SANTORINI. What an amazing island paradise it is. The last of the Cyclades islands to the South and perhaps the most beautiful among the Greek Islands, Santorini feels like no other place on earth and it has reasons for that as even the most jaded traveler succumbs to the genuine drama of this surreal landscape. Crystal clear turquoise waters, spectacular sunsets, white marble streets, fabulous beaches, and amazing towns perched high on the edge of extinct volcano are what make Santorini a holidaymaker’s dream, while the many sophisticated hotels, including the luxurious Grace Santorini Hotel Greece, designer stores, restaurants and bars add to the charm and beauty the island has to offer. Read on to get acquainted with the best dining venues in Santorini, serving mouth-watering Greek cuisine sure to delight every taste bud.
Papagalos Restaurant
Considered as one of the best restaurants is Santorini and being amongst the top 50 Greek restaurants by various travel magazines, Papagalos welcomes Greek food lovers to have a memorable gastronomic experience in a relaxing, delightful atmosphere. Established in 1987, in the village of Oia – a settlement nestled high up on a cliff on the northern tip of Santorini, Papagalos Restaurant serves varied menus based on the New and traditional Greek cuisines and prepared by fresh local ingredients, with some of its signature dishes being the lamb chops with crispy vine leaves served with tzatziki sauce, haloumi salad and fish based dishes. Visitors to Papagalos also appreciate the restaurant’s dessert menu that offers everything from yogurt and honey mousse to chocolate mousse and Greek coffee panna kotta.
The restaurant is also wedding-friendly and offers various wedding packages at reasonable costs, designed to satisfy every taste and requirement. The package can include flowers and candle decorations, punch service and wedding cake.
Sphinx Restaurant
Of the numerous restaurants that line the heart of Santorini’s famous town of Fira in the Greek Islands, one stands out. This is the enchanting Sphinx Restaurant that since its opening in 1991 has never failed to amaze visitors with its stunning views over the caldera of Santorini especially during the sunset, top-notch service, delicious traditional cuisine and extensive variety of wines, kept in the impressive cellar of the restaurant. Based on extra virgin olive oil, produced in Crete, the culinary adventure builds from cold to hot appetizers, light to hearty entrees, fish to meat. Literally everything finds its way on the restaurant’s menu: a wide choice of salads, risotto, home made fresh pasta, traditional Greek dishes, seafood, spirits, cocktails and refreshments. The restaurant comes with a private veranda and dining room for receptions and functions.
Fanari Restaurant
Another charming dining venue at the rim of the Caldera, at the most central part of Fira is Fanari Restaurant, offering traditional Greek cuisine with many ‘creative’ accents, along with amazing views of the caldera in prices that… surely don’t hurt. Housed in a privately-owned building and located just a few meters away from the main square and the cable car, the restaurant caters to all those visitors, looking for high quality dishes served in a friendly, warm atmosphere. The restaurant comprises four levels, which altogether make a beautiful wide area, perfect for taking some great photos over the enticing Caldera.
Visit Fanari Restaurant Fira to enjoy a selection of barbecued meat, fresh fish and seafood and other extraordinary dishes, accompanied with a bottle of exquisite wine.
1800 Restaurant
Awarded with two ‘Golden Chef’s Hat’ best restaurant awards in 2005 and 2007, the stunning 1800 restaurant invites locals and travelers from around the world to try mouth-watering Mediterranean and traditional Greek cuisine that are sure to make even the most discerning palate yield to the temptation of the chef’s distinctive colorful creations full of imagination, flavor and brilliance. The dishes at 1800 are presented in an asymmetrical fashion with every plate resembling a canvas painted by the chef, while the tables are decorated with elegant sugar-white tablecloths, which also add to the unforgettable dining experience.
The 1800 Restaurant is today one of Santorini’s leading dining venues, which has been receiving the best reviews by food connoisseurs of both Greek and foreign magazines.
Skaros Fish Tavern
Located opposite the Skaros Rock at the most famous village of Imerovigli, Skaros Fish Tavern is also a popular venue to sample Greek cuisine at its best. Boasting breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, sunset, caldera, volcano and with three different levels, open terrace, veranda and interior ‘sala’ since 1985, the rustic, open-air Skaros is ready to serve you from noon 12:00 till midnight. The menu is truly extensive, with emphasis on the catch of the day and on simple traditional preparations with garlic and lemon that create some very tasty dishes, offering fresh fish and Santorini specialties, such as octopus in onion sauce, and mussels with rice and raisins. The menu also caters to staunch vegetarians. Once you have had a dinner at Skaros Fish Tavern, be sure to return again and again!
