Best restaurants Santorini: from budget to mid-range (+ insider tips)

ATTENTION! This post is not meant to make you drool, although Greek food is so appetizing! On the contrary! It wants to be your complete guide to Santorini’s best restaurants! On the Greek island the offer is plentiful, food oozes deliciousness and prices range from budget to sky-rocketing!

Talking about prices? I am here to tell you that even if Santorini doesn’t come cheap, you have some tasty alternatives. I agree that sometimes a fancy restaurant with a view is perfect, but at other times, we go budget and it’s just fine! Eventually, cheap eats don’t have to be bland; besides, oftentimes, they emphasize the local flavor.

This post is the result of our taste buds (my daughters’ + mine), as well as a hotel receptionist who’s been in Santorini for over 20 years and is a foodie! Thank you, Konstantinos! Anyway, I hope you find lots of inspiration and help in this guide!

Enjoy!

Curious to find out more about Santorini in terms of general facts and must visit spots? Read here the best things to do in Santorini!

Content:

Must know tips
Typical dishes of Santorini
Best budget restaurants Santorini
Best restaurants Santorini (with a view)
Interactive map for best restaurants Santorini

Must know tips

Here are some simple and basic tips about eating out in Santorini.

• Eating out in Greece is part of the experience. Expect great food, five-star service and stunning views!
• Book ahead to make sure you get the best seats! We are talking here especially about the restaurants with a view! Sometimes even a phone call three hours prior to visiting can be enough!
• Best restaurants Santorini gets divided into budget places and mid-range restaurants. Of course, there is the share of splurge I shall not be insisting on!
• Always expect considerably higher prices for the spots with an enchanting view over the sea.
• Run from the taverns where the staff keeps calling you from the street, it is a bad sign! Avoid touristy places, the food is usually standard and the taste bland!
• If you see a place with many locals, that’s the one. Always a good sign for quality and price, this is your staple for a successful dinner and good atmosphere!

Typical dishes of Santorini

I don’t have enough space here to write about the pleasure of indulging in the deliciousness of Greek food.

However, I will scribble a few lines about typical dishes of Santorini as I experienced them.

Tomato keftedes or tomato balls are a special here. I saw the deli tomato balls pretty much on every menu as a starter. We also shared it a few times and it was always a good idea. Although it’s a basic dish, it is clean, suitable for vegetarians and surprisingly delicious. You have to try it at least once while in Santorini.

Fried Saganaki cheese is perfect for the vacation! Why? It just releases so many endorphins from the pleasure of tasting it! Crispy on the outside and heavenly and gooey on the inside, the fried cheese has something special to it! Its unique flavor comes from local honey drizzled over the top of the salty cheese. Tell me if you agree!

Pitagyros is not a Santorini dish, but it is a classic of any basic eatery, especially if you’re hungry and look for something budget! The meat, potatoes, sauces and veggies nest comfortably in a hot pita! And guess what! Prices start from 4 euros/piece. Need more info? Check the budget section!

Fava me koukia, or simply ‘fava’ is a sort of hummus made from beans. And it is served warm. It is perfect if you are a vegetarian/vegan and want to experience some local flavour. We tried it on a mixed grill platter and I have to admit it didn’t get to the top of Santorini dishes.

Dolmadakia are stuffed grape leaves that are so common in all of Greece, similar to the Romanian sarmale. They are usually served as cold meze (appetizers) with sour cream or tzatziki. On the inside, they are filled with meat, rice and herbs, but sometimes you may find the vegetarian option.

Tzatziki needs no presentation. This fresh fat yoghurt with cucumber, lemon and herbs is the coronation of something simple, yet amazing. Sometimes, a hot pita with tzatziki is all you need for a good day.

Moussaka is as painstaking as the result is satisfying. Layers of eggplant, ground meat, potatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce bring everything together. Sometimes, in Santorini you can find variations of the main ingredients, such as zucchini and other veggies are the stars of this classic Greek dish.

Melitzanosalata is a traditional eggplant dip with olive oil. The eggplant gets roasted, drizzled with olive oil, seasoned and mashed up with lemon and more oil, just like hummus. It can be enjoyed guilt free by vegetarians as well.

Fried octopus is a regional delicacy, as Santorini gets surrounded by water as far as the eye can see. In Santorini area, the octopus is left out to dry in the sun to reach the perfect texture, then it is grilled over hot coals for the perfect taste.

Sweets are everywhere. Baklava, kataifi, galaktobureko, portokalopita are the most common ones we ran across in Santorini. The baklava and kataifi are strongly related. The galaktobureko is a custard in a crispy phyllo pastry shell, while the portokalopita is pastry infused with sweet orange. Attention! All deserts can give addiction! They are very sweet!

Santorini wine is a must try. Famous for its unique acidity originating from the volcanic land, the Aegean Island grew worldwide fame through its grapes. Assyrtiko is the star, main ingredient for the dry white. Santorini boasts around 20 wineries, so you have plenty to choose from!

Best budget restaurants Santorini

I’m not gonna lie to you, Santorini is an expensive destination. For those who want to enjoy visiting without spending a fortune on food, but still eating well, check out the best restaurants Santorini, budget section. And remember, we mean budget by Santorini standards!

Fira

Fira is the hotspot of the island. All the buses on the island leave from and return to Fira. It is more peaceful during the day and comes alive at night with bars, restaurants and clubs. Suitable for mid-range and luxury accommodation.

Erifion (€) is a fabulous eating spot, closely situated to the bus stop in Fira. The place did not invest in the trendiest look, but they did invest in a good chef and affordable prices. Their dishes revolve around meat: gyros, souvlaki and steak! Don’t get fooled as Erifion is written in Greek letters!

Triana Tavern (€€) is placed on the main street and sells Greek delicacies at decent prices! We were three and got a variety for two at the price of 24.50 euros! And it was enough! Plus, they give you something extra on the house – we got a fabulous portokalopita slice!

Lucky’s Souvlakis (€) serves the type of quick bites to take with you. Their gyros made history as probably the best in all of Fira, if not Santorini! So don’t be shy, order a gyros with everything and thank me later!

Filos (€) is a no-frills cozy place specializing in grilled food. We tested their traditional Greek food just the day we were leaving and were pleasantly surprised. Good food for correct price!

Tired of gyros? Try Eggomio (€), a brunch place where you get good food cooked from scratch! Not only egg-based! Generous portions and great coffee!

Oia

Oia is the most expensive place in Santorini, so finding something affordable is worth gold here.

Pitogyros (€) is a tremendous place: both well situated and totally decent as price, which, trust me, is quite a gem in Oia. I hope you are fond of gyros, as they serve here some of the best… They do not take reservations, but if you have a bit of patience, you’ll soon get to taste a gyros that is so yummy!

Nikos Place Grillhouse (€) is a good option for the hungry traveller to cheap out if visiting Santorini on a budget. It serves the traditional and affordable pita gyros. It was good and stood as a hearty meal before many hours of exploration.

Imerovigli

This village is the most sophisticated in all of Santorini. Crammed with luxury accommodation and a breath-taking position, Imerovigli lacks shops, which makes it even less affordable.

Pink Sophia Maria (€€) is literally in your way if you do the Fira-Oia hike. The place has a very beach-like atmosphere, very cool. Reasonably priced for Imerovigli, the menu is limited, but all they have is amazing and very good quality.

Insider tip!: We tested their pies and moussaka, but the ice-cold lemonade with ginger is also heaven! They are only open until 7 p.m.!

Pyrgos

Modest village with amazing views and some stunning restaurants!

Metaxi Mas (€€) is about 30 minutes’ walk from Pyrgos actually, but I had to start with this Cretan restaurant. It is simply heaven! Recommended by our guesthouse receptionist, Metaxi Mas is a must (almost made a pun here!). We delighted our taste buds with various meze (appetizers), but had the best cheese kataifi ever!

Insider tip!: Book a few days ahead! Staff welcomes you with a glass of raki!

Brusco (€€) is situated close to the bus stop and has a very cozy look and some shade in case you need a respite from the sun. This place was so highly recommended by so many in Santorini, that even if we didn’t get to try it, I dare highlighting it to you. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and even dinner specials. Let me know if you tried it!

Megalochori

Remote village with unbeatable prices for Santorini.

Accidentally ran into the Family Bakery (€) just because it is opposite the bus stop and we were looking for water. But we left much more fulfilled after tasting their crazy-good galaktobureko ice-cream and some other snacks. The place serves sweets and savoury dishes and pastry in an unpretentious location where price is king.

Taverna Tzanakis (€) is an honest traditional Greek food place, a quaint tavern situated at a five-minute stroll from the centre of the village. The business is family owned and their grilled dishes are really good …. just as the homemade wine.

Beach restaurants

There are several beach bars and beach restaurants in Santorini competing for supremacy.

Savvas Popeye Tavern (€€) (Perivolos) is very popular with locals, always a good sign of price and quality! The food is simple and good; the place right by the sea and the atmosphere relaxed, as it should be on vacation. The portions are big and you can pick the fish you want to be grilled. Everything is fresh and homemade. Amazing and reasonable prices compared to taste and quality!

Insider tip!: Do try the fried baby squids!

Gyros Place (€) in Perissa is just opposite the church. It is rated as one of the best fast foods for a reason: fabulous and rich gyros, great portion size and unbeatable prices. Very popular spot for delivery and walkable distance from the beach.

The Good Heart (€€) is a family-owned restaurant in Akrotiri that promotes Santorinian cuisine. Therefore, all their produce is fresh and local. Besides, they boast unbelievable 360 degrees sunset views. Like in most parts, portions are generous and the staff totally looked after our needs. The prices are quite reasonable and it is totally worth the effort even if it is a bit off the beaten path!

Alkyonida Beach Bar (€€) comes with a variety of cocktails and coffees on Perivolos Beach. Inside, you find some really good dishes. We fell for the club sandwich and pizza. The service was okay, the place cozy and the prices quite friendly.

Best restaurants Santorini (with a view)

Fira

We left Nektar Lounge (€€) for our last evening in Santorini. Of course, we aimed for something delicious and an impressive sunset, and we had them! The place is amazing, all decorated in turquoise, the staff extremely polite and the dishes good. Book ahead!

Aktaion (€€) is situated close to Three Bells of Fira Church. The restaurant boasts tradition as it celebrated 100 years of existence. Highly praised by a local, Aktaion did not disappoint. The pasta with mushroom and truffle was a feast to the buds!

Insider tip!: Book ahead for a caldera view table! Good dishes but also great views! Can get very busy during sunset!

Volcano Blue (€€€) is perfectly located on the caldera. Still, the owners tried to create a perfect menu to meet the view; thus, their selection of appetizers and fresh fish was born. The place is so romantic and the views stunning! Although it’s on the pricier side, everything recommends this place! Must try!

Insider tip!: We highly advocate for the volcano salad and octopus – it literally melts in your mouth!

Insider tip!: Volkan on the Rocks is another garden sunset bar in a picturesque setting where you can order a light dinner, enjoy a coffee and during the night watch the iconic Mamma Mia in their open-air cinema. Just a few steps away, you’ll find Volkan Pizza.

Oia and Ammoudi Bay

Dimitris Ammoudi Tavern (€€) has, first of all, an unbeatable position over the bay. I know, you have to go down lots of stairs from Oia, but it’s worth it. This is the place if you love perfectly grilled fresh caught fish. Are you a seafood person? Try their prawn pasta, you won’t be disappointed!

We had about half an hour before heading to the sunset, so we opted for a Greek sweet at Melenio (€€). Without booking, we couldn’t get seats in the first row, but still the view was impressive. Delicious sweets, the milk pie was astounding, however, the lemon pie too sweet! Excellent service, very friendly and smiley staff!

Imerovigli

White Lounge (€€€) was the most exquisite dinner place we’ve been to in Santorini. Situated shoulder to shoulder with the famed and pretty Le Moustache, we just picked the former for no reason. It is expensive, but compensates with the scenic views over the caldera, tasty dishes and five-star service. The feta with honey and sesame was both unusual and divine! Book ahead! We booked around three hours ahead for a great table!

Insider tip!: We heard so much about Blue Note, so we went there to book a table. The restaurant has great position, somehow on top, but being windy, the whole sitting area was surrounded by a glass, which I didn’t like. Make sure to check before booking!

Five senses (€€€€) is one of those places I haven’t tested, although I really would have liked to. The position over the caldera and Skaros rock is a visual treat, the minimalist design and fancy menu all appealed to me. Yes, it is expensive! I cannot recommend any dish, but I am pretty sure you cannot be disappointed. Let me know if you tried it!

Pyrgos

Penelope’s (€€) is a down-to-earth tavern overlooking the whitewashed buildings and blue domes of Pyrgos. It got so many fantastic reviews that we had to check on the atmosphere, at least. We only had some drinks and played some relaxing Hangman, as we were already full. I can tell you without any shade of doubt that the views are scenic (although you aren’t next to the sea) and the service very good. All I know is that Penelope is the owner herself who cooks with passion for the hungry visitors.

Beach restaurants

To Psaraki (€€€) in Vlychada is one of the most amazing taverns for fish lovers in all of Santorini. The place features fantastic views over the marina, but is truly famous for their food, where they do not compromise on quality and local flavor. Book ahead for this dining experience where you are encouraged to go to the refrigerator to choose your fish. Enjoy perfectly grilled seafood and authentic smiles! Totally recommended!

Wet Stories (€€€) is located on the black beach of Perivolos. It’s not the typical traditional Greek restaurant.  Although we haven’t tried this place, I put it here as a Greek foodie recommended it. The menu is very modern and the restaurant has both a raw bar and vegan menu. They also have a beach bar specializing mainly in cocktails.

Forty-One beach bar (€€€) is a fancy restaurant also on the shores of Perivolos beach which combines Greek Mediterranean taste to the art of sushi. You can also enjoy this beach bar in exchange for a cabana and loungers (which are pricey), but you get served sushi in exchange. Delicious food!

Interactive map for best restaurants Santorini

On this map you’ll find the best cheap eats and mid-range restaurants that I enjoyed in Santorini. The budget places are represented by red pins, while the pricier restaurants by blue.

Bon appetit!

Have you been to Santorini before? Did you like it? Do you have any further tips for restaurants? I look forward to reading your experiences!