Choosing the perfect restaurant for sunset on the island known for its sunset, can be a lot of pressure. So I’m here to share the two I chose. I needed one in Oia and one in Fira that ticked all the unique aspects this romantic Greek getaway offers. After extensive research and reading every review I made the commitment and hoped that the weather would too! Thankfully, everything was absolutely perfect, and the restaurants were just as magical and memorable as I had dreamed. I hope they will be for you too if you choose them.
Should I choose Oia or Fira for a sunset dinner?
If you only have one night, which is common if you are using Santorini as a gateway to the Greek Islands then you will need to choose between Fira and Oia. Yes, Fira’s sunsets are amazing – I would go so far to say, I preferred it to Oia. However I was with someone whose bucket list was ‘The’ sunset Santorini experience which I feel is the same for many and that lies in Oia.
The Best Restaurant for Sunset in Oia: Kastro
Oia: known for the iconic white washed buildings, beautiful blue domes and that windmill perched on the edge of the town. Where the sun drops into the sea illuminating the are as the twinkle of lights appear to light up the night. It is spectacular. But with so much choice and competition it was overwhelming to find the perfect spot – especially when you have one shot!
My original first choice was Fanari but their non refundable 50 euros per person put me off. Although the windmill looked spectacular towering over the tables, it offered a sea view sunset, which, while stunning, is something I’ve seen on other Greek islands. Next up was Oia Gefsis, but again, a sea view. (Do note, it’s great for cocktails before dinner or on another night!)
I also wanted to choose somewhere that had decent food. Sounds obvious for a once in a lifetime dinner but having been to hundreds of rooftop restaurants I know that sometimes the view can mean a little less than the wow factor. So I plotted the map for the restaurants with the best reviews AND the sunset spots and found one that matched both. Katro!
The reason there are so many rooftop restaurants and bars in Oia is due to needing the height to see the sunset. Kastro, while not exactly a rooftop but more of a terrace, offers front-row seats to that sunset. You will see the crowds gather on the castle and to the side of the restaurant—this is the prime spot, and you can literally book which row you sit at!
So rather than relying on the goodness of the email pleasing for a good table you can guarantee one yourself. The tables are rowed first and second lines with the same minimum spend of 45 Euros per person.
The reservation is held for 15 minutes and when I emailed to confirm they reiterated not to be late! The sunset slot was 7pm – 9pm thought that may be different in winter!
We got there early and could pick which of the front row we wanted – the staff were so friendly and fun settling us in for sunset. Wine by the glass was limited to just the house wine, luckily I loved their red and bubbles are always good idea! Well nearly always 🙂 So not ideal if you want a choice and you drink differently to your dining partner.
Another note which was true of many of the rooftops – the sun was still hot at 7pm. Stupidly, I had burnt my face that day (yes that happened walking around with sunnies, a hat and factor 50!) and the best seats are sat in the sun – so pack your sunnies and fan!
The food was above average for the location – not amazing but decent. But the sunset – it was everything. The staff were amazing and stopped anyone using the walk way so our view wasn’t blocked. To our left the crowds had been gathering for the past hour and everyone clapped as that great ball of fire ended another day of adventures.
The Best Restaurant for Sunset in Fira: Esperisama
When I said Oia was the place for the perfect Santorini sunset, I meant the one everyone envisions. However, Fira is equally breathtaking. With only two nights, I was concerned about the possibility of a cloudy sunset in Oia. Well, my worry was that both sunsets might be obscured and this was my friends dream destination. I heard a woman from the USA, who spent 10 days on the island, didn’t see a single sunset. So I needed the Fira experience to rival that of Oia!
After a crazy amount of research, I found it! I actually found there was more choice in Fira than Oia which made it even more boggling to choose but this one had the caldera views and the white Greek buildings ascending behind the restaurant.
When booking I had emailed with the exact table I had stalked on their website and socials (FYI it’s the one on their home page). Actually any at the front would have been incredible but I really wanted the buildings behind too to give that Santorini vibe.
They emailed back to say all tables were amazing and no guarantees. I disagreed – not all tables have uninterrupted views but I understood that as they don’t have many covers. However a I had to pay a deposit I was a bit nervous for the perfect experience for my friend. So to be extra safe, I popped in an hour early to say hi and beg them! And the wonderful waitress and MD sorted it for us!
This small, serene restaurant is perfect for those seeking a calm retreat from the bustling streets of Fira and Oia. With just a few tables, you’ll be treated like royalty, enjoying personalized service in a tranquil setting.
And as for the long awaited sunset – it was magical. It felt like it was ours alone and with the light lingering for a long while after it was the perfect setting.
Lastly the food was amazing which only enhanced the experience. It appeared small but so fresh and filling. As you can imagine this wasn’t a cheap option but if you are coming to Santorini and can stretch to it, this is a once in a lifetime trip so splash out and make memories to last a lifetime. Click here for more rooftops!