If you’ve already started planning your Santorini stay, then I don’t need to tell you about its breathtaking sunsets and idyllic ocean views. Tourists from around the globe flock to this gorgeous, quaint Greek island between May through September every year.
But the less-talked-about gem of Santorini is its food. The local produce, fresh seafood, Santorini wines, and overall Greek cuisine allow you to experience the Greek culture through your palate.
The hardest part about picking the best restaurants in Santorini with a view is: there are so many of them! A good problem–since many restaurants are nestled along the rocky cliffs, they all have decent views of the Aegean Sea. And depending on which side of the island they’re on, they may also have incredible sunset views.
So, I’ve tried to narrow down the list to the best of the best. Here are my top recommendations on the best restaurants for delicious Mediterranean cuisine and beautiful views in Santorini!
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Most Authentic: To Steki tou Nikou
For some of the best traditional Greek food and a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea, visit To Steki tou Nikou outside of Oia. This restaurant claims my #1 spot because of its commitment to the best authentic, local cuisine, very reasonable prices, and peaceful location away from the tourist masses around Oia. Oh, and its chance for an epic sunset dinner thanks to its spot right alongside the cliffs near Oia.
I ordered the traditional Greek dish of kokkinisto, which is like a stew typically made in tomato sauce. I couldn’t believe the rich, creamy flavor, big chunks of meat, and subtle blends of fresh herbs and spices.
But the accommodating and friendly service made it a truly memorable evening. They helped us understand some of the best traditional dishes, the finest local labels and their personal recommendations. Their staff creates an incredibly warm atmosphere.
The restaurant was very quiet when we visited it around early evening on a weekday. We had the place to ourselves! Its somewhat remote location I think deters many tourists from taking the time to visit. The restaurant is directly off of the winding, busy road of Finikia Oia Rd, where you should either take a car or a bus to get there. You need to go down a few flights of stairs to enter and exit the restaurant–keep this in mind!
Most Picturesque: Mama Thira Taverna
Doesn’t that photo speak for itself? Ha! The Mama Thira Taverna is located in the popular town of Fira and offers the perfect setting for a very romantic sunset dinner. It serves great Greek food (such as the meat variety tower I ordered, pictured above)! You won’t be disappointed by its selection of local Santorini wines and mixed drinks.
One of my favorite features of Mama Thira Taverna is its upstairs seating with tons of windows and fully-opening shutters. This way, you can sit inside and stay toasty warm (since Santorini is known for having some very windy days) while not missing out on any of part of a gorgeous sunset view.
But if you really want one of these coveted tables, I highly recommend making a reservation–that’s how we secured one. The restaurant is slightly more expensive than To Steki tou Nikou, but with a prime location right in the heart of Fira, it’s totally worth it.
Most Romantic: Thalami Bistro
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience at one of the more upscale restaurants in Santorini, make a reservation at Thalami Bistro in Oia. Thalami Bistro has made an “Instagram” name for itself as one of the most picturesque restaurants with gorgeous sunset views and a very romantic vibe, with an excellent location in the heart of Oia.
This romantic restaurant serves a unique blend of Italian and Greek cuisine. Interestingly, there’s a lot of overlap in the two cuisines thanks to their close proximity to each other and their Mediterranean climates that produce similar food sources. The delicious dishes and stunning scenery make for an unforgettable experience.
I definitely recommend checking out their list of Greek wines–because as one of the most romantic dinner spots, naturally it has a killer wine list. You can even do a wine tasting! But expect higher prices here–its prime location in the center of the charming village of Oia and nearly 360-degree island views, you’ll be paying a bit more. (Worth it).
Most Versatile: Finikia Restaurant
Want a restaurant that can accommodate any of your cravings, night or day? Head to Finikia restaurant on the outskirts of Oia! Not only does it boast a cocktail bar, indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful sunset views, but it serves everything from breakfast, lunch, dinner, delicious appetizers to an insane beer and cocktail list.
We visited this restaurant a few times thanks to its convenient location right next to our Santorini hotel. While I enjoyed all of my meals, I highly recommend trying one of their specialty items, baked right in their brick oven stoves. It’s a Greek stew and it was so, so flavorful and delicious! Or maybe you have a sweet tooth and want to try the epic chocolate sandwich?!
With fantastic food, excellent service, some of the best cocktails and amazing views, I recommend adding Finikia to your visit list!
Best Restaurants in Santorini Summed Up
The best part about staying on one of the Greek islands is that you’ll always get local products, local ingredients, and fresh fish. This is because an island like Santorini simply doesn’t have the space to store much beyond what they can use within a short amount of time.
Of course, the downside can sometimes be a lack of variety or options, but when you’re already handling all-around great Greek food, are more options necessarily needed?
So, are you ready to enjoy delicious Greek cuisine and sip on some of the best wine, all with the backdrop of a dreamy seaside sunset? Check out my roundup of the best wine tours on Santorini to pair your dining experiences with! Or my 5-day Athens itinerary if you plan on heading to the mainland for some exploring!
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Transparency note: please keep in mind that some links in my articles may be affiliate links, to which I may make a small commission at no extra to you, should you book travel or buy a product or service through one of these links. I only recommend products or services created by brands I know and trust.