Pyrgos Santorini Restaurants: 11 Favourites to Try

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On the island of Santorini, you’ll find a traditional village called Pyrgos. It’s conveniently located in the centre of the island, with incredible views of the entire island.

And while group tours do go here, and some tourists venture by on road trips, I think a lot of Santorini’s visitors miss out on this gem.

💙I have a whole post here about things to do in the village.

There are several local restaurants serving very good food that are absolutely worth knowing about. If you’re in the area, they’re handy to stop at for lunch. And if you’re not, it’s worth a special trip for a great evening.

So let’s get into the best restaurants in Pyrgos Kallistis.

Click the image to see the restaurants on my Goolge Maps list

Alchemia Lounge Cuisine

This is a refined restaurant with a modern twist on Greek cuisine. It’s a beautiful setting just back from the road out of the village towards the monastery. You can expect lovely views and an attentive team, plus some fancy cocktails.

The portion sizes are good, as is the wine list. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere for brunch or an exquisite evening meal.

Alchemia is open in the winter months, and you can book a table with them here.

Agaze Bistro and Botegga

Agaze is also at the entrance to the village. It’s a lovely bistro that fuses Greek food with Sicilian flavours for a unique take. The food is colourful and flavourful, and the service is super friendly.

There are special menus available for wedding parties and other events. And you can take cooking classes here too!

Agaze opens all year round, but expect reduced days and hours over the winter. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to make a booking at Agaze.

Rosemary

For breathtaking views at sunset, impeccable service and unique flavours, then Rosemary is another great place to go.

It’s a little pricier than some other local restaurants (you’ll pay for that stunning view!), and you won’t get the gigantic Greek portions you might get elsewhere. But you will have an incredible experience here in the centre of Pyrgos next to the ruins of Kasteli castle.

The aubergine starter is highly rated, as is the risotto main dish.

Rosemary is open from 1st July until 26th October 2024. You can book online with them here.

Pyrgos Restaurant

The village’s namesake is right at the entrance of Pyrgos village. It’s an unstuffy and airy restaurant and event space with large windows. I went for lunch and had an amazing view.

But it’s just as lovely for a romantic dinner for two, and they can accommodate large groups as well as any kind of event in their banqueting halls. The menu offers Mediterranean cuisine in a fine dining setting with friendly service.

Pyrgos Restaurant is also known as a wedding venue, and I’m pretty sure you’d have a truly memorable experience here.

Brides can swoop in by helicopter to join their guests in the reception halls for their wedding reception. And there’s a newly unveiled venue if you’re considering it for your wedding ceremony.

Pyrgos Restaurant is seasonal and closes over the winter. You can book from March 2024. There’s also a dedicated car park on-site.

Cava Alta

Cava Alta is a cosy restaurant just off the main square. It’s up the steps a short way en route to the castle, and its slightly elevated position means great views from the terrace. Ask to sit up there for the romantic atmosphere and sunset view.

Cava Alta provides a unique take on traditional Greek food, beautifully presented and with friendly service. From Greek salad to pork belly, there are plenty of delicious dishes available.

Cava Alta remains open in the winter. You can visit their Facebook page here.

Brusco

This is a great place to get brunch (or any other meal!). It’s on the main square, so really convenient for stopping in when you arrive or before getting the bus back to Fira.

I had the fluffiest pancakes ever on a plate filled with strawberries and bananas. They were incredibly tasty and it was lovely to sit outside and enjoy them in the sun.

Brusco is also a wine and coffee bar and a deli offering local delicacies. So, as well as a full tummy, you’ll leave with a full bag of things to take back, too!

If you’re heading to Pyrgos for the famous sunset of Santorini island, then it’s a nice stop for cocktails on the way up or down the hill.

Brusco is usally open for the summer season from late March until early November. You can find their Facebook page here.

Brusco with Kantouni next door

Kantuni

Kantouni is a family-run restaurant that focuses on Greek cuisine, incorporating excellent quality local products. It’s right next door to Brusco right on the village square as well.

The portion sizes are good, and I really loved the crispy salad I sampled as my delicious lunch. If you’re looking for local cuisine with a modern twist, this is a safe bet.

Kantouni opens between the 1st April and the 31st October. You can book with them here.

Franco’s Restaurant Bar

This is a wine and cocktail bar turned restaurant. It’s a little touristy, with prices to match. But lots of visitors will tell you it’s worth it for the stunning sunset view away from the crowds.

Have some good-sized portions of tasty Greek food and a cocktail from their extensive list while you watch the evening light show. All while being serenaded by classical music.

For a good view of the sunset, you’ll need to book.

Penelopes’ Ouzeri

If you’re craving some traditional Greek cuisine with panoramic views, then find your way through the narrow streets to Penelopes’ Ouzeri. You’ll be treated by extremely friendly owners offering you small plates of Greek meze at a reasonable price.

The quality of the food is “chef’s kiss”. The tomato balls and Greek cheese get a special mention.

Penelopes is open in the summer months, and you can see the Facebook page here.

Santo Wines

Santo Wines is in a great location on the outskirts of the village. It has absolutely stunning views over the caldera, which makes for a memorable meal. Although this is a popular winery on local wine-tasting tours, it also has a dedicated restaurant.

Sunset from Santo Wines

Of course, the island’s white wine features heavily on the menu, and you can pair the alcohol with delicious food. The focus for that is Mediterranean cuisine put together with ingredients from producers around the island.

The restaurant is open between April and October, although wine tours are often available the rest of the year. You can book for both online here. There is car parking available at the winery.

Metaxi Mas

Technically, Metaxi Mas is in Exo Gonia, but since that’s about a two-minute drive from Pyrgos, we’ll include it here.

It’s a perennial favourite, renowned for its tasty food, splendid views and great service. Again, the focus here is Greek cuisine, but this time with a Cretan influence.

You might get in without a reservation as soon as they open for lunch. But in the evening it’s a good idea to book, especially in the busiest months.

Note that Metaxi Mas closes in the winter season. During the summer season, call +302286031323 between noon and 11pm (EEST) to make a booking.

There is parking available on-site here.

More Information About Pyrgos Santorini

Hopefully, I’ve convinced you that if you’re out and about and are looking for a restaurant, Pyrgos is one of the best places to stop. If you want to spend some time wandering about while you’re there, here’s what you can do.

I also think Pyrgos is a great base for accommodation while you’re in Santorini.

How to Get to Pyrgos Kallistis

In terms of getting there, buses run regularly from Fira, although timetables change throughout the year. Before you get on, check that your bus does actually stop at Pyrgos or you’re happy with how close you get.

The express buses to Perissa usually stop at Santo Wines, where you can walk into the village. Others go right to the village square.

If you’re driving, there are three car parks/parking lots. There’s one at the entrance just past Pyrgos Restaurant, opposite Agaze. Then there’s one on either side of the main road as you drive past the main square with the donkeys.