Cyclades Restaurants

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Selene

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Selene Review

Always a great restaurant, Selene is now probably the best in the Cyclades, with a beautiful location, elegant setting and service, and a deep love of island cuisine with local ingredients. The terrace of the old aristocratic house has a two sea-views—south and caldera sunset—and overlooks vineyards spreading to the Aegean. Excellent starters include squid with smoked fava and cuttlefish ink flakes, or smoked quail kouskousela on crispy potatoes. Among the subtle entreés are seabass with stuffed zucchini flowers, and the lamb with spring wild greens and lemon foam. Desserts are not neglected: merinque with lemongrass cream and strawberry sorbet, or the baklava with local pistachios are both supreme. The Greek wine list is extensive. On Selene's lower level there is café-restaurant where you can sample Selene's dishes or even have a sandwich. Next to it is Selene's agricultural museum in an old winery. Georgia Tsara, the maîtresse d', oversees all with grace, efficiency, and knowledge. In summer, owner George Hatziyianakis gives daylong cooking classes (be sure to check the website for details).

    Contact Information

  • Address: Pyrgos, , 84700
  • Phone: 22860/22249
  • Website:
  • Location: Fira

    Restaurant Details

  • Reservations essential.
  • Credit cards accepted.
  • Closed Nov.--Mar.
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Fodorite Reviews

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    Horrible Experience

    This September 3 2008. we went to Santorini and per the recommendation of this review, we went to Selene. I had one of the worst dining experiences of my life. Although the place is quaint with many steps to get down to the El Greco style restaurant the meal was terrible. We ordered an appetizer of fila with a mixed fish including calamari and the calamari was so chewy. I ordered rock fish (Salmon)on bed of spinach at the price of $38 euros or estimate of $60 US per the menu. What I received was apparently fish per the waiter but had the consistency of boiled chicken on a bed of frozen spinach which was not even thawed. My fiance' tried it and said I should send it back, I said we were not in the US and he said at these prices you should say something so I did and the waiter did nothing. Our total meal ended at $205 US. Just a miserable night. In speaking to some other tourists and people in the hospitality business in Santorini apparently others have been complaining recently. I suggest the 1518 restaurant next door same type of prices but well worth the price.

    by Sunfleet, 9/17/08
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    It must have been the chef's night off

    We read so many rave reviews of this restaurant in many guidebooks and other sources. All I can say is that the chef must have been absent on the night we dined there. The soup was cold and tasteless. My fish was dry, tough, and chewy. As far as the view, it depends on where you are seated. It is a very large restaurant with several different dining areas. On the night we were there only one area was open and it did not have any view. I have to say that the entire staff was exceptionally nice and the service very professional. But the food was disappointing and there was no view to enjoy.

    by suntravler, 5/20/07
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    Just Fabulous!

    The most romantic restaurant on the island with the most incredible gourmet food. You must try it for that "one special night."

    by Noreen, 1/7/07

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