Eating in Santorini

Santorini is an odd island and its food is a combination of climatic factors and the tastes of those who have occupied and lived on the island. In Thira and Oia you can find whatever you want and at whatever price you can afford or not afford. For good food at reasonable prices a car is useful. As a rule we stay away from places that are overtly commercial and go to the family run fish taverns located nearby the smaller beaches and communities. My favorite restaurants were the Limanaki in Vlihada beach between the new marina and the old tomato-processing factory which serves excellent fish and the Forum on Perissa Beach which is a restaurant-bar-cultural center that has live music on weekends. There are plenty of places to eat in Thira and Oia but we did not try them. Be sure to try the fried tomato balls of keftades and be sure to ask for local tomatoes in your salad. They may be the best tasting you have ever had. There was an International Cherry Tomato Conference held in Santorini in June of 2002. Cherry tomato experts and fans came from all over the world to share stories and secrets and discuss the future of cherry tomatoes. You can get information on next year's conference by e-mailing Kelly Papanikolaou at cherrytomato@heliotopos.net

If you want to know the best restaurants who better to ask than Captain Ted Stathis, a Greek-American living on the island who takes people out in his catamaran for daytrips and overnights, serving them gourmet meals cooked by he and his wife.

"When we go out we usually like to go out for dinner.  Fish is my favorite as well as Dina's and the place where we like to have it is in Ammoudi.  Every visitor that we meet really enjoys the place because it is an exceptional place to dine regardless of the fact that it has become a popular site.  Another very good restaurant that we like is Ambrosia Nector in Oia.  The owner is Tony Mosiman an excellent host and a great guy.  He serves a Greek Infused menu that has unique flavors. 

I have been hearing people rave about the restaurant called Ginger, in Firostefani, which I have been told is the best sushi restaurant in Greece by more than one person. If you check it out please let me know.

These are from Dimitris from Ocean Wave Tours

Fish Tavernas

“Skaramagas” Traditional Family Tavern, fresh fish, fava, and the best tomatofriters on the island, Monolithos opposite the Airport right next to the old tomato factory, nice sandy beach and shallow water with umbrellas and cabins to get changed.

“Dolphins” Captain Giorgos the father, his sons Kostas and Fanis supply their Tavern daily with fresh fish, Akrotiri a few meters before the parking for the Red Beach.

Tavernas

“Mamas” The best breakfast on the island, omelets with spinach and feta cheese!!!  In Fira, right next to the Taxi Station on the main road.

“Kyra Niki’s” Local specialties lamb and pork on charcoal various salads with Santorini products, Karterados, 10 min walk from Fira on the main road to the Airport.

“Almyra” Large menue for all the tastes and reasonable prices, on the promenade of Kamari.

Mezedopolia

“Ouzeri” Greek Kitchen, Mezedes (Greek word for starters) and dishes from all over the country, Fira Shopping center Fabrika.

“Metaxi Mas” Mezedes for Ouzo, Raki from Crete, and Wine, Exo Gonia, opposite the large Byzantine church with the clay tiles roof.

Restaurants

“Marmita” Greek kitchen, nouvelle cuisine, Chrisanthos, chef and owner he is not just cooking he is creating!!  In the village center of Megalochori, highly recommended.

“Nychteri” Gourmet dishes and more, Kamari on the promenade close to the parking place.

“Ochre” The best sunset view with hundreds wines from all over the world, Oia at the very end of the island.

Be sure to visit Ginger in Firostefani which some say is the best sushi restaurant in Greece. Some have said it is the best sushi restaurant anywhere!

Restaurants at the Beaches

Monolithos near the Airport. It is small bay shallow water, fine sand some trees you can lie under there are also umbrellas and benches to hire and a small shop to get cold drinks and ice cream or a snack.

Perivolos is the famous Black Sandy Beach and it ends down South in Perrisa the second biggest resort after Kamari.Here are hundreds of Cafes, Restaurants, mini markets, and a few Beach Bars where through the day are full with youngsters drinking shots, (sfinakia) dancing, sunbathing, playing Beach Volley, swimming, or do water sports like Jet ski Parachuting, Water ski, and maybe Wind Surfing (what I do but not in the summer!!)

Vourvoulos. Near to Fira.For people who do not like the crowd Vourvoulos it is very quiet only a Tavern but I would not suggest. Maybe get only a drink or salad. (I live in Vourvoulos in the old Village.)

Pori On the way to Oia by the coast after Vourvoulos. Another quiet small beach away from the crowds with only one Tavern I used to go there but the last times we eat there was not that good, but the wine is home made and very strong if they do not add water!! They usually do.

Captain Dimitris . It is on the road to the light house before the Village of Akrotiri turn right3 Km. I start going to this place this winter it is like Scaramagas the family runs the place fresh fish,varius mezedes (starters) and home made wine rose or white that you can drink a barrel!!

Hi Matt. Hope your readers enjoy these places. Remember to tell them that if they need someone to show them around the island to visit my website