Where to Eat in Santorini: 7 Restaurants Worth Your Time

Santorini is one of those places where it’s easy to get distracted. The views are everywhere. The sunsets stop you mid-walk. The white houses stacked along the cliffs feel almost unreal. With all that beauty around, food sometimes becomes an afterthought, but it really shouldn’t be.

During my time on the island, I realized that eating in Santorini isn’t just about filling your stomach. It’s about slowing down, sharing plates, and letting meals stretch longer than planned. The food here is simple, honest, and deeply tied to the island. No heavy sauces, no complicated tricks, just good ingredients, cooked well.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Santorini, these are 7 restaurants that truly stood out. Not because they’re trendy, but because they left a real impression long after the plates were cleared.

There’s a reason Metaxi Mas often comes up in conversations about the best food in Santorini. Tucked away from the busy caldera areas, this restaurant feels warm and welcoming the moment you sit down.

The menu focuses on traditional dishes, and everything tastes like it’s been cooked with care. Their fava me koukia is a standout, smooth, warm, and lightly drizzled with olive oil. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect as a starter. Pair it with lamb or tomato fritters, and suddenly you’re ordering more than you planned.

This is the kind of place where dinner turns into a long, relaxed evening. Nothing feels rushed, and that’s exactly how it should be.

If you want to try Santorini dishes that feel slightly elevated but still familiar, Selene is a great choice. The restaurant focuses on local ingredients and recipes that have been part of the island’s food culture for generations.

Their moussaka is rich without being heavy, layered carefully, and full of flavor. Every bite feels balanced. You can tell the kitchen respects tradition but isn’t afraid to refine it just a little.

This is a good spot if you’re curious about Santorini cuisine beyond the basics and want a meal that feels special without being intimidating.

Located near the port, To Psaraki is one of the best places on the island for seafood that’s kept simple. You won’t find fancy plating here, and that’s part of the charm.

The fish is fresh, grilled well, and served in a way that lets the flavors speak for themselves. One dish you shouldn’t miss is shrimp saganaki, cheese, tomato sauce, and shrimp all coming together in a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing.

It’s an ideal lunch stop, especially after a morning of exploring. Order slowly, enjoy the breeze, and don’t rush off.

Yes, the view at The Athenian House is incredible, but thankfully, the food matches the setting. This is a great place for a relaxed dinner when you want both good flavors and a memorable backdrop.

Their Greek salad tastes exactly how it should in Greece: fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, salty feta, and excellent olive oil. It sounds simple, but somehow it tastes better here than anywhere else.

The lamb dishes are also worth ordering. Tender, well-seasoned, and filling without being too heavy. It’s a place where you take your time, especially as the sky changes color during sunset.

After hours of walking through Fira or Oia, sometimes all you want is a proper, filling meal. That’s where Naoussa Restaurant comes in.

Their kofta is juicy, fragrant, and packed with herbs like oregano and mint. It’s usually served with pita, tzatziki, and fries that somehow taste better than fries back home. This is comfort food, Santorini-style.

It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t try to be. You leave full, satisfied, and already thinking about your next meal.

Santorini’s wine culture is something you shouldn’t skip, and Santo Wines is one of the best places to experience it. The vines here grow low to the ground, shaped by wind and sun, and the wines taste unlike anything else.

The food menu is light, small plates meant to pair with wine rather than steal the spotlight. Think cheese, spreads, and simple bites. This isn’t where you come hungry; it’s where you come curious.

Sipping wine while overlooking the caldera feels almost unreal, especially as the day winds down.

Hidden close to the water, Nikolas Cave Restaurant feels intimate and relaxed, especially in the evening.

Their moussaka is one of the best ways to end a day in Santorini, warm, rich, and deeply comforting. Like many Greek dishes, every restaurant has its own version, and this one feels like it’s been perfected over time.

It’s a quiet, cozy spot where dinner feels personal, not rushed.

Food in Santorini isn’t about trends or complicated cooking. It’s about fresh ingredients, shared plates, and meals that last longer than expected. It’s about sitting down, looking around, and realizing there’s nowhere else you need to be. Whether you’re enjoying seafood by the water, lamb with a caldera view, or a simple plate of fava and warm bread, eating here becomes part of the journey—not just something you squeeze in between sightseeing.

If you’re planning your trip and want more honest, experience-based tips, read our blogs here to find practical travel insights that help you enjoy destinations like Santorini beyond the usual highlights.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo