Best Places to Eat in Santorini: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Hidden Gems
If you’re planning a trip to Greece and want to know where to eat in Santorini, this guide breaks down the island’s best restaurants – from cliff‑top fine dining to local tavernas, seafood by the water, romantic sunset spots, and affordable meals in the villages. This Santorini restaurant guide will help you plan every meal in Santorini, broken down by region.
The Best Restaurants in Oia
Pacman Sunset Restaurant – Arcadia
Pacman Sunset Restaurant at Andronis Arcadia is one of the most stylish dining spots in Santorini, combining modern Mediterranean‑Asian dishes with a lively, open‑air atmosphere. Set on a spacious terrace facing the caldera, it’s the perfect place for a laid‑back luxury dinner with uninterrupted sunset views. The vibe is elevated but relaxed, with DJ sets, soft lighting, and a social crowd that leans chic rather than flashy.
The food is beautifully presented and consistently high‑quality – think fresh sushi, grilled seafood, truffle dishes, and bright, flavourful starters made for sharing. Cocktails lean premium and photogenic, ideal for golden‑hour photos.
If you want a restaurant in Santorini that blends good food, live music, and luxury views, Pacman at Andronis Arcadia is one of the top picks in Oia.
Fino Greek Taverna
Fino Greek Taverna is one of Oia’s best spots for elevated Greek cuisine with a modern twist. Tucked off the main pedestrian path, it offers a refreshing change from the busy caldera‑view restaurants while still delivering exceptional food and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere. Try the lamb shank, the shrimp saganaki, or their signature truffle pasta, all highly rated. For starters, the tuna
If you’re looking for a chic Greek restaurant without the crowds or tourist‑trap pricing, give this place a shot!
Kastro Restaurant
Kastro is one of Oia’s most sought‑after restaurants – and for good reason. Set right on the famous castle ruins, it offers uninterrupted sunset views that travellers cross the world for. The atmosphere is warm, romantic, and authentically Cycladic, with whitewashed walls, soft lighting, and that classic cliffside charm Oia is known for.
The menu includes fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional dishes with a refined twist. Their shrimp saganaki, moussaka, and catch of the day are favourites, and the homemade desserts are worth saving room for. Prices sit on the premium side, in line with Oia’s sunset dining scene, but the experience feels very special.
If you want to dine here, you must book well in advance. This is one of the hardest reservations to secure in Santorini.
Ammoudi Bay Taverns
Situated on the side of a gorgeous bay, this the place to go in Santorini for fresh seafood and a charming setting. Expect spectacular lobster pasta, grilled calamari, and simple Greek salads. Prices are higher than inland tavernas but fair for the setting and quality, and the sunset views here rival Oia’s – without the crowds. If you want a table right by the water, especially at golden hour, reserve ahead. The walk down is steep, but the food and scenery make it absolutely worth it.
The Best Restaurants in Fira (Thira)
Kaliya
Kaliya Restaurant is a must visit in Santorini. It has the most incredible views you can imagine, especially at sunset, and the food is just as great. What makes this place even better is the quality matches the price and for Santorini this can be rare – Santorini is very expensive and this place is not quite as drastic as the others. The beef fillet and shrimp orzo are two of the standout mains. If you want a restaurant in Santorini that delivers great food, modern vibes, and an elevated dining experience without the tourist‑trap feel, Kaliya is my top choice in Fira.
Salt & Pepper
This is one of Fira’s most beloved family‑run tavernas, serving authentic Greek comfort food in a quaint setting. It’s the kind of place where the service feels personal, the portions are generous, and the recipes taste like they’ve been passed down for generations.
The menu leans traditional with standout dishes like slow‑cooked lamb, stuffed tomatoes, grilled octopus, and perfectly seasoned souvlaki. Everything is homemade, affordable by Santorini standards, and consistently delicious. It’s a great pick if you want a relaxed dinner away from the caldera crowds without sacrificing flavour. Reservations are recommended.
The Best Restaurants in Firostefani
Aktaion
Aktaion is one of the oldest and most beloved tavernas in Santorini, serving traditional Greek dishes in the heart of Firostefani for over 90 years. This cosy, family‑run spot is known for its warm hospitality and authentic flavours, offering a refreshing break from tourist‑heavy restaurants without sacrificing quality.
Try the moussaka, stuffed vine leaves, and their famous grilled meats, all cooked with classic Cycladic recipes. The Santorini fava and fresh salads are perfect starters, and everything is made with local ingredients. If you want traditional Greek cooking in a charming setting, Aktaion is one of the best traditional restaurants in Santorini.
Onar
With its bright, stylish terrace and panoramic sunset views, it’s perfect if you want that dreamy Santorini atmosphere without heavy crowds. The menu blends Greek favourites with a modern touch. Portions are generous, prices are fair for the location, and the service is warm and attentive.
It’s a great pick for couples or friends wanting a scenic dinner with great food and a calm vibe. Book a terrace table for the best sunset views.
The Best Restaurants in Pyrgos
Aroma avlis
Aroma Avlis is a charming winery restaurant located just outside Pyrgos, offering a relaxed dining experience surrounded by vineyards and countryside views. It’s a great choice if you want delicious Greek‑Mediterranean food without the crowds of Oia or Fira.
Try the Santorini fava, grilled octopus, and tomato fritters, followed by their excellent slow‑cooked lamb or seafood pasta. Pair your meal with a wine tasting flight from the adjoining Avantis winery – their Assyrtiko is a standout.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that combines local flavours, beautiful vineyard surroundings, and great wine, Aroma Avlis is one of the best hidden‑gem dining spots in Santorini.
The Best Restaurants in Imerovigli
Kapari Wine Restaurant
Kapari Wine Restaurant is one of Imerovigli’s most intimate and romantic dining spots, set on a quiet cliffside terrace with panoramic caldera views. The menu leans modern Greek with a fine‑dining touch – beautifully plated dishes using local ingredients and seasonal produce. The wine list is a highlight, showcasing Santorini’s signature Assyrtiko alongside premium Greek bottles that pair perfectly with seafood and Mediterranean flavours. Go for the sea bass fillet, the Santorini fava with caramelised onions, or their signature risotto, all highly rated. For dessert, the chocolate sphere or a glass of Vinsanto is the perfect finish.
If you want a upscale restaurant with breathtaking views and a strong wine offering, Kapari Wine Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Imerovigli.
The Athenian house
The Athenian House is one of Santorini’s most celebrated fine‑dining restaurants, known for its exceptional Greek cuisine, romantic atmosphere, and uninterrupted caldera views. The tasting menus are beautifully curated, featuring fresh local ingredients, refined techniques, and perfectly paired Greek wines. Service is attentive and personalised, and the sunset backdrop turns dinner into a full experience.
Opt for one of the tasting menus to experience the best of the kitchen, paired with Santorini Assyrtiko or a glass of Vinsanto for dessert. The tasting menu at The Athenian House typically costs €120–€150 per person, depending on the season and whether you choose wine pairing. The wine pairing usually adds another €60–€90. If you’re looking for a romantic, cliffside fine‑dining experience in Santorini, The Athenian House is easily one of the top restaurants on the island.
La Maison
La Maison is one of Santorini’s most elegant dining spots, pairing fine‑dining French technique with fresh Mediterranean flavours and breathtaking caldera views. The presentation is immaculate, the wine list is exceptional, and the sunset views from the terrace are unforgettable. Pricing is on the higher end, but the experience genuinely matches it. Book ahead if you want a front‑row sunset table as this is one of Imerovigli’s most in‑demand restaurant
