legend. It is a no-frills counter-service spot. The owner is often behind the grill, cracking jokes and moving fast. It is widely regarded as having the most authentic "old school" gyro flavor in Santorini.
Traditional Bakeries
Forget a sit-down lunch and head to a local bakery like Svoronos in Fira. Pick up a spanakopita (spinach pie) or tiropita (cheese pie) for a few euros. These are substantial, fresh, and available 24/7 in some locations. It is the most efficient way to fuel up between excursions.
Best breakfast and brunch
Start your day away from the hotel buffet at these specialty spots.
Confetti Dessert Boutique, Imerovigli
While known for high-end desserts, their brunch is exceptional. The menu features modern global dishes like avocado toast and eggs benedict, but with Mediterranean twists. The plating is beautiful, and the coffee is some of the best on the island. It is a bright, modern space with a relaxed vibe.
Galini Cafe, Firostefani
This cafe offers a stunning view of the caldera without the chaos of Oia. The breakfast menu ranges from Greek yogurt with honey to massive omelets. It is a peaceful spot to watch the cruise ships enter the bay while you eat. The "Galini Breakfast" set is enough food for two people.
Brusco, Pyrgos
Located in the main square of the medieval village of Pyrgos, Brusco offers a laid-back, rustic atmosphere. It is the best spot for a "Greek breakfast" featuring local cheeses, olives, and smoked meats. The coffee is strong, and the surroundings are much quieter than the coastal towns.
Best rooftop or view dining
In Santorini, you often pay for the view. These restaurants ensure the food matches the scenery.
Fanari Restaurant, Oia
Fanari offers one of the best vantage points for the Oia sunset. Unlike many view-centric spots that phone it in on the kitchen side, Fanari serves solid traditional Greek cuisine. The moussaka and the seafood platter are reliable choices. Book a table on the upper terrace for an unobstructed view.
Pacman Sunset Restaurant, Oia
Located at the Andronis Arcadia, this is a more modern, lifestyle-oriented venue. It features a large infinity pool and a bohemian design. The food leans toward high-end sushi and Mediterranean fusion. It is a great spot if you want a "beach club" vibe with a world-class sunset view.
Naos, Oia
Naos is housed in a stunning captain’s mansion. The rooftop overlooks the blue domes and the caldera. The menu is sophisticated, focusing on Aegean ingredients. It feels more private and exclusive than the restaurants directly on the main pedestrian path. The wine list is extensive and features top-tier local producers.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
Fira is the busiest hub. While it has many tourist traps, the backstreets hold traditional gems and the best street food density. It is the place for variety and late-night eats.
Pyrgos is the winner for authenticity. Because it is inland, prices are lower and the vibe is more "village" than "resort." It is the best place to find traditional tavernas tucked into narrow, winding alleys.
Ammoudi Bay is the place for seafood lovers. It sits at the base of the cliffs below Oia. You eat at tables right next to the lapping water. It is famous for sun-dried octopus hanging on lines outside the kitchens.
Megalochori is another inland village that has become a mini-culinary hub. It is quiet, charming, and houses several high-quality restaurants that focus on the island’s wine culture and volcanic produce.
Note: Restaurant hours and reservation requirements change seasonally; always check current status before visiting.