Food · Santorini · Greece
What to eat in Santorini
The dishes, drinks and food experiences that define Santorini, and where locals actually eat them.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Start with Santorini fava, Tomato fritters and Greek salad with Santorini capers. Taste Assyrtiko, Nykteri and Vinsanto at a winery terrace above the caldera as the sun sets, with a plate of local cheese and fava. Caldera-view restaurants charge for the view; tavernas a street back or in inland villages are often better value.
Key facts
- Signature dish
- Santorini fava
- Vegetarian-friendly picks
- 8
- Tipping
- Service is not usually added.
- Food experiences
- 3
10 foods to try
Dish · Vegetarian
1.Santorini fava (Fava Santorinis)
A smooth purée made from a small yellow legume grown in the island's volcanic soil, served warm with olive oil, raw onion and capers.
Where: Almost every taverna on the island serves it as a starter; it is especially good in traditional places in Pyrgos and Megalochori.
Snack · Vegetarian
2.Tomato fritters (Tomatokeftedes)
Fritters made from the island's small, intense cherry tomatoes mixed with onion, mint and flour and fried until crisp.
Where: Tavernas across the island, often alongside fava as part of a meze spread.
Dish · Vegetarian
3.Greek salad with Santorini capers (Horiatiki)
Tomatoes, cucumber, onion and feta with the island's capers and pickled caper leaves, which add a salty, lemony bite.
Where: Every taverna; ask for caper leaves (kaparofylla) if they are not already included.
Dish
4.Grilled octopus and fresh fish
Octopus dried in the sun then grilled, and whole fish such as sea bream priced by weight, served with lemon and olive oil.
Where: Waterfront tavernas in Amoudi Bay, Vlychada and Kamari.
Street food
5.Gyros pita
Shaved pork or chicken from a vertical rotisserie wrapped in pita with tomato, onion, tzatziki and chips. It is the island's quick, low-cost meal.
Where: Grill counters around the bus station in Fira and in Kamari and Perissa.
Dish · Vegetarian
6.White aubergine salad
Santorini's sweet white aubergines, grilled or roasted and mashed with garlic and olive oil, or served fried.
Where: Traditional tavernas in inland villages, especially in summer.
Drink · Vegetarian
7.Assyrtiko
Santorini's signature white wine: dry, mineral and high in acidity, made from vines that grow in baskets on the volcanic soil.
Where: Wineries near Pyrgos, Megalochori and Oia, and on every restaurant wine list.
Drink · Vegetarian
8.Vinsanto
A sweet, amber dessert wine made from grapes dried in the sun before pressing, then aged in barrels for years.
Where: Winery tastings and dessert menus; small bottles make good souvenirs.
Dessert · Vegetarian
9.Melitinia
Small star-shaped pastries filled with sweet fresh cheese and mastic, traditionally baked on Santorini for Easter.
Where: Bakeries in Fira and the villages, mostly around Easter but sold by some year-round.
Drink · Vegetarian
10.Freddo espresso
The Greek summer staple: espresso shaken with ice until frothy and served over ice, with or without sugar or milk foam (freddo cappuccino).
Where: Any café on the island; order it 'sketo' for no sugar or 'metrio' for medium.
Food experiences
Sunset winery tasting
Taste Assyrtiko, Nykteri and Vinsanto at a winery terrace above the caldera as the sun sets, with a plate of local cheese and fava.
Fish dinner in Amoudi Bay
Walk down the steps from Oia for grilled fish and octopus at a table almost touching the water.
Meze in an inland village
Order fava, tomato fritters and white aubergine at a taverna in Pyrgos or Megalochori, away from caldera-view prices.
Quick bites and street food
- Tomato fritters — Tavernas across the island, often alongside fava as part of a meze spread.
- Gyros pita — Grill counters around the bus station in Fira and in Kamari and Perissa.
Vegetarian options
Of the 10 foods in this guide, 8 are usually vegetarian: Santorini fava, Tomato fritters, Greek salad with Santorini capers, White aubergine salad, Assyrtiko, Vinsanto, Melitinia and Freddo espresso. Check preparation with staff, as stocks and fats vary.
Eating out: tips and etiquette
- Caldera-view restaurants charge for the view; tavernas a street back or in inland villages are often better value.
- Fresh fish is priced per kilo; ask the weight and price before it goes on the grill.
- Greeks eat dinner late, from about 9pm; book sunset-view tables in Oia and Imerovigli well ahead in summer.
- Many restaurants close from about November to March; check before booking a winter trip.
- Bread and a small cover charge are usually added to the bill.
Tipping
Service is not usually added. Leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good service is appreciated, and rounding up taxi fares is normal.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Kaliméra | Good morning |
| Kalispéra | Good evening |
| Efcharistó | Thank you |
| Parakaló | Please / you're welcome |
| To logariasmó, parakaló | The bill, please |
| Yamas! | Cheers! |
Questions travellers ask
+What food is Santorini famous for?
Santorini fava, Tomato fritters, Greek salad with Santorini capers and Grilled octopus and fresh fish. A smooth purée made from a small yellow legume grown in the island's volcanic soil, served warm with olive oil, raw onion and capers.
+Is Santorini good for vegetarians?
Several local staples are meat-free, including Santorini fava, Tomato fritters and Greek salad with Santorini capers.
+Do you tip in restaurants in Santorini?
Service is not usually added. Leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good service is appreciated, and rounding up taxi fares is normal.