In Santorini, the view usually does the heavy lifting. Tourists flock to the caldera’s edge, often settling for mediocre plates as long as the sun dips into the sea. But a new guard of chefs is reclaiming the island’s culinary identity from the clutches of tourist traps. It is a shift from passive scenery to active flavor.
At Selene, the kitchen treats indigenous ingredients like rare artifacts, turning fava and capers into something architectural. Over in Oia, Lauda anchors the village’s history, honoring seafaring roots that predate the influencer era. Throubi and Canaves push the boundaries further, blending volcanic minerals with sharp, modern technique. You will need a reservation for every seat. The 9:00 PM rush remains the real golden hour for those who value the food over the sunset.
These kitchens prove that Santorini finally tastes as good as it looks. Start with these.

© Photo Credits: 1800 Floga
01.1800 Floga
What is it? 1800 Floga sits high in Santorini, operating as a dedicated fine-dining destination. The atmosphere feels intentional and sharp. You enter a space where crisp service meets the salt-flecked air of the Aegean.
Why we love it: The restaurant shines when the sun drops toward the water. Guests gather in the outdoor seating area as the horizon shifts through deep oranges and purples. It maintains an intimate, romantic pulse for couples while comfortably hosting larger groups at the same time.
Good to Know: The fine dining service at 1800 Floga is designed for a slow pace, so plan to spend several hours in the outdoor seating area to watch the great views evolve as night falls.

© Photo Credits: Pacman
04.Pacman
What is it? Pacman occupies a sleek, refined corner of Santorini, balancing fine dining with a distinct sense of luxury. You step off the path onto a terrace that frames the horizon, where the seating feels private and intentional. The space demands a smart and elegant presence from everyone who enters.
Why we love it: The Mediterranean and Greek menu anchors the experience, grounding the atmosphere in local flavors. As evening sets in, the romantic mood deepens, turning the terrace into a quiet vantage point for the shifting light. Every plate of fresh seafood arrives as a centerpiece for the table.
Good to Know: Pair the catch of the day with a crisp Assyrtiko to cut through the richness of Pacman's signature Mediterranean preparations.

© Photo Credits: Lycabettus
06.Lycabettus
What is it? Lycabettus sits perched above the Aegean in Santorini. This fine dining destination balances Mediterranean traditions with a sense of refined seclusion. You walk in and notice the horizon stretching endlessly against the open-air dining space.
Why we love it: The evening shifts as the sun drops into the sea, casting a glow over the tables. You feel the weight of the day lift while the staff serves refined Greek plates. It captures a specific, quiet romance that defines a night out on the island.
Good to Know: The kitchen at Lycabettus builds its reputation on fresh seafood, so order the catch of the day to experience the full range of their Mediterranean menu.

© Photo Credits: Catch
07.Catch
What is it? Catch brings a sharp, disciplined energy to the Santorini dining scene. The restaurant avoids common island tropes. It offers a space where the atmosphere feels composed and entirely intentional. You walk into a room that dictates its own distinct pace.
Why we love it: The energy at Catch builds steadily as the tables fill. The staff manages the floor with a level of coordination that keeps the evening moving. It draws a crowd that values a polished environment where the meal serves as the singular focus of the night.
Good to Know: Catch sequences its service with a deliberate tempo, so plan for a dinner that lasts well over two hours.

© Photo Credits: Throubi
08.Throubi
What is it? Throubi serves as a masterclass in fine dining on the cliffs of Santorini. You step onto the terrace and immediately notice the quiet hum of a high-end kitchen balancing the vast expanse of the horizon. It is a romantic sanctuary where the architecture prioritizes the surrounding landscape.
Why we love it: The kitchen treats Mediterranean ingredients with a farm-to-table focus that feels intentional rather than trendy. Fusion techniques elevate familiar flavors, and the waitstaff maneuvers through the tables with precise, silent efficiency. You sit back as the space transitions from the heat of the day to the sharp, cool air of the evening.
Good to Know: The farm-to-table Mediterranean menu at Throubi pairs best with a chilled white wine from the local volcanic soil.

© Photo Credits: Lauda
09.Lauda
What is it? Lauda anchors the dining scene in Santorini with a presence that feels both historic and polished. This isn’t a place for a quick bite. The space reflects the island’s deep-rooted past while maintaining a sharp, contemporary edge.
Why we love it: The staff anticipates every move with a sharp, professional rhythm. You notice the small things. The light hits the table while silverware clinks against heavy ceramic. The atmosphere encourages you to linger for hours.
Good to Know: Ask for a glass of Assyrtiko at Lauda to see how the local acidity cuts through the weight of the meal.

© Photo Credits: Selene
10.Selene
What is it? Selene is a Santorini restaurant housed within a historic building. The space feels composed and quiet. It is a fine dining institution that anchors the island's culinary reputation.
Why we love it: The service team moves with synchronized precision. The atmosphere remains intimate, making it a natural choice for a romantic evening. Long conversations stretch across carefully paced courses.
Good to Know: The wine pairings at Selene pull from a deep cellar of local vintages, making them essential for a complete meal.

© Photo Credits: Panorama Terrace
11.Panorama Terrace
What is it? Panorama Terrace operates as a focused restaurant in Santorini. The room runs on a service model that prioritizes guest flow. You step into a social, high-energy space.
Why we love it: The team here maintains a brisk pace across the floor. Every table feels part of a larger, synchronized event as the kitchen fires plates in a tight sequence. Service never lags. It captures a specific local energy through well-timed movements and a grounded atmosphere.
Good to Know: The house pairing at Panorama Terrace highlights regional pours that complement the kitchen's technical approach.








