What to Eat in Santorini

Santorini may be famous for its blue-domed churches and cliffside sunsets, but its food is just as unforgettable. Shaped by volcanic soil, sea air and centuries of tradition, the island’s cuisine is fresh, sun-soaked and deeply rooted in local ingredients. From crispy tomato fritters to creamy fava and grilled seafood straight from the Aegean, every bite tells a story of land and sea.

If you’re wondering what to eat in Santorini, start with these 10 must-try dishes that capture the true flavor of the island.

1. Tomatokeftedes (Santorini Tomato Fritters)

No food list in Santorini is complete without tomatokeftedes. These crispy, golden fritters are made from the island’s famously sweet cherry tomatoes, which grow in Santorini’s mineral-rich, volcanic soil. Mixed with herbs like mint and oregano, lightly battered and fried, they’re crunchy on the outside and soft in the center.

They’re typically served as a meze, or small plate, alongside creamy tzatziki. Order them at a seaside taverna and pair with a chilled white wine for the full island experience.

2. Fava (Yellow Split Pea Purée)

Santorini’s fava is unlike anything you may have tried before. Made from locally grown yellow split peas, this silky purée is slow-cooked until smooth and topped with olive oil, capers and chopped red onion.

Simple and deeply comforting, fava is a staple on nearly every menu. Spread it over warm bread and enjoy it as the sun dips below the caldera.

3. Fresh Grilled Seafood

With the Aegean Sea at its doorstep, Santorini serves seafood at its freshest. Think grilled sea bream, red mullet, calamari and octopus, lightly seasoned with lemon and olive oil. Many tavernas display the day’s catch, so you can choose your fish before it hits the grill. The preparation is simple, allowing the flavors of the sea to shine.

4. White Eggplant Dishes

Santorini is known for a rare white eggplant variety that’s sweeter and less bitter than the purple kind. It’s often roasted, grilled or layered into moussaka. Because it absorbs less oil, it has a lighter texture, making dishes feel rich without being heavy. If you spot white eggplant on a menu, it’s worth ordering.

5. Greek Salad With Santorini Capers

A traditional Greek salad tastes different here. Santorini’s tomatoes are intensely flavorful and the island’s capers add a salty pop that elevates the entire dish. Topped with thick slices of feta and drizzled with local olive oil, it’s refreshing, bright and perfect for a warm afternoon.

6. Saganaki

Saganaki is pure comfort food. A thick slice of cheese, often graviera or kefalotyri, is pan-fried until golden and served sizzling hot with a squeeze of lemon. Crispy edges give way to a warm, melty center. It’s simple, indulgent and meant to be shared.

7. Gyros

For something quick and satisfying, grab a gyro. Warm pita is stuffed with seasoned meat, tomatoes, onions and creamy tzatziki. It’s casual street food at its best and perfect after a day exploring Oia or Fira.

8. Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Dolmades are grape leaves filled with rice, herbs and sometimes minced meat. Served warm or chilled, they’re light yet flavorful. Often part of a meze platter, they’re ideal if you want to sample several small dishes at once.

9. Lamb Kleftiko

Slow-cooked until tender, lamb kleftiko is wrapped in parchment with garlic, lemon and herbs. The result is fall-apart meat infused with rich Mediterranean flavor. It’s a hearty option and one of the island’s most beloved traditional dishes.

10. Baklava & Greek Desserts

End your meal on a sweet note with baklava. Layers of flaky phyllo pastry are filled with chopped nuts and soaked in honey syrup.

You’ll also find loukoumades, small honey-drizzled doughnuts that are crisp on the outside and soft inside. Paired with strong Greek coffee, they’re the perfect finale.

A Taste of Santorini at Royal Beach Club Santorini

If you’re looking to experience Santorini’s flavors in one unforgettable setting, Royal Beach Club Santorini brings the island’s culinary traditions together along a secluded stretch of volcanic black sand beach.

As part of the Ultimate Santorini Day experience, guests can indulge in unlimited Greek cuisine while taking in sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. From welcome drinks to quick bites like gyros and savory local options at a Mediterranean buffet, it’s designed to be your tastiest stop on the island.

Everything is taken care of, from transportation to shaded loungers, so you can focus on soaking up the sun and savoring every bite. It’s a beach day with a distinctly Santorini flavor, set against unbeatable ocean views and the laid-back rhythm of the island.