Can’t make it to Santorini yet? Bring the flavors of the island to your kitchen.

Santorini isn’t just sunsets and blue domes; it’s also an island with a rich culinary heritage and world-class wines produced from volcanic soil. The best part? You can recreate a true Santorini food & wine experience without leaving your home.              

In this guide, you will learn how to organize your own culinary tour of Santorini, with traditional recipes, wine pairings, and the perfect Santorini atmosphere.

Bring Santorini into your home

Before you start cooking, let’s create the mood. Start with some music. You can play some traditional Greek music or soft bouzouki instrumentals. Decorate your table using a blue and white tablecloth, olive branches, and candles, and adjust the lighting to create an ambiance similar to a Santorini sunset.

Cook like a local: Santorini’s signature dishes

To assemble a traditional Greek menu, it is recommended to include four courses: a starter, a salad, a main dish, and a dessert.

Starters:

Fava (Santorini yellow split pea purée)

A silky, creamy dish, often served as a starter with fresh bread.

• Ingredients: Yellow split peas, onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt.
• Tip: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with capers & onion for an authentic touch.

Tomatokeftedes (Santorini tomato fritters)

A crispy snack bursting with the flavor of sun-dried Santorini tomatoes.

• Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, onion, flour, fresh mint, oregano.
• Tip: Use ripe, sweet tomatoes for the best taste.

Salad:

Greek salad, Santorini style

No Greek table is complete without this delicious dish.

• For a twist, you can add a local white cheese (chloro) instead of feta for a unique flavor.

Main dish:

Slow-cooked beef in tomato sauce with fried potatoes

A hearty and comforting Greek main course, perfect for recreating the warmth of a Santorini home.

• Ingredients: Beef chunks, ripe tomatoes or tomato purée, onion, garlic, cinnamon stick, olive oil, salt, pepper, and potatoes.
• Tip: Simmer the beef for 2–3 hours until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve with golden fried potatoes for an authentic touch.

Dessert:

 Greek yogurt with homemade marmalade

A simple yet indulgent way to round off your Santorini evening.

• Ingredients: Thick Greek yogurt and your favorite marmalade (orange, fig, or sour cherry are classics).
• Tip: Serve in a chilled glass with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Pair your menu with Santorini wines for a more authentic experience

Santorini is home to some of Greece’s best wines, thanks to its volcanic soil and ancient vines.

• Assyrtiko – Crisp, citrusy, and perfect with seafood and fava.
• Nykteri – A fuller-bodied white, great with tomato fritters and Greek salad.
• Vinsanto – Sweet dessert wine, ideal with chocolate or cheese.
• Mandilaria – A bold, deep red wine with earthy notes and balanced tannins, pairing beautifully with rich meat dishes like slow-cooked beef in tomato sauce.

Tip: If you can’t find Santorini wines locally, look for Assyrtiko from other Greek regions; it’s still delicious.

It’s time to plan the real thing!

As wonderful as a DIY experience is, nothing beats tasting fava under the Santorini sun or sipping Assyrtiko while watching the caldera glow at sunset.

When you’re ready to turn your home experience into a real deal, Cozy Pickups offers authentic Santorini cooking classes and wine tours, complete with local chefs, vineyard visits, and, of course, that unforgettable sunset.