Yummy Eats in Santorini, Greece!

One thing we've learned about eating out in Santorini?  Take your sweet time.  You'll find that your waiter/waitress won't bring you your check unless you specifically ask for it.  They want you to savor your food, enjoy the views, and connect with one another.  It's something some of us Westerners might need to learn as slowing down isn't necessarily a part of our repertoire.

Food on the island seems to be higher in quality than the Greek food we've tried in the states.  Portions are smaller so you never feel too full.  Also, water is always offered still or sparkling because you absolutely can't have water from tap (the reason being that the tap water has a high salt content on the island).  Pastas and seafood run aplenty in Santorini so take your pick!    

Below, you'll find a few of the places we dined at during our week-long trip to the island.​  

SOUTHERN SANTORINI

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Cabo Rosso @ The Ambassador Luxury Suites, Akrotiri Santorini

Cabo Rosso at night

Conveniently located within the compounds of the Ambassador Hotel (where we stayed), it was where we ate daily breakfast.  Our first night in Santorini, we decided to eat here because we were still a bit tired from traveling for 15 hours - we certainly didn't feel like venturing out. 

Its current setting has a great view of Southern Santorini as well as a view of the caldera.  This establishment has the most contemporary style out of every restaurant we ate.  It had a great vibe and the wait staff was extremely attentive.      

Cabo Rosso interior

Breakfasts always started with great views, fresh squeezed OJ, and freddocinos (iced coffees).  All meals we consumed are organic and fresh.

The following photos are dishes we ordered from Cabo Rosso and so delicious!  

DISH: PASTITSIO

With fresh pasta, beef tail, and bechamel truffle espuma

Beef Black Angus Short Ribs Stifado - Sous vide with eggplant mouselin and sweet onions flavored with rosemary

One thing the restaurant offered (or maybe it was a perk of the hotel) was being able to use a hookah.  Vuong and I are what you call "social smokers" so we wanted to try it out since we've never done it before.  They offered various flavors and we chose peach.  We smoked for about an hour and it was kind of a nice way to relax.  We put away our cell phones (other than taking some of these photos), had a couple cocktails, reminisced about the past, and laughed the night away.  

For more on Cabo Rosso, visit their website www.caborosso.com/

Forty-One “41” @ Perivolos Beach, Akrotiri

It was suggested by our travel reps as well as the front desk of our hotel to visit the black beaches in the south (mainly because there are less crowds and the atmosphere is much more relaxing).  Our hotel had connections with the restaurant, Forty One. 

We were instructed to let them know we were from the Ambassador upon arrival so that we would be able to use their beach loungers and umbrellas (otherwise, there would be an additional charge). 

We ordered from the restaurant and ate a nice lunch consisting of appetizers and drinks, while enjoying the breeze and the ongoing sounds of the waves.   

Beach restaurant/bar/cafe, "41"

We were on the beach for almost 3 hours, eating and people-watching.  Vuong waded in the ocean a bit while I caught up on my beauty and fashion magazines.  We noticed a young Asian woman going around asking guests if they wanted a foot massage (for a price).  Each massage seemed to last about 30 mins to an hour.  It looked so tempting but we had to leave by the time she came near our area.  Boo!

Refreshments on the beach

Appetizers - Souvlaki, sampler, and calamari on a stick

The food did not disappoint and tasted so fresh.  Again, portions weren't huge but just the right amount.  We were able to finish everything between the two of us..

Salmon Tartare

For more on 41, they don't have a website but a Facebook page www.facebook.com/41-Forty-One-507133719464421/

Panorama Restaurant, Akrotiri

We came by pretty late so the restaurant only had a few patrons (maybe 6 of us?) and the view of the caldera was pretty dark.  A young waitress and the owner greeted us promptly and sat us next to an open window where we could enjoy a nice breeze.  The outdoor dining area blended in with the indoor area so that there was a breezy flow.  

If I am being honest, the food was okay but the wine and service was great - I'm sure the view would have been fantastic had we gone in earlier.

Sampling the local wines - you have a choice between sweet, medium, and dry

As we finished our meal, we were greeted by a cat - an island stray.  We thought it belonged to the owner because it was really sweet and didn't seem feral.  We notified our waitress who seemed a little afraid so she went to get the owner.  By the way, you'll see that there are hundreds of strays on the island...I'm not sure why but it seems that everywhere you go, there they are and usually in groups.  The cat tried to climb onto our table and get our scraps but the owner removed it from the dining area.  

For more info, visit their site at www.panorama-santorini.gr/?l=el

Caldera Romantica @ Akrotiri, Santorini

We were supposed to eat at another restaurant across the street and down the cliffs but we didn't make a reservation.  Plus it was so dark (despite being dimly lit) that we didn't want to risk falling down the hill.  We looked up and saw this place, not too crowded, and the place looked cozy and inviting.  People were dining outdoors, having great conversations.  We wanted to join in, too!

It was fairly easy to get a table and our waitress was very welcoming.  We did't know what to start with but we were inspired by the table next to us and ordered the same rose wine they were having to start.    

The restaurant manager chatted us up a bit and was very sweet.  She genuinely was interested in where we were from and even gave us tips on traveling in and out of the island.  She even gave us some free cake after our meal - it was a gift from her friend and she wanted to share with the patrons there that evening.  Very nice touch!

My dish: Stuffed squid - YUM

His dish: fish and veggies

Brownies and ice cream

To find out more, visit www.calderaromantica.gr/restaurant/

CAPITAL of SANTORINI - FIRA

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Spiridakos Catamaran Cruises

Docked at Red Beach

We took this cruise the day of my birthday.  We were hooked up by the front desk of our hotel the day before and were picked up at 9:30 a.m. and transferred to the docks by van pool.  The whole trip would take 5 hours so our morning pickup was perfect!  We had a choice between the standard and premium meals but only the premium was available.  However, that wasn't a hard choice - it was my birthday after all. ;-P    

During the trip, our yacht crew provided water, beer, wine, and juice.  Halfway throughout, half the crew got to grilling and cooking.  All the dishes were amazing.  The yacht, sun, open sea, good food, and drinks?  It doesn't get better than that!  The best way to spend my birthday and it was my favorite day out of the whole week!

If you're interested in a cruise with Spiridakos, visit www.santorini-yachts.com/

Lucky’s Souvlakis @ Downtown Fira

This place was recommended to us by a friend.  He visited Santorini with his girlfriend the week or two prior to our trip and told us we had to try this place if we got a chance.  

Once we found it, there was a long line and it was packed inside despite it's minimal seating capacity.  Vuong ordered a gyro meal to share it with me.  This was the only time we ordered fast food on the island but it was worth it.  It didn't taste greasy or fatty.   

The gyro looked quite different from what we usually have in the states.  The pita around it was thinner and freshly toasted and the meat was much more tender.  Fries were served with mini forks.  Most of us here in the states eat them with our fingers but thought, why not?!  

For more on this fast food joint, visit ​www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g482942-d1340062-Reviews-Lucky_s_Souvlakis-Fira_Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

SANTORINI FERRY PORT - THIRA

Along the port were rental car businesses as well as several small restaurants.  I assume the business the eateries bring in is constant being that there's frequently a sea of people arriving and departing to get to and from the other islands. 

We stopped at the first place we saw that had available seating and we were surprised at how good everything tasted.  

Our waiter was nice enough to keep an  eye out for our ferry by periodically checking our tickets. 

If you decide to eat here, make sure you're wearing a hat and SPF because you'll most likely be sitting outside for a while until your ferry arrives. 

Ferry port chaos

Green smoothie, falafel and fries for me; a donut, fries, and "Lazy Ass" beer for him

Writing about our food experience in Santorini has me wanting more.  I'm hoping we visit again, but with our kids the next time around.  Our daughter, Ava, LOVES Greek food and nothing makes us more happy than seeing her scarf her food down!  LOL!  

~ XOXO, Mari