Where to eat in Santorini
Santorini eats from its volcanic soil: yellow split pea fava, small sweet tomatoes, white aubergine and capers, with Assyrtiko wine from the vineyards. The best food is rarely on the caldera edge. Eat at a village taverna inland, ask for the island's own dishes, and book dinner in summer.
The short answer
- Best area to eat
- Exo Gonia and Pyrgos inland, Vlychada by the sea, and Fira for variety.
- Order this
- Fava, tomatokeftedes, white aubergine, a Greek salad with capers and a glass of Assyrtiko.
- When to eat
- Lunch from 1pm and dinner from 8pm.
- Book or walk in
- Book dinner in summer, especially for sunset tables.
- Tipping
- Round up or leave 5 to 10 per cent for good service.
What to eat in Santorini
- FavaA purée of yellow split peas grown on the island, served warm with olive oil, capers and onion.
- TomatokeftedesTomato fritters made with the island's small tomatoes and herbs, fried until crisp.
- White aubergineA small pale aubergine grown on the island, served grilled, fried or in salads.
- Santorini saladCherry tomatoes, cucumber, capers and the local soft cheese, called chlorotyri.
- Gyros and souvlakiGrilled meat in pita, the quick lunch in Fira.
- Grilled octopusOctopus grilled over charcoal, a common taverna dish by the sea.
- Assyrtiko wineThe island's dry white wine, grown in basket-shaped vines, with a mineral edge.
- VinsantoA sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes.
Where to eat in Santorini, by village
Fira
The widest choice of tavernas, grills and bars, from fast gyros to restaurants with caldera views.
Exo Gonia and Pyrgos
Inland villages with family tavernas, local ingredients and fewer tourists.
Oia
Sunset restaurants with view-driven prices. Book ahead, and look for places on the side lanes.
Vlychada and the south coast
Fish tavernas on the harbor by the Tomato Industrial Museum, and wineries nearby.
Places worth a booking or a queue
-
Metaxi Mas
€€Taverna · Exo Gonia
OrderFava, Cretan dishes and the daily specials
A taverna in an inland village, founded in 2010, cooking Santorinian and Cretan dishes with produce from its garden.
- Book
- Reservations required, call from midday
Confirmed open: santorini-metaximas.gr
-
To Psaraki
€€€Fish taverna · Vlychada
OrderThe catch of the day
A fish taverna at the Vlychada harbor on the south coast, away from the caldera crowds.
- Book
- Book for dinner in summer
Confirmed open: topsaraki.gr
-
Lucky's Souvlakis
€Grill · Fira
OrderGyros or souvlaki in pita
A long-running grill in central Fira near the bus station, good for a cheap lunch.
- Book
- Walk in
Confirmed open: santorinidave.com
-
Santo Wines restaurant
€€€Winery restaurant · Pyrgos
OrderA tasting flight with local dishes
The winery's terrace restaurant on the caldera, serving Santorini wines with island dishes.
- Book
- Book online
Confirmed open: santowines.gr
Wineries and producers in Santorini
- Domaine SigalasA winery in the Oia plain with tastings of Assyrtiko and vinsanto, with or without food pairings.Visits by advance bookingSource: sigalas-wine.com
How Santorini eats
- Meal timesLunch from 1pm and dinner from 8pm.
- SharingOrder several plates to share, then a main to follow.
- Bread and waterA table may charge a small cover for bread. This is normal.
- TippingRound up or leave 5 to 10 per cent for good service.
- SeasonMany places close from November to March, so check before you plan.
Signs of a place to walk past
A view-only terrace with a generic international menu.
A tout on the street calling you in.
A menu in six languages with photographs of every dish.
Eating in Santorini: questions people ask
What food is Santorini known for?
Fava, tomato fritters, white aubergine and capers, with Assyrtiko wine from the volcanic soil.
Where should I eat in Santorini?
Inland villages like Exo Gonia and Pyrgos for local food, and Vlychada for fish by the sea.
Do I need to book restaurants in Santorini?
In summer, yes, especially for dinner and sunset tables. Grills like gyros shops take walk-ins.
Is Santorini food expensive?
Yes at view restaurants in Oia and Fira. Village tavernas and grills cost less.
What wine should I try in Santorini?
Assyrtiko, the dry white, and vinsanto, the sweet wine.