Santorini: Eat 1
SCROLL DOWN
Santorini: Eat 1
Steeped in history and lapped by the glistening Mediterranean sea, Greece is home to some of the finest, freshest ingredients in the world. Whether its watching the sun go down over the caldera with a glass of local wine in hand, or feasting on the rich traditional cuisine from sagnaki to souvlaki at a candlelit local taverna — dining out in Santorini is not just about what you eat, but the whole sensory experience.
AMMOUDI FISH TAVERN
An adventure in itself, pick up a bottle of water, don a hat and some comfortable footwear and descend the 300 steps from the western tip of Oia village to the tiny port of Amoudi Bay. The stairs seem to crumble away the further you descend, as you gaze at the beautiful whitewashed buildings propped up on the ancient volcanic rock high above. The path will feel misleading, but trust us; the destination is well worth the wait.
Down at the bay, fishing boats sway as emerald waves dance against the red rocky shores, rustic Greek tavernas line the tiny crescent and the smoky scent of chargrilled seafood fills the air.
Ammoudi Fish Tavern lies in the far right corner and serves up the freshest seafood we’ve ever eaten. A laid-back spot for casual, castaway-esque-dining, we stopped by for a light lunch, but the setting is ideal for a romantic alfresco dinner — call ahead and reserve a table on the top terrace for the best sunset seat on the island.
We recommend: Seafood is the star at Ammoudi. Try the fresh fried calamari or catch-of-the-day seafood platter with a zesty greek salad, grilled halloumi and an ice cold glass of white wine to compliment the flavours.
AMMOUDI FISH TAVERN | Amoudi Bay, Santorini, Oia, Amoudi 84702, Greece
http://www.ammoudi-santorini.gr/
Santorini: Eat 2
Santorini: Eat 2
AMBROSIA
Boasting one of the best dinner views in Santorini, Ambrosia is effortlessly romantic. The first venture of restauranteur and hotelier Tony Mosiman, glittering candles and red roses line the tables overlooking the ocean on the restaurant's alfresco terrace.
The chef serves up fine Greek and Mediterranean cuisine beautifully presented and complimented perfectly with a selection of rich local wines. The intimate setting makes Ambrosia ideal for die-hard romantics who are looking for a quiet evening, dining by candlelight under the stars. (The older couple in the photo below stole our hearts — holding hands throughout their meal, whilst staring out over the caldera) With only twelve tables on the terrace, be sure to call earlier in the day to reserve a table outside.
We recommend: The salmon tartare with lemon and green olives, braised fillet of beef with mushroom and truffle risotto and a mini glass of Vin Santo to finish.
AMBROSIA | Cliffside Terrace at Village Centre, Oia 84702
http://www.restaurant-ambrosia.com
FLOGA
In the centre of Oia village, hidden down a narrow cobbled walkway and almost invisible to the passing crowds, Floga is an unassuming yet idyllic spot that should not be overlooked. The setting is intimate, romantic and unsurprisingly has heart-stopping views over the caldera. The restaurant itself is simple and dated, glimmering candles and red roses adding to the undeniable charm.
After a warm and attentive welcome, we were won over by our waiter’s mouthwatering description of the calamari appetiser and fresh lobster spaghetti special — it did not disappoint. A ceremonious occasion, the vibrant dish is presented on a billowing bed of dry ice, packed full of flavour. Disclaimer: it was pricey! But by all accounts, the food is delicious and well worth it for a special summer evening in one of the world’s most incredible destinations.
We recommend: The crispy calamari, followed by the beautifully presented lobster spaghetti special and a theatrical chocolate mousse for dessert.
FLOGA | Main Street, Oia 84702
http://www.floga-oia.com
KANDOUNI
A true local gem, enjoy the chance to escape the buzzing main street and wander down to Kandouni, an enchanting family-run hideaway.
A favourite with the locals, its ambience is unrivalled. The open air courtyard glows with the warm flicker of candlelight as guests are serenaded to the gentle hum of traditional Greek Kantada under the stars. There is heaps of heart and soul at Kandouni and it really comes through in the cooking. The menu changes daily and fresh local produce is passionately rustled up by the mother and father's loving hands — melt-in-your-mouth salt-crusted sea bass, tender baked Greek lamb, crushed aubergine dip and zesty giant garlic prawns to name just a few of the delicious authentic dishes. The service is on the slower side, but the family make up for it with love, passion and charm. If like us you're not in a rush, you'll be sure to have a magical evening.
We recommend: Giant garlic prawns, crushed aubergine dip, grilled halloumi and traditional baked Greek lamb. Delicious!
KANDOUNI | Behind The Main Street, Oia 84702
PITOGYROS
We could write a thousand words about just how delicious Pitogyros is, but it really comes down to one simple line: a fast, cheap and easy place to pick up mouthwatering traditional Greek souvlaki and gyros wraps. Yum!
PITOGYROS | A Back Street, Near The Bus Stop, Oia 84702
http://www.pitogyros.com
Santorini: Eat 3
Santorini: Eat 3
KAPARI WINE RESTAURANT
Located at our second stop, sky-high in Imerovigli; Kapari's outside terrace guarantees you front row seats for Santorini’s spectacular sunset. Head Chef George cooks with michelin starred flair, the dishes beautifully presented and cooked to perfection. Traditional Greek flavours, local recipes and fresh ingredients are expertly crafted into modern show stopping dishes, that we really couldn't fault. At one point, we're sure one of us exclaimed it was the best dessert we'd ever had the pleasure of eating, in our lives! This was one of our favourite meals in Santorini, the ambience, food, warm and attentive service and dramatic views over the caldera and deep blue Aegean Sea are truly unrivalled.
We recommend: To start, shrimps in kataifi crust flavored with arugula pesto, on brioche bread. Next, scallop and cuttlefish ink risotto, tender lamb fillet and the incredible peanut, salted caramel and banana creation below to finish — it was honestly, out of this world.
KAPARI WINE RESTAURANT | Kapari Natural Resort, City Street, Imerovigli 84700
http://www.kaparisantorini.gr
