Greek cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and healthy Mediterranean diet principles. In Santorini, the volcanic soil and island location create unique ingredients that make the local food even more special. Here's your ultimate guide to traditional Greek dishes you absolutely must try during your visit.
Fava (Yellow Split Pea Puree)
Santorini's most famous dish! The island's volcanic soil produces exceptionally sweet yellow split peas that are turned into a creamy puree. Served with caramelized onions, capers, and a drizzle of olive oil, fava is the perfect appetizer or side dish. This is a must-try that you won't find anywhere else with the same unique flavor.
Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters)
These crispy fried balls are made from Santorini's famous cherry tomatoes, which are incredibly sweet and flavorful due to the volcanic soil and minimal water. Mixed with fresh herbs, onions, and a bit of flour, then deep-fried to golden perfection, tomatokeftedes are a Santorini specialty that locals and visitors adore.
Moussaka
Perhaps Greece's most famous dish, moussaka is a hearty casserole layered with sliced eggplant, spiced meat sauce (usually lamb or beef), potatoes, and topped with creamy béchamel sauce. Baked until golden and bubbling, this comfort food is rich, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Every taverna has their own special recipe!
Fresh Seafood
Being an island, Santorini offers incredible fresh seafood daily. Look for these must-try dishes:
- Grilled Octopus: Tender, charred, and served with lemon and olive oil
- Saganaki (Fried Cheese): Crispy on the outside, melty inside, often flambéed
- Lobster Pasta: Fresh lobster with handmade pasta in tomato sauce
- Grilled Fish: Whole fish grilled to perfection, typically sea bass or bream
- Fried Calamari: Crispy squid rings with lemon
Souvlaki and Gyros
These Greek fast food classics are perfect for a quick, delicious lunch. Souvlaki consists of grilled meat skewers (pork, chicken, or lamb) served with pita bread, tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions. Gyros features thinly sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, wrapped in warm pita. Both are incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
The authentic Greek salad is simple but incredibly fresh: juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, green peppers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and a thick slab of feta cheese, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and oregano. No lettuce in sight! The key is using the freshest ingredients, and in Santorini, the tomatoes are exceptionally sweet.
Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Tender grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. Served warm or cold with a squeeze of lemon and dollop of yogurt, dolmades make a perfect appetizer or light meal. The combination of herbs and lemon creates a refreshing, tangy flavor.
Tzatziki
This cooling yogurt-based dip is essential to Greek cuisine. Made with thick Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and fresh dill, tzatziki is served as a dip with bread or as a sauce with grilled meats. It's refreshing, healthy, and absolutely addictive!
White Eggplant (Melitzanosalata)
Santorini grows unique white eggplants that are sweeter and less bitter than purple varieties. Grilled and blended into a creamy dip with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, this melitzanosalata is smoky, rich, and perfect spread on warm bread.
Baklava and Greek Desserts
No Greek meal is complete without dessert! Try these sweet treats:
- Baklava: Layers of phyllo pastry with nuts and honey syrup
- Galaktoboureko: Creamy custard wrapped in crispy phyllo
- Loukoumades: Fried dough balls drizzled with honey and cinnamon
- Greek Yogurt with Honey: Thick, creamy yogurt with local thyme honey
Pair with Local Wine:
Santorini produces exceptional wines! Try Assyrtiko (crisp white wine), Vinsanto (sweet dessert wine), or Nykteri (barrel-aged white). The volcanic soil gives the wines unique mineral notes you won't find anywhere else.
Where to Eat in Santorini
For the most authentic experience, seek out traditional tavernas away from the main tourist areas. Look for places where locals eat - usually family-run establishments with Greek patrons are your best bet. In villages like Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Emporio, you'll find excellent tavernas with reasonable prices and authentic recipes passed down through generations.
Don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations - Greeks are proud of their cuisine and happy to point you toward the best spots!
Dining Tips
- Greeks eat dinner late (9 PM or later) - embrace the schedule for the best atmosphere
- Order several meze (small plates) to share - it's the traditional way to dine
- Fresh fish is priced by weight - ask before ordering to avoid surprises
- Tap water is not drinkable, we only drink bottled water
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory - 5-10% is standard for good service
Santorini's culinary scene offers an incredible journey through authentic Greek flavors enhanced by unique local ingredients. From simple taverna fare to gourmet restaurants with caldera views, every meal is an opportunity to experience the island's rich gastronomic heritage. Kali Orexi (Bon Appétit)!