Santorini is an exquisite island in Greece located in the Aegean sea. The island was ravaged and reshaped by a volcanic eruption in 16th Century BCE, which has left behind rich volcanic soil and a beautiful island that tourists love to explore. They also love to eat! We’ll show you the best restaurants on the island below.
15 of the Best Restaurants in Santorini
To help you find the best restaurants on your vacation, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best restaurants on the island. Greece has some incredible food to offer right from their cultivated land and the Aegean sea.
Whether you’re looking for a gorgeous view while you sip a cocktail or a giant plate of meat after a long day exploring the island, you’ll see many of the Santorini restaurants on this list!
1. Le Ciel Restaurant
Source: Laciel-santorini.com
Le Ciel is one of the most well-known luxury restaurants in Santorini. While it hosts many weddings and other events, it is first and foremost a beautiful place to eat. The menu is dazzling, accompanied by breathtaking views of the Grecian shore.
Their a la carte menu only features the freshest and richest ingredients cultivated right in Greece. They source their cheese from Peloponnese, their fish from the spectacular Aegean Sea, and their olive oil from Crete.
The restaurant utilizes ingredients that grow in the rich volcanic soil of the island and incorporate them into traditional Greek cuisine, as well as continental dishes. For a romantic evening and some of the most delicious food in Santorini, get a reservation at Le Ciel.
2. Rymidi Restaurant
Source: Rymidi_restaurant on Instagram
For something more affordable, Rymidi Restaurant is a charming location to have a family vacation dinner or a casual date. The restaurant looks unassuming and simple from the outside, but the menu is anything but mediocre.
They offer tzatziki, pita, halloumi, burgers, pizzas, delicious meat dishes, and delectable wine, to name a few menu items. They have a wide selection of draft and bottled beers to choose from, making it the ideal spot for a relaxing lunch or dinner.
Both kids and adults will love the food options because they have elaborate local dishes, as well as more familiar foods. The restaurant has a welcoming and friendly vibe, enhanced by the delightful waitstaff who makes you feel right at home.
3. Santo Athiri
Source: Facebook
Santo Athiri is a beachside restaurant offering all of the local favorites, from massive shareable dishes to small plates that you can nibble on. The staff is funny and friendly, making the restaurant an experience rather than just somewhere to get a meal.
The restaurant is right in the Aegean Plaza, making it a hot spot for tourists to get a taste of some of the most famous and beloved Greek dishes.
They have impeccable halloumi plates, full-fish dinners, and some of the best hummus you’ll ever taste. The restaurant is best for casual dining and has affordable prices, making it great for a yummy lunch in the middle of a busy vacation day.
4. Salty Bone
Source: Saltybone.gr
What the Salty Bone lacks in ocean views, it makes up for with fantastic food. At the Salty Bone, they don’t know what it means to serve a small portion, piling up plates so no one could ever leave hungry.
They specialize in seafood dishes like clams, eel, cod, sardines, biryani, tuna tartare, and more. Anything that you can pull from the sea they serve on their menu.
In addition to their delicious menu, their executive chef Vasilis Akrivos creates inventive and unique specials every week based on in-season ingredients and what is especially fresh and tasty at the time.
They combine traditional and ancient Greek recipes with new culinary ideas and techniques for inspiring dishes.
5. Jaipur Palace Santorini
Source: Facebook
If you’ve had your fill of Greek food and want to mix it up, you won’t be disappointed with Jaipur Palace Santorini, which offers Indian and Asian cuisine.
This spot serves Indian dishes in the most traditional way possible, with rice and curries in metal bowls and dinners on stunning gold plates. Their naan bread is sumptuous, cooked in a traditional clay oven.
The restaurant has a luxurious atmosphere, with intricate chandeliers and impeccably set tables. To reach Jaipur Palace, you climb a long set of stairs that will work up your appetite and anticipation!
It is perfect for a big family, as you can order plenty of shareable plates and experience the sensational flavor of the East.
6. Alisachni Art and Wine Gallery
Source: alisachniartwine.gr
For wine lovers, the Alisachni Art and Wine Gallery is an attractive dining option. The restaurant is nestled in the streets of Santorini, making you feel like a true local when you venture here.
What’s more, it is in a traditional Greek home, making the experience authentic and memorable. They serve traditional dishes with exquisite wine pairings to excite your palette.
While you enjoy the food and drink, you can also take in some mesmerizing paintings and sculptures that capture the vibrance and tradition of Santorini.
With stone mosaic floors and soft white walls, the restaurant exemplifies the beauty Greek culture offers, especially with the tasty food they offer.
7. Psatha Cocktail Bar and Restaurant
Source: psatha-restaurant.com
Psatha Cocktail Bar and Restaurant combines Mediterranean and modern Greek cuisine with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The restaurant has a half-inside half-outside design, where you can be sheltered from the elements while still taking in the majestic views.
Its cocktail bar offers delicious super fresh smoothies, healthy breakfasts, and specialty handcrafted cocktails with exotic flavors. This establishment has a mild tropical vibe located right on the beach, so you can enjoy a few drinks after sunning yourself on the beach all day.
Here, you will find only the freshest and healthiest ingredients, which are used to create creative twists on traditional Greek dishes. If you want some fresh and impeccably prepared seafood, along with some vibrant cocktails, you’ll love Psatha.
8. Falafeland
Source: Facebook
If you are looking for a casual dining experience in Santorini, you can’t do better than Falafeland! The name may sound cheesy, but the food is out of this world.
This vegetarian and vegan spot is great for a quick lunch or easy dinner after a long day exploring. No surprise, the falafel here is the highlight, made fresh daily with ingredients grown on the island.
With chalkboard menus and a cozy, welcoming vibe, this is a great spot to take picky eaters and show them how amazing even the simplest Greek food can be. Plus, you can easily take a sandwich or salad to go and enjoy it on the beach.
9. Il Forno Pizza and Pasta
Source: Ilforno.gr
Sometimes you just need a heaping plate of pasta. To fulfill your Italian food needs, visit Il Forno Pizza and Pasta to enjoy creamy Alfredo, caprese salads, and cheesy pizzas.
One of their most popular dishes is the chicken lasagna, layered with noodles and different cheeses for a filling and comforting dinner.
The restaurant is super casual and affordable, with inexpensive glasses of wine and a sliding window that you can order through. This spot is popular for its evening takeouts, and the staff is always eager to help you and make sure everything is perfect.
10. MarinEra
Source: Marinera.gr
When planning a romantic dinner, look no further than MarinEra. The restaurant has a clean and minimalist environment because the real decoration is the sunset views of the water and sailboats.
They offer small plates so you can get a taste of all the local cuisines they make. The food is delicious and prepared with care and attention, but many diners report that the stellar cocktails are what they remember most.
From traditional, refreshing mojitos to new and inventive drinks, the bartenders at MarinEra make impressive and superb cocktails that are worth pulling out your phone for a photograph.
11. Aidani
Source: Facebook
Aidani is what one would expect from a local Greek restaurant. It has large wooden barrels filled with plants on its front patio, and when you walk inside, you immediately feel at home in the simple but cozy space.
Best of all, they serve stellar food that will make you never want to leave the island. They have all the traditional Greek dishes with large servings of dips like tzatziki and garlic dip.
You can get a heaping plate of pita or grilled octopus. If you’re looking to mingle with the locals, this is the place to be as it is a beloved spot by all.
12. Lombranos
Lombranos is an affordable Greek restaurant that couldn’t put you any closer to the Aegean Sea. Indeed, you’ll feel like you’re dining right on the water.
Lombranos serves up some of the most authentic Greek cuisines, from simple salads to meaty octopus tentacles. The large portions combined with the gorgeous views make it an ideal spot for tourists to experience the island the right way.
Despite being a popular restaurant for visitors, it flies under the radar, so you don’t need to deal with large crowds or long wait times.
Located in Old Port, it is convenient to get to after a day of adventure on the island, and many people frequent it more than once on their trip!
13. Juicy Burger
Source: Facebook
Missing the familiar taste of home but still want to try somewhere local? Juicy Burger is a large, casual restaurant that serves meaty burgers with an interesting Greek twist. They use tzatziki and garlic dip to bring burgers to the next level.
This restaurant is probably not the best spot for a romantic evening, but it’s great for a family to enjoy an easy dinner out. The burgers are the main menu item.
But they also have gyros, feta appetizers, chunky fries, and fancier meat dishes, so everyone can get something they’ll be happy with. Every burger comes with a side salad and fries, cheesy fries if you’re feeling extra, so no one will leave hungry!
14. Misteli Restaurant
Source: Mistelisantorini.com
Misteli restaurant has a bit of everything, from massive sharable meat dinners to smaller plates for a light dinner. They have irresistible bread, fried halloumi, Greek salads, and fish dishes.
If you love seafood and want to try it all, Misteli is a great spot for a romantic lunch or delicious dinner. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with plenty of space so you won’t feel crowded.
What’s more, the views of the island are magnificent, and many people spend hours enjoying a bottle of wine while gazing at the surroundings. Compared to other restaurants of a similar caliber, it is reasonably priced.
15. Sea View Restaurant Perivolos
Source: Facebook
This luxurious seafood restaurant is a lovely spot for a fancy dinner and romantic date in Santorini. Sea View Restaurant offers complex fish dishes and massive portions to their guests directly on the beach.
With your toes in the sand, you can enjoy yummy cocktails and authentic Greek cuisine with an updated style. Most of their plates are full of food, so you’ll never leave hungry and will likely bring takeout boxes home!
Tourists rave that this is their favorite in Santorini because you can enjoy the beach, excellent service, and impeccable food all at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you have more questions about Santorini and its food, check out the frequently asked questions and answers below:
What’s the best food to get in Greece?
This question is common but tough to answer because there are many incredible Greek foods. But while visiting Santorini, you should try to eat some tzatziki, hummus, olives and olive oil, octopus, fish, and grilled meat! But these foods are just a few of the incredible cuisine associated with the country.
How big is Santorini?
Santorini is considered a medium-sized island in the area. It is about 11 miles long and eight miles wide, for an area of 30 square miles. So there is plenty of island to explore and find new restaurants!
How many restaurants are in Santorini?
There are more than 2,000 restaurants and food businesses in Santorini! It can be hard to find the good ones with the freshest ingredients and most authentic dishes, so keep this list handy.
How expensive is food in Santorini?
Santorini restaurants are reasonably priced compared to many American restaurants. You can find more casual spots and pay $60 for a bottle of wine and five full meals, or you could spend $200+ on a dinner for two at a high-end spot.
Are there food tours in Santorini?
Yes! There are many food tours you can go on in Santorini that will bring you to all the best spots, most of which are on this list, so you can experience all the food the island offers. On these tours, you will go to fancy bars, try street food, taste local beers, and much more, all while being guided by a local expert.
Book Your Santorini Restaurant Reservation Today!
There are many magnificent restaurants in Santorini that tourists should check out. From classic burgers to fancy cocktails to the best falafel ever, you will be head over heels for the food and drinks at these restaurants.
The stunning views the island offers visitors will always be a bonus. But the best restaurant will be where you feel like you’ve found your ideal Greek sanctuary!