I am getting married in Oia in May and am looking for a nice restaurant or taverna to have the reception in Oia. I don't want anything too fussy or formal. I would also be interested in average prices for any place that might be recommended. Curious, also, about the tavernas in Amoudi as they sound very romantic.<BR><BR>Many thanks for any ideas or suggestions.

I looked at getting married in Oia as my now wife (born in Greece and bilingual) thought it would be super romantic -went there in 2001 to check it out, hotels the lot. Couple of things put us off (marreid in Sydney in the end) which may have absolutely no relevance to you- main one being twins in a pram (niece and nephew) and with all the stairs and very slippery pathways would have had my brother in law killing us. Also the wedding arranger we met was pretty hopeless. Oia does not have much of a choice of restaurants appropriate for reception etc, as restaurants were ratehr small (we were looking at a max of 100) - only one we saw with a little more class quite expensive and had number of smaller rooms rather than one big room - called 1800, www.oia-1800.com. The hotel we were heading towards for the reception was a 3 star one which was right next to the main church - 20 metres walk (key advantage, remember car access is big issue on Oia, think about what will you wear). Did not have the views of some other places, but incredibly convenient. Rather annoyingly you needed to bring in a caterer as no proper restaurant attached. I have the brochure somewhere - could not find it readily on internet, but if you are really interested email me directly and I will hunt it out for you. Or perhaps contact a wedding arranger or some centralised Santorini tourist authority and describe it - literally only one right next door and would have been easy with the high heels etc. The hotel also has its own chapel as it was more of an old courtyard oriented building (not just small cottages). A number of Tavernas as choices, but maybe not so good for numbers you want as there are not many bigger places and I am afraid I did not record details of where we ate (but tavernas were generally pretty good in Oia). You should probably go there and check things first though. I read a chapter in a travel book recently describing a marriage in Santorini (in 90s)where the couple (western) waited 3 days or so as the only official who had all the relevant forms etc got sick of his boss and just left for a week only sorting out weddings when the couples pleaded with him when he came back to formally resign. Good story for later, but there are risks in everything!

Kate, I have to agree with Nick. My wife and I spent part of our honeymoon in Oia 9/2001. There are not many good sized restaurants and the one we did eat in would probably be considered formal. I will try to get the name for you. The tavernas are the way to go. As Nick said, walking around can be difficult with the steps and narrow paths. With the sunset crouds, it's tough to keep a group together. Don't get me wrong, these are all things which can be worked around and we loved our time in Oia. Best Wishes <BR>

Found the hotel I referred to - Aethrio Hotel- check out on the internet - www.greek-tourism.gr/aethrio-hotel. Pictures are true enough reflection of hotel.

Thanks Nick and Jonathan both for your suggestions and ideas. I guess I should have clarified that it is to be a small reception, about 20 to 25 people. Hope this helps out a bit more. I shall check out the hotel site you recommended! Many thanks.

The Neptune Restaurant right on the main village square next to the church would be a perfect location for your reception. They have a large open air dining area above the actual restaurant that will seat many people and has an unobstructed view of the caldera. It's owned by one of the most prominent families in Oia, the Karvounis family, and is run by the eldest son Antonis. The younger son Markos, has a tour office, Karvounis Tours, in Oia and can help you with your planning. His telephone numbers are 33 02860 71209 and 71290. The Neptune's number is 71294.

Well, since you did mention Amoudi, I have to relate a story. We stayed on the caldera right above the village at Esperas and walked down for lunch one day to Katrinas Taverna. We ended up eating with Barbra &amp; James that day--they were on Ralphs yacht and took a motor launch in for lunch. The next nite, Katrinas also hosted a big party for about 50 cultural attaches from the other Europe nations. It was pure magic

Don't miss the restaurants in Amoudi. there are only 3 or 4 and each is probably as good as the next. My wife still talks about the best fish she ever had (and that was two years ago. I think the atmosphere helped).

Kate:<BR><BR>The Amoudi tavernas are wonderful, but if you're thinking of using them for your reception, just make sure that you have a way to transport your guests down there, because the walk is very strenuous whether you take the steps or the road.<BR><BR>Also, after reading your replies to Nick and Johnathan, I can assure you that the Neptune Restaurant has the capacity to host your reception for 20-25 persons.