Best Restaurants in Santorini: Where to Eat Like a Local

Santorini’s food scene is as dramatic as its views—but knowing where to eat can be tricky.

Caldera-view restaurants serve stunning sunsets alongside your meal, but they come with premium prices and tourist crowds. Meanwhile, tucked-away tavernas in quiet villages offer authentic Greek cuisine at a fraction of the cost—if you know where to look.

We’ve eaten our way across Santorini to bring you this guide to the island’s best restaurants. You’ll discover romantic fine dining with caldera views, authentic tavernas where locals eat, budget-friendly gems, and the best spots for fresh seafood, traditional Greek dishes, and unforgettable meals.

Quick Guide: Best Restaurants in Santorini by Category

• Best Overall: Selene (Pyrgos) — Modern Greek fine dining
• Best Caldera View: Ambrosia (Oia) — Romantic sunset dining
• Best Traditional Taverna: Metaxi Mas (Exo Gonia) — Where locals eat
• Best Seafood: Sunset Ammoudi Taverna (Ammoudi Bay) — Fresh catch daily
• Best Budget: Lucky’s Souvlakis (Fira) — Authentic & cheap
• Best Hidden Gem: Raki (Megalochori) — Authentic village taverna
• Best for Wine: Santo Wines (Pyrgos) — Winery restaurant with views

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Santorini

These restaurants offer elevated Greek cuisine, impeccable service, and unforgettable experiences—perfect for special occasions.

1. Selene — Best Fine Dining in Santorini

Location: Pyrgos village

Price: €€€€ (€70-100/person)

Best for: Modern Greek cuisine, special occasions

Selene is Santorini’s most acclaimed restaurant, blending traditional Greek ingredients with modern techniques. Chef Ettore Botrini has elevated local cuisine to an art form.

What we love:

• Creative dishes using Santorini ingredients (fava, cherry tomatoes, white eggplant)
• Extensive wine list featuring local Santorini wines
• Beautiful courtyard setting in Pyrgos
• Impeccable service
• Tasting menu available

Must-try dishes: Santorini fava with octopus, chloros cheese ravioli, slow-cooked lamb

Booking: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead for dinner in peak season. Essential for special occasions.

2. Ambrosia — Most Romantic Caldera Dining

Location: Oia

Price: €€€€ (€80-120/person)

Best for: Sunset dining, honeymoons, proposals

Ambrosia combines stunning caldera views with creative Mediterranean cuisine. It’s the ultimate romantic dinner spot in Oia.

What we love:

• Prime caldera-facing terrace for sunset
• Elegant, intimate atmosphere
• Mediterranean fusion cuisine
• Excellent cocktails and wine selection
• Attentive, romantic service

Must-try dishes: Tuna tartare, grilled octopus, lamb chops

Booking: Reserve sunset tables 1-2 months ahead. Request a table on the edge for best views.

3. Alali Restaurant — Modern Elegance in Oia

Location: Oia

Price: €€€€ (€70-100/person)

Best for: Contemporary Greek cuisine with caldera views

Alali offers refined Greek cuisine with Asian influences in a sophisticated setting overlooking the caldera.

What we love:

• Beautifully presented dishes
• Caldera views from every table
• Creative menu combining Greek and Asian flavors
• Stylish modern interior

Must-try: Ceviche, black cod, risotto with local seafood

4. Catch Bar-Restaurant — Seafood with Caldera Views

Location: Fira

Price: €€€ (€50-80/person)

Best for: Fresh seafood, sunset views

Catch specializes in fresh seafood with stunning caldera views from its terrace in Fira. More relaxed than Oia restaurants but equally impressive views.

What we love:

• Fresh fish and seafood daily
• Spectacular caldera sunset views
• Excellent sushi and Mediterranean fusion
• Great cocktails
• More affordable than similar Oia restaurants

Best Traditional Greek Tavernas in Santorini

These are the authentic spots where you’ll find traditional Greek cooking, local ingredients, and prices that won’t break the bank.

5. Metaxi Mas — Where Locals Eat

Location: Exo Gonia village

Price: €€ (€25-40/person)

Best for: Authentic Greek food, avoiding tourist traps

Metaxi Mas is legendary among locals and savvy travelers. This family-run taverna serves hearty, traditional Greek food in a cozy, unpretentious setting.

What we love:

• Authentic home-cooked Greek dishes
• Generous portions
• Locals eat here (always a good sign)
• Warm, family atmosphere
• Great value for money

Must-try: Lamb kleftiko, moussaka, grilled meats, house wine

Tip: No reservations, arrive early (before 7 PM) or expect to wait. Worth it!

6. Raki — Hidden Gem in Megalochori

Location: Megalochori village

Price: €€ (€30-45/person)

Best for: Traditional Greek cuisine in a charming village

Raki is tucked away in the beautiful village of Megalochori, offering excellent Greek food without the tourist crowds.

What we love:

• Charming village setting away from crowds
• Traditional recipes with quality ingredients
• Excellent meat dishes
• Friendly service
• Good wine selection

Must-try: Pork with honey and mustard, beef stifado, fresh salads

7. To Psaraki — Authentic Seafood Taverna

Location: Vlychada Beach

Price: €€ (€30-50/person)

Best for: Fresh fish, beachside dining

Simple, authentic fish taverna right on Vlychada Beach. The catch comes straight from local fishermen.

What we love:

• Fresh fish daily from local boats
• Beachfront location
• Simple, authentic Greek cooking
• Away from tourist areas

Must-try: Grilled fresh fish, seafood pasta, Greek salad

Best Restaurants for Caldera Views

Dining with a caldera view is quintessential Santorini. These restaurants deliver both stunning vistas and excellent food.

8. Argo Restaurant — Best Value Caldera Dining

Location: Fira

Price: €€ (€30-50/person)

Best for: Caldera views without the premium price tag

Argo offers stunning caldera views and solid Greek food at more reasonable prices than most view restaurants.

What we love:

• Beautiful caldera terrace
• More affordable than Oia restaurants
• Reliable Greek cuisine
• Good for sunset

9. Sunset Ammoudi Taverna — Seafood at Sea Level

Location: Ammoudi Bay (below Oia)

Price: €€€ (€40-70/person)

Best for: Fresh seafood, waterfront dining

Located right on the water in Ammoudi Bay, this taverna serves the freshest seafood with tables practically in the sea.

What we love:

• Tables right on the water
• Ultra-fresh seafood (lobster, fish, octopus)
• Romantic atmosphere
• Down 300 steps from Oia (worth the walk)

Must-try: Grilled lobster, fresh fish of the day, grilled octopus

Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Santorini

You don’t need to spend €50+ per meal in Santorini. These spots serve authentic, delicious food at prices locals pay.

10. Lucky’s Souvlakis — Best Budget Option

Location: Fira

Price: € (€8-15/person)

Best for: Quick, cheap, authentic Greek food

Lucky’s is a no-frills souvlaki joint loved by locals and budget travelers. Perfect for lunch or a cheap dinner.

What we love:

• Incredibly cheap (€3-4 for souvlaki)
• Generous portions
• Fast service
• Authentic Greek street food
• Open late

Must-try: Pork souvlaki, gyros, Greek salad

11. Naoussa Tavern — Good Value in Fira

Location: Fira • Price: €€ (€20-35/person)

Solid traditional Greek taverna with caldera views at reasonable prices. Good moussaka and grilled meats.

12. Pelekanos — Local Favorite

Location: Fira • Price: €€ (€25-40/person)

Family-run taverna with excellent traditional dishes. Known for fresh fish and homemade desserts.

13. Anogi — Mountain Village Gem

Location: Imerovigli • Price: €€€ (€40-70/person)

Upscale taverna in Imerovigli with creative Greek dishes and beautiful sunset views. Excellent wine list.

14. Mezzo — Contemporary Greek in Imerovigli

Location: Imerovigli • Price: €€€ (€50-80/person)

Modern Greek cuisine with panoramic caldera views. Great for sunset dining away from Oia crowds.

15. Franco’s Bar — Sunset Cocktails & Light Bites

Location: Pyrgos • Price: €€ (€20-40/person)

Famous for sunset cocktails from the highest point in Santorini. Light Mediterranean menu available.

Santorini Food Guide: What to Eat

Santorini has some unique local ingredients and dishes you shouldn’t miss:

Local Specialties

• Fava: Yellow split pea puree (not fava beans!). Creamy, mild, delicious with capers and onions.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Small, intensely sweet tomatoes grown in volcanic soil. Often served as tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters).
• White Eggplant: Unique to Santorini, sweeter and less bitter than purple eggplant.
• Chloros Cheese: Fresh local cheese, mild and creamy.
• Capers: Grown on the island, smaller and more flavorful than imported.

Wine

Santorini produces excellent wine thanks to volcanic soil and unique grape varieties:

• Assyrtiko: Crisp, mineral-driven white wine (Santorini’s signature)
• Vinsanto: Sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes
• Nykteri: Aged white wine with richer, fuller body

For wine tasting with food, visit Santo Wines, Venetsanos Winery, or Estate Argyros. See our Santorini itinerary [LINK: /islands/santorini/itinerary-3-5-days/] for a complete wine tour plan.

Classic Greek Dishes

• Moussaka: Layered eggplant, meat, and béchamel
• Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers (pork or chicken)
• Greek Salad: Tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta (no lettuce!)
• Grilled Octopus: Tender, charred, served with lemon
• Saganaki: Fried cheese (kasseri or graviera)
• Baklava: Honey-soaked phyllo pastry with nuts

Restaurant Tips & Booking Advice

Reservations

• Fine dining & caldera views: Book 2-4 weeks ahead for dinner in July-August
• Traditional tavernas: Metaxi Mas doesn’t take reservations—arrive early (before 7 PM)
• Sunset tables: Request specific seating when booking and arrive 10-15 min early

Pricing Expectations

• Budget: €10-20/person (souvlaki, gyros, simple tavernas)
• Mid-range: €25-50/person (traditional tavernas, casual caldera restaurants)
• Fine dining: €60-120/person (Selene, Ambrosia, top caldera restaurants)
• Wine: €8-20/glass, €25-60/bottle (more for fine wines)

Dining Culture Tips

• Greeks eat dinner late (9-10 PM typical). Restaurants fill up 8:30-9:30 PM.
• Bread and water are usually charged (small fee, €1-2)
• Tipping: 5-10% is standard, round up the bill
• Caldera-view restaurants charge a premium for the view (worth it once or twice)
• Share dishes—Greek portions are generous

Where to Avoid

• Main caldera paths in Fira (tourist traps with mediocre food)
• Restaurants with photo menus and aggressive touts
• Any place advertising ‘traditional Greek show’ (overpriced, low quality)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best restaurant in Santorini?

Selene in Pyrgos is widely considered the best restaurant in Santorini for modern Greek fine dining. For traditional taverna food, Metaxi Mas is legendary. For romantic caldera dining, Ambrosia in Oia is hard to beat.

Is food expensive in Santorini?

It depends where you eat. Caldera-view restaurants and fine dining can be expensive (€60-120/person). Traditional tavernas away from tourist areas cost €25-40/person. Budget options like Lucky’s Souvlakis are cheap (€8-15). Overall, expect to spend more than mainland Greece but there are affordable options if you know where to look.

Do I need reservations for restaurants in Santorini?

Yes, for fine dining and sunset restaurants, especially in July-August. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for top spots like Selene, Ambrosia, and popular caldera restaurants. Traditional tavernas generally don’t need reservations except Metaxi Mas (which doesn’t take them—arrive early instead).

Where do locals eat in Santorini?

Locals avoid the main caldera tourist strips and eat at: Metaxi Mas (Exo Gonia), Raki (Megalochori), Lucky’s Souvlakis (Fira), To Psaraki (Vlychada), and tavernas in villages like Pyrgos and Emporio. These spots offer better value and more authentic food.

What food is Santorini known for?

Santorini is famous for fava (yellow split pea puree), cherry tomatoes, white eggplant, tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), fresh seafood, and local wines—especially Assyrtiko white wine and Vinsanto dessert wine. The volcanic soil gives local produce unique intense flavors.

Can you eat cheaply in Santorini?

Yes. Stick to souvlaki joints (Lucky’s), bakeries, supermarkets for breakfast, and traditional tavernas away from the caldera. Avoid restaurants with caldera views (premium prices) and stick to villages like Megalochori, Pyrgos, and Exo Gonia. You can eat well for €15-25/person.

Is tipping expected in Santorini restaurants?

Yes, but not as much as the US. 5-10% is standard. For excellent service, round up to 10-15%. Cash tips are preferred. Some restaurants add a service charge—check the bill before tipping extra.

What time do restaurants open for dinner in Santorini?

Most restaurants open for dinner around 6-7 PM. Greeks typically eat late (9-10 PM), so restaurants are busiest 8:30-9:30 PM. For sunset dining, book a 7:30-8 PM table. For popular spots without reservations, arrive before 7 PM or after 9:30 PM.

Explore More About Santorini

Planning your perfect Santorini trip? Check out these guides:

• Santorini Travel Guide
• Santorini Itinerary: 3-5 Days
• Best Hotels in Santorini
• Santorini Beaches Guide
• Santorini for Couples

Ready to Experience Santorini’s Food Scene?

Now that you know where to eat in Santorini, start planning your culinary adventure.

Most of the best restaurants require advance reservations, especially for sunset dining. Book your top choices as soon as your travel dates are confirmed—the best tables fill up weeks ahead in peak season.

To make the most of Santorini’s food scene, check out our complete travel guide [LINK: /islands/santorini/] with day-by-day recommendations for restaurants and wineries throughout your trip.

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Don’t forget to secure your accommodation near your favorite dining spots. Browse our guide to the best hotels in Santorini [LINK: /islands/santorini/best-hotels/] to find the perfect base for your culinary journey.