Beyond the Caldera Views - A Complete Travel Guide to Dining on Santorini
Santorini. The very name conjures images of whitewashed houses clinging to cliffs, overlooking a dramatic volcanic caldera and an impossibly blue Aegean Sea. This postcard-perfect island in Greece is a dream destination for many, and for good reason. But Santorini offers so much more than just stunning views.
Here at Vacations To Remember, we're passionate about crafting unforgettable travel experiences. This includes gastronomy! In this comprehensive guide, we'll unveil Santorini's hidden gems and insider tips, ensuring your dining choices go beyond the typical tourist experience.
A Culinary Dream Come True… often with a view!
Santorini's culinary scene is a delightful mix of fresh, local ingredients and traditional Greek flavors. Here are some of our vetted dining recommendations for every taste:
Metaxi Mas - The menu is a culinary journey of Cretan and Santorinian cuisine. Whether you're seated inside the hospitable haven or on the porch overlooking the sea, you will be treated to an unforgettable dining experience. The dishes are made from ingredients sourced from their own kitchen garden. Some of their highly recommended dishes are fava and baked white eggplant, fillet in Vinsanto sauce, and succulent boneless pork chops in an orange sauce served with a side of oven-baked potatoes. At Metaxi Mas you can also find an extensive wine list and the delightful raki of Crete. As you step into the welcoming space of Metaxi Mas Tavern, you will be immersed in the hues and scents of the Aegean Sea. The attentive and professional staff ensure that all guests’ requirements have been fulfilled. Metaxi Mas is a place where good food, fine wines, and warm smiles come together to create sweet memories that you will cherish long after your visit.
Mama Lena - Nestled in the charming village of Imerovigli, this hidden gem offers a delightful escape from the tourist crowds. Mama Lena serves up traditional Greek cuisine, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Whether you're yearning for succulent seafood or delectable vegetarian options, their menu has something to tantalize every palate. Beyond the delicious food, Mama Lena boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening savoring the flavors of Santorini.
Penelope's Ouzeri - A Local Family Business in Pyrgos Santorini. In this adorable restaurant, you will find homemade local Mezedes. Mezes or Mezedes is an integral part of Greek cuisine. Small plates but with enough food accompanied by a glass of ouzo or wine. Penelope's Ouzeri: The perfect blend of Greek gastronomy and Santorini's scenic charm...
Rosemary - Rosemary Restaurant harmonically combines the elegant atmosphere and the modern minimal aesthetics with the amazing flavors of the Mediterranean Cuisine. You will find it in the traditional and quiet village of Pyrgos, up to the hill, next to the castle, overlooking the Aegean Sea! The dishes are based on the traditional Greek and Mediterranean Cuisine. They are all made of pure ingredients, coming from local producers. So, you will have the chance to taste unique flavors from both Santorini and Mediterranean; delicious appetizers, the characteristic cherry tomatoes of the island, but also lamb from the island of Naxos, cheeses from other Cycladic Islands are part of the Rosemary experience! The talented chef creates culinary masterpieces that are served in the most refined way indeed. The wine list includes labels from local wineries, so as to taste the delicious and high quality wines of Santorini vineyards. Delicious flavors and a breathtaking view…You may enjoy your candlelight dinner on the terrace overlooking the famous Caldera or dine in our lovely patio as well as our cozy indoor space and feel right at home here in Rosemary.
Raki - Authentic Cycladic cuisine, dedicated to your needs by the staff of Raki restaurant for unforgettable traditional tastes on the island of Santorini. All of the dishes are being prepared with pure products such as virgin oil, vegetables, cheese, free range eggs, meat, wine etc. and all the ingredients used are fresh.
Feggera - As the name suggests, every visit to the restaurant “Feggera” is a small celebration of the Greek flavors, showered in the summer moonlight. On the terrace of an old mansion, in the heart of the traditional settlement of Megalochori, we created “Feggera” Restaurant. The intimate atmosphere and the view from our terrace, combined with the original flavors of the Aegean Sea provide an enchanting experience to our patrons. Feggera restaurant is participating in the Aegean Cuisine initiative and gracefully combines the organic products of Crete with the products of the arid land of Santorini to create traditional Santorinian recipes.
Petrino - An unparalleled gastronomic experience that celebrates the diversity and commonality of Greek traditional and Mediterranean cuisine. A menu that is based on the purest locally fresh ingredients combined with the aromas of the East, creates a unique dining experience. The signature tasty cocktails are handcrafted, including the classics and everyone’s favorites as well as the regional wine list, are worth trying along with your food! The meaning of the word Petrino is ‘’wooden’’, what exactly is the restaurant made of, with beautiful wooden tables and chairs reminding a picturesque small paradise! The romantic lighting, charming, and decorated plants along with the pleasant and smiling staff are some of the qualities that will make you want to come over and over again! A wonderful destination that combines quality with tradition, and recipes that are passed down from generation to generation, offering you a great experience in Megalochori, on Santorini island. Take in the sweet simplicity of Petrino Restaurant sip by sip!
Olio (Melalachori city square) - Every day they prepare delicious dishes, cooked with the purest ingredients, and a lot of passion. That's why on the menu of Olio restaurant, you will find many choices suggesting you try the eggplant salad, the delicious stuffed pepper and definitely don't miss to try the sausage of Crete. Pair all your dishes with a glass of wine from the fully updated list of Olio restaurants, in Santorini. Finally, apart from the excellent flavors, what makes Olio restaurant, stand out is its very beautiful and warm space, as well as its direct and cheerful staff, making it your first and only choice for whenever you find yourself in Santorini.
A Taste of Santorini: Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh Seafood: Lapping turquoise waters teem with life, reflected in the abundance of fresh seafood on Santorini's menus. Sample grilled octopus, simply dressed with lemon and olive oil, or indulge in a platter of meze (small plates) featuring mussels, shrimp, and local fish like sea bream or red mullet.
Santorinian Salad: This refreshing salad bursts with local flavors. Diced tomato, cucumber, capers, and Santorini's unique white eggplant – melitzana – are tossed with a tangy vinaigrette and creamy feta cheese. Don't forget the island's signature cherry tomatoes, small and bursting with sweetness.
Fava: This creamy dip, made from yellow split peas, is a Santorini staple. Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of red onion for a simple yet satisfying appetizer.
Fava Meze: Take your fava experience to the next level with fava meze. Think of small plates showcasing fava variations – fava with sun-dried tomatoes, fava with caramelized onions, even fava fritters.
Santorinian Tomato Fritters (Tomatakeftes): These golden fritters are a delightful vegetarian option. Mashed Santorini tomatoes are mixed with herbs and spices, then fried until crispy on the outside and soft within. Enjoy them with a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce.
Mussels Saganaki: This dish is a symphony of flavors. Fresh mussels are baked in a tomato and white wine sauce with feta cheese, creating a warm, comforting dish perfect for sharing.
Moussaka: A classic Greek dish, moussaka features layers of ground meat, eggplant, and creamy béchamel sauce.Santorini's version often incorporates sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
Santorinian Braised Beef (Stifado): Hearty and comforting, stifado is a slow-cooked beef stew with onions,tomatoes, and red wine. Served with pasta or crusty bread, it's a perfect winter dish, but available year-round.
Cheese Platter: Greece boasts a rich cheesemaking tradition, and Santorini is no exception. Sample a selection of local cheeses, like the creamy graviera, the sharp kefalograviera, and the brine-cured mizithra. Pair them with jams or honey and a glass of Santorini wine for a delightful conclusion to your meal.
Dining Delights: A Food Lover’s Journey Through the Island…
Santorini's culinary scene is a delightful mix of fresh, local ingredients and traditional Greek flavors. Here are some dining recommendations for every taste:
Sunset Splendor: Witnessing a Santorini sunset is a must-do. Combine this experience with a romantic dinner at a restaurant overlooking the caldera. Restaurants in Oia like Ambrosia and Sunsets by Oia offer breathtaking views and delicious seafood dishes.
Authentic Greek Flavors: Venture into the local tavernas for a genuine Greek dining experience. Sample dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood paired with a glass of local Santorini wine. Tavernas in Fira like Nikolas and To Kapi offer a warm atmosphere and delectable fare.
Fine Dining Delights: For a special occasion, indulge in Santorini's fine-dining scene. Restaurants like Selene in Oia and Vedema in Megalochori offer innovative takes on Greek cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and stunning presentations.
Vineyard Visits & Tastings: Santorini is renowned for its unique volcanic soil and delicious wines. Visit a local winery like Gavalas Winery or Santo Wines for a tour and tasting, learning about the island's grape varietals and savoring the distinct flavors.
Beachside Dining Delights:
Kamari: The black sand beach of Kamari boasts a vibrant restaurant strip. Enjoy fresh seafood with a relaxed beach vibe at Sunset Restaurant or indulge in a pizza with a view at Ammos Beach Restaurant.
Forty One Beach Club: Escape to the chic and vibrant Forty One Beach Club on Santorini's Perivolos Beach. This beachfront haven offers the perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence. Sink your toes into the famous black sand and soak up the Aegean sunshine. For a touch of luxury, reserve a sunbed or cabana for the ultimate day of pampering. When hunger strikes, their delectable menu featuring fresh, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine will tantalize your taste buds. From seafood specialties to sushi creations, Forty One offers a delicious lunch experience to fuel your afternoon of fun on the stunning Santorini coast.
Insider Tips for Dining in Santorini
Reservations are Key: Santorini's most popular restaurants, especially those with caldera views, fill up quickly.Book your table well in advance, particularly during peak season (July and August).
Beyond the Plate: Wining and Dining
Santorini's volcanic soil produces unique grapes, resulting in some of the most interesting wines in Greece.
Wine Tasting: No Santorini vacation is complete without experiencing its renowned wines. Embark on a wine tasting tour and explore the island's wineries. We recommend visiting "Gavalas Winery" in Megalochori. This family-run winery offers tours and tastings of their award-winning Assyrtiko wines, a crisp white grape varietal native to Santorini. Pair your tasting with a selection of local cheeses and olives for a truly immersive experience.
Sunset Sips: Santorini is famous for its sunsets, and what better way to experience them than with a glass of wine in hand? "Sunset in Oia" in Oia offers breathtaking views of the caldera and a wide selection of local wines. Sip on a glass of Santorini sunset rosé while you watch the sky transform into a canvas of fiery colors.
Sweet Endings:
Greek desserts are renowned for their simplicity and use of fresh ingredients.
Local Treats: Indulge in traditional Greek sweets like "loukoumades" (honey donuts), "baklava" (flaky pastry with nuts and honey), and "kataifi" (shredded filo pastry filled with nuts and drizzled with syrup). Find these treats at local bakeries or cafes around the island.
Gelato Perfection: Cool down on a hot summer day with a scoop (or two!) of gelato. "Lolita Gelato" in Oia offers a wide variety of unique flavors made with fresh, local ingredients. Try their Santorini sunset flavor, a refreshing blend of orange, mango, and passion fruit, or their dark chocolate with sea salt – a decadent treat with a touch of the Aegean.
Memorable Moments: Beyond the Food
At Vacations To Remember, we know food is more than just meals - it's an experience that creates lasting memories. Whether we have already booked your getaway or you are still dreaming of Greece's culinary delights, we're here to elevate your vacation with unforgettable flavors.
Already booked? Relax! Your dedicated travel advisor can secure up to 3 restaurant reservations for you, ensuring you experience the best of the local cuisine. Just reach out and ask and we are happy to assist.
Haven't booked yet? Let's create a Greek itinerary that tantalizes your taste buds! We'll craft an adventure filled with delicious discoveries, from hidden tavernas to Michelin-starred masterpieces.
Contact us today and let's turn your vacation into a culinary adventure you'll never forget!