We are going to Santorini for 5 days in late september and would love some restaurant recommendations for dinners. Since our time is limited we'd probably like to hit a few "nicer" places as opposed to tavernas (though we'll hit plenty of them too), even though I understand that many if not most Greek restaurants are somewhat informal.

Thanks,

B&J

"Flame of the Volcano" was not overly fancy but not a taverna either. It was recommended to us by a fellow traveller. Good food, reasonably priced, good atmosphere.
At the top of the donkey track coming up the hill make a left and follow along the walkway which travels along the top of the hill/shoreline. I'm not sure just how far the walk is but probably 5 to 10 minutes. We approached it from our hotel,The Santorini Palace, which is in the opposite direction from the top of the donkey track. If you want great sunset photos go to the Santorini Palace and across the parking lot. Sit on the top of the wall for a great view. Take your wine and glasses with you. Spectacular!!

We ate at three fairly often recommended mid-range to upper range places for dinners, all in Fira.
We were rather unimpressed with the food, but loved the setting at Sphinx.
Nice meal, but nothing outstanding at Archipelegos, but again enjoyed the setting on the terrace. The third was a great meal, certainly the best of the three at Aris at our Hotel Loucas. We went because we thought we "should" since we were staying there, and then wished we had eaten there every night. Again a terrace, but the best of the lot.

Go to the village of Oia and you will find some excellent restaurants, including "1800," the "Oia Cafe-Restaurant" and "Ambrosia."

Selene and Sphinx, both in Fira, are very nice restaurants, not tavernas. Reservations recommended.

LOved Aris at the Loucas, great meal and friendly staff.

.........Selene is a lovely restaurant
- it has been written up in the foodie
mags so a reservation would definitely
be required.

Thanks for all the info, sorry to post and run (was away for Labor Day). I'll plug some of these suggestions into our list and certainly will try some.

How would you recommend making reservations? Calling? Having the hotel call or stop by earlier in the day? Also how "nice" should the dress be? Jacket for men at any of them?

Thanks Again

Jacket not required, but dress appropriately. Jacket may come in handy if there is a chill in the air. My recommendation for a romantic spot was the back cave room at Vanillas in Firastephani. Hotel can make reservations for you, probably same day, and if needed, hail a taxi.

Lunch at the Pyrgos Taverna also featured great fish and a superb view !!

We were in Santorini this summer- Had our favorite meal at Ambrosia in Oia - Also loved Katinas - a great taverna at the base of Oia for a more casual dinner -

It's nice to know Katina's is still open. When I was living in Oia in the mid-80's it was just a small outdoor operation. Katina cooked simple dishes and someone else served. It was our oasis for refreshment after a day in the water nearby. The kitchen was in a small building on the dock at Amoudi. It was a very relaxed and totally informal situation. I suppose by now it's a bit more organized, but hopefully it's kept some of its original charm.

Topping for Jeffdavis.

We also ate at the Sphinx. It was a lovely setting and a gorgeous view (esp if the sunset is cooperating that night and not obscured with clouds) but the food was not that wonderful, imho. (Quite expensive, just so you will be prepared if you go there)

We will be back to Santorini on May 27 and are also looking for that special place to eat.

Will it be too cold in May to sit outside? That's what we really want - some place to drink wine and just nosh and stare at the view - not a huge meal.

May should not be cold. I've been there 3 times in May and the weather was warm and stable.

As we get mentioned in the dicussions of Santorini Restaurants - for Brotherleelove2004 and others - just to note that the restaurant 'Oia's Cafe-Restaurant' is name changed to 'Ambrosia & Nectar', or simply 'Nectar' for short. Same owners and same style for our new and returning guests. www.santorini-gr.com

Good to know, thanks for the update. Is there another Ambrosia or are they one and the same?

1/Kukumavlos for the view and for the awarded chef, early booking is essential.

2/Dihtia for seafood and alfresco lunch

We had a lovely dinner at the Pyrgos Taverna which, despite the name, is a fine dining place. While we were working our way through an incredible variety of food, a just-married Canadian couple was seated at the table next to us, the groom in full Scottish kilt et al. Quite an amazing dinner!!

My husband and I celebrated his birthday at dinner last June at the Sphinx. The good, although expensive by Greek standards, was moderate according to MY standards and far less expensive than the surrounding restaurants in Fira. Ask for a seat on the terrace and go a bit earlier to catch the sunset. We did (with spectacular views) although clouds rolled in later - literally - they seemed to be blowing around us as we ate, necessitating a shawl/jacket.

Nothing on Santorini is formal but, depending on your own taste, wear a dress and sandals if you prefer. Men do NOT need jackets. By the way, the steep climb up to the Caldera (the rim of the extinct volcano) overlooking the sea is cobblestoned. I'm still trying to figure out how all the young Greek women were navigating this like gazelles in high stilettos.

Sorry. Need to correct a sentence I typed by accident. What I meant to say was that the food at the Sphinx was good and by NEW YORK (NY) standards, was moderate, although pricey for Greece.