Santorini is world-famous for its stunning caldera views, whitewashed architecture, and breathtaking sunsets—but for food lovers, it’s also a Greek culinary paradise. The island’s traditional cuisine is rooted in simplicity, shaped by volcanic soil, and influenced by centuries of history and trade. From tomato fritters to white eggplant, capers to fava beans, every dish tells a story of the land and its people.
While Santorini is home to plenty of upscale fine dining spots, some of the most unforgettable meals can be found in humble tavernas and family-run eateries that have been perfecting recipes for generations. In this article, we’ll explore the best restaurants on the island where you can experience authentic Greek cuisine, savor traditional flavors, and enjoy warm island hospitality.
1. Metaxi Mas (Exo Gonia)
What Makes It Special: A hidden local favorite, often missed by tourists.
Tucked away in the quiet village of Exo Gonia, Metaxi Mas is widely considered one of Santorini’s top restaurants for traditional Greek cuisine. Housed in a restored old school building with a charming terrace overlooking the countryside, Metaxi Mas feels like dining in a local’s backyard.
The food here combines the flavors of Santorini and Crete, using local ingredients and age-old recipes. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is warm and rustic, and the staff treat you like family.
Must-try dishes:
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Santorini fava with caramelized onions
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White eggplant baked with cheese
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Cretan dakos salad with barley rusks and fresh tomatoes
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Rakomelo (a warm raki drink with honey and spices)
Local tip: The restaurant doesn’t advertise much, and reservations are essential, especially during high season.
2. Taverna Tzanakis (Megalochori)
What Makes It Special: A true mom-and-pop eatery where everything is made with love.
Located on the outskirts of Megalochori, this small, no-frills taverna may not boast ocean views or modern decor, but it makes up for it with heartwarming food and genuine hospitality. Run by the Tzanakis family for over 30 years, the taverna uses fresh ingredients—many from their own garden and farm.
Must-try dishes:
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Lamb baked in the oven with lemon and herbs
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Stuffed tomatoes and peppers (gemista)
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Homemade moussaka
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Santorini tomato fritters (domatokeftedes)
Local tip: Don’t expect a fancy menu. Ask what’s fresh today and let them recommend for you.
3. To Psaraki (Vlychada)
What Makes It Special: Fresh seafood with a traditional twist, near the sea.
Just above Vlychada Marina, To Psaraki is a seafood taverna with unpretentious charm and panoramic views of the fishing port. The focus here is on simplicity and freshness, letting local fish and seafood shine. All dishes are rooted in traditional Greek recipes, but with clean, modern presentation.
Must-try dishes:
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Grilled octopus with Santorini capers
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Marinated anchovies with olive oil and vinegar
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Grilled squid with lemon and oregano
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Fish soup (psarosoupa), slow-cooked and deeply flavorful
Local tip: Come for lunch when the fishing boats return—you might get the day’s freshest catch.
4. Taverna Roza (Vourvoulos)
What Makes It Special: Rustic charm and slow-cooked, homemade meals.
Taverna Roza is a bit off the radar, tucked into the quiet village of Vourvoulos, but well worth the detour. This family-run spot is known for its authentic flavors and no-rush, eat-like-you’re-home philosophy. Roza and her daughters prepare all the dishes themselves, using old family recipes and ingredients grown nearby.
Must-try dishes:
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Pork in tomato sauce with cinnamon and cloves
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Stewed green beans with potatoes and olive oil (fasolakia ladera)
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Baked feta with oregano and olive oil
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Slow-cooked beef with Santorini cherry tomatoes
Local tip: There’s no view here—just local voices, home cooking, and great value.
5. Nikolas Taverna (Fira)
What Makes It Special: A classic establishment in the heart of the capital.
Located in Fira, Nikolas Taverna has been serving traditional Greek fare since 1951. What began as a tiny kitchen with a few tables has grown into a Santorini staple without losing its authenticity. Despite being in a tourist-heavy area, the food remains genuine, unfussy, and made from locally sourced ingredients.
Must-try dishes:
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Roasted lamb with oregano potatoes
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Chickpea fritters (revithokeftedes)
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Braised rabbit with onions (stifado)
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Greek salad with local goat cheese
Local tip: Come early or during lunch to avoid peak dinner crowds in the busy center.
6. The Good Heart (Akrotiri)
What Makes It Special: Authentic food with a powerful mission and stunning views.
On the road to the Akrotiri Lighthouse, The Good Heart is not just a restaurant—it’s a small family operation focused on tradition, sustainability, and heartfelt cooking. The owners grow their own vegetables, press their own olive oil, and even bottle their own wine.
Must-try dishes:
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Homemade fava with sun-dried tomatoes
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Grilled local sausage with herbs
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Eggplant rolls stuffed with cheese
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Traditional Santorinian salad with capers, cherry tomatoes, and barley rusks
Local tip: Ask to visit the small shop inside the restaurant, where you can buy local products made by the family.
7. Kallisti Taverna (Pyrgos)
What Makes It Special: Local favorites in one of the island’s most beautiful villages.
Pyrgos is a quieter, more traditional village, and Kallisti Taverna is a lovely place to enjoy classic dishes after exploring the medieval alleys and castle ruins. This spot is beloved by locals for its honest flavors, generous portions, and shaded terrace surrounded by flowering bougainvillaea.
Must-try dishes:
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Grilled lamb chops
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Stuffed vine leaves (dolmades)
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Roasted Santorini potatoes with lemon
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Pastitsio (Greek baked pasta with béchamel)
Local tip: Pair your meal with a glass of locally produced assyrtiko wine or house-made raki.
8. Penelope’s Ouzeri (Emporio)
What Makes It Special: A tiny gem hidden in one of the island’s oldest villages.
Emporio is a labyrinth of medieval passageways and quiet squares, and at its heart lies Penelope’s Ouzeri—a place where traditional meze meets friendly neighborhood vibes. It’s small, intimate, and often filled with locals drinking ouzo or tsipouro and sharing plates.
Must-try dishes:
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Fried zucchini balls
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Spicy cheese dip (tirokafteri)
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Grilled sardines with lemon and herbs
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Chickpeas in lemon sauce
Local tip: Come around dusk and sit outside as the locals gather for conversation and evening drinks.
What to Look for in Traditional Greek Dining on Santorini
Freshness is key. The best Greek cuisine relies on quality ingredients—tomatoes that taste like sunshine, olive oil straight from the grove, and just-caught fish from the Aegean.
Seasonality matters. Menus often change depending on what’s in season—don’t hesitate to ask what’s fresh today.
Don’t skip the wine. Santorini’s volcanic soil produces excellent wines, especially Assyrtiko and sweet Vinsanto.
Eat like a Greek. Order multiple dishes to share. Start with meze (appetizers), then move to a main, and don’t skip dessert—even if it’s just fruit and a splash of ouzo.
A Culinary Journey Through Santorini
The magic of Santorini lies not only in its landscapes but in its kitchens. Whether you’re savoring seafood by the sea, sharing meze in a quiet village, or enjoying a slow meal at a family-run taverna, the island’s culinary traditions offer a deep, delicious connection to its culture and people.
For the most authentic experience, venture beyond the tourist traps and follow your senses. Talk to locals, try unfamiliar dishes, and embrace the flavors of the island. You’ll leave with a full stomach—and a full heart.
