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Many people head to Santorini for a vacation getaway, and rightly so. But visitors should be aware that Santorini is home to a rich culinary culture worth exploring. The island produces a number of unique fruits and vegetables, thanks to the climate and volcanic soil. From wines and rare cheese to meat on a skewer, here are some of the best foods and drinks in Santorini, Greece.

Fava

Fava is basically a Greek hummus. Strangely, it’s made with split peas instead of fava beans like the name would suggest. But don’t be thrown off—fava is delicious. It’s incredibly creamy, usually served warm, and normally flavored with olive oil and lemon. Many restaurants will top it with capers or chopped onions, and fava works as either a main course or side dish.

Tasting Flight at Santo Wines

If you love wine, you’ll love Santorini as it is home to a special variety of grape, assyrtiko, which, aided by the unique volcanic soil, make for some really distinctive wines. Be sure to visit Santo Wines: they were one of the first modern wineries on the island, and they remain the largest in terms of capacity. If you really want a memorable wine experience, you may want to experience their 18-wine tasting flight. Oh, and don’t miss out on one of Santo Wines’ unique features: the view overlooking the caldera which is absolutely breathtaking!

Hloro Tyri

Santorini has a rich wine culture and is recognized for its cheeses as well.  One of the more rare cheeses produced here is the hloro tyri cheese. It is a fresh goat cheese with a wonderfully creamy texture, made by locals for domestic use and produced in small quantities. It is truly something you can only experience in Santorini.  You can find it at the Selene restaurant if you’re lucky.  

Tomatokeftedes

Santorini is home to a number of naturally occurring foods, among them the Santorini tomato. These bright red cherry tomatoes have a particular sweetness perfect for tomatokeftedes, or tomato fritters. The tomatoes, as well as peppers and onions, are coated in a thick batter then fried in olive oil. There is often a touch of mint or other herbs as well, contributing to a distinct flavor you’ll love.

White Eggplant

Another food unique to the area is the Santorini white eggplant. With a sweet taste and few seeds, many dishes at many Santorini restaurants make use of this distinctive fruit. Whether you’re trying it fried, cooked up as an ingredient in some other dish, or in paste form (called melitzanosalata), don’t miss out on trying one of Santorini’s unique products. Oh, and don’t be thrown off by the white color—it’s just a result of the island’s volcanic soil.

Moussaka at Naoussa Tavern

One of the most popular Santorini dishes to incorporate their eggplant is moussaka, which is a type of Greek lasagna. The bottom layer features eggplant sautéed in olive oil, the middle layer is meat (usually lamb) with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices, and the top layer is custard or Bechamel sauce. Served warm but not piping hot, this is a fantastic dish that you might like even better than the lasagna you’re used to! Naoussa Tavern is a great place to try it—they excel at making authentic Santorini cuisine, and many locals consider their moussaka to be the best on the island.

Souvlaki at Lucky’s Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a Greek fast food consisting of grilled and skewered meat (and sometimes veggies). Cooking food on skewers has been part of Greek culinary culture since before the 17th century, so the people of Santorini know what they’re doing! Lucky’s Souvlaki in Fira is one of the best places to try these delicious meat skewers—small souvlaki shops and stands are almost always a better bet than a sit-down restaurant.

Gyros at Pito Gyros

Don’t go to Greece without trying a classic gyro! When people think Greek food, gyros are what usually come to mind: meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and paired with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce, all wrapped up in a tasty pita. If you are a fan of gyros head to Pito Gyros in Oia. They’ve been serving traditional gyros since their inception, and might be home to the best gyro on the entire island of Santorini.

Gelato at Lolita’s Gelato

Once you’ve finished your gyro from Pito Gyros, head over to Lolita’s Gelato for dessert. Locals love this Oia establishment, and the pure ingredients creator Apostolos uses in his gelato make for a perfect sweet treat. There’s no better way to cool off on a hot Santorini day—other than a swim or boat cruise, of course.

Baklava at Oia Bakery

If it’s pastry you’re looking for, head to Oia Bakery. A family-owned establishment luring in locals and tourists alike with the smell of delicious bread, this is one of the best places to try baklava. Baklava is a popular sweet pastry, made with layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and syrup or honey. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, baklava is sure to satisfy, and you won’t be disappointed with the baklava offered by Oia Bakery.

Santorini’s beautiful climate and volcanic soil allow for some truly unique food options. As you wander the streets of Oia or explore the ruins in Fira, be sure to make time for exploring the island’s culinary culture.

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This article was last updated on September 21, 2022

Jim Bozzelli
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