9 Local Restaurants in Santorini Greece to Eat like a Local

Santorini, the crown jewel of the Greek islands, is a dream destination for many. Its whitewashed houses, sapphire domes, and breathtaking sunsets are world-renowned. But beyond its stunning beauty, Santorini is a culinary paradise. From traditional tavernas to Michelin-star restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

So, while you’re soaking up the sun and exploring the island’s charming villages, don’t forget to indulge in the delicious cuisine offered by the restaurants in Santorini, Greece.

Yes, the caldera views are breathtaking, the cliffside towns charming, but beneath the surface lies a culinary treasure trove. This island is a paradise for food lovers, where fresh, local ingredients are transformed into dishes that tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Whether you’re a carnivore craving succulent lamb or a pescatarian pining for the freshest seafood, Santorini has something for everyone.

Cheese lovers will rejoice, and even vegans won’t be left out. I’ve included a special note about what I believe is the best vegan restaurant on the island, where the food is so good that even the most dedicated meat-eaters will be tempted to stray!

So, pack your appetite and sense of adventure because we’re about to embark on a mouthwatering journey through Santorini’s unmissable restaurants. Get ready to discover hidden gems, savor local specialties, and create memories that will linger long after you leave this magical island.

9 Best Restaurants in Santorini Greece

1. Misteli:

Located in Akrotiri, on the southwest side of Santorini, Misteli restaurant offers delicious Greek food, like Tzatziki, fave beans, and much more as starters, veal, lamb, chicken, sea bass, shrimps and much more, all cooked with traditional Greek recipes.

Address: unfortunately, many roads in Santorini have no name, so I advise using Google Maps to get there or by hiring a taxi.

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2. Gia Mas:

Located at the Kamari beach, Gua Mas restaurant offers local food like lamb kleftiko, stuffed aubergines, fava beans pure, and much more, with a beautiful beach view. It can be the perfect place to have lunch while spending the day at the beach or for a romantic dinner with the sea view.

Address: an unnamed street in Kamari, near the beach. You can find Gia Mas restaurant in Santorini here. 

3. Katsaboo Restaurant:

Located in Fira, Katsaboo Restaurant is a great place to enjoy Greek food with a twist. You will love the modern decor, relaxing ambiance, and friendly staff. This restaurant is part of the San Marino Suites, but you don’t have to stay there to book a table at the restaurant.

There is also a lovely terrace with a fabulous Santorini view and a swimming pool to relax after sightseeing.

Address: Katsaboo Restaurant, Thira 847 00, Greece

4. Karma Greek Restaurant:

Karma Greek Restaurant doesn’t have a fantastic view like many other restaurants. Still, their little intimate patio is a beautiful place to enjoy a delicious Greek dinner away from the noise and crowd.

The food is fantastic, with a very high standard, and the wine is local and perfect to pair with every dish. I think this is a little Gem you cannot miss to pay a visit once when in Santorini. Vegan options are available.

Address: Nik. Nomikou 11, Oía 847 02, Greece

5. Santo Athiri Restaurant:

If you can stay in Santorini for a long time and visit the beaches (I highly recommend them because they are very particular in scenery), you will surely see Kamari Beach (one of the most famous).

Santo Athiri Restaurant is at Kamari Beach, so you can enjoy a wonderful local lunch between swimming and working on your tan.

If you are staying nearby, it can be the perfect place for a romantic dinner, where you listen to the noise of the waves crashing against the beach and look at a full moon. I highly recommend ordering the mixed fish platter, which is massive and delicious.

Address: unnamed street like many in Santorini.

6. MeRaki:

Located in Fira, MeRaki Restaurant offers wonderfully prepared Greek food. From Moussaka, zucchini and tomato fritters, snails (yes, they serve snails here, and if you like to try new dishes, you should absolutely give it a go), souvlaki, and much more.

They have indoor and outdoor tables. The ambiance is simple, like a typical tavern where the food is prepared perfectly following the original recipes.

Address: an unnamed street in Fira. 

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7. 5 Sense Restaurant (Vegan):

5 Sense Restaurant is a Vegan Paradise. The menu is so full of delicious plant-based options that you will eat here every lunch and dinner (the menu changes from lunch to dinner, so even more options are available).

The dishes are not only delicious but also very pretty. The terrace restaurant is the perfect place to feast while on the island. Even the most meat lover will fall in love with their food. It is a guarantee.

Address: located in Fira, Erithrou Stavrou, Thira 847 00, Greece

8. Armeni restaurant:

More than a Restaurant, dining at Armeni Restaurant is a truly remarkable experience. Located in Armeni Bay, you have two options to get to this restaurant: walk down 287 steps from Oia to get to the little village or make them come to pick you up by boat at Ammoudi beach.

The fish is so fresh like it just jumped from the sea to the grill; the most famous dish is the octopus in Santorini fava cream, but I recommend you try the fried prawns wrapped with “kataifi” pastry.

Address: in the Armeni bay, on the right side of the little pier.

Heads up! Looking for the perfect tan this summer? Read my “Guide to the perfect tan.”

9. Ifestioni Restaurant of Aressana Spa Hotel:

The Ifestioni Restaurant of Aressana Spa Hotel is in the beautiful Hotel Aressana Spa, but you can book a table there even if you are not a Hotel guest. If you want a Greek fine dining experience, this is the perfect place to reserve a table in Santorini.

All the ingredients used are organic from Greece, and the original recipes are made with outstanding creativity from Chef Kostas Aggelopoulos that will make you want to go back the day after because one meal is not enough to try everything he creates. Also, the view is spectacular.

Address: Mitropoleos Street, Thira 847 00, Greece.

Welcome to my travel guide, my lovely anxious traveler! Want to know who is behind Valentina’s Travel Guide? Let me tell you more about myself.

Before you go…

As we savor the last bite and raise a glass to a sun-drenched Santorini evening, remember that the food we choose has the power to connect us to a place on a deeper level.

By indulging in local specialties, we treat our taste buds to a unique and authentic experience and support the island’s vibrant culture and hardworking farmers.

So, the next time you wander the sun-soaked streets of Santorini, remember that the most breathtaking views aren’t just for the eyes—they’re also for the palate. Embrace the local flavors, savor the stories whispered within each dish, and let Santorini weave its magic on you, one delicious bite at a time.