Greek kitchens keep it ingredient-first: olive oil, fish off the day boat, vegetables, and a long lunch rather than a rushed dinner.
In Santorini the Greek list is led by Lauda Restaurant in Oia (Acclaimed local fine dining, €150-€250 / $160-$270 per person). If you want the same cooking for less, Koukoumavlos at €90-€150 / $95-$160 is the value pick.
- 1.
Lauda Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Greek · Oia · €150-€250 / $160-$270
George Dospras
Perched on the cliffs of Oia, Lauda offers an unparalleled dining experience with dramatic caldera views. Its culinary approach honours traditional Greek flavours while applying contemporary techniques, using meticulously sourced local ingredients. The atmosphere is refined, making it a quintessential Santorini luxury destination.
Order: Santorini Tomato Salad with Feta Snow, Lobster with Orzo
- 2.
Selene
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Greek · Pyrgos · €120-€180 / $130-$195
Panagiotis Giakalis
A pioneering force in Santorini's gourmet scene since 1986, Selene offers refined Greek cuisine in a historic setting within Pyrgos village. Having relocated from Fira, it focuses on showcasing indigenous Santorini ingredients and age-old recipes through a contemporary lens, emphasizing authenticity and sophisticated execution in a charming, traditional courtyard.
Order: Fava with Caramelized Onions, Slow-Cooked Lamb with Wild Greens
- 3.
Throubi Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Greek · Imerovigli · €140-€220 / $150-$235
Charalambos Koukoudakis
Nestled within the Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, Throubi offers exquisite Mediterranean and Greek gastronomy with a focus on healthy and seasonal ingredients. The chef's tasting menus highlight fresh produce from the hotel's organic garden. The breathtaking caldera views from its terrace elevate the dining experience to an unforgettable level of luxury and serenity.
Order: Seabass Ceviche with Citrus, Confit Lamb Shoulder
- 4.
Santo Maris Oia - Alios Ilos
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Greek · Oia · €110-€170 / $120-$185
Christos Papageorgiou
Alios Ilos, meaning 'the sun that rises from the sea', offers a sophisticated take on traditional Greek cuisine, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. Located at Santo Maris Oia, the restaurant combines stunning sunset views with a menu that is both innovative and deeply rooted in Greek culinary heritage, promising a truly elegant and authentic experience.
Order: Grilled Octopus with Fava, Lamb Kleftiko
- 5.
Koukoumavlos
Acclaimed local fine diningCreative Greek · Fira · €90-€150 / $95-$160
Nikos Pouliasis
Koukoumavlos is known for its highly artistic and imaginative approach to Greek cuisine, with a theatrical presentation that matches its unique cave-like setting in Fira. Chef Pouliasis constantly reinvents classic dishes, using bold flavour combinations and unexpected textures, creating a dining experience that is both avant-garde and deeply satisfying.
Order: Chocolate Soup with Chili, Foie Gras with Fig
Booking a Greek table in Santorini
- · Book fine dining restaurants at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for sunset tables in Oia or Imerovigli, as prime spots fill up quickly.
- · Many upscale restaurants require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for reservations, particularly for larger groups or peak season bookings.
- · Consider booking a lunch seating at fine dining establishments; it often offers a similar culinary experience with impressive views, often at a more accessible price point.
- · Be aware of cancellation policies; many high-demand restaurants enforce strict rules with charges for late cancellations or no-shows, so plan accordingly.
And the local dishes in Santorini
Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters)
These savory fritters are a Santorini specialty, made with the island's small, intensely flavored cherry tomatoes, onions, mint, and flour. Fried until golden and crispy, they are a delicious appetizer, often served with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki. You can find them on almost every traditional taverna menu across the island.
Fava
Santorini's fava is not a fava bean but a creamy, earthy puree made from yellow split peas unique to the island. Slow-cooked until smooth, it's typically served drizzled with olive oil, chopped onions, and capers, making it a staple appetizer. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with fresh bread.
Chlorotyri
A rare, fresh, and tangy goat cheese, Chlorotyri is produced in very small quantities on Santorini, primarily for local consumption. It has a distinctive creamy texture and a slightly sour, salty taste. It's often enjoyed as a spread on bread, in salads, or as a meze, offering a true taste of local Santorini produce.
Santorini Salad
A refreshing variation of the classic Greek salad, the Santorini salad typically features the island's unique cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, capers (also locally grown), red onion, and the local Chlorotyri cheese, all dressed with virgin olive oil. It highlights the fresh, vibrant flavors of the island's produce, offering a lighter, regional twist.
Other cuisines in Santorini
Seven days in Santorini
Pair these Greek tables with the full itinerary: neighbourhoods, museums and what to skip.
Read the Santorini travel guide