Santorini is famously a top holiday destination. From the relaxing whitewashed homes and the stunning coasts to the bright Mediterranean sunshine that seems eternal here, the island is the ultimate escape. But even beyond all of that, you'd be surprised at how much potential Santorini has as a food capital. Everyone knows that Greek cuisine is one of the most delicious in the world, and when you combine that with the relaxing ambiance and coastal beauty of the island, that makes the many foodie hotspots here worthwhile. If you're up for a foodie trip of your own in Santorini, here are the places you ought to check out!
Metaxi Mas
No list of Santorini's best foodie hotspots is complete without mentioning Metaxi Mas! Arguably the most popular restaurant in all of Santorini, it's located in the small village of Exo Gonia. The place's popularity stems from its appetizing menu—a combination of Cretan delicacies with traditional Greek cuisine. From the former, they offer a fine selection of Cretan cheeses to go with their best bottles of wine. And for the latter, scrumptious seafood dishes such as grilled octopus and freshly caught fish reign supreme. With this many different flavors swirling around, it's no wonder so many people choose to eat here!
Source: Metaxi Mas
Lucky’s Souvlakis
Craving for some meat instead? Here in Greece, be it in Santorini or otherwise, that often means a hearty helping of Souvlakis! Who could resist this Greek dish, especially when grilled to perfection? Just one order is a surefire way to fill up your stomach yet leave you wanting more! And on this Cyclades island, there's no other place to get it than Lucky's Souvlakis! Located in Fira, the main
central town of Santorini, this is undoubtedly the best spot for Souvlakis by a mile! Whether you get them as skewers or in a pita wrap, you'll instantly understand what makes Lucky's Souvlakis so popular!
Source: Lucky’s Souvlakis
Pitogyros Traditional Grill House
Not satisfied with Lucky's famous Souvlakis, are you? And you're still craving some juicy Mediterranean meat? Then head on over to the beautiful whitewashed town of Oia and go to Pitogyros Traditional Grill House! As its name suggests, this place grills all sorts of meats, fish, and other delicacies to perfection. They know how to keep things hot and hearty, ensuring that all their customers leave with full stomachs and pure satisfaction. As for what to order here, do you still need to think hard about it? Get the meat, of course! You can get Souvlakis that are comparable to Lucky's or a chicken gyro wrap! Any would satisfy your hunger in no time!
Source: Pitogyros Traditional Grill House Facebook Page
Cacio e Pepe
As delicious Greek food is, there are times when you can't control what you're craving for. And most of the time, those who go to Santorini suddenly want Italian! It's not that surprising, considering that both cuisines are Mediterranean in both richness and flavor. But there's just something about Italian food, be it pizza or pasta, that seems fitting for the relaxed atmosphere on the island. With that in mind, there's really only one place to check out: Cacio e Pepe! Widely considered as the best Italian restaurant, not just in Fira, but in all of Santorini, this is where you get your fill of flavorful pizzas,
different types of pasta, finely aged Italian wine, and the like!
Source: Cacio e Pepe Santorini Facebook Page
Candouni
There are those foodie hotspots that satisfy your cravings and those that simply provide the right ambiance. Both aren't necessarily bad in dictating where you want to eat next. In fact, there's one that you probably chose because of the latter but that doesn't mean it can't help with the former as well. And that's Candouni, a hidden family-owned gem in a narrow street in Oia. This cozy little nook, with all its beautiful flora and intimate space, is the perfect spot for a romantic date for two. As for their menu, a delightful menu of traditional Greek dishes will help you satisfy your hunger. And if you're a vegan, they offer a lot of organic options as well!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ seligmanwaite
Yalos
Where is the best place to indulge in fine seafood? By the sea, of course! At least, that's what Yalos in eastern Fira offers! This relaxing tropical-like Mediterranean escape by the coast is another type of foodie hotspot where the beauty of the ambiance and the excellence of the food do the talking. During the day, it serves as a peaceful lounge that offers fine seafood dishes of gastronomical standards. But at night, Yalos transforms into a Happy Hour haven, complete with delicious cocktails, mood lighting, and relaxing salty night breezes! What's not to love?
Source: Yalos
Argo
Another must-try in Fira is Argo, the most elegant of all foodie hotspots in this town. Known for its elegant ambiance and delicious Mediterranean menus, not to mention the breathtaking views it offers, it's a place you won't want to miss. It's also become a popular wedding venue in Santorini as well, particularly its balcony area that overlooks a stunning part of the island. As for the food, think fried calamari with delicious tartar sauce, tomato-based pasta that'll put any Italian to shame, and filleted fish that was freshly caught just this morning. Don't they all sound divine?
Source: Restaurant Argo Facebook Page
The Family Bakery
And finally, some dessert. Though Santorini has its fair share of gelato and candy shops, The Family Bakery trumps them all! Open 24 hours a day and located in Megalochori, their fine selection of pastries, traditional desserts, and even gelato put all the other desert places to shame! It also helps that their menu consists of both modern-day sweets and traditional treats. Only in The Family Bakery will you find lemon squares and chocolate mousse alongside the likes of cannolis and panna cotta. As for what you should get, don't miss your chance to enjoy some intoxicatingly sweet baklava! Each bite sends you to dessert heaven!
Source: The Family Bakery
Here in Santorini, you can get your fill of delicious food, scrumptious desserts, and fine wine in any of these popular foodie hotspots! They all prove that the island has the potential to be a top foodie destination in the world!
If you're curious, another great foodie hotspot in Santorini is your
luxury home here! That is if you can cook Greek cuisine well yourself!
