Most visitors arrive in Santorini expecting caldera-edge dining where the view carries the bill. The reality is that the best food has moved away from the tourist-clogged paths of Fira and Oia toward the island's interior. You will find higher quality by avoiding the spots where sunset-chasers crowd the walkways for mediocre meze. Recent years have seen a shift toward focused, produce-driven cooking that prioritizes local volcanic soil ingredients like cherry tomatoes, white eggplant, and fava beans over basic grilled octopus. Reservations are mandatory during the July and August peak, and expect the kitchen to operate on a late Mediterranean clock, with dinner services rarely hitting their stride before nine in the evening.
Look toward the quiet volcanic plains of Pyrgos or the farm-rich surroundings of Megalochori for the most genuine plates. If you prefer the coast, skip the main pedestrian thoroughfares of Oia and head to the northern tip or the quiet outskirts of Imerovigli. These areas offer proximity to the source of the island's primary ingredients. The highest density of quality dining sits in the small stone alleys of these hilltop villages, far from the cruise ship crowds. Focus your search there.
Here is where to start.
© Photo Credits: Canaves
02.Canaves
What is it? Canaves sits on the Main Road of Oía, a ten-minute walk from the Oia Castle. It is a fine dining destination focusing on a fusion of Mediterranean and seafood menus.
Why we love it: The restaurant commands a following that keeps its rating at 4.91 across 76 reviews, an outlier in a tourist-heavy district. The fusion approach moves beyond standard island fare, utilizing the fine dining setting to distinguish itself from the more casual spots found closer to the Church of Panagia.
Good to Know: The terrace is the primary draw at Canaves, but because it sits at a higher price point than its neighbors, stick to the seafood-heavy fusion pairings to make the most of the evening.
© Photo Credits: Lycabettus
03.Lycabettus
What is it? Lycabettus sits on Nik. Nomikou in Oía, a three-minute walk from Oia Castle and five minutes from the Sunset Serenade. This fine dining restaurant specializes in Mediterranean and Greek seafood.
Why we love it: The restaurant commands a position 1,500 meters from the crowds of Amoudi Bay, trading proximity for an elevated vantage point. With a 4.76 rating across 359 reviews, it manages the rare feat of pairing a high-traffic luxury setting with a consistent output that earns it a place in a competitive market.
Good to Know: The kitchen focuses on seafood preparations that emphasize the Mediterranean palette, so expect the menu at Lycabettus to shift based on the day's catch.
© Photo Credits: Catch
04.Catch
What is it? Catch is a fine dining restaurant on Konstantinou Paleologou in Oía, located a five-minute walk from Oia Castle. It specializes in seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.
Why we love it: The restaurant provides a rare, high-end alternative to the casual tavernas that dominate much of Oía. With its consistently high guest rating, Catch manages a balance between upscale Mediterranean service and the specific demands of a prime Santorini location.
Good to Know: The terrace at Catch prioritizes views of the Aegean, so request a table near the edge of the balcony to make the most of the layout during the dinner service.
© Photo Credits: Throubi
05.Throubi
What is it? Throubi sits on Epar.Od. Firon-Ias, a three-minute walk from Skalos Restaurant and less than a five-minute stroll from the Santorini Caldera. It is a fine dining destination focusing on Mediterranean and fusion farm-to-table techniques.
Why we love it: The restaurant balances an ambitious farm-to-table approach with the stark, volcanic landscape of Imerovigli. While many nearby spots lean heavily on the surroundings, the 4.81 guest rating suggests Throubi succeeds by prioritizing the plate as much as the terrace. It is the rare luxury table that feels both intentional and grounded in local produce.
Good to Know: Throubi enforces a smart and elegant dress code, so trade the island-standard linen shorts for tailored attire to match the terrace setting.
© Photo Credits: Forty One
06.Forty One
What is it? Forty One sits on Ag. Georgios Emboriou, an eight-minute walk from the sands of Perivolos Beach. It functions as a fine dining destination focusing on seafood and Mediterranean-Greek flavors.
Why we love it: The restaurant commands a steady 4.77 rating from nearly 1,700 reviews, a rare consistency for a high-end venue located this far south of the busy Kamari Black Beach. It justifies its price tier by balancing luxury service with a sprawling terrace that captures the transition from afternoon heat to sunset views.
Good to Know: The kitchen at Forty One centers its Mediterranean menu on daily seafood arrivals, so ask your server which Aegean catch is best suited for the wood-fired grill that evening.
© Photo Credits: Lauda
07.Lauda
What is it? Lauda holds a Michelin star in Oia 847 02. It sits a six-minute walk from Oia Castle and is positioned within a fifteen-minute walk of the Sunset Serenade Oia.
Why we love it: This restaurant pairs high-end Mediterranean and Greek seafood with a terrace setting that commands a premium over the standard tavern experience found elsewhere in the village. With a 4.80 rating from 345 reviews, it justifies its expensive price tier by focusing on technical precision rather than just the proximity to Amoudi Bay.
Good to Know: Lauda requires a smart and elegant dress code, so trade the typical island linen for something more formal to match the fine dining atmosphere.
© Photo Credits: Selene
08.Selene
What is it? Selene is a fine dining restaurant situated within the walls of an old catholic monastery. It sits a ten-minute walk from the Archaeological Museum of Thera and is positioned less than a ten-minute walk from the center of Fira Town.
Why we love it: Selene earns its premium price point by pairing a high-concept Mediterranean and Greek seafood menu with the architectural gravity of a former monastery. While most venues in Fira scramble for position, this space uses its landmark setting to offer a sense of seclusion alongside the caldera and sunset views.
Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Selene is strictly observed, so expect to navigate the uneven stone paths near the monastery in formal footwear.
© Photo Credits: Theros Wave Bar
09.Theros Wave Bar
What is it? Theros Wave Bar is a seafood, Mediterranean, and Greek restaurant located in Vlychada. It sits roughly forty minutes by car from the Akrotiri Lighthouse and about twenty minutes from the Akrotiri Archaeological Site.
Why we love it: The space balances a mid-range price point with the amenities of fine dining, holding a 4.73 rating from over 1,500 reviews. It offers a distinct alternative to the more crowded tourist hubs near Red Beach, which is a twenty-minute drive away.
Good to Know: The terrace at Theros Wave Bar is the preferred vantage point for the Mediterranean menu, so confirm your reservation includes outdoor seating.
© Photo Credits: Seaside
10.Seaside
What is it? Seaside sits on Agios Georgios, just 100 meters from the sands of Agios Georgios Beach. It is an expensive restaurant focused on a fusion of Mediterranean, Greek, and seafood preparations.
Why we love it: It earns a loyal following, evidenced by a 4.79 rating from over 2,500 diners who prioritize its rare combination of a beachfront setting with a smart, elegant atmosphere. While many spots in Santorini rely solely on the horizon, this venue maintains a level of service and polish that justifies the higher price point.
Good to Know: The kitchen specializes in seafood, so order a catch-of-the-day pairing rather than the standard grill options to truly experience the Aegean menu.
