Besides democracy, mathematics, philosophy, and art, Greece has also gifted the world with stunning holiday destinations. Somewhere at the top of that list is Santorini; an island in the Aegen sea. It embodies all the beauty and fun that Greece has to offer. Even more, the food is nothing less than sublime. Let’s face it; one of the reasons we all go on vacation is to binge on those exotic meals. Based on that, we’ll start by asking; are you looking for the best restaurants in Santorini Caldera?
It’s one thing to visit the area, but it’s another to fully immerse yourself in the food and scenic experiences it offers. Let’s not even talk about the fantastic wildlife which includes the various sharks in the Aegean sea.
What’s more, there’s no need to scroll through reviews or do a random Google search to hunt down the best restaurants in Santorini Caldera. We’ve compiled an extensive list.
Best believe that the Gods kiss any morsel you eat from one of these places. Everything from the specialized menus, ambiance, price points, and fantastic views are covered here. First, let’s have a quick recap on this beautiful island.
Where is Santorini?
Santorini has quickly become a top travel destination, offering some of the most beautiful scenes, landscapes, and awe-inspiring architecture. Santorini’s stunning area (officially called Thera) is a small island in Greece, located in the southern Aegean Sea. This island is roughly 96 km2 and is a part of a group of islands known as the Cyclades. The Cyclades features several islands similar to Santorini in certain aspects, such as architecture.
Santorini is the southernmost island in the group and is located amid two Greek islands called Anafi and Los. It is about 130 sailing miles away from the seaport in Athens, and about 70 sailing miles away from the most famous Greek island, Crete. Santorini can equally be accessed via plane or boat.
Now that we’ve established exactly where this island is, let’s now take a look at the best restaurants in Santorini Caldera.
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Top 10 Best Restaurants in Santorini Caldera
1. Aktaion
Aktaion is a small Greek restaurant located on a terrace that overlooks the caldera view – only a short distance away from the ever-bustling town of Thira. This taverna has been in open since the early 1920s and is the longest operating restaurant on the island. It has a familiar, welcoming ambience to it, which is not surprising since it’s been passed down from generation to generation. The owners have seen Santorini rise from obscurity to its current fame level.
They have worked hard over the years to deliver some of the best food in the area. The majority of their ingredients are locally sourced from the volcanic island, Aktaion. On the menu, you can find anything from fried feta balls to Greek pasta with tomato sauce, garlic, and capers, as well as moussaka. There is also a wide selection of salads to satisfy your taste buds and provide a healthy kick.
The food, excellent as it is, is surprisingly affordable, and the restaurant is family-friendly. So, you can bring the whole family along and fit right in. You might need to book a table ahead of time, but it’s worth it.
2. Kokkino Podilato
Ask anyone on the island, and they’ll tell you that Kokkino Podilato is the restaurant to visit if you want to experience the most breath-taking view of the Caldera. This restaurant is situated in the Instagram-worthy town of Oia and operates in a refurbished mansion, right on the town’s cliffside.
With one of the best balconies on the entire island, this restaurant offers you more than just great dining. The aesthetics of the Kokkino Podilato features modern Greek artwork alongside its stunning view. It equally screams contemporary romance, making it the perfect date spot.
When it comes to the food, this Greek eatery does not fall short. With a menu that is updated seasonally, Kokkino Podilato takes advantage of some of the best ingredients to create masterful delicacies fit for each season.
A couple of Mediterranean dishes, like the sea urchin with black garlic bread and the octopus with black lentils, make regular appearances on their menu. Do not visit Kokkino Podilato without trying these dishes, thank me later. Altogether, you’ll love it here if you have curious taste buds and a little more money to spend.
3. Spilia Tou Nikola
Roughly translating to ‘The Cave of Nikolas,’ the Spilia Tou Nikola restaurant is located in a real cave that belonged to someone named…well… Nikolas. It’s a bit on the nose, but the establishment has so much to offer.
In 1967, the cave was converted to a restaurant and is known for its great Greek food and music. This taverna is situated on the edge of Akrotiri’s sea, and they offer outdoor seating arrangements. So, you can enjoy some good food while overlooking the incredible view.
Nikola’s family runs the Spilia Tou Nikola, and the great thing is that they also own a farm. So, you can rest assured that you’re eating farm to table sourced dishes. They also serve fantastic seafood and Mediterranean dishes, such as their seafood risotto and cod fritters.
More than that, they cater to those of us with specific dietary restrictions by offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. No doubt, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here, and anyone can visit and leave satisfied. To top it all off, their prices are relatively affordable, and they are a kid and family-friendly institution.
4. To Psaraki
If you’re a lover of everything seafood, then the To Psaraki is the restaurant to visit. This place was established in 2010 and has since gained a reputation for being one of Santorini’s best seafood restaurants. More so, you’ll be welcomed with a starter of crusty baked bread alongside a cherry tomato spread with olive oil and oregano. So you know you’ll be off to a great start.
Located on the cliffside in the town of Oia, To Psaraki presents you with the beautiful view of the Caldera. According to guests, the view is best appreciated in the evening time, as you’ll get to watch the sunset from a view you’ve never seen before.
Regarding the rest of its menu, this restaurant offers unprecedented seafood dishes, from its ‘catch of the day’ delicacies to a range of other fish meals. If you prefer meat, they equally provide a couple of meat options as well. But, why opt for meat when you could enjoy the freshest, most decadent seafood on the entire island? Also, their prices are unpretentious and accommodates families well.
5. Katharos Vegan Meze Bar
This is for all the vegans who travel and struggle to find good places to eat. The Katharos Vegan Meze Bar is the best vegan meze bar, not just in Santorini, but in the entirety of Greece. Don’t take our word for it; this testimony comes from locals and tourists alike.
The Vegan bar can be found on a hidden beach below the hustle and bustle of Oia town. Regular guests believe that the best time to visit this restaurant is just before sunset. Not only can you secure a spot at the bar, but you can also enjoy the stunning view of the Caldera from a different angle.
On the bar’s menu is a wide selection of vegan mezes and salads. Dishes most loved by guests include the phyllo rolls, caramelized onions, spinach, vegan cheese, and herby mayo sauce. Vegan or not, this place is a must-visit with its affordable pricing and intimate ambience.
6. Le Moustache Caldera Pool Lounge and Restaurant
If you’ve been searching for a perfect view of the Caldera, then look no further than the Le Moustache Caldera Pool Lounge and Restaurant. This restaurant is located in Imerovigli, only 5km away from the town of Oia. It doubles as a pool lounge, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing dip in their infinity pool. You should come here just before the sun goes down, then you’ll have front row tickets to a breathtaking sunset.
The view from the pool is one of the most stunning in the entire Santorini area, making it worth the rather steep prices on the menu. Speaking of the menu, this restaurant delivers terrific Greek and Mediterranean food as well as divine seafood dishes and European delicacies. Guests have raved about their local Santorinian salads, black Angus rib eye meal, and tuna Bolognese, so make sure to try those out. All in all, this restaurant has a romantic setting and is ideal for special occasions.
7. Argo
This next restaurant has won TripAdvisor’s certificate of excellence on more than one occasion. So that should tell you something about just how great it is. You can find Argo smack in the heart of Fira, which is the capital city of Santorini. It’s also important to note that this is a classy neighbourhood, so come with a stuffed wallet.
This open-air restaurant displays incredible views of the Caldera that’ll be sure to take your breath away. Enjoying a wonderful meal while you gaze upon the scenic view as the sun sets is an occasion that will be ingrained in your memory for a very long time.
If you are an avid lover of the environment and sustainability, you’ll fall in love with Argo. The owners run it using eco-friendly equipment and practises.
The menu is filled with traditional Greek and international foods, with dishes prepared using only the freshest, local ingredients. The prices are also surprisingly affordable, and it’s a place you can enjoy a nice meal with family and friends.
8. 1800
For those visiting Santorini to taste the history of the area, 1800 is the perfect restaurant for you. Even more impressive is the fact that the building used was originally a captain’s house back in 1845.
The new owners decided to capitalize on it and preserved some of the authentic colours, designs, and even a travel chest found. The atmosphere offers an escape from reality and takes you to a whole other time. 1800 is one of the more popular restaurants in Oia, so if you want to snatch a table, you might need to book one ahead of time.
This ageless eatery delivers when it comes to food, providing a menu filled with traditional Mediterranean recipes, alongside an exquisite menu of Greek wine. More than great history and lovely food, 1800 also features a stunning view of the Aegean Sea from their rooftop terrace. The prices are a little on the high side, but very much worth the cost.
9. Atlantis Island
No one does fine dining like Atlantis Island. This restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner for two, among other things. From delicious dishes to beautiful service, Atlantis Island has it all.
This place is in the town of Oia and overlooks the stunning sea from one of the island’s best beaches. One other thing they can boast about is the ability of guests to handpick some of the local ingredients used to prepare their menu items. These ingredients are sourced from two local farms on the island.
The menu changes every year but predominantly focuses on Greek and Mediterranean foods. also on offer is a vegetarian menu option, with ingredients like fava beans, white eggplants, and tomatoes. For outstanding food at an affordable price point, this is the place to be.
10. Aegialos
This list of the best restaurants in Santorini Caldera cannot be complete without a mention of Aegialos. This restaurant is located on a bright and sunny beach, only a short distance from Fira and can be accessed via car, boat, or foot. Sea-inspired designs and sporting boats transformed into sofas is the simplest way to describe the scenery.
This small beachside restaurant is a must-visit if you’re serious about having the whole Santorini experience. It is trendy among tourists, and for a good reason too. Aegialos is known for serving a wide variety of fish and seafood dishes, using only the freshest ingredients to prepare their meals. It is equally ideal for a family dinner and doesn’t require you to break the bank.
Best 10 Restaurants in Santorini: The Conclusion
You can find it all in Santorini. There are affordable seafood restaurants, traditional Greek tavernas, and even the classiest vegan dishes. Altogether, this perfectly curated list includes only the best restaurants in Santorini Caldera. So, the next time you visit, you know exactly where to go to enjoy delicious food and the most amazing views.
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Feel free to leave a comment on your thoughts, and any other great restaurants in the area you think we’ve missed.
