Santorini is popular for its stunning sunset views, dramatic volcanic cliffs, and whitewashed buildings, but it also boasts a unique and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. The island’s volcanic soil creates a variety of flavors in simple products, including tomatoes and grapes. From typical Greek food to fresh fish and seafood, here’s a guide to the must-try dishes and places to find them.

Santorini is an island located in the middle of the Aegean Sea, which means it is very easy to find fresh fish and seafood.

Grilled calamari, octopus, and seabass are among the top choices for seafood lovers.

Best places to find these dishes:

• Amoudi Fish Tavern: The perfect place for a romantic dinner by the water with fresh fish and seafood.
• To Psaraki in Vlychada: Traditional fish tavern located near the beach and a very small harbor with fishing boats.

This is a traditional island dish. Fava beans are yellow split peas grown in the Santorini’s volcanic soil. This delicious appetizer is a creamy purée topped with olive oil, capers, lemon, and onions.

Best places to try fava beans:

• Metaxi Mas: A highly rated restaurant with local food in Santorini, located behind Pyrgos in a small village named Exo Gonia.
• Lefkes Restaurant: A super tasty restaurant with fresh ingredients situated in front of Oia in Finikia Village.

This is a unique vegetable from Santorini. The white eggplant is sweeter and less bitter than the common one and is usually fried, grilled, or used in moussaka, the famous Greek dish.

Best places to taste white eggplant:

• The Good Heart Taverna in Akrotiri: A typical local tavern, which is a family-run business and offers generous portions of authentic dishes.
• Selene in Pyrgos Village: In a local area, this restaurant offers fine dining based on local flavors and ingredients.

Made using Santorinian cherry tomatoes, which are sweeter with a wonderful taste. This appetizer is a must-try dish. Tomatokeftedes are mixed with herbs and spices and are very crispy.

Best places to try tomatokeftedes:

• Roka: A charming restaurant with tasty food and reasonable prices located in the center of Oia.
• Kokkalo (Firostefani): On the main road leading to Fira. Open all year round with high-quality dishes and flavors.

A variety of the classic Greek salad with cherry tomatoes, katsouni (local cucumber), capers, and chloro cheese (creamy goat’s cheese).

Best places to find the Santorini salad:

• 1500 BC Restaurant in Fira: At this restaurant, you will find generous portions and traditional flavors.
• Savvas Popeye: Located at Perivolos Beach, this taverna excels in simple, fresh flavors in a tranquil location near the water.

Finish your gastronomic journey in Santorini with a glass of Vinsanto wine. This traditional Santorini wine is a dessert wine made from sun-dried Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes. It is very sweet and aromatic and pairs perfectly with bitter chocolate.

Best places to find Vinsanto wine:

• Koutsogiannopoulos Winery: Learn about the history of winemaking in Santorini combined with a wine-tasting session.
• Artemis Karamolegos Winery & Aroma Avlis: A local winery situated near the village of Kamari. Enjoy an ultimate experience with a perfectly cooked meal followed by a wine tasting.

• Book in advance: Popular restaurants usually fill up very fast, so reservations in advance are recommended.
• Search for local ingredients: The island of Santorini offers some unique and very tasty ingredients thanks to its volcanic soil and sea climate.
• Take a cooking class: Learn how to make local dishes while enjoying a glass of local wine. At the end of the day, complete your experience by enjoying the meal you have cooked.