Best Low-budget Restaurants in Santorini

Santorini has a reputation for being an expensive place to visit. With luxury properties, rooftop restaurants and tables overlooking the caldera, it is easy to assume that eating well on the island means spending a lot of money.

Fortunately, that is not the case. You can find plenty of casual places serving filling meals at more reasonable prices. If you are happy to skip the expensive views and formal dining rooms from time to time, there are some good options around the island.

Falafeland

If you are spending time in Fira and want something quick, Falafeland is worth a look. It is a casual spot centred around falafel, with vegetarian and vegan choices on the menu.

The food is simple and filling, making it particularly handy for lunch when you have a busy day of sightseeing ahead. You can pick up a wrap or bowl and have a proper meal without spending the sort of money you might expect from some of the restaurants nearby.

It is also a nice change if you have already had plenty of Greek meat dishes during your trip. Fresh ingredients and plenty of flavour make it an easy option when you want something uncomplicated.

Lucky's Souvlakis

You cannot really visit Greece without trying souvlaki, and Lucky's Souvlakis in Fira is a popular place to do it.

The menu is focused on classic Greek street food, including gyros, souvlaki and pita. It is the sort of meal that works when you do not want to spend an hour sitting in a restaurant. Grab something, find a place to sit and you are ready to get back to exploring.

For visitors watching their spending, Greek street food is one of the easiest ways to keep meal costs under control. Lucky's is particularly useful if you are staying around Fira and want something filling without making lunch a major expense.

Pitogyros

Oia is one of the most beautiful parts of Santorini, but it can also be one of the harder places to visit on a budget. Restaurants with caldera views often come with higher prices, so it is useful to have a few alternatives in mind.

Pitogyros offers a much more casual approach. Its menu includes gyros, souvlaki and pita, making it a straightforward option when you want a proper Greek meal without sitting down for an expensive dinner.

It is particularly handy during a day in Oia when you want to eat and carry on exploring. You get the chance to try a Greek favourite while keeping some money aside for everything else you want to do.

Raki

Raki in Fira is another option for traditional Greek food without the formality of some of the island's more expensive restaurants.

The menu includes a mixture of Greek favourites and smaller dishes, which makes it suitable for sharing. If you are travelling with friends or family, ordering several things for the table can be a good way of trying different flavours without everyone needing a large main course.

The atmosphere is relaxed, so you can take your time over lunch or dinner without feeling as though you need to dress up or spend a fortune.

Katerina's

If you are staying around Perissa, Katerina's is worth considering for a more relaxed meal. The area has a different atmosphere from the busy streets of Fira and Oia, with the beach being one of its main attractions.

After spending the day swimming or relaxing by the sea, having somewhere nearby for a reasonably priced meal is convenient. The menu includes Greek and Mediterranean-style dishes, with familiar options that are easy to enjoy after a day in the sun.

One of the easiest ways to save money on food in Santorini is simply to look beyond the busiest tourist spots. You do not have to eat at a restaurant overlooking the caldera every night. Local-style dishes, souvlaki, wraps and smaller tavernas can leave you well fed while giving you more room in the budget for beaches, boat trips and exploring the island.