Traditional recipes in Santorini are based on authentic local produce and due to the enriched volcanic soil in Thira and the dry, humid climate, here you will taste some of the most flavoursome agricultural products available in the Aegean.
This gorgeous Cycladic island is renowned for its distinctive dishes and culinary delights, including Domatokeftedes (tomato fritters), Fava (yellow split peas), Domatinia (cherry tomatoes), their unique white aubergines and not to mention the splendid drops of red and white wine on offer!
With so many gourmet restaurants offering award winning chefs creations to choose from, we have rounded up five of the finest that are guaranteed to satisfy all your senses.
Koukoumavlos Restaurant
Tucked away from the crowds in a quiet corner of Fira, with a well known chef (Nikos Pouliasis) who has created dishes for A list celebrities, this restaurant has won numerous awards for their creative take on traditional Greek cuisine, including the highly coveted Toques d’Or (Golden Hat) for 10 years in a row. Pouliasis is a food artist and has a reputation for designing dishes using fresh, local ingredients in unique ways. A refined romantic setting awaits you, as it’s set in an original 18th century sea captain’s house with breathtaking ocean views.
Selene
Having served some of Santorini’s most beautiful dishes for over 30 years, Selene’s is ideal for that special dinner that you will remember for a lifetime. Currently on the menu you will find Squid Fava, Shrimp Ravioli, Rabbit Stifado and Lamb Eggplant. With sweeping views and set in an medieval castle, it lies next to the famous vineyards and farmland. Here you have the opportunity to taste all local products and appreciate in depth the gastronomic culture of the island.
Alati
Specialising in Seafood and Modern Greek cuisine, Alati has evolved from a 400-year-old winery cave into an enchanting eatery. Indoor or terrace dining showcase the creative fish and seafood inspired menu, created by executive chef Melina Chomata, giving guests a refined taste adventure. The delightful menu is based on the island’s unique products – including farmed fruit, vegetables and legumes, plus aromatic wines, with the restaurant receiving global recognition. Some of their specialties include fresh lobster served with goat milk and hand made pasta, spinach with grilled octopus, tahini and dried white figs, Santorinian zucchini chips and Traditional syrup sweets kourkoubinia served with rose ice cream.
"1800"
The awarded “1800” Restaurant in Oia is set in a restored mansion built around 1845. It is a typical Santorinian captain’s house and here you will discover creative traditional Greek dishes full of colour, texture and flavour. From the starters to the salads, the main courses and the desserts, best quality ingredients are used, treating you to a unique culinary experience.The dishes are presented in an asymmetrical fashion, every plate resembling a canvas, painted by the chef, who mixes colourful ingredients to create numerous different flavours.
Apiron
With its unique location and its stunning terrace view, here you will enjoy a meal that you will no doubt be talking about for years to come, as the menu remains faithful to Greece’s age old traditions and the simple but mouthwatering flavours of Santorini. Don’t miss the smoked eggplant salad made with local white eggplants, which are seedless and sweet. All-time favourites also include sea-bass fricassee, and the chef’s legendary shrimps kritharotto.
I will visit all
When in Greece soon