Santorini still sells the classic postcard: white-washed terraces, cobalt domes and a caldera that swallows the sun each night. Yet the island’s most interesting story now plays out on the plate. Volcanic soil laced with ash and salt sharpens assyrtiko grapes, fava beans, white eggplant and improbably sweet cherry tomatoes. Chefs raised here, or drawn here, treat that geology as both inheritance and directive, keeping the flavors honest while letting technique do the editing.
Many dining rooms are literally tunneled into the cliff face. Inside, décor is pared back: chalk-white walls, a flash of brass, perhaps a single amphora, all reminding you that the real theater is outside the window and on the fork. Menus read sparely but eat expansively: octopus brushed with vinsanto glaze; tomato tartare brightened by pickled caper leaf; fava purée aerated until it feels like sea mist.
The sunsets and infinity pools remain, of course, yet the island’s present-day luxury is measured in decisions – whether to char over volcanic rock or finish with citrus from a courtyard tree – not in hashtags. Even the occasional tremor, a reminder of the sleeping volcano below, feels like part of the brief: cook with what the earth gives, honor the past, never stop refining. The result is a calm, confident cuisine that lets Santorini taste like itself, nothing more and certainly nothing less.
01
Botrini’s Santorini
The sister restaurant of the Michelin-starred Ettore Botrini’s Athenian restaurant offers a technically impeccable menu reflecting the chef’s culinary memories from his two homelands, Tuscany and Corfu, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. There are two tasting menus, Monopati and Peripatos, one vegetarian plus an a la carte menu. Sweet highs are created in the form of delicate, high-level desserts. An impressive wine list offers diners exquisite pairing options. Expect dreamlike views of the Caldera and Oia.
Katikies Santorini Hotel, Oia
02
Elios
Chef-restaurateur Ari Vezené redefines Italian-American chophouse dining with generous Mediterranean flair. Standout dishes include Mediterranean tartare of the fish of the day, and lobster pasta. Meat lovers indulge in lamb chops, beef cheeks with orzo and fillet mignon. The minimalistic resort setting blends mid-century accents with lush gardens and a poolside terrace. Warm lounge music, a lively bar pouring spirits until late, and polished, personable service elevate the relaxed-but-stylish atmosphere—ideal for guests and island visitors.
Mesaria
03
Naos
Housed in an 1845 stone mansion in Oia, Naos showcases a refined Mediterranean menu by chef Theodoros Kakoulis. A tasting menu or à la carte experience highlights fresh Cycladic seafood (starting with oysters or tuna tartare with caviar is a good idea), sea bream with eggplant and ‘black apple veil’ with smoked eel, or beef tenderloin with black garlic and aged gruyere. The villa’s interior features crisp white walls, natural oak, and tasteful art, while the terrace offers sweeping sea views. Soft ambient lighting by candle and lantern enhances the intimate mood. Service is thoughtful and professional, with a sommelier guiding guests through a curated list of Greek and international wines.
Oia
04
Selene
The legendary restaurant, a creation of the ‘patriarch’ of new Greek cuisine George Hatzigiannakis, under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini and in collaboration with chef Nikos Bilis, offers a fine dining culinary journey through Greece with characteristic products from across the country. Two creative, highly technical tasting menus, the ‘Full Moon’ and the vegetarian ‘Harvest Moon,’ plus an a la carte menu are available. An exceptional wine list is curated by Master of Wine Yiannis Karakasis. Enjoy an atmospheric setting in the courtyard of an 18th-century Catholic monastery.
Katikies Garden Hotel, Fira
05
Beefbar
Set within Andronis Arcadia, Beefbar’s sophisticated steakhouse welcomes guests with a stunning poolside terrace and caldera vistas. Their lineup features top-tier cuts—Wagyu, ribeye, filet—expertly flame-grilled for rich, smoky flavor. Choose from the Street Food (with Beef, Leaf and Turf subsections) or Comfort Food menus, which include Japanese Tepanyaki section, Robata Grill and Meats in Sauce subsections. The space is decked in dark timber and stone, featuring chic dinnerware and ambient lighting. Service is meticulous, dynamic, and attuned to each table’s pace. With a smooth blend of refined technique and relaxed luxury, Beefbar caters to sunset diners, special celebrations, and families seeking upscale comfort.
Andronis Arcadia, Oia
06
Petra
Set along Oia’s volcanic cliffs, tables encircle a luminous pool overlooking the hypnotic vista of the Caldera. The sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere enhances inventive Greek cuisine created by esteemed chef Tasos Stefatos, whose dishes honor island ingredients prepared with playful creativity. Expect plates such as black pork with green apple and cauliflower or the creamy Green Kakavia seafood soup, plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, accompanied by expert wine selections, attentive service, and an atmosphere of quiet luxury.
Canaves Oia Suites, Oia
07
Elements
Housed in Canaves Oia Epitome, Elements offers theatrical modern‑Greek cuisine by Tasos Stefatos on a volcanic‑rock terrace overlooking Ammoudi Bay. The restaurant has two 11-course tasting menus – ‘World’ and ‘Nature’, with dishes revealing Greek as well as global influences. Sleek volcanic‑stone architecture blends with honeyed wood and candlelight to evoke quiet sophistication. The wine list spans elegant Greek and international labels. Under an evening sky, Elements imbues guests in an aura of calm, creativity, and culinary precision in a soulful, scenic escape.
Canaves Oia Epitome, Oia
08
Ifestioni
At Aressana Hotel, chef Kostas Aggelópoulos delivers an earthy Mediterranean menu rooted in Greek tastes and European technique. Expect a trio of fish croquettes, Santorini specialties like fava and pies, and a variety of pasta dishes as well as artfully cooked meat dishes. Each plate strikes a balance of aroma, texture, and authenticity. The dining room’s stone floors, whitewashed walls, and minimalist lighting create intimate warmth. Ifestioni is honest, elegant, and quietly confident.
Aressana Hotel, Imerovigli
09
IDOL
In Fira’s rejuvenated dining scene, Lukas Katrís and executive chef Panagiotis Giakális curate a farm‑to‑table menu grounded in locally sourced produce, much from the owner’s garden. Standouts include herb-stuffed seabass, lamb roasted with Mediterranean greens, and vibrant seasonal veggies, as well as a great variety of pastas, fish and salads. There is also the ‘IDOL Combos’ menu with excellent pairings of wines with seafood. The interior is sleek and modern, with angular furnishings, statement lighting, and neutral tones. IDOL delivers cosmopolitan elegance with a wholesome ethos, offering an elevated but grounded culinary experience.
Fira
10
Aktaion Taverna
With a history spanning a century, Aktaion stands out as one of Santorini’s premier dining establishments. This charming taverna offers a cozy setting where visitors can enjoy traditional dishes at fair prices. Notable menu items include shrimps in zucchini rolls, stuffed vine leaves with creamy lemon sauce and traditional ‘Kalogeriko’ homemade pasta with tomato sauce, capers, garlic and caper leaves. The limited outdoor seating provides enchanting views of the caldera. The taverna’s third-generation proprietor, Vangelis Roussos, is also an artist, and his wood carvings and paintings add a personal touch to the intimate, whitewashed interior.
Firostefani, Fira
11
Qhera
Accessible via speedboat to Thirassia’s Korfos Bay, Qhera is set on a serene waterfront deck with sweeping Aegean views. Chef Fotis Maikántis highlights simple, pristine seafood: signature dishes include marinated fish of the day with grape and fried capers, or citrus‑bright tarama with pickled wild greens, and daily-catch preparations. Log-wood flooring, sail-like canopy shielding, and gentle wave sounds create a tranquil setting. Qhera’s appeal lies in its seafood focus, quiet ambiance, and exclusive off‑the‑grid setting—an idyllic escape from the island’s bustle.
Korfos Bay, Thirassia
12
Fly Away Creative Restaurant
With an airy perch in Imerovigli offering direct views of Santorini’s fiery sunsets over Oia, this restaurant could stand out by its romantic location alone. The intimate setting provides an ideal backdrop to a menu rooted deeply in Greek-Mediterranean comfort food prepared with technical finesse. Guests are welcomed warmly, perhaps with toasted bread sprinkled with olive oil and sugar crystals, signaling the chef’s playful yet sophisticated culinary approach.
West East Suites, Imerovigli
13
The Athenian House
Overlooking Skaros Rock and the caldera from Imerovigli, The Athenian House offers dim‑lit, domed interiors draped in white linen and crystalware. Michelin-starred Dimitris Skarmoutsos elevates Greek classics with a dizzying array of luxurious tastes, offered via tasting menus like ‘Grand’, ‘Discovery’, ‘A La Carte’, ‘Pescatarian’, ‘Children’s’ and ‘Gluten Free’. The terrace enhances the experience with golden sunsets and volcanic panoramas. Service is refined yet accessible, with knowledgeable staff guiding guests through dishes and wine pairings. The atmosphere is nostalgic, romantic, and refined—ideal for a heartfelt, elevated Greek dining experience.
Imerovigli
14
Varoulko Santorini
A fine dining seafood adventure, also starring select dishes featuring organic meat, presented by Lefteris Lazarou, the acclaimed chef-patron of the iconic Varoulko restaurant in Piraeus (with a Michelin star). The menu includes a la carte options and three luxurious tasting menus that highlight high-quality local and seasonal ingredients, featuring some of the chef’s timeless dishes. Head chef Komninos Mouflouzelis works his wonders and inventive desserts are created by pastry chef Thodoris Moisidis.
Grace Hotel, Imerovigli
15
Meze Meze
Hidden within the shaded courtyard of a cave-like taverna in the quiet village of Finikia, this restaurant feels genuinely local and unaffected by tourism. Stone walls and leafy vines provide an ideal setting for long conversations over shared plates of salad, Santorini favorites like tomato fritters and many well cooked grilled, stewed or baked meats. The laid-back atmosphere captures the true essence of Greek hospitality in a refreshingly understated way.
Oia, Finikia
16
Koukoumavlos
A legendary and highly acclaimed restaurant has been revived on the island, in the idyllic setting of Katikies Chromata in Imerovigli. The collaboration between Katikies Group’s executive chef, Ettore Botrini, and talented chef Nikos Pouliasis, creator of a sui generis cuisine, further raisesthe island’s gastronomy bar. With the finest local ingredients from land and sea and unexpected combinations, Koukoumavlos’ dishes make their mark on the island’s culinary scene.
Katikies Chromata, Imerovigli
17
Lauda
With the prestige of three-star Michelin chef Emmanuel Renaut, this fine dining restaurant spectacularly expresses high-level gastronomy, offering a menu inspired by sophisticated techniques and strong Greek and Cycladic influences. The menu, executed by head chef Giorgos Dospras, includes a la carte options and five tasting menus, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices. An excellent wine list curated by Andronis Group’s Wine Director Sotiris Kandylis. The restaurant periodically hosts events with international chefs creating menus for the guests. Expect breathtaking views of the Caldera and the volcano.
Andronis Boutique Hotel, Oia
18
Therasia
A fine dining restaurant curated by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini. The cuisine embraces the Mediterranean, especially Italy and Greece, with a strong presence of local and seasonal ingredients. The menu includes a la carte options and four-stage degustation menus inspired by Greek and Italian – particularly Tuscan – flavors. The select wine list emphasizes Greek and Italian vineyards. Look forward to magnificent vistas over Oia and the Caldera.
Katikies Kirini Hotel, Oia
19
Aroma Avlis
In Exo Gonia’s flower-filled courtyard, surrounded by vineyards traditionally coiled against Santorini’s winds, guests experience the island’s wine heritage firsthand. Meals feature flavorful fish, meat, and pasta dishes, as well as a delightful array of cold and warm appetizers, paired expertly with wines produced onsite at the Artemis Karamolegos Winery. Authentic charm and the vineyard tours available before dining further highlight the restaurant’s sincere connection to local tradition and volcanic terroir.
Exo Gonia
20
Elements
Fine dining international cuisine with elements inspired by the local cuisine of the Ionian Islands, the homeland of executive chef Tasos Stefatos. There are three tasting menus: vegetarian, international, and Greek, many of which are created or finished at the guests’ table. The extensive wine list, featuring selections from international vineyards as well as emerging Greek wineries, is curated by Elina Dakanali, Wine Director of the Canaves Oia Group. A modern space with remarkable views of the sea and Santorini’s famous sunset.
Canaves Oia Epitome, Oia
21
Roza’s
A historic taverna offering high-level Greek cuisine in a contemporary style by chef Katerina Tsotskolaouri-Stavropoulou. The menu changes almost daily and is based on seasonal, local products from small producers on the island and throughout Greece. Dishes include regional specialties from other parts of Greece, like Kefalonian meat pie. Notable dishes include pastitsio that is freshly made, lamb chops and Kalloni sardines (from Lesvos) with botarga.
Vourvoulos
22
Lycabettus
Fine dining cuisine with an international focus and luxurious ingredients. The menu includes a la carte options and seasonal tasting menus by executive chef Christos Karagiannis. Desserts are curated by pastry chef Giorgos Platinos. The restaurant, perched on a romantic balcony at the edge of the Caldera cliff, offers breathtaking views of the Caldera and the volcano. The perfect view to accompany dishes honoring ingredients like lobster and Wagyu striploin.
Andronis Luxury Suites, Oia
23
Oia Oenostart
Housed inside a restored captain’s home along a quiet lane in Oia, this multi-functional venue embodies island hospitality through food, art, and community. Founded by people passionate about art, culture and Santorini’s traditional way of life, the space also hosts artists who leave behind works displayed throughout the venue. Diners enjoy Greek dishes crafted from succulent ingredients and Santorini wines, immersed in an authentic environment reflecting the island’s cultural heritage.
