The 15 Best Restaurants in Santorini for 2025

How We Chose These Restaurants

This list is not based on TripAdvisor rankings or sponsored content. It is built from repeated visits, recommendations from locals, and ruthless elimination of tourist traps. Every restaurant below has been tested more than once.

Fine Dining with Caldera Views

Lycabettus, Imerovigli — The most elegant dining room on the island. Caldera views from every table, Greek-Mediterranean cuisine elevated to something remarkable. Book 4–6 weeks ahead in summer.

Ambrosia, Oia — Set into the caldera cliff below the main path. A destination in itself. The tasting menu is extraordinary; the wine list is among the best in the Cyclades.

Lauda, Oia — The fine-dining wing of Andronis Luxury Suites. Chef Ettore Botrini produces creative Greek cuisine at the highest level. One of the few places in the Aegean that genuinely surprises.

Best Traditional Tavernas

Metaxy Mas, Exo Gonia — This is where Santorini locals eat. Hidden in the village of Exo Gonia, serving traditional Cycladic dishes with produce sourced directly from island farmers. The fava and white eggplant are benchmarks.

Nikolas, Fira — The most beloved family taverna in Fira. Three generations, unchanged recipes, perfect grilled fish. No caldera views, no tourist pricing. Just genuine food.

Selene, Pyrgos — The most serious restaurant in Santorini for local cuisine. Chef Yiorgos Hatziyanakis has spent 30 years studying and elevating Santorinian ingredients. The tasting menu is a masterclass.

Best Seafood

Dimitris Fish Taverna, Ammoudi Bay — Right on the water at the bottom of the 300 steps from Oia. The octopus is dried on lines outside every morning. The sea urchin pasta is exceptional. Arrive at 1pm or 7:30pm for the best tables.

Katina, Ammoudi Bay — Next to Dimitris, slightly larger. The grilled whole fish changes daily depending on the catch. Order whatever the owner recommends.

Best for Lunch

Pitogyros, Fira — The best gyros on the island. Counter seating, paper wrapping, €4. The contrast with nearby €30 tourist plates is remarkable.

Pelekanos, Perissa — Beachfront taverna on the black sand beach. Fresh grilled fish, cold beer, no pretension. Locals from across the island drive here for lunch.

Booking Tips

In July and August, the caldera-view restaurants require reservations 3–6 weeks in advance. For tavernas, showing up at opening time (1pm or 7pm) almost always works. Never go to a restaurant that has someone standing outside trying to attract you in — the good ones do not need to.