Best Food and Restaurants in Santorini: Your Complete 2026 Dining Guide
Santorini's culinary scene represents some of the Mediterranean's finest dining experiences, combining fresh local ingredients, traditional Greek recipes, and stunning caldera views that make meals unforgettable. Whether you're seeking Michelin-starred excellence, authentic taverna experiences, or casual street food, this island delivers world-class gastronomy across every price point. At Homejourney, we prioritize helping travelers make informed decisions about their destinations—just as we do for property seekers—by verifying information and providing transparent, trustworthy recommendations.
Understanding Santorini's Restaurant Landscape
Santorini's food culture reflects centuries of Cycladic tradition blended with Mediterranean influences. The island's volcanic soil produces exceptional wines, while its position in the Aegean Sea ensures access to the freshest seafood. Restaurant quality varies significantly between tourist-heavy areas and local favorites, with price points ranging from €2.80 gyros to fine dining experiences exceeding €100 per person.
The island's main towns—Oia, Fira, Firostefani, and Pyrgos—each offer distinct dining atmospheres. Oia caters primarily to sunset seekers and upscale diners, Fira offers convenient mid-range options, Firostefani balances views with authentic cuisine, and Pyrgos preserves traditional village dining experiences with minimal tourist markup.
Top-Rated Restaurants by Location and Experience
Oia: Premium Dining with Sunset Views
Elinikon stands out as the premier choice for sunset dining in Oia, specializing in meze (small shareable dishes) with exceptional caldera views. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and requires advance reservations, particularly for sunset seating. Their wine selection showcases local Santorini producers alongside Greek classics.
Roka offers the opposite experience—charming and quiet despite Oia's crowded reputation—with wonderful food and no caldera view. This restaurant appeals to diners seeking authentic cuisine over Instagram-worthy backdrops. Reservations are essential.
Candouni delivers romantic ambiance with traditional Greek food and live music most evenings, creating an immersive cultural experience. The warm atmosphere and reliable quality make it a favorite among repeat visitors.
Oia Vineyart specializes in seasonal, locally-sourced dishes paired with wines from every vineyard on the island. Their impressive wine cellar and commitment to local sourcing reflect Santorini's agricultural heritage. This is ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking educational dining experiences.
Pitogyros represents Oia's best budget option, serving exceptional gyros, souvlaki, and kebabs at €2.80 per gyro. Located on the town's outskirts, this small shop attracts locals and savvy travelers seeking authentic, affordable meals wrapped with fresh fries, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce.
Ammoudi Bay: Fresh Seafood Specialties
Dimitris Taverna occupies a prime seaside location in Ammoudi Bay, serving simple menus of fresh-caught fish alongside local delicacies like fava (grass pea dip) and tomatokeftedes (fried tomato fritters). Lunch is walk-in friendly, but dinner requires reservations. This represents authentic Greek island dining at its finest.
Firostefani: Caldera Views with Exceptional Food
Aktaion holds the distinction of being Santorini's oldest restaurant, operated by the same family since 1922. Located in Firostefani, this charming establishment features tables spilling onto sidewalks during busy periods and maintains consistent quality across traditional Greek dishes. Reservations are recommended.
To Briki offers dual experiences: cozy cafe breakfasts and dinner/cocktails on an expansive rooftop terrace overlooking the caldera. The elevated Greek menu and divine views create memorable dining moments without the premium pricing of Oia establishments.
Remvi delivers some of Firostefani's most impressive food alongside breathtaking caldera views. Reservations are essential for edge-of-terrace seating, which provides unobstructed sunset views.
Pyrgos and Beyond: Local Authenticity
Selene relocated to Pyrgos in 2010 and maintains status as the island's best restaurant according to multiple sources. This Michelin-starred establishment represents Santorini's culinary pinnacle.
Kantouni serves as the best traditional restaurant on Pyrgos's main square, offering open-air seating, convenient location near the bus stop, and excellent food that attracts both locals and informed travelers.
Rosemary in Pyrgos focuses on Cycladic dishes and Santorinian wine with beautiful panoramic sunset views from the terrace. The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere suits both special occasions and casual dining.
Sanafi in Exo Gonia offers modern twists on traditional Cycladic cuisine with emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced Mediterranean ingredients. Their rustic terrace provides expansive island views to the east, creating a more intimate alternative to crowded Oia establishments.
Caldera View Restaurants: Balancing Views and Quality
While many travelers prioritize caldera views, the best-rated restaurants often lack this feature. However, several establishments successfully combine exceptional food with stunning vistas:
- Athenian House offers both caldera views and sunset views with quality cuisine
- Naoussa provides caldera views alongside excellent Greek dishes
- Ambrosia combines views with reliable quality
- Lycabettus Restaurant in Oia maintains 4.3/5 ratings with panorama and sea views
- Veranda Aperitivo Bar in Oia achieves 4.6/5 ratings with caldera views and premium positioning
- Elements Restaurant in Oia reaches 4.9/5 ratings (exceptional) with caldera views
The key insight: avoid assuming that restaurants with the best views serve the best food. Many exceptional establishments deliberately avoid prime caldera-view locations to maintain authenticity and reasonable pricing.
Greek Cuisine Essentials: What to Order
Understanding Santorini's signature dishes enhances your dining experience. Fava, despite its name, is a creamy dip made from yellow split peas—a Cycladic staple. Tomatokeftedes (fried tomato fritters) showcase the island's tomato heritage. Saganaki (fried cheese) appears on nearly every menu. Fresh seafood, particularly scorpionfish and local catch, represents premium options.
Local wines deserve special attention. Santorini produces exceptional white wines from Assyrtiko grapes, which thrive in the volcanic soil. Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine, pairs perfectly with traditional Greek sweets. Many restaurants offer complimentary glasses with meals—a charming local tradition.
Greek salads (horiatiki) feature tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese without lettuce. Souvlaki and gyros provide affordable, satisfying options. Ouzo and mastik (traditional spirits) are worth sampling for cultural immersion.
Budget-Friendly Dining Strategies
Santorini's restaurant prices vary dramatically based on location and views. Gyro shops like Pitogyros charge €2.80-4.00 for complete meals. Traditional tavernas in less touristy areas (Pyrgos, Exo Gonia) cost €12-20 per person. Mid-range restaurants with views typically charge €25-40 per person. Fine dining experiences exceed €60 per person.
Strategic timing saves significantly: lunch costs 30-40% less than dinner at the same restaurants. Takeout desserts at establishments like Melenio cost nearly half the dine-in price. Eating in local neighborhoods away from Oia's main streets reduces costs by 50% while improving authenticity.
Reservations matter for budget planning. Walk-in diners at popular restaurants may wait 1-2 hours or face unavailability. Booking ahead ensures table access and sometimes reveals special pricing or complimentary offerings.
Practical Dining Information
Best Times to Visit Restaurants
Lunch service (12:00-15:00) offers shorter waits and lower prices than dinner. Sunset dining (19:00-21:00) attracts maximum crowds; arrive early or book weeks ahead. Late dinner (21:00+) provides quieter experiences with full menus. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (15:00-18:00).
