Centuries-old traditions, warm-hearted residents, gorgeous beaches, and the opportunity to bask in the Mediterranean sun puts Greece amongst the most popular destinations in Europe.
Among its many beautiful locations is Santorini, a gorgeously romantic Greek island easily accessible via ferry service from Athens. Here, you can witness spectacular sunsets, discover fascinating ruins, or even climb up a volcano. Best of all, if you are a food lover, there are plenty of gastronomic adventures to be had at any one of Santorini’s best restaurants.
Selene
Address: Fira Town, Thira Old Catholic Monastery, Santorini
A culinary institution, Selene has been enchanting gourmands from around the world for the past 35 years. Located inside a former monastery in the capital city of Fira, Selene creates an atmospheric ambiance perfect for an intimate fine-dining experience. Over the years, chef Giorgos Hatzigiannakis has not only remained loyal to the regional cuisine but has been a frontrunner in promoting slow cooking to accentuate the flavor profiles of traditional dishes.
At Selene, you get to savor Santorinian recipes in a modern avatar. First-time visitors should choose the chef’s seasonal degustation menu with wine pairing or else order the octopus yiouvetsi, quail, and the house-special spanakorizo, from the a-la-carte menu. For a more immersive experience, though, take a wine tasting or cooking lesson, regularly offered by the restaurant.
Ginger Sushi Lounge
Address: St. Gerasimos Square, Firostefani, Santorini
Considering the endless supply of seafood, it is surprising that no one thought of starting a sushi restaurant in Santorini until now. Ginger Sushi, open only for dinner, highlights Japanese aesthetics while amalgamating seamlessly with its picturesque Greek setting.
Serving freshly prepared food from its cliff-top vantage point in Firostefani, Ginger Sushi has a laidback vibe, making it the ideal restaurant in Santorini to chill-out in the evening while drinking cocktails and eating sushi. The food here is prepared using Japanese techniques by their in-house sushi chef. Some of the must-haves at Ginger Sushi include tea cooked octopus’ tempura, miso-marinated black cod, shrimp in teriyaki and miso sauce, and a combination of sashimi, nigiri, and makimono rolls.
Penelope’s Ouzeri
Address: Santorini Tower, Pyrgos, Santorini
Run by an endearing husband and wife team, Penelope’s Ouzeri is a homely eatery situated in Pyrgos, an equally lovely village in the foothills of Mount Profitis Ilias. Promising spectacular views of Santorini from its balcony, and serving mezedes, tiny plates with oodles of flavor, Penelope’s is all about immersing yourself into Greek food culture by appreciating delicious homecooked meals.
Guests are typically welcomed at the café with a shot of ouzo, offered by Mannos and Penelope, after which they can choose between the daily specials or any of Penelope’s classic recipes, passed down over generations. There’s a charming simplicity to the food here that makes it all the more wholesome, accentuated by the friendliness of the ever-present hosts. The tomato balls are the best you’ll find in Santorini. However, remember to order the meatballs, fava with homemade bread, and Penelope’s rendition of dakos, a Cretian specialty.
Sunset Ammoudi
Address: Ammoudi Bay, Oia, Santorini
A true-blue food legend, Paraskevas, first came to Ammoudi, a quaint harbor village, in 1979. After marrying Margarita, his passion for fishing quickly transformed into one for serving delectable seafood products through Ammoudi’s original fish tavern. Now, Sunset boasts of a 30-year-old epicurean legacy, which is why you must visit it during your trip to Santorini.
No meal at Sunset is complete without trying their famous lobster spaghetti, a recipe that, to this day, is a hotly-guarded family secret. For vegetarians, there are colorful Greeks salads, eggplant stuffed with feta, and fava. Much-loved by locals and tourists alike, make sure you make a booking at Sunset in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment.
Galini Cafe
Address: Firostefani, Thera, Santorini
In-between cloudless summer skies and the blue Aegean Sea lies the delightful Galini Café. The terrace restaurant is part of the Galini Hotel, although it remains open to non-residents. Whether looking for a quick coffee break while sightseeing in Santorini or wanting to indulge in tasteful Greek preparations, Galini acts as the perfect foodie sojourn, one that comes with views to remember.
There is something for everyone at Galini Café as it offers an extensive menu packed with Santorinian delights, comfort foods, and vegan options. You can start your meal with an acai superfood bowl and follow it up with the mouth-wateringly good sea crepe, which has a smoked salmon, crème cheese, and salmon roe filling. Finally, there is the possibility to pair your sandwiches and salads with Galini’s signature cocktails for a refreshingly pleasant time.
Metaxi Mas
Address: Agios Charalambos, Exo Gonia, Santorini
If searching for a bit of fusion magic, head to Metaxi Mas, a scenic restaurant in Santorini, located near Agios Charalambos church in the sleepy village of Exo Gonia. Besides creating an authentic Greek atmosphere and guaranteeing stunning panoramas from its balcony, Metaxi Mas specializes in offering home-style Cretan and Santorinian dishes.
At Metaxi Mas, you’ll find Cretan salad with myzithra cheese, grilled wild boar sausages, grilled octopus alongside Santorinian fava, smoked pork, and plenty of wines from around the country. Still considered a hidden gem in Santorini, Metaxi Mas guarantees a dinner outing not easily forgotten.