Top five small restaurants in Santorini
Santorini is known for beautiful views, whitewashed villages and sunsets over the Aegean. But if you spend all your time looking for somewhere with a view, you can easily miss some of the island’s smaller places to eat.
Small restaurants and seaside bars in Greece can be a nice change from busy tourist spots. They tend to have a more relaxed atmosphere, and many focus on straightforward food rather than trying to make every meal feel like a special occasion. If that sounds more like your style, these five places are worth looking at during a trip to Santorini.
1) Falafeland
If you fancy something quick, casual and a little different, Falafeland in Fira is an easy option. As the name suggests, falafel is a big part of the menu, with vegetarian and vegan choices available.
The food is well suited to a relaxed lunch when you are out exploring the town. You can grab a wrap or bowl, sit down for a while and then carry on with your day without turning lunch into a lengthy affair.
It is also a useful option for anyone who does not eat meat or simply wants a break from the usual Greek dishes. The menu includes plenty of fresh ingredients, making it a good choice when you want something filling without a heavy meal.
2) Metaxi Mas
Metaxi Mas is tucked away in Exo Gonia, making it a good choice if you want to get away from the busiest parts of Santorini. The restaurant is known for Greek and Cretan-style food, with traditional flavours taking centre stage.
The menu gives you the opportunity to try dishes that you might not come across in the more tourist-focused restaurants. Local cheeses, fava and other Greek favourites feature alongside more substantial dishes.
The setting is another reason people seek it out. Rather than sitting in the middle of a busy tourist area, you can enjoy your meal in a quieter part of the island.
3) Aktaion
Aktaion in Firostefani is a small family-run taverna with a long history. It is the kind of place that suits anyone looking for traditional Greek food in a straightforward setting.
You can expect familiar favourites alongside dishes made with local ingredients. Seafood, fava and tomato fritters are among the types of Greek food associated with the restaurant.
Its location also makes it convenient if you are exploring Firostefani. After walking around the area, stopping for lunch or dinner here gives you a chance to sit down and enjoy a proper meal without needing to travel far.
4) Vothonaki
Vothonaki is found in the traditional village of Vothonas, away from the crowds you will find in places such as Oia and central Fira.
The restaurant has a simple, informal feel, which is part of its appeal. The menu focuses on Greek food and meze, giving you the chance to order a few different dishes and share them with the people you are travelling with.
Vothonas itself is worth exploring while you are there. The village has a quieter character and offers a different side of Santorini, making it a nice place to combine a meal with a little wandering.
5) The Good Heart
Down in Akrotiri, The Good Heart is another family-run restaurant with an emphasis on Greek cooking. It is a useful option if you are exploring the southern part of the island and want somewhere away from the main tourist centres.
The menu includes traditional Greek dishes, seafood and home-style meals. Local produce is also an important part of the cooking, giving the food a connection to the island rather than making it feel like a generic holiday menu.
The relaxed atmosphere suits a long lunch or an unhurried evening meal. After visiting the archaeological site or exploring the surrounding area, it can be a pleasant place to sit down, order a few dishes and take your time over dinner.
Small restaurants like these can give you a different experience of Santorini. Away from the busy streets and famous viewpoints, you get the chance to explore quieter parts of the island while trying food that feels a little more personal.
