Food & Wine

Santorini’s cuisine is a reflection of its unique environment and cultural influences. With volcanic soil and low rainfall, local produce thrives, offering a taste experience as distinctive as the island’s landscape.

Fresh fish grilled in seaside tavernas is a must, complemented by salty feta, olives, and capers. The practice of sun-drying octopus lends tenderness to this beloved delicacy, best enjoyed with a glass of Assyrtiko overlooking the mesmerizing caldera.

Beyond Greek classics like moussaka and tzatziki, Santorini boasts its own specialties:

• Fava: A yellow split pea dish, enjoyed as a dip, soup, or alongside grilled octopus. Santorini fava holds PDO status for its exceptional quality.
• White Aubergine: Exclusive to Santorini, this variety has fewer seeds and absorbs less oil, perfect for frying or as a dip.
• Santorini Tomatoes: Small, sweet, and ideal for tomato paste or traditional dishes like tomatokeftedes.
• Hloro Tyri: A creamy white cheese made from goat’s milk, adding richness to salads or bread.
• Apochti: Salted pork loin, air-dried after being soaked in vinegar, used in various recipes.
• Skordomakarona: A pasta dish with Santorini tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
• Kopania: Small rolls of barley, raisins, and sesame seeds, offering a delightful sweet treat.
• Melitinia: A traditional Easter pastry made with fresh mizithra cheese, found in local bakeries.

For dining, Fira and Oia offer diverse options, from fusion cuisine to traditional tavernas. Inland villages like Pyrgos and Magelochori hide culinary gems waiting to be discovered.

And let’s not forget Santorini’s remarkable wines. Assyrtiko reigns supreme, producing high-acid wines with citrus and mineral notes, perfect with seafood or grilled meats. Nykteri, a night-harvested Assyrtiko, and Vinsanto, a sweet wine with centuries-old tradition, showcase the island’s winemaking prowess. Numerous wineries offer tastings, providing an opportunity to savor Santorini’s liquid treasures. Don’t miss the Wine Museum for a deeper dive into the island’s vinicultural heritage.

 

The volcanic soil and ancient agricultural methods have shaped a cuisine that’s both distinct and delightful, offering food enthusiasts an unforgettable gastronomic journey. This article explores the local delicacies, specialties, and the best places to enjoy them, ensuring every visitor to Santorini leaves with a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage.

Santorini’s Gastronomic Delights

Fava Santorinis

No visit to Santorini is complete without trying its famed Fava Santorinis. Unlike the common fava beans, this dish is made from yellow split peas, grown in the island’s volcanic soil, giving it a unique flavor. Creamy and comforting, it’s often garnished with capers, onion, and olive oil. Selene Restaurant in Pyrgos offers an exquisite version of this dish, celebrated for its authenticity and taste.

Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters)

Another must-try are the tomatokeftedes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These fritters are made from Santorini’s cherry tomatoes, which boast an intensity of flavor thanks to the island’s unique climate. To Psaraki in Vlychada is renowned for its tomatokeftedes, serving them with a view that complements their delicious taste.

Grilled Octopus

Seafood is a staple in Santorini, and grilled octopus is a delicacy that embodies the island’s seafaring heritage. Tender and flavorful, it’s typically served with a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar. Ammoudi Fish Tavern, nestled in the Ammoudi Bay, is the perfect spot to enjoy this dish, offering fresh seafood with an unparalleled seaside ambience.

White Eggplant

A rarer find in the global culinary scene, the white eggplant of Santorini is sweeter and less bitter than its purple counterpart. It can be enjoyed in various forms, from grilled slices to being incorporated into casseroles. Metaxy Mas Tavern in Exo Gonia excels in dishes featuring the white eggplant, promising a taste that’s both unique and memorable.

Assyrtiko Wine

No meal in Santorini is complete without a glass of Assyrtiko, the island’s most famous wine. This crisp, dry white wine, with its mineral notes, is a perfect complement to the local cuisine, especially seafood dishes. Santo Wines Winery in Pyrgos offers tastings that showcase the best of Santorini’s Assyrtiko, along with breathtaking views of the caldera.

Sweet Delights

Melitinia

These sweet cheese pastries are a traditional Easter treat but can be found year-round due to their popularity. Made from mizithra cheese and flavored with mastic, melitinia are a testament to Santorini’s culinary diversity. Svoronos Bakery in Oia is one of the few places where you can find these delectable pastries, made with love and tradition.

Where to Savor These Delights

• Selene Restaurant, Pyrgos: A pioneer in showcasing Santorini’s gastronomic heritage, offering a modern take on traditional dishes.
• To Psaraki, Vlychada: Known for its fresh seafood and stunning views, it’s a must-visit for tomatokeftedes enthusiasts.
• Ammoudi Fish Tavern, Ammoudi Bay: Offers a quintessential Santorini dining experience with fresh grilled octopus and other seafood delights.
• Metaxy Mas Tavern, Exo Gonia: A local favorite for traditional dishes, including those featuring the unique white eggplant.
• Santo Wines Winery, Pyrgos: Provides an immersive wine tasting experience with panoramic views of the island.

Santorini’s culinary landscape is as diverse and vibrant as its famous sunsets. From the unique flavors of its local produce to the fresh bounty of the sea, the island offers a plethora of dining experiences that cater to every palate. Whether you’re savoring a dish of creamy fava overlooking the caldera, enjoying crispy tomatokeftedes by the sea, or toasting with a glass of Assyrtiko as the sun dips below the horizon, Santorini promises a culinary journey that’s as unforgettable as its landscapes. So, embark on this journey, explore the flavors, and let Santorini’s cuisine tell you its story.