How to Reserve the Best Romantic Sunset Restaurants in Santorini, Greece – Travel Dudes
Looking for the perfect romantic sunset restaurants in Santorini, Greece?
You’ve come to the perfect place. We’ve sourced the best caldera view restaurants, traditional Greek restaurants, sunset view restaurants, vegetarian Greek restaurants and even fine dining restaurants for the most unforgettable evening in Santorini.
One thing to know about these restaurants: they’re popular! To experience the best of Santorini sunset dining, you need to plan ahead and book in advance. Our detailed guide takes you through exactly how to book at these top establishments.
With our handy guide, you’ll be sure to get a seat at the most beautiful sunset spots in Santorini.
Best of all, whether you’re looking for something luxurious or more affordable, we have something to suit every budget. There are many great and authentic places to visit.
Here is an overview of the best romantic restaurants in Santorini
Why Santorini is the perfect destination for romantic evenings
If you’re looking for a place that is perfect for romantic evenings, then you should definitely come to Santorini. The island is famous for its stunning sunsets and provides a beautiful backdrop for a romantic dinner for two.
However, the island is also extremely popular and therefore crowded with other visitors. Our tip is to be strategic if you want to have a memorable experience.
Santorini restaurants are known for their excellent Greek cuisine and offer a wide selection of fresh seafood and local specialties. Many of them also have terraces or balconies from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the sea.
Check out our guide to island-hopping in Greece!
Important factors to consider when making Santorini sunset restaurant reservations
If you’re in Santorini and planning a romantic sunset dinner, there are a few important factors to consider.
Firstly, you should make your reservations early, as the best restaurants can fill up quickly. We’ll provide you the right links so that you can get in touch directly with the restaurant to make a reservation.
It’s also important to consider the location of the restaurant. Some offer spectacular sunset views, while others may be better known for their cuisine. We’ll describe the highlights of each restaurant and tour, so that you can make the right choice.
Also, make sure the restaurant of your choice offers a relaxing atmosphere so that you and your partner can focus on the experience. A quiet environment with soft lighting and pleasant background music can create the perfect ambiance.
Finally, think about what you want to order. Many restaurants offer special menus for romantic occasions, often using local ingredients and prepared by experienced chefs. We have also those listed in our article to help you with making the right choice.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you have an unforgettable experience and enjoy the beauty of the Santorini sunset to the fullest.
How to choose the best time for a romantic dinner in Santorini
You’ve found the perfect restaurant for your romantic sunset dinner in Santorini, but now the question is: when is the best time to go?
The answer depends on your preferences.
If you want to enjoy a stunning sunset, you should get there about 45-60 minutes before, to enjoy the view of the sea and watch the sunset. That way you can enjoy the light and the atmosphere – not to mention the food!
And if you have no idea when the sun sets in Santorini, here is a rough overview:
| Month | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| Sunrise | 07:30 | 07:00 | 06:20 | 06:30 | 06:10 | 06:00 | 06:10 | 06:30 | 06:50 | 07:15 | 06:50 | 07:10 |
| Sunset | 17:30 | 17:45 | 18:25 | 19:40 | 20:15 | 20:35 | 20:30 | 20:00 | 19:15 | 18:45 | 17:10 | 17:10 |
For the exact time and more details, take a look on TimeAndDate. They provide you with the info you’ll need.
In Santorini, the sunsets are particularly spectacular and the view of the sea is breathtaking. The experience is well worth it!
However, if you prefer a more intimate atmosphere, you can come a little later when the light is softer and the stars are shining in the sky.
On weekends it can be harder to find a table, but there are more restaurants to choose from. On the other hand, on weekdays it is easier to get a table and you have more time to enjoy your meal and the evening.
It’s also important to keep your reservation. Whether it’s weekdays or weekends, if your restaurant is busy, it’s extremely rude to take other people’s tables. So make sure you get there on time and enjoy the night of your dreams!
Local cuisine of Santorini
The enchanting variety of local cuisine combines the classic flavors of the region – from delicate seafood and tender veal to an abundance of Greek cheeses and fine wines – to proudly celebrate the essence of Greece.
In addition, the different restaurants offer a rich array of freshly prepared, authentic and homemade dishes – from refreshing Greek summer salads and crayfish banana to oven-fresh breads, homemade jams, seasonal fruits and Greek yogurt.
The changing menus usually include many vegetarian options depending on the season.
But you also have to know that there is hardly any agriculture or livestock farming on Santorini these days, so most of the ingredients for the kitchens come from other parts of Greece. Even the fish is mostly imported, with shrimp, lobster and calamari coming from other continents.
Despite this fact, many chefs still strive to add regional highlights to their dishes. In particular, the sun-dried small tomatoes of the island and the flat peas, hardly known in the rest of Europe, called fáva, are used. Capers are also a typical ingredient, and their pickled branches, including the thorns, are even used in salads.
Local wine of Santorini
The long tradition of wine making on Santorini dates back to the time of the volcanic eruption in 1600 B.C. The volcanic soil creates ideal conditions for growing grapes with balanced acidity and a fine, aromatic bouquet.
Also nowadays it is obvious that viticulture dominates agriculture in Santorini. You will be impressed by how the island’s grape varieties have adapted to the exceptional volcanic conditions.
The white-fleshed Assyrtiko grape is the most important variety on Santorini, accounting for about 90% of the cultivated area. There are two other white varieties, Athiri and Aidani. The only red grape variety is Mavrotragano.
To distinguish the more than forty different bottled wines of Santorini, it is helpful to know the three basic varieties:
- The Niktéri is a dry white wine with an alcohol content of about 12 to 13 percent by volume. It tastes best when it is aged in barrels for six to seven years before bottling.
- Even stronger is the dry red wine broúsko, with an alcohol content of 15 to 18 percent by volume.
- Visánto, on the other hand, is more suitable as an aperitif wine and can be white, red or rosé. It is made from dried grapes and is quite sweet, but has an alcohol content of only up to 10 percent by volume.
Tipping in Greece
First of all, the price of the service already includes the salary of the staff. Still it’s common to give a tip for a good service. There is a special way of expressing your satisfaction.
It is customary to discreetly leave the money on the table when you leave the restaurant. Waiters usually bring the bill in a box. You put the money in the box, take the change and leave the tip in the box before you leave.
In Greek taverns it is usual to round up the amount. The tip in restaurants is usually between 5% and 15% of the total amount.
And if you pay by card, you can give the tip directly to the waiter or waitress. They will then feed it into the card reader.
The best romantic sunset restaurants in Santorini
Icons Restaurant and Cocktailbar
You will be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of Icons Restaurant & Cocktail Bar. The beauty of Greece is brought to life through the culinary art of the chef. Fusion cuisine combines traditional Greek flavors with exotic ingredients from around the world. The result is distinctive dishes that will make your taste buds dance.
Icons Restaurant uses only fresh, local ingredients combined with international specialties such as Asian bao buns, Argentinean rib eyes, Middle Eastern hummus or Mexican tostadas. Culinary techniques and traditions are combined in innovative ways to create a unique and varied dining experience.
Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Greece amidst the blue skies and waters of the Mediterranean and be enchanted by the endless corners of this volcanic island.
You can choose from three unforgettable culinary experiences that you won’t soon forget.
Romantic meal with stunning volcano view
The kitchen team has prepared a menu for you, but of course you can also choose from the extensive menu and express your individual wishes.
The 3-course dinner is a highlight.
3-course menu – without drinks
Starting times: 19:00 | 20:30 | 22:00
Price: from €130 – Reserve your table directly with the restaurant here.
Dinner for two – Memories under the Caldera Stars
Your journey together is a great one, and what better way to celebrate than with an unforgettable Iconic Memory?
Indulge in five delicious dishes and unforgettable desserts while laughing over champagne and wine and enjoying the picturesque backdrop of stars, sea and caldera.
Enjoy an exquisite 5-course dinner and a bottle of champagne provided by the hotel.
5-course menu and a bottle of Champagne
Starting times: 19:00 | 20:30 | 22:00
Price: from €350 – Reserve your table directly with the restaurant here
Dinner over the cliff – Lobster and Champagne Moments
You won’t believe it, but a culinary revelation awaits us on the other side of the cliff: fresh lobster and a chilled bottle of champagne are ready to make you feel like king and queen.
How about a fine drop like the Biucarte Salmon Blanc De Blanc 2004 or something similar? Enjoy the moment to the fullest!
Starting times: 13:00 | 14:30 | 16:00 | 17:30 | 19:00 | 20:30 | 22:00
Price: from €350 – Reserve your table directly with the restaurant here
Ammoudi Fish Tavern
Here you will experience a unique blend of modern and traditional elements, complemented by Mediterranean flair and the use of local Greek products from Mother Earth.
An unforgettable experience awaits you overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea, accompanied by the gentle sound of the waves.
The excellent dishes will enchant you either by the magical sunset on the island of Santorini or in the romantic light of the countless stars.
You will be delighted by the passion for Greek cuisine that is lived at Ammoudi Fish Tavern. They are always looking for fresh and local products from small farmers and fishermen. The perseverance, diligence and seafood expertise make it one of the best fish restaurants in Santorini.
Experience something special and enjoy fresh seafood right on your table. Here they don’t follow any rules, but are roasted in the hot Santorini sun and sprinkled with some spices. The picturesque bay of Ammoudi adds a special touch. The most famous octopus is served soft and delicious.
The restaurant is family-run and has a special highlight: the open-air patio!
Here you can admire a unique architecture on three levels. The stylish maritime décor is a real eye-catcher, and the view will enchant you at any time of day.
This is a warm and unpretentious place, perfect for those looking for an authentic experience.
Located under the picturesque red cliffs of Oia, the tavern is a feast for the eyes. Here you can see fishermen mooring their boats with the catch of the day.
The friendly staff conjures up delicious Cycladic dishes every day, enhanced with a dash of creativity. Care is always taken to preserve the authentic Greek culinary culture.
Starting times: 10:45 | 11:30 | 12:15 | 13:00 | 13:45 | 14:30 | 15:15 | 16:00 | 16:45 | 17:30 | 18:15 | 19:00 | 19:45 | 20:30 | 21:00 | 21:30 | 22:00 | 22:30
Table on the terrace – Price: from €23 – Reserve your table directly with the restaurant here.
Note: There is a 10 Euro per person holding fee for each reservation. This amount will be included in your final bill.
Best restaurants with rooftop terraces in Santorini
Terrace at the “Sunset by Paraskevas” Tavern in Ammoudi
Experience the beautiful seascape of Santorini and the picturesque village of Ammoudi from a unique perspective – from the tables on the terrace of the Sunset Tavern. Located right on the waterfront, it offers breathtaking views of the dazzling Aegean Sea and the colorful buildings of the village.
At Taverna Sunset by Paraskevas, you won’t find any false veneer or unnecessary frills. Instead, the unadulterated beauty of Ammoudi and the heavenly flavors created by Paraskevas await you in a tranquil place that indulges all your senses.
Sunset by Paraskevas Tavern is world famous for its lobster pasta, prepared according to a top secret recipe. Other dishes have attracted the attention of international media such as the New York Times and the Travel Channel.
The terrace offers the perfect combination of comfort and scenery, promising an intimate dining experience while enjoying the surroundings. Sunset Tavern’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make it the ideal place for romantic dinners or special occasions.
Enjoy the delicious freshly caught seafood, traditional Greek dishes and carefully selected wines while taking in the sea and village views. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or a memorable evening with friends and family, Sunset Tavern’s terrace is the perfect choice for an unforgettable dining experience in Santorini.
You can look forward to delicious appetizers and dishes that embody the true spirit of Santorini, prepared with ingredients from this auspicious land. This is accompanied by a wine list with the finest local labels. The high quality and unmistakable taste is guaranteed by Paraskevas and Margarita in the kitchen. You will be surprised how authentic the taste of Santorini they will serve you on your plate!
Highlights
- Dream location: The breathtaking red cliffs surrounding the picturesque harbor of Ammoudi will enchant you. Small fishing boats dance on the waves and catamarans cruise the caldera of Santorini. You’ll enjoy the sunset at Paraskevas Restaurant, one of the most beautiful places in the world, in Santorini’s ultimate hidden gem of rocks, blue waters and dreams!
- Fresh sea delicacies: The restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood, caught daily by local fishermen. On the menu you will find various traditional Greek seafood dishes such as grilled octopus, shrimp saganaki and spaghetti with lobster.
- Cozy atmosphere: Sunset Tavern is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. You can expect attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Romantic setting: The restaurant’s location and ambiance make it a popular spot for romantic dinners and special occasions.
- Beautiful sunset views: As the name suggests, Sunset Tavern is known for its stunning sunset views. The restaurant is one of the best places in Santorini to watch the sun sink below the horizon, turning the sky pink and orange.
Starting times: 18:00 | 20:00 | 22:00
Table on the terrace – Price: from €160 – Reserve your table directly with the restaurant here.
Table by the Sea – Price: from €160 – Reserve your table directly with the restaurant here.
Please note that the reservation fee for the terrace is 160€ for 2 people and 280€ for a front row seat on the terrace for 4 people. This does not include children under the age of 13, as it’s a “no-kids” restaurant.
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Nektar Lounge
You will be amazed by the Nectarlounge Café-Bar at Fira Santorini, which offers a breathtaking view of the caldera and the volcano. The view from up here will make you hold your breath and admire the beauty of the landscape.
Nectarlounge is a place where you can relax and enjoy life while being enchanted by the view. It is a truly unique place that will captivate you and make you remember it forever.
At Nektar Lounge Santorini you will find an exquisite selection of delicious salads and appetizers made with local produce. Greek specialties are also on the menu.
When it comes to drinks, you won’t be disappointed – from wines to refreshing drinks, they have it all. The desserts are an absolute highlight and round off the culinary experience perfectly.
All in all, Nektar Lounge Santorini offers a wide selection of delicacies that will delight you.
Want to sit in the front row and enjoy the sunset? No problem, the restaurant offers you a table in the first row.
Please note that during the high season, between June 1st and September 30th, there is a minimum charge of 50€ per person. During the rest of the season, the minimum charge is €40 per person.
But it’s worth it for the unique experience, right?
Starting times: 09:00 | 10:00 | 11:00 | 12:00 | 13:00 | 14:00 | 15:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 | 18:00 | 19:00 | 21:00 | 22:00 | 23:00
Price: €50 front row table at sunset – Reserve your table directly with the restaurant here.
The Ultimate Culinary Experience
Mylos Champagne Bar-Restaurant
Look forward to an unforgettable experience at Mylos Champagne Bar Restaurant in Santorini – a culinary institution with a long history. You will be able to admire the caldera and the volcano from a cliff while enjoying a breathtaking view and a unique culinary experience.
You will be amazed by the quality of the dishes and desserts at Mylos Restaurant in Santorini. Here you can enjoy your meal with a breathtaking view of the volcano and the sea – a unique experience.
In addition to the refined Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, the contemporary wine list and cool cocktails will impress you. Sensitive music accompanies your culinary adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Mylos is a jewel of fine dining that will pamper you with impeccable service. The light and delicious dishes are served in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere. A candlelit dinner becomes a fabulous epicurean experience.
The cuisine at Mylos is as impressive as its surroundings. The varied menu offers Mediterranean dishes with a touch of Asian fusion.
You will be delighted by a culinary team with a stunning vision for incredible freshness and carefully selected ingredients. It combines excellent ingredients from Greece and the Aegean with the latest trends in international gastronomy.
Whether you prefer seafood, meat or vegetarian dishes, there’s something for everyone at Mylos.
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable dining experience in Santorini, then you should definitely visit the Bar-Restaurant Mylos.
The extensive wine list offers local Santorini wines as well as other Greek and international wines, combined with signature cocktails. Laurent-Perrier, a leading name in the champagne industry, offers a variety of champagnes that will take your meal to the next level.
The knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you find the perfect pairing for your meal and provide you with a memorable experience.
The restaurant is located on the main street of Firostefani. It is dominated by the impressive mill, Mylos in Greek. The building is of exceptional beauty and respects the local architecture.
Breathtaking views, delicious food and excellent service make Mylos a must for anyone visiting Santorini who enjoys fine dining.
Open Hours: 17:00 – 00:30 (everyday)
Table Reservation: €20 – Reserve your table directly with the restaurant here.
Best romantic food tours in Santorini
Private romance Santorini tour
This excursion combines some of Santorini’s most unique experiences and sights that will enchant your senses.
The sensory day begins with a tour of Santorini’s first and only organic blackcurrant vineyard and a walk through local organic herbs such as capers and thyme. The tour ends with a delicious olive oil tasting and each visitor receives a bottle of organic herb infused olive oil as a gift.
In the evening, a breathtaking panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and surrounding islands awaits you as you admire the most beautiful sunset in the world from the highest point of Santorini, Mount Prophet Elias.
Your romantic experience for two will continue at Black Beach, where you can relax in a private candlelit room and enjoy delicious appetizers and cocktails while admiring the sea and the stars.
The perfect end to this unforgettable day.
Book your experience directly with the owner here
Start: 15:30
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Included: Transportation in luxury vehicles, local guide, cocktails with finger food, entrance fees.
Excludes: tips, personal expenses
Highlights:
- Organic Farm
- Pr. Elias Mountain
- Black beach of Perivolos
Price: from €390
Private “Cheers” caldera tour
This tour will take you to the best spots on the island at night – an experience that is guaranteed to “stun” you!
Your adventure begins with a “warm-up” walk from Fira to Imerovigli. You’ll stroll through the picturesque alleys and past the typical whitewashed buildings, which glisten in the light of the night lights.
Afterwards, enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine and uninterrupted views of the caldera, the surrounding islands and the sunset. You can also order fresh snacks or a la carte meals.
But the highlight of the evening is the innovative way to end your night tour! Try unique molecular cocktails that you can enjoy in a cozy atmosphere right in front of the majestic caldera – an experience for all the senses!
Book your experience directly with the owner here
Start: 21:00
Duration approx: 5hrs
Includes: Transportation in luxury vehicles, 2 cocktails, local guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, personal expenses
Highlights:
- Imerovigli Caldera side
- Firostefani
- Fira
Price: semi-private from €90 – private from €420
Day or sunset picnic
Experience breathtaking views of Santorini without the crowds and prying eyes while enjoying a delicious picnic during the day or at sunset.
For a unique and educational experience, stroll along the picturesque cobblestone streets with dry stone walls before reaching Santorini’s first and only organic blackcurrant vineyard and wandering among local organic herbs such as capers and thyme.
Depending on the season, you will have the opportunity to pick and taste some of these herbs. Afterwards you will continue to the cave where you will learn about all the production steps.
Finally, the visit ends with a tasting of the delicious olive oil and a gift of a bottle of organic olive oil with herbs from their farm per visitor. Afterwards you can enjoy your picnic on the absolutely peaceful grounds overlooking the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands.
Book your experience directly with the owner here
Duration approx: 3hrs
Includes: Transportation in luxury vehicles, local guide, picnic basket
Exclusions: Gratuities, personal expenses
Price: from €490
Vegan food and wine tour
You have the chance to be part of the first vegan tour in Santorini! Experience a friendly and fun semi-private tour that will immerse you in the emerging vegan culture of our beautiful island.
During the four hours you will have a lot of fun and learn a lot about the vegan lifestyle.
Start your day by climbing to the Prophet Elias Monastery, the highest point on the island. From this spectacular vantage point, you can enjoy an exclusive view of the entire island and its surroundings and take stunning photographs. Taste the local products made by the monks and purchase some of the monastery’s vegan products from the kiosk.
Next, you’ll be taken to a winery on the edge of the cliffs for a wine tasting of the famous local grape varieties while admiring the breathtaking views of the cliffs and caldera.
Finally, you’ll visit a traditional, family-run taverna on the waterfront for lunch. Almost all the produce in this taverna is grown by the family themselves! Lunch includes local vegan specialties such as Santorini salad, fava beans, tomato fritters, eggplant salad, ntolmadakia, and the best vegan moussaka you’ve ever tasted!
Book your experience directly with the owner here
Starts: 10:00
Duration approx: 4 hours
Includes:
4 hour semi-private tour
English speaking driver/guide
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
Wi-Fi access (subject to network availability)
Tour maps
Refreshing wet tissues
Cold bottled water
Sample tasting of monastery products
Wine tasting at the winery
Lunch at local tavern
Exclusions: Gratuities, personal expenses
Cancelation: Free cancellation if the tour is cancelled 24 hours in advance of the scheduled departure
Price: from €160
Top cooking courses in Santorini
Cooking and tasting experience in Santorini
Do you have a passion for cooking and want to learn new culinary techniques? Do you want to taste your own creations? Then the Santorini Wine Tour Co. Cooking Class & Tasting Tour is the perfect experience for you!
Here you can enjoy unique wine flavors and show off your talent in the kitchen.
The Cooking & Tasting Experience Tour is a perfect blend of the best tastes and flavors of Santorini and your own creativity in cooking authentic Santorini dishes. You will experience the joy of cooking and remember an exquisite gastronomic experience with the delicious flavors of the island.
You will also receive a booklet with all the recipes you cooked to recreate the experience at home.
This tour is perfect for foodies, honeymooners, cooking class fans, or food and wine enthusiasts.
Book your experience directly with the owner here
Tour highlights include
Pick up and return with a luxury transfer.
Visit to a winery and tasting of distinctive volcanic wines
Guided tour by an experienced local guide
Learn about the unique viticulture and local grape varieties
Hands-on cooking class with the restaurant’s chef as your guide to develop your skills
Information brochure and recipe booklet
Liability insurance included
- Santorini Salad
- Traditional tzatziki and local fava dip
- Spinach Pie
- Tomato Fritters
- Pork or chicken “tigania” cooked with wild herbs and local spices
- Yogurt dessert
Departure Time: Tour departs every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
Price: from €180
Price for a private cooking and tasting experience: from €660
Join this tour for an unforgettable culinary adventure in Santorini!
Don’t miss out on experiencing a romantic sunset restaurant in Santorini
As the sun dips below the horizon in the breathtaking paradise of Santorini, these top romantic sunset restaurants promise an enchanting dining experience like no other. From the awe-inspiring views to the delectable cuisine, each spot offers a unique blend of luxury and romance.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience – remember to book ahead to secure your spot at these sought-after venues. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply embracing the beauty of life, reserving in advance guarantees you a front-row seat to nature’s most magnificent show.
Cheers to love, laughter, and Santorini’s dazzling sunsets!
Credit: How to Reserve the Best Romantic Sunset Restaurants in Santorini, Greece – Travel Dudes
