Santorini is a feast for the senses—whitewashed buildings cascading down volcanic cliffs, the indigo shimmer of the Aegean Sea, and sunsets that seem to set the sky on fire. But this island offers more than just visual beauty. It’s also home to an extraordinary culinary scene, where traditional Greek flavors meet modern innovation, and the views from your table are as unforgettable as the food itself. Dining in Santorini isn’t just about eating—it’s about the experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, on a romantic getaway, or simply chasing the perfect Instagram moment, here are seven restaurants where the views are breathtaking and the cuisine is equally sublime.
1. Lycabettus Restaurant – Oia
Perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff in Oia, Lycabettus Restaurant is arguably one of the most iconic dining spots in Santorini. Part of the luxurious Andronis Boutique Hotel, this open-air restaurant is built on a rocky promontory that juts out over the caldera. The tables are few and spaced out, ensuring intimacy and unobstructed views of the endless blue. The sunsets here are legendary, but the food is equally captivating. Under the guidance of a top-tier executive chef, Lycabettus offers an elegant fine dining experience that merges Mediterranean and French influences. Dishes like lobster with saffron risotto, foie gras with fig glaze, and Santorini cherry tomato tartare showcase artistry and local ingredients. The tasting menus are paired with an exceptional wine list, including rare vintages from Santorini’s volcanic vineyards. Dining here is less of a meal and more of a once-in-a-lifetime event.
2. Ambrosia – Oia
Tucked into a small cave-like structure along Oia’s marble pathway, Ambrosia is a romantic hideaway that has long been a favorite among honeymooners and couples. It may not be the biggest restaurant on the island, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm and serenity. The terrace features just a handful of tables, all overlooking the caldera with a view that sweeps from the tip of Oia to the volcano. The menu focuses on refined Greek cuisine with a twist—think lamb shank with thyme-infused mashed potatoes, or fresh sea bass fillet in a citrus reduction. The candlelit ambiance, attentive service, and exceptional wine pairings make it one of the most intimate and memorable dining experiences in Santorini.
3. Lauda Restaurant – Oia
Originally the first restaurant in Oia, Lauda has a storied history that dates back to the days when the village was accessible only by donkey or footpath. Today, it’s the flagship restaurant of the five-star Andronis Luxury Suites and a shining star on Santorini’s fine dining map. Clinging to the cliffs above the caldera, Lauda offers jaw-dropping panoramic views, especially during golden hour when the white buildings of Oia glow in the sun’s last light. The kitchen is helmed by a Michelin-starred chef who brings modern techniques to traditional Cycladic ingredients. Dishes such as wild seabream with caper emulsion or Santorini fava with truffle oil are complex yet deeply rooted in the local terroir. Lauda also hosts special guest chef events during the summer, turning a simple dinner into a gastronomic celebration.
4. Selene – Pyrgos
For those looking to dine away from the usual tourist hubs, Selene in Pyrgos offers a refreshing change of pace. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building in the island’s highest village, Selene doesn’t offer caldera views—but it delivers panoramic vistas of the entire island, vineyards, and the sea beyond. More importantly, it’s one of Santorini’s most respected culinary institutions. Established in 1986, Selene has long been a pioneer in elevating traditional Greek cuisine to fine dining status. The tasting menus are a deep dive into the island’s gastronomic heritage, featuring ingredients like white eggplant, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes, presented with impeccable technique. The service is professional yet warm, and the wine list is a love letter to Greek viticulture. A visit to Selene is a cultural and culinary journey through the heart of Santorini.
5. Athenian House – Imerovigli
Set in the tranquil village of Imerovigli, the Athenian House combines neoclassical elegance with what may be the best sunset view on the island. Nestled within a restored 19th-century mansion, this restaurant offers cliffside seating with a front-row seat to the sun as it dips behind the volcano. The cuisine is a reimagining of Greek comfort food, elevated to gourmet heights. Signature dishes include moussaka with a velvety béchamel foam, slow-cooked lamb with cinnamon-spiced jus, and deconstructed baklava with pistachio cream. The Athenian House also curates wine pairings from boutique Greek wineries and offers an extensive list of Santorini Assyrtiko labels. With soft classical music and glowing lanterns enhancing the mood, dinner here feels like a private concert under the stars.
6. Metaxi Mas – Exo Gonia
Often described as Santorini’s best-kept secret, Metaxi Mas is where locals go when they want truly exceptional food. Located in the inland village of Exo Gonia, this taverna-style restaurant lacks the cliffside caldera view but offers a different kind of scenic reward: rolling hills, vineyards, and the distant sea. What makes Metaxi Mas a standout is its devotion to authentic Cretan and Santorinian cuisine. The menu is packed with soul-satisfying dishes such as smoked pork with orange glaze, fava with caramelized onions, and oven-roasted goat with lemon potatoes. The portions are generous, the flavors bold, and the ingredients straight from the island’s fields and seas. There’s a rustic terrace with sunset views, and the warm, unpretentious service makes everyone feel like family. If you want to dine like a local while still indulging in top-tier food, this is the place.
7. Esperisma Restaurant – Fira
Perched on the rooftop terrace of the Athina Luxury Suites in Fira, Esperisma is a fine dining gem that delivers both panoramic caldera views and an inspired gastronomic journey. Unlike some of the more tourist-heavy spots in the area, Esperisma strikes a perfect balance between elegance and approachability, making it ideal for travelers seeking sophistication without pretense. As the sun begins its descent over the Aegean, the restaurant glows with candlelight, and the view—stretching from the volcanic islands to the cliffs of Imerovigli—becomes a living painting. The menu is a modern Mediterranean affair with strong Greek roots. Standout dishes include Aegean seabass with artichoke purée, beef fillet with truffle jus, and the signature lobster orzo. The desserts are equally thoughtful—don’t miss the deconstructed galaktoboureko or the seasonal fruit tart with basil sorbet. The wine list emphasizes Santorini’s unique terroir, with an excellent selection of Assyrtiko-based whites. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want to dine surrounded by sky and sea, Esperisma offers an experience as rich in flavor as it is in beauty.
Dining Tips and Reservations
Santorini’s popularity means that its best restaurants are often fully booked during peak season, especially those with prime sunset views. Reservations are highly recommended, ideally a few days to a week in advance for dinner spots in Oia and Imerovigli. Many restaurants have online booking systems or can be reserved through hotel concierges. If you’re visiting in shoulder months like May or September, you may have more flexibility, but top-tier spots still fill up fast. For the best experience, plan your dinner time around sunset—usually between 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm depending on the month. Arriving a bit earlier allows you to enjoy the changing light and snap some unforgettable photos before your meal begins.
Local Flavors to Try
No matter where you dine, be sure to try some of Santorini’s signature ingredients. The volcanic soil produces intensely flavored cherry tomatoes, capers, white eggplants, and yellow split peas (used to make creamy fava). The island’s cheeses, such as chloro and kopanisti, are also worth sampling. Pair your meal with a glass of Santorini Assyrtiko, a crisp white wine grown in the island’s unique basket-shaped vines. For dessert, don’t miss out on local sweets like spoon fruits, Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts, or a glass of Vinsanto—Santorini’s amber-hued dessert wine.
Dining in Santorini isn’t just about filling your stomach—it’s about savoring every bite with a view that stops you in your tracks. From the cliff-hanging terraces of Oia to the vineyard-lined hills of Pyrgos, and from Michelin-star creativity to heartfelt taverna fare, the island’s restaurants offer a culinary experience as unforgettable as its sunsets. Whether you’re indulging in a once-in-a-lifetime romantic dinner or enjoying a relaxed meal with friends, the fusion of view and flavor will leave you with memories that linger long after the last sip of wine.
