A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.
Local favorites & classics
Metaxi Mas. Exo Gonia · Cretan and Santorinian — Widely regarded as the best overall food on the island — generous portions of slow-cooked lamb, kataifi cheese rolls, and deeply traditional Cretan-leaning…
Ammoudi Fish Tavern. Ammoudi Bay, below Oia · Fresh Seafood — Perched at the water's edge at the bottom of Oia's 300-step descent, this long-running waterfront taverna serves the morning's catch grilled simply over…
Candouni. Oia · Traditional Greek — A hidden garden restaurant off Oia's main lane serving warm, family-recipe dishes with live music most evenings. One of the most genuinely atmospheric tables in Oia without…
Roka. Oia · Traditional Greek — A small, quietly excellent restaurant set away from the main Oia crowds. Consistently praised for authentic cooking, an unpretentious vibe, and fair prices in a village…
Naoussa. Fira · Traditional Greek — Occupying a terrace at the north end of Fira's pedestrian strip with broad caldera views, Naoussa is the island's liveliest traditional taverna — known for big plates,…
Aktaion. Firostefani · Traditional Greek — Operating since 1922, Aktaion is the oldest restaurant on Santorini — a classic sidewalk taverna with charming old-fashioned character and dependable home-style…
Ouzeri. Fira · Greek Meze — The best place on the island for traditional small plates — classic meze served in a no-frills, family-friendly setting. No caldera view, but consistently good food at honest…
Cava Alta. Pyrgos · Creative Mediterranean — Rooftop dining in the medieval hilltop village of Pyrgos, with panoramic views across the island. Creative Mediterranean menu in a setting well off the main tourist…
Cafés, bakeries & casual
Lucky's Souvlaki. Fira · Greek Street Food — Santorini's best-known gyros counter — cheap, honest, and delicious. The ideal quick lunch before or after a caldera walk, and a reminder that the island's best eating is…
Selene. Fira (Katikies Garden) · Fine Dining Mediterranean — Santorini's flagship fine-dining address, set in a converted monastery and led by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini. Ingredients are rooted in…
Athenian House. Imerovigli · Contemporary Greek — A caldera-view restaurant praised for Michelin-level technique applied to Greek cuisine, with notably strong plant-based options alongside the standard seafood and…