Kylie and James' Guide to Greece: Crete and Santorini
Kylie and James' Guide to Greece: Crete and Santorini
Original Article Published by FED Guides
SANTORINI
The best dining in Santorini is outside the typical tourist areas of Oia, Thira and Imerovigli. Here are two of our favorites.
Metaxi Mas
Behind a church, down a path and in the small town of Pyrgos lies Metaxi Mas, which is Greek for "among us" or "for ourselves." Unlike most of Santorini, Metaxi Mas is about the food, not the view. Reservations can be hard to come by, but once you are here, expect that the server will have strong (and informed) opinions about your selections, as well as the quantity of them. The food is meat-driven, unique and a mix between Santorinian cuisine and Crete (where the owner is from). I recommend the meat and vegetable dishes, and any dish that highlights Greek cheese (there is more than just feta). Great for a long, leisurely lunch.
Exo Gonia Santorini
T: +30.22860.31323 | www.santorini-metaximas.gr
Selene | Selene Meze and Wine Restaurant
Selene has been the archetype for fine dining in Santorini (and arguably Greece) for almost 30 years. I also recommend its baby sister, the newly opened Selene Meze and Wine Restaurant for dinner. The homemade bougatsa (breakfast pastry) with cinnamon ice cream (any of their ice creams, really), fennel pie and appetizer plates are all standout dishes. One of the few fine dining restaurants that showcases how technique can elevate humble food without betraying its origins. The wine list is as strong a list as exists on the island. I often see winemakers eating dinner here.
Santorini, Pyrgos, Pyrgos Kallistis 847 00
T: +30.2286.022249 | www.selene.gr
CRETE
Metohi Vai
Thank Yianni Economou, the eccentric farmer, winemaker and car builder for this recommendation. At the base of an old monestary, this restaurant grows its own produce and cooks recipes from grandmothers -- their grandmothers. We know because the grandmothers were there plating. Expect a mix of family and ancient recipes made in a three hundred-year old oven (and recent renovation). On an island with over 300 microclimates, this will be a meal to remember.
Palekastro 723 00 | T: +30.28.4306.1546 | www.metohi-vai.gr