17 Best Restaurants in Santorini (Thira), The Cyclades

Since 1922, three generations of the Roussos family have offered hospitality and fine food in this tiny blue-and-white taverna. Outside, tables overlook the caldera; inside, murals and paintings are by the owner. Traditional recipes and local ingredients are given room to shine and are presented well by the attentive staff. If you are lucky enough to get a reservation, the cozy atmosphere may well find you chatting with fellow diners who are just as pleased with their choice.

This beautifully designed patisserie offers a range of delicious bijou creations that look like works of art. Gorgeous and chic, they are the best sweet treats on the island and would not look out of place in a Parisian boutique. A breezy shaded terrace with views is a great place to take a break and indulge yourself.

A 19th-century mansion is the stage for one of Santorini's most storied eateries; a traditional white exterior and glossy painted door lead to a chic interior and a stupendous terrace with caldera views on all sides; people call to not only make reservations but to request specific tables. The food is a match for the surroundings; assured and confident, it is an elevated take on the traditional island cuisine with a very seductive wine list to complement it.

A pastel-yellow courtyard hidden among the sea captains' mansions is where those in the know come to eat in Ia. Elegant and delicious, these modern Greek updates on classic cooking are rays of sunshine among the more tourist-oriented fare elsewhere. Rooted in island ingredients, this is food to make you smile. Friendly and down-to-earth staff help to make the experience memorable and the all-Greek wine list is particularly strong on the local Santorini offerings.

Back in Fira, the restaurant that set Santorini on its own gastronomic trail continues to entice and impress in its new incarnation in the imposing setting of an 18th-century Catholic monastery. The ingredients of the Cyclades are redefined under the watch of Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini for a one of a kind experience—some of the finest dining in Greece.

The first of the Ammoudi fish houses that opened in the 1980s is still a standout among the several excellent tavernas that line the quay in this tiny fishing port just below Ia—you can walk down and take a cab back to town. Lapping waves, bobbing fishing boats, and tables so close to the water's edge that a clumsy move might add a swim to the evening's entertainment, testify to the freshness of the fish, which is simply grilled. Most diners arrive in time to witness the sunset, but the meal often steals the show.

Overlooking the famous infinity pool of the Grace Hotel, Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou brings his iconic Varouko dishes to the island. The Aegean and all its bounties are the inspiration for the breathtaking dishes that truly express the exceptional ingredients. The food here revels in its Greekness, generous in color and flavor, matched to contemporary techniques and presentation.

A jasmine-shaded front garden, candlelit at night, and an antiques-filled salon are the charming settings in a centuries-old sea captain's house for this traditional family taverna. All the classics are there, but perhaps the best approach is to order from the sizeable meze selection, wash it down with the very palatable house white, and soak in the cozy atmosphere.

A jetty juts out into the sea and is a memorable setting for lunch, while on calm nights the moon playing off the water makes this quiet outpost on the southern end of the island one of the most romantic spots around. By day it's not unusual to see fish being hauled into the kitchen fresh from the docks. Lobster spaghetti, a quick meal fishermen used to prepare in their boats, is the speciality, and the fresh catch kept on ice is nicely grilled and served with generous salads.

The smart option for tasty street food in Fira—the Middle Eastern--inspired dishes are a delight here—quick, healthy, and inexpensive. There is a small indoor dining area but the steps and benches outside are a great place to swap tips and photos with fellow travelers.

In a former historic tomato cannery off the Agios Georgios section of Perivolos Beach, Forty One is a chic, stylish destination for fine Mediterranean dishes, with a calming sea view. Besides creatively presented favorites like regional salads, risotto, pasta, and freshly grilled seafood plates, there are a host of creative cocktails that steal the show and make a fine accompaniment to taking in the black-beach sunset.

The hangout that is such a caldera-side hit in Fira also has a welcoming presence in Pyrgos, where cocktails and light snacks are served on breezy terraces overlooking the village, vineyards, and the sea. This spot is especially popular at sunset, but does a brisk business throughout the day, when the bar brews great coffee.

It seems that just about everyone in Santorini looks forward to a meal at this village taverna. Even though the name means "between us," the secret is out and the key to success appears to be to keep it simple—the kitchen sticks to traditional home-style cooking from Santorini and Crete. You can only reach this rural outpost by car or taxi, though Fira is just a 10-minute ride away, so do make a reservation before you leave as it gets very busy.

Old-fashioned Greek fare, made with care and served by a friendly and accommodating staff, can be enjoyed on a breezy balcony; tables at one end get a caldera view. The decoration won't win prizes but the view will. Many consider the moussaka, served in an earthenware pot, to be the best on the island.

This charming little taverna, all pastel colors and spindle-backed chairs, is a cozy retreat from the busy streets outside. Named after the chef and owner's grandfather Nikolas Oinomagiremata, traditional hearty recipes are delivered with charm and, while there is no knockout view to distract you, the food works hard to keep you entertained.

The balcony overlooking the caldera on top of this café-cum-bakery-cum-pizzeria is a prime spot for lazing over breakfast, a coffee, or a home-baked pastry. Open all year, too, for soothing summer ice cream or warming winter waffles.

A lovingly decorated mansion is home to one of the island's best cellars with a deep and extensive international list. The food is no afterthought though; eclectic and creative magic goes on in the kitchen as a mainly Mediterranean menu is put through its paces. The rooftop terrace is a favorite for sunset views, but the vaulted-ceilinged dining room can be a wiser option on blustery summer nights—either way, it is a wonderful place to spend an evening.